Gran Canaria: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

Imagine setting sail along the southwest coast of Gran Canaria on a modern, well-maintained catamaran, with the sun warming your face and the sea stretching endlessly around you. For around 2.5 hours, you’ll cruise from Puerto Rico, searching for dolphins, whales, and other marine life, all while enjoying spectacular views and learning from engaging guides. At just $46 per person, this experience offers a surprisingly good value for such a close encounter with nature.

What we love most about this trip is how accessible it is—the soft drinks included keep you refreshed**, and the friendly, knowledgeable guides make the experience informative without feeling like a lecture. Plus, the chance to see dolphins swimming next to the boat or spot a whale breach is pure magic.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is that marine sightings are not guaranteed, which can be disappointing if you’re eager to see dolphins or whales. The success rate is about 97%, but nature can be unpredictable. Still, even if marine life proves elusive, the scenic sailing and chance to spot other animals like turtles or flying fish make it worthwhile.

This cruise suits travelers who appreciate wildlife, enjoy boat trips that are not too long, and want a relaxed, educational experience. Families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking to combine sea views with a bit of adventure will find this tour appealing.

• Marine wildlife focus: Nearly guaranteed dolphin and whale sightings.
• Comfortable boat: Modern, clean, with decks accessible for all.
• Expert guides: Multilingual, sharing interesting marine facts.
• Inclusive drinks: Soft drinks and water are free.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Potential for variability: Sightings depend on sea conditions and luck.

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins in Puerto Rico, a popular resort town on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off services from a central point near your hotel, which makes organizing your day simpler. If you’re staying farther away, just remember to give at least 24 hours’ notice for the pickup. The journey from your hotel to the harbor is usually smooth, and the transfer ensures you arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy the voyage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Catamaran: A Comfortable Platform for Marine Watching

The vessel, a newly built Multiacuatic catamaran from 2005, is 52 feet long and 20 feet wide, offering stability and ample space on its two decks. Its modern design and cleanliness are frequently praised, making it a comfortable platform to spend a couple of hours on the water. Accessibility features, like an access ramp for pushchairs, mean families with small children or those with mobility concerns can join without worry.

What to Expect During the Cruise

Once aboard, you’ll find the crew friendly and ready to assist at all times, ensuring your safety and comfort. Soft drinks and water are available at no charge, helping you stay hydrated as you scan the horizon. You can also purchase snacks from the bar if you’re feeling peckish.

The crew, along with guides specializing in cetacean observations, will share insights into the marine life around you. They know where to look—typically 5 to 7 miles out from the Faro Maspalomas to Veneguera—and will help you spot creatures that might be hiding just below the surface.

Marine Wildlife You Might Encounter

The main goal is to see dolphins and whales, and with a 97% success rate, most passengers end up thrilled by their sightings. Several reviews highlight the close-up views of dolphins swimming alongside the boat, which is a highlight for many travelers. One guest noted, “We watched a pod of beautiful dolphins, on the way back we were given the option of going for a swim,” emphasizing the potential for both wildlife spotting and a quick dip in the ocean—although the swimming option is not part of the standard tour.

Apart from dolphins and whales, guides often mention turtles, flying fish, and other marine creatures, adding extra excitement to the journey. Even if no marine mammals are seen, the scenery—with rugged coastlines and the vast Atlantic—creates a memorable backdrop.

The Experience Itself: What Makes It Special

The scenery along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast is striking—cliffs, beaches, and lush vegetation come into view as you sail. The sound of the sea, the gentle rocking of the boat, and the chance to simply breathe in the salty air make this a genuinely relaxing outing.

The guides’ expertise adds value, providing details about the marine ecosystems, the behavior of cetaceans, and other marine life. One reviewer appreciated the “extensive marine knowledge” shared during the trip, making it not just fun but educational.

You’ll love the stunning views of the coast, especially if the weather is clear, and the opportunity to relax while the crew keeps a lookout for wildlife. The windy conditions that some travelers mention can be a bit chilly—so bringing a light jumper is wise.

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Sighting Success and Overall Atmosphere

While the major draw is the chance to see dolphins and whales, many reviewers point out that even the absence of visible marine life doesn’t ruin the trip. The smooth sailing, friendly staff, and beautiful scenery still make this a worthwhile activity.

One guest recounted, “We saw around 12 dolphins swimming next to the boat,” highlighting how marine sightings can be a highlight, especially on good days. Another noted, “It was very reasonably priced for the experience,” emphasizing the value for money.

Additional Considerations

• Duration: At around 2.5 hours, this trip fits well into a day without feeling rushed or overly long.
• Price: $46 per person is reasonable, especially considering the chance to see dolphins in the wild. Soft drinks are included, adding to the value.
• Booking flexibility: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving peace of mind.
• Group size: The vessel comfortably accommodates a modest number of passengers, fostering a friendly atmosphere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for families with children, as the boat is accessible and the experience is safe and engaging. Wildlife lovers and those simply seeking beautiful sea views will also be delighted. If you’re patient and prepared for the unpredictability of nature, you’ll find this trip both fun and rewarding.

If your main goal is to see dolphins and whales in the wild, this tour has a high success rate, making it a good choice. However, if you’re interested in a deeper marine exploration or snorkeling, you might want to explore other options.

In our view, this dolphin and whale watching cruise strikes a nice balance between affordability, comfort, and adventure. The modern catamaran ensures a smooth ride and the knowledgeable guides add educational value, making it more than just a boat trip.

Even if nature doesn’t cooperate every time, the stunning scenery and chance to see marine mammals in their natural environment make it worthwhile. It’s a perfect activity for those who want to combine relaxation with the thrill of wildlife sightings—especially families or anyone eager to experience the ocean’s living wonders.

The friendly atmosphere, soft drinks included, and professional crew mean you’ll likely come away with not just photos but stories to tell. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours on Gran Canaria’s beautiful coast, with the bonus of potentially encountering dolphins and whales just offshore.

• How long is the cruise?
  The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

• What is included in the price?
  Soft drinks and water are included at no extra charge, and transportation from your hotel to the harbor can be arranged with prior notice.

• Can I cancel the tour?
  Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• What should I bring?
  Bring sun protection like sunscreen and a hat, and a jumper or light jacket, especially if the weather is windy.

• Is the boat accessible for pushchairs?
  Yes, the boat has an access ramp for pushchairs.

• What marine life can I expect to see?
  The main focus is on dolphins and whales, but you might also see turtles, flying fish, and other marine animals.

• Are food and alcohol included?
  Food and alcoholic drinks are not included. Snacks can be purchased onboard.

• What happens if we don’t see any dolphins or whales?
  While sightings are very likely, they are not guaranteed due to the nature of wildlife. The journey itself offers beautiful scenery and a relaxing experience.

• What are the starting points?
  The activity begins at the Multiacuatic catamaran in Puerto Rico, with the option of pick-up service from your hotel.

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially since the boat is accessible and the guides are engaging with kids.

Whether you’re eager for an up-close encounter with ocean giants or just want to enjoy a peaceful sail along the coast, this cruise offers a straightforward and rewarding experience. With its balance of comfort, education, and chance for wildlife sightings, it’s a top pick for a memorable day on Gran Canaria.

You can check availability for your dates here: