REVIEW · GRAN CANARIA
Gran Canaria: Snorkeling Trip
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Blue Water Diving · Bookable on GetYourGuide
That first splash into the sea feels like a reset. You’ll go from a Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria snorkeling shop to local waters for a guided session with an English instructor, plus you get gear set up for you. It’s a small-group trip (up to 8 people), so the briefing and help don’t feel rushed.
What I like most is the hands-on coaching. The guide helps you get your wetsuit and snorkeling equipment sorted, then leads you to the best spots and points out what you’re actually seeing. Second win: you’re not guessing where to go—so you can spend your energy watching marine life instead of scanning for it.
One thing to consider: snorkeling can be hit-or-miss depending on the day and the chosen beach area. Some people felt there wasn’t much variety, and that the underwater time ended sooner than expected.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- First Stop: the snorkeling shop in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria
- Gear prep and the quick snorkeling lesson that helps fast
- Getting to the beach: why the transfer time is part of the experience
- Your guided snorkeling session: how the guide changes everything
- What you’ll likely see (and why some people want more)
- Return ride: a smooth end to a short outing
- Price and value: what $53 covers (and what it doesn’t)
- Who should book this snorkeling trip (and who should skip it)
- Should you book this Gran Canaria snorkeling trip?
- Quick checklist before you go
- FAQ
- Where does the snorkeling trip start?
- How long is the snorkeling time in the water?
- How long is the whole experience?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- Do I need to bring a towel?
- What language is the instruction?
- What is the group size?
- Is food or drinks included?
- Is it suitable for children?
- Can pregnant women join?
Key things to know before you go
- Small group size (up to 8) keeps the briefing personal
- Gear and wetsuits included with setup done by the guide
- 45–60 minutes in the water with the guide leading the best spots
- English instruction for learning basic snorkeling use and safety
- Marine life variety from African, Mediterranean, and Atlantic waters
First Stop: the snorkeling shop in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

Your experience starts at Blue Water Diving in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. Plan on arriving a little early so you can handle the basic paperwork without stress. After that, you get a pre-snorkel briefing—short, clear, and focused on what you need for the water session.
This matters because snorkeling is one of those activities where small mistakes (bad mask fit, panicked breathing, forgetting how to clear water) can ruin your whole vibe. Here, the guide sets expectations first, then moves you into action.
Also, this trip is designed to run smoothly in about 2 hours total. That short total time is a plus if you’re trying to fit a water activity between beach time and dinner.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Gran Canaria
Gear prep and the quick snorkeling lesson that helps fast

Next comes the part that makes this trip feel easy: your guide prepares the wetsuit and snorkeling equipment. You’re not left standing around figuring out straps and fit. Instead, you get help right away, which is especially valuable if this is your first time snorkeling in a guided setting.
During the briefing and setup, you’ll learn how to use your gear. You should come away understanding the basics—how to breathe comfortably, how to keep your mask in place, and how to get moving without spending the whole time fighting your equipment.
One practical tip: bring your swimwear and towel so you can change quickly at the shop. You’ll spend less time shuffling around and more time enjoying the water.
Getting to the beach: why the transfer time is part of the experience

After the briefing, you’ll drive to a local beach for the water session. The snorkeling time is typically 45 minutes to 1 hour, which is long enough to relax once you’re comfortable, but short enough that you don’t feel wiped out.
That transfer matters because it shapes what you’ll see. When a guide chooses the location, they’re thinking about things you might not: water conditions, where marine life is likely to be, and how manageable it is for a group.
So if you’re picky about seeing lots of colorful fish or lots of different critters, keep expectations realistic. This trip is built around a guided search and identification, not a guarantee that every second will be packed with scenery.
Your guided snorkeling session: how the guide changes everything

