Gran Canaria: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

When it comes to spotting marine life in Gran Canaria, a dolphin and whale watching cruise on a modern catamaran offers a fantastic way to connect with nature. This 2.5-hour adventure, priced at just $46 per person, promises the chance to see playful dolphins and majestic whales in their natural habitat, all while cruising along the stunning southwest coast of the island. With a high success rate (97%) and knowledgeable guides, it’s an experience that’s both informative and fun, suitable for families, couples, or anyone looking to add some sea-life magic to their holiday.

What we love about this tour is the blend of spectacular scenery, the expert guidance on marine creatures, and the relaxed atmosphere onboard. The boat itself is sleek and modern, giving you a comfortable ride without the choppiness that sometimes accompanies open-sea trips. A potential consideration is the weather—since the trip can get breezy and even chilly, packing a jumper and sun protection is recommended. This tour is perfect for those who want a family-friendly, affordable adventure with a good chance of seeing dolphins, whales, and other sea creatures in their natural environment.

If you enjoy marine wildlife and scenic boat trips, this cruise stands out as a practical and authentic experience. It provides not only the thrill of wildlife sightings but also the opportunity to learn from bilingual guides, making it a well-rounded activity suitable for a broad range of travelers.

Key Points

• High success rate: 97% chance of spotting dolphins and whales.
• Expert guides: Multilingual guides share detailed marine knowledge.
• Comfortable boat: Modern, safe catamaran with two decks and accessible facilities.
• All necessary supplies: Free soft drinks and water provided onboard.
• Flexible options: Pickup and drop-off services from the south of Gran Canaria.
• Good value: An affordable, memorable experience for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

What to Expect from the Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

This cruise departs from Puerto Rico, a popular resort town in Gran Canaria, and takes you along the southwest coast, offering sweeping views of the rugged shoreline and volcanic landscapes. The journey begins with a convenient pickup service—if you choose, a guide will transport you from your hotel to the harbor, saving you the hassle of driving and parking. Just remember, a 24-hour notice is required for pickup arrangements.

Once aboard the Multiacuatic catamaran, you’ll notice the sleek design—built in 2005, it’s 52 feet long and comfortably fits guests across two decks. It’s accessible for pushchairs and equipped with safety measures, so families with young children can feel secure. During the trip, the crew and guides are attentive, eager to share their marine expertise, and available to answer questions as you cruise.

The main goal is to locate dolphins and whales within a range of about 5 to 7 miles from the coast, between Faro Maspalomas and Veneguera. The guides use their experience to increase your chances of sightings—an impressive 97% success rate, according to reviews, which means most passengers get to see marine life up close. The journey typically lasts around two hours, but this can vary depending on the marine activity on the day.

The Search for Marine Life

The guides are well-versed in marine biology and are eager to share interesting facts about the creatures you might see. They’ll point out dolphins, whales, and perhaps other marine life such as turtles and flying fish, enhancing the experience with educational commentary. According to reviews, passengers appreciate the guides’ friendliness and knowledge—some have even mentioned guides like Sergio and his team as being particularly helpful and informative.

While dolphins are the main attraction, it’s not uncommon to spot whales or other species, depending on what’s out at sea. Even if the marine life is elusive during your trip, many reviews mention the stunning scenery and the relaxing boat ride as worthwhile components. One reviewer noted they didn’t see dolphins but enjoyed whale sightings and the overall experience, emphasizing how windy conditions can sometimes make sighting a challenge.

Comfort and Facilities

Soft drinks and water are included, which is a blessing during the warm summer months—keeping you hydrated without extra costs. Snacks can be bought onboard if you’re peckish. The boat’s open decks offer plenty of space for taking photos, relaxing, or simply soaking in the views. The crew are attentive, making sure everyone feels comfortable during the trip, especially those prone to seasickness—some reviewers mention bringing a jumper as it can get chilly, especially on windy days.

The Return and Aftermath

Once back at the harbor, the transfer service will whisk you back to your hotel, making the whole process stress-free. The tour’s flexible booking options—like the ability to reserve now and pay later—provide added peace of mind for travelers planning trips in advance.

Analyzing the Value

At $46, this cruise offers good value considering the duration, the quality of boat, and the chance to see marine wildlife in their natural setting. Many reviews highlight how reasonably priced the experience is for the memories and photo opportunities it provides. The inclusion of soft drinks, the insights from guides, and the easy pickup options make it accessible and suitable for various budgets.

Some guests pointed out that, on some days, the journey