Gran Canaria is a prime spot for dolphin watching, thanks to its clear Atlantic waters and abundant marine life. Unlike more crowded destinations, the island offers a range of tours suited for families, adventure seekers, and luxury travelers alike. For example, the Maspalomas: Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows combines wildlife exhibits with spectacular dolphin shows in a lush botanical setting, making it perfect for families or anyone wanting to combine nature with marine entertainment. Alternatively, the From Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria: Dolphin Watching Cruise offers a more active, seafaring experience, with chances to see up to 30 cetacean species in their natural habitat. Whether you’re after an educational experience, a relaxing boat trip, or a luxurious yacht outing, Gran Canaria has a dolphin tour to match your style.
Quick Overview:
The list below features 11 of the best dolphin watching tours in Gran Canaria, including family-friendly parks, small-group boat trips, and premium luxury charters. Each offers a unique way to encounter dolphins and other marine life, with options for swimming, photography, and scenic coastal cruising. Dive in to find your ideal marine adventure.
1. Maspalomas: Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows
Palmitos Park is a zoological botanical park set just 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse. This attraction offers a mix of exotic animal shows and lush gardens, with the highlight being the dolphin show. While it’s not a traditional boat tour, the experience of watching intelligent dolphins perform in a naturalistic environment is unforgettable. Visitors also enjoy the birds of prey and exotic bird shows, making it ideal for families or those wanting a combination of wildlife and marine life. The reviews consistently praise the emotional dolphin display and the natural flight of birds over scenic mountains. A major plus is that you get to spend considerable time with the animals, and staff friendliness shines through. At just $42 per person, it offers excellent value for a full day of entertainment.
Bottom line: If a mix of animal shows and dolphin encounters in a lush setting appeals to you, Palmitos Park is a top choice. It’s especially suited for families with children or wildlife lovers.
2. From Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria: Dolphin Watching Cruise
This cruise is perfect if you’re after a seafaring adventure. Departing from Puerto Rico, the boat guides you into the clear waters where up to 30 cetacean species have been spotted. The Dolphin Watching Cruise provides an unmatched underwater perspective on the Spirit of the Sea, with the crew helping you identify dolphins, pilot whales, and even turtles. The boat is well-maintained, and reviews mention the friendly crew and organized experience, making it ideal for travelers wanting a reliable and informative trip. The 2.5-hour duration strikes a good balance, especially for those who want a quick but memorable excursion.
Bottom line: If you’re keen to see a variety of cetaceans in their natural environment, this boat trip offers both education and excitement in a comfortable setting.
3. Gran Canaria: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise
This 2.5-hour cruise combines relaxation with marine wildlife spotting. Traveling aboard Gran Canaria’s blue seas, you’ll have the chance to see dolphins and whales up close, with an on-board bar to enjoy refreshments. The trip’s relaxed pace and focus on natural encounters make it popular among travelers who prefer a gentle, scenic voyage. The reviews highlight the close encounters with dolphins and whales and the overall comfortable experience. The cruise is suitable for all ages and offers good value at around $41 per person.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a leisurely trip with guaranteed marine sightings and a chance to unwind on deck, this cruise fits the bill.
4. Mogan: Dolphin Watching Boat Trip with Swim Stop
This 4-hour boat trip from Puerto de Mogan combines dolphin spotting with a chance to swim in the ocean. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting a more active, outdoor experience. The boat is described as small and luxury, with only about six people onboard, ensuring a personalized and relaxed atmosphere. The crew is praised for their hard work in finding dolphins, and the trip includes a lunch and drinks—a real bonus for the price. Reviews mention dozens of dolphins seen close to the boat and enjoyable snorkel opportunities. This trip is great for families or groups seeking a more intimate encounter with marine life and coastal scenery.
Bottom line: For a longer, more personalized experience with the chance to snorkel and enjoy a luxurious boat, this Mogan trip is hard to beat.
5. Dolphin and Whales watching cruise from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria
Spending around 2.5 hours, this cruise offers the chance to spot whales and dolphins from deck and through underwater glass panels. The boat departs from Puerto Rico and provides free sodas with options to buy snacks and drinks. Reviewers note their success in spotting large groups of dolphins and even flying fish, making it an engaging trip for nature lovers. The highlight is the option to upgrade for a longer cruise with a swim stop and even the possibility of a second free trip if you don’t see marine mammals on your first outing.
