The 7 Gran Canaria Dolphin Watching Tours That Are Worth the Early Start

1.Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4,761 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $44Our pick

Set sail from Puerto Base near Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for a 3.5-hour catamaran trip in search of dolphins, pilot whales, and minke whales. After the wildlife search, stop near the coast for swimming and snorkeling, with masks, water, and soft drinks provided. Hotel pickup is optional.

“Brilliant day start to finish , seeing the dolphins in natural surroundings swimming jumping was magical”

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2.Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,537 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41Best value

Set out from Gran Canaria’s southern coast for a 150-minute dolphin and whale cruise with guides speaking English, Spanish, and German. Guides such as Mario help spot pods in the open sea, where you might see striped or Risso’s dolphins, whales, turtles, or flying fish. A cash bar and toilets are available onboard.

“Great activity with informative guides. Although we didn’t see the dolphins this time we did see a whale, flying fish and turtles. Well organised and a modern boat, we will use these guys again. As usual easy booking with GYG.”

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3.From Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria: Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,520 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $47

Sail 2.5 hours from Puerto Rico along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast aboard Spirit of the Sea, a 97-passenger catamaran with a glass-bottom viewing area. A multilingual crew searches for dolphins, whales, turtles, and other marine life, explains what you see, and offers a free return trip if no cetaceans appear.

“We went on the Spirit of the Sea boat trip yesterday from Puerto Rico, and it was one of the best boat trips we’ve ever taken. The crew were outstanding — incredibly kind, professional, and very helpful throughout the entire journey. You immediately feel welcome and well looked after. The trip itself was fantastic. We were lucky enough to see 50+ dolphins, which was absolutely magical. Watching them swim and play so close to the boat was a truly special experience. On the way back, we cruised along the coastline, which is simply stunning — a beautiful and relaxing end to a perfect trip. The boat is very well equipped,…”

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4.Maspalomas: Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,507 reviews · 1 day · from $44Top rated

Spend a full day at Palmitos Park, 10 kilometers from Maspalomas Lighthouse, with dolphin, parrot, exotic bird, and birds of prey shows. You can also visit the aquarium, butterfly house, orchid house, reptile area, primate island, and caiman lake. Entry costs $44, with parking and all shows included.

“Amazing day for my family, especially for my daughters 4 and 7 years old. All day full of fun. 4 great shows. Don't forget about the gift for next to the exit 😉”

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5.Dolphin and Whales watching cruise from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 508 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Set out from Puerto Rico aboard Spirit of the Sea for a 2.5-hour search for dolphins, whales, pilot whales, turtles, and seabirds. The multilingual crew shares safety and wildlife information, with Captain Lorenzo sometimes at the helm. Choose the optional swim-stop upgrade, and if no marine mammals appear, you receive a return pass.

“Unbelievable trip. Wonderful value for money. We've done this trip a couple of times now, and it hasn't disappointed! Last time we saw hoardes of dolphins this time we saw dolphins, pilot whales and a turtle. The staff on board are brilliant. Really good fun, really friendly. Brilliant trip, cannot recommend it highly enough!”

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6.Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 498 reviews · 2 hours · from $42

Sail from Puerto Rico along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast aboard the two-deck Multiacuatic catamaran. A bilingual English and Spanish marine guide explains the cetaceans and other wildlife you may spot, while the crew searches offshore for dolphins and whales. Water and soft drinks are included, with hotel-area pickup available.

“it was very well organised and an amazing experience.”

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7.Dolphin and Whale Cruise in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 477 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Sail from Puerto Rico aboard Spirit of the Sea for 2.5 hours along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast. A multilingual crew helps you spot dolphins, whales, turtles, flying fish, and other marine life. The boat has a glass-bottom viewing area, free soft drinks, a possible swim stop, hotel transfers by reservation, and a free return trip if no cetaceans appear.

“Amazing experience with Slovenian diving trainer! It was our first diving lesson but he was able to make us feel confortabile and safe! The actual experience lasted around 20/30 mins which was good but we wished it could have lasted longer! The whole service including pick up and drop off was impeccable.”

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