From Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria: Dolphin Watching Cruise

From Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria: Dolphin Watching Cruise offers a chance to explore the waters off the southern coast of Gran Canaria in search of one of nature’s most charming marine creatures—dolphins. For just $46 per person, you’ll enjoy a 2.5-hour boat trip aboard the Spirit of the Sea, a well-equipped vessel that comfortably fits nearly 100 passengers. Departing daily from the Puerto Base, this tour promises an opportunity to see up to 30 species of cetaceans, including dolphins, whales, orcas, and porpoises, in their natural habitat.

What we really appreciate about this cruise is the large glass bottom—a feature that offers a rare underwater view without getting wet. Plus, the knowledgeable crew guides each encounter, helping us identify the different species we see. It’s refreshing to find a tour that combines fun, education, and a genuine respect for marine life.

However, it’s worth noting that seasickness can be a concern—the Atlantic can often be choppy, even when stationary. Taking motion sickness medication beforehand is advisable if you’re prone to feeling queasy. This trip suits travelers who love animals, want a reliable chance of dolphin sightings, and appreciate responsible wildlife viewing.

Key Points

• Wildlife Diversity: Up to 30 cetacean species in the waters around Gran Canaria.
• Underwater Views: The glass-bottom vessel gives a unique perspective.
• Expert Guidance: Guides are knowledgeable and multilingual.
• Sighting Guarantee: If no animals are seen, get a free return voucher.
• Transfer Included: Convenient pickup and drop-off from the southern resorts.
• Responsible Tourism: Fully permitted and eco-conscious operation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Dolphin Watching Cruise from Puerto Rico

When it comes to marine encounters, there’s something truly captivating about seeing dolphins and whales in the wild. This cruise from Puerto Rico offers just that—an adventure on the Atlantic that mixes natural beauty with a bit of education. For those planning a visit to Gran Canaria, especially in the south, this tour is a practical choice, balancing value, comfort, and the chance to connect with nature.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins with a pick-up option from your hotel or nearby meeting points—a convenience that many reviews praise highly. The transfer is smooth, and the boat departs from the Puerto Base dock, where you’ll find the Spirit of the Sea ready for its journey. The vessel’s large size (97 guests) means you won’t feel crowded, and the bar area offers soft drinks, beers, snacks, and water—though these are not included in the ticket price.

The main focus is on searching for dolphins and cetaceans along the southwest coast of Gran Canaria. The trip lasts about 2.5 hours, a perfect window for those wanting a quick escape without dedicating an entire day. During this time, the crew will be actively searching, using their experience and tracking data to find the most promising spots.

Throughout the tour, the multilingual guides share insights into the animals’ ecology and behaviors, turning what could be simple sightseeing into an educational experience. They’re also quick with tips on spotting these creatures and, if you’re lucky, you might see dolphins swimming close to the boat or even a whale or turtle.

The Highlights and Unique Features

One of the most praised features of this tour is the sighting guarantee. Many reviewers have noted that even if the animals prove elusive, the crew will offer you a free voucher to return on another trip. And based on reviews, this almost never happens—dolphins are often seen, sometimes in large groups. One traveler even described it as “an incredible experience” to watch dolphins swim freely in the ocean.

The glass bottom is another highlight, especially for those who want to see underwater life without snorkeling or diving. It enhances the experience, adding an extra layer of fascination, particularly if the weather isn’t ideal for swimming.

The Real Value for Travelers

At $46, this experience is quite accessible, considering it includes return transfers and guided observation. Many reviews highlighted the good value for money, especially given the chance to see not only dolphins but also turtles and even whales. Several travelers mentioned how they appreciated the friendly, attentive crew who went out of their way to ensure everyone had a good view and felt safe, especially those feeling seasick.