Bottom line: If you want a flexible, family-friendly cruise with good chances of marine sightings and some upgrade options, this tour is worth considering.
6. Dolphin and Whale Cruise in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria
This 2.5-hour cruise features a snorkel stop and the opportunity to see dolphins, blue whales, turtles, and flying fish. The crew’s local knowledge is praised, and the trip includes free soft drinks. Reviews highlight sightings of large pods of dolphins and the trip’s friendly staff. The inclusion of a swim stop makes it particularly appealing for travelers wanting a more interactive experience with the ocean.
Bottom line: For those who want to combine dolphin sightings with a swim and underwater exploration, this tour is a great pick.
7. Dolphin Searching Tour in Puerto de Mogán (“KEEPER UNO” Boat)
This luxury 4-hour trip is designed for up to 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. The Dolphin Searching Tour includes lunch, soft drinks, and stops at scenic beaches and cliffs along the southwest coast. The boat is described as stylish and comfortable, making it ideal for those seeking a more exclusive adventure. Many reviews mention seeing dolphins and large pods, with a highlight being the friendly crew and scenic stops.
Bottom line: If you value luxury, exclusivity, and personalized attention during your dolphin quest, this is a top contender.
8. 2-Hour Dolphin and Whale Watching in Gran Canaria
This shorter trip is ideal for those with limited time. Departing from Puerto Rico, it offers a stable boat to maximize sightings of dolphins and whales, with chances to see flying fish. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guide and the opportunity to see several pods within just two and a half hours. It’s a straightforward choice if you want a quick marine encounter.
Bottom line: For a compact, well-organized tour that still offers good chances of marine life, this option works well.
9. Half-Day Cruise Tour: Dolphin and Whale Watching
This 3 to 5-hour trip departs from Puerto de Mogán. It’s a comfortable catamaran trip that combines marine watching with a scenic stop for swimming. Reviewers mention seeing three types of dolphins and even a Hammerhead Shark. The relaxed environment and added swimming stop appeal to travelers wanting a mix of wildlife and leisure.
Bottom line: For travelers who want a half-day, multi-faceted ocean experience**, this cruise offers both marine sightings and a swim.
10. Puerto Rico: 2-Hour Dolphin Catamaran Excursion
This brief 2-hour catamaran trip is perfect for families or first-time visitors. It offers the chance to spot dolphins, turtles, and flying fish, with a complimentary drink included. The reviews are enthusiastic, especially for long dolphin sightings and the friendly crew.
Bottom line: If you want a quick, fun introduction to dolphin watching, this short trip keeps things simple and enjoyable.
$40 per person
11. Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria: Premium Dolphin Catamaran Tour
This 4-hour premium experience is designed for comfort and maximum dolphin sightings. The stylish catamaran, small group size, and inclusion of snorkeling make it stand out. Many reviews highlight the excellent chances of spotting dolphins and whales, along with a relaxed, upscale atmosphere for those seeking a more luxurious marine outing.
Bottom line: For those seeking a luxurious, full-immersion dolphin encounter, this tour delivers comfort and excellent wildlife viewing.
$73 per person
How to Choose the Right Dolphin Watching Tour in Gran Canaria
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For families or wildlife enthusiasts, the Maspalomas Palmitos Park experience offers a mix of shows and animals at a reasonable price. If your priority is seeing marine mammals in their natural habitat, the luxury dolphin search or the half-day cruise might be more suitable. Active travelers wanting to swim, should explore the longer trips with stops for snorkeling, like the Mogan boat trip.
Booking early is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time. Also, check if the tour offers flexibility for no marine sightings, which some do by providing re-booking options.
Gran Canaria offers a rich variety of dolphin watching options, whether you want a family-friendly park experience, an adventure at sea, or a luxury yacht trip. A good choice depends on your priorities—budget, activity level, and how close you want to get to dolphins—and all of these tours promise memorable marine encounters. Whichever you pick, booking in advance helps ensure you don’t miss out on the best days to see these playful creatures dancing in their ocean home.