In the water, you’ll follow your guide to the best spots. The guide doesn’t just lead the route—they point out and identify local marine life as you go.
This is the biggest reason to choose a guided snorkeling trip in the first place. When you know what you’re looking at, you stop treating every flash of color like a mystery. And when you’re new to snorkeling, that leadership helps you stay calm and focused.
You’ll likely swim around while the guide helps you spot interesting creatures and ocean flora and fauna. The trip description also highlights that Gran Canaria’s waters can include a mix of African, Mediterranean, and Atlantic marine life. In plain terms: you’re not only looking at one generic “type” of sea world—you’re watching a blend.
What you’ll likely see (and why some people want more)
The underwater world in Gran Canaria can be pretty interesting, especially if you enjoy noticing smaller details. You’ll be guided to spots where the guide believes sea life is active and visible, and you’ll have a chance to learn what’s living there.
At the same time, be aware of feedback you may encounter. Some people felt the trip offered limited views—more rocks and a modest number of fish—rather than a nonstop sequence of wow moments. Another person indicated that the snorkeling itself didn’t deliver as much as they wanted, even though the staff support was strong.
Here’s the practical takeaway: if your top priority is maximum underwater action, consider that this trip may be best for people who like calm, guided snorkeling and learning what’s around them. If you’re chasing a super spectacle, you may feel underwhelmed.
Return ride: a smooth end to a short outing

After your snorkeling session, you’ll be driven back to the snorkeling shop by boat. The key idea is that you’re not packing up, finding transportation, and trying to coordinate your own return. A structured end keeps the whole 2-hour plan feeling tight.
That’s useful if you’re traveling with a busy schedule. You can do this, get back, rinse off, and still have time for other Gran Canaria highlights without turning the day into an all-day logistics exercise.
Price and value: what $53 covers (and what it doesn’t)
This trip costs $53 per person, runs for about 2 hours, and includes equipment and a guide. That’s the core value: someone sets you up and shows you where to snorkel, plus they identify what you see.
What’s not included is food and drinks. That part is normal for shorter activities, but it affects how you should plan your day. If you’re hungry afterward, grab something nearby before you go back to your hotel. If you start with a solid meal, you’ll enjoy the trip more and won’t feel distracted.
Also, the group is limited to 8 participants. In a snorkeling context, smaller groups are often worth paying for because you get more real attention during the gear setup and briefing.
Who should book this snorkeling trip (and who should skip it)
This experience fits best if you want:
- Easy entry into snorkeling with gear handling done for you
- English instruction and guided identification of what you’re seeing
- A short outing that fits into a day in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria
It’s not suitable for children under 5 years, and it’s not recommended for pregnant women. If you’re in either of those groups, it’s best to choose a different activity that fits your needs.
If you’re an experienced snorkeler who wants to roam freely without guidance, you might find the structured timing limiting. If you’re new to snorkeling, though, the help with equipment and the guide-led route can make the difference between tolerable and actually enjoyable.
Should you book this Gran Canaria snorkeling trip?

I’d book it if you like guided learning, want someone to handle the gear and take you to a good spot, and you’re happy with a focused snorkeling session of 45–60 minutes. The small group size and the individualized guidance style are exactly what usually makes this kind of trip feel worth it.
I’d think twice if your main goal is maximum underwater spectacle or you’re very sensitive to not knowing what the day’s water conditions will be. Snorkeling can vary by location and conditions, and this is built for a calm, coached experience—not a guaranteed sea parade.
Quick checklist before you go
- Swimwear on arrival or packed
- Bring a towel
- Expect a short, guided session with identification
- Plan your food/drinks separately
FAQ

Where does the snorkeling trip start?
It starts at Blue Water Diving in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, where you complete basic paperwork and get a pre-snorkel briefing.
How long is the snorkeling time in the water?
The snorkeling session is about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
How long is the whole experience?
The total duration is 2 hours.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Equipment is included, and the guide sets up your snorkeling gear and wetsuit.
Do I need to bring a towel?
Yes. You’re advised to bring a towel along with swimwear.
What language is the instruction?
The instructor provides English.
What is the group size?
The group is small, limited to 8 participants.
Is food or drinks included?
No. Food and drinks are not included.
Is it suitable for children?
It is not suitable for children under 5 years.
Can pregnant women join?
The tour is not recommended for pregnant women.





