The seasickness warning is worth emphasizing. The Atlantic waters can be unexpectedly rough, and even if the boat is stationary, some travelers felt the movement. If you are sensitive to motion, taking medication beforehand and focusing on a fixed point can make all the difference.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for families with children, couples, and solo travelers who want a straightforward, reliable chance of dolphin sightings. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate ethical wildlife watching—the company is fully permitted, committed to responsible practices, and respectful of the animals.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, well-organized trip with friendly guides and the possibility of close-up marine encounters, this cruise hits the mark. It’s less about long, exhausting tours and more about quality observation and comfort.

Deep Dive: Why This Dolphin Watching Cruise Excels

The Boat and Comfort

The Spirit of the Sea is a well-maintained vessel with restrooms and a bar/lounge area. Its large glass bottom allows even those less inclined to stick their head over the side to enjoy underwater views. The group size (97 passengers) might seem large, but reviews repeatedly mention the ample space and orderly atmosphere—a sign of good management and crew control.

The Guide and Crew

The crew earns high praise for their knowledge and friendliness. Many reviews mention that guides were attentive, polite, and helpful, eager to answer questions and ensure everyone had a chance to see the marine life. Their tracking and identification skills seem to be a key factor behind the high sighting success rate—something that adds real value to your experience.

Wildlife Sightings and Ethical Practices

The Canary Islands are known for their biodiversity, and this tour takes that seriously. They hold all necessary permits, and the company’s mission emphasizes ethical wildlife watching—no rushing, no disturbing the animals. Many travelers appreciate this responsible approach, feeling confident that the animals are not being harmed or unduly stressed.

The Reviews: What Travelers Say

The volume of positive feedback is impressive, with many mentioning seeing pods of dolphins, whales, and even sea turtles. Several reviewers share experiences of seeing dolphins for around 15 minutes, which is ample time to enjoy the moment and take photos.

One traveler described their experience as, “Brilliant experience, saw lots of dolphins!” Another mentioned that the crew was constantly asking if everyone was okay, especially those prone to seasickness. This attention to detail really enhances the overall value.

Even in cases where dolphins weren’t immediately visible, the crew’s receptiveness and free return vouchers meant no one left disappointed. This flexibility is rare and highly appreciated.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Seasickness: The Atlantic waters can be unpredictable. Consider taking medication before departure.
• What to bring: Dress in layers—weather can change quickly—and bring sunglasses or a hat for sun protection.
• Photography: A camera with a zoom is ideal since animals can be seen at a distance.
• Timing: The tour departs daily, so check availability and choose a time that suits your schedule.
• Accessibility: The vessel is accessible to those with reduced mobility, and restrooms are available onboard.

In The Sum Up

This dolphin watching cruise from Puerto Rico offers a solid balance of value, comfort, and authenticity. It’s well-organized, environmentally responsible, and has a track record of success—most travelers see dolphins or get a voucher for a return trip. The guides’ knowledge and the large glass-bottom windows set it apart from more basic options.

It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers eager to witness marine life in action. If you’re willing to accept the Atlantic’s unpredictability and want a reliable, friendly experience, this tour deserves a spot on your Gran Canaria itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The trip lasts about 2.5 hours, providing a compact but enriching experience without taking up your whole day.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the boat trip, guided sightings, and return transfer from the southern resorts. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Can I see whales on this tour?
Yes, whales are among the species you might encounter, along with dolphins, turtles, and even orcas on rare occasions.

What if I don’t see any dolphins?
The company offers a sighting guarantee: if no animals are spotted during your trip, you’ll receive a free voucher to return on another day.

Is the boat accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the vessel is designed to be accessible, and onboard facilities include restrooms.

What should I do if I get seasick?
Taking motion sickness medication in advance is recommended. The crew is attentive and will help if you feel unwell.

Are the guides multilingual?
Yes, guides speak English, Spanish, German, and French, making it easy for a diverse range of travelers to understand and enjoy the experience.

This dolphin watching cruise in Gran Canaria strikes a commendable balance between fun, education, and responsibility. It’s an excellent choice for anyone eager to connect with the ocean’s gentle giants in a respectful setting, all while enjoying the beautiful Canary Islands scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: