Dolphin and Whale Cruise in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria’s Dolphin and Whale Cruise offers a chance to witness the island’s vibrant marine life from a boat, often in their natural environment. For around $46 per person, you can spend about two and a half hours exploring the southwest coast of the island, with opportunities to see dolphins, blue whales, turtles, and even flying fish. The tour departs twice daily from Puerto Rico, making it flexible for different schedules, and includes soft drinks along the way, with an option to bring your snorkel gear for a quick underwater glimpse.

Two things we particularly like about this trip are the large glass bottom on the boat, which provides a fascinating view of marine life beneath the surface, and the knowledgeable, friendly crew that guides guests through each sighting. However, a potential consideration is the unpredictability of sightings—as with all wildlife adventures, there’s no guarantee of spotting whales or dolphins, though the tour offers free rebooking if no marine mammals are seen.

This cruise suits travelers who love nature, enjoy the sea, and appreciate the excitement of spotting elusive marine animals in their natural habitat. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a relaxed, authentic experience that combines sightseeing with a bit of adventure.

• Wildlife Viewing: The main focus is spotting dolphins and whales in their natural habitat, with the possibility of seeing turtles and flying fish.
• Value & Flexibility: The price includes soft drinks and a rebook option if no marine mammals are seen, adding peace of mind.
• Educational & Ethical: The crew provides informative commentary, and the operation holds permits ensuring respectful, responsible wildlife observation.
• Boat Features: The vessel “Spirit of the Sea” has a large glass bottom for viewing underwater life without diving, enhancing the experience.
• Weather & Seas: The trip’s success depends on sea conditions, with reviews noting choppy waters sometimes affecting comfort and sighting chances.
• Reviews & Satisfaction: Most guests leave positive feedback about their dolphin sightings and friendly staff, though some express disappointment if no whales are seen.

Setting the Scene: What to Expect

Imagine stepping aboard a comfortable boat named “Spirit of the Sea” in the early morning or early afternoon, leaving the bustling Puerto Rico port behind. For about two and a half hours, you’ll cruise along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, a region renowned for its marine diversity. Depending on the time of year and luck, your chances of encountering dolphins, whales, and other sea creatures are good—though, as with any wildlife activity, nothing is guaranteed.

The tour operates twice daily, with departures at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. The group size caps at 95 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded, and the boat’s large glass bottom provides a semi-submersible view of the ocean beneath you. If the weather is nice, you’ll enjoy calm seas and clear views, but a few reviews have mentioned choppier days which can make the ride less comfortable, especially for those prone to seasickness.

The Itinerary: What Really Happens

Once onboard, the crew—whose enthusiasm shines through—begins their search for marine life. Their goal: find dolphins, whales, and other creatures in their natural setting. The crew’s knowledge and the respect for marine animals are evident, and they’ll share tips on recognizing different species, making the experience both fun and educational.

The main attraction is the possibility of spotting dolphins, often seen in large pods, and occasionally blue whales or other species like orcas. Several reviews highlight the thrill of catching sight of dolphins, with guests describing seeing “hundreds” and “a huge pod.” Others have been lucky enough to see whales, with some reviews mentioning multiple sightings.

A quick swim stop is usually included if conditions allow, where you can jump into the water to cool off and snorkel. The crew is careful to balance this activity with the main wildlife search, which often takes most of the trip. Many guests comment that swimming is brief, often just a quick dip, but appreciated as a way to break up the trip and enjoy the ocean from a different perspective.

Marine Life Encounters: Authentic & Respectful Observation

What sets this tour apart is the emphasis on ethical wildlife watching. The company holds permits from the Canary Islands government, and their operation aligns with guidelines aimed at minimizing disturbance. Their approach is to observe without influence, respecting the animals’ natural behaviors.

Guests frequently mention the informative narration provided by the crew, who educate about the marine species encountered and the importance of preserving their habitat. For many, it’s a highlight to learn how dolphins and whales breathe air, have warm blood, and feed their young—making each sighting feel like witnessing something truly special.

However, reviews also reveal that weather and sea conditions significantly influence the experience. Some days, choppy waters hinder sightings or make the ride uncomfortable. One guest noted, “if you’re not good in a storm, don’t do it,” emphasizing that seasickness tablets are a good idea if you’re prone to motion sickness.

What Guests Are Saying

The feedback from travelers paints a mostly positive picture. Many rave about seeing dolphins in their natural habitat, with comments like “the creatures graced us with their presence” and “we saw many dolphins, which was fantastic.” For these guests, the trip offers great value, especially when they see a large pod or a whale.

On the flip side, some guests express disappointment if no whales are spotted. One reviewer called the trip “pointless” after just a brief glimpse of a whale, highlighting that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. The company’s policy of offering free rebooking if no marine mammals are seen is a thoughtful touch, and several reviews mention returning for another try.

Interestingly, several guests comment on the overall value for money, noting that the combination of sea views, wildlife encounters, and the knowledge shared by the crew makes it a worthwhile experience. The inclusion of soft drinks adds to the comfort, especially if the weather is warm.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The meeting point is conveniently located at C. Puerto Base, 28, in Mogán, a short trip from most accommodations. The operator offers pickups, which adds to the ease of planning your day. Tickets are mobile, and booking 13 days in advance is typical, indicating the tour’s popularity.

Cancellation policies are flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is reassuring if weather conditions turn unfavorable. Keep in mind that the tour depends heavily on weather—poor weather or rough seas can lead to cancellations or less successful sightings.

Remember to bring a jumper or extra layer, especially if you tend to get cold in the open sea, as some reviews suggest. Motion sickness tablets are also advisable if you’re sensitive, given the occasional choppiness.

Summary: Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is a fantastic choice for those eager to see dolphins and whales in their home waters without diving in. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate authentic wildlife encounters and are comfortable with the unpredictability that comes with observing animals in the wild. Families, couples, or solo explorers will find it offers good value, memorable views, and a chance to learn about marine life in a relaxed setting.

If your main goal is to see a large number of dolphins or even catch a whale, this trip has delivered for many guests. However, if you’re looking for a guaranteed wildlife sighting or a very smooth ride, you might want to keep your expectations balanced—wildlife and weather can be unpredictable.

In essence, this dolphin and whale cruise in Gran Canaria offers an engaging, reasonably priced opportunity to experience the island’s marine environment firsthand. The large glass bottom boat, coupled with the crew’s knowledge and respectful approach, makes it a memorable outing for anyone captivated by the sea. It’s a trip that rewards patience and a love for nature, often providing the thrill of spotting dolphins or even whales.

While the chances of seeing marine mammals are high, it’s wise to prepare for choppy seas and keep expectations flexible. The option to rebook if no sightings occur adds reassurance, and most guests come away satisfied, having glimpsed these incredible creatures in their natural surroundings.

This tour suits those who value authentic wildlife encounters and are happy to accept the uncertainties of nature. It’s perfect for families, adventure seekers, or anyone wanting a relaxing day on the water with the chance of a magical wildlife sighting.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book around 13 days ahead, as the tour is popular and seats fill quickly.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are seen?
The tour offers a free rebooking option if no marine mammals are spotted during your trip.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, departing twice daily from Puerto Rico.

Is soft drinks included?
Yes, you can enjoy free soft drinks on board during the cruise.

Can I bring my snorkel gear?
Absolutely, bringing your snorkel gear allows you to enjoy underwater life during the swim stop.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers—bring a jumper or extra warm clothing, especially if the weather is cool or the seas are choppy.

Is this experience suitable for kids?
Most travelers find it suitable; however, consider seasickness and weather conditions for younger children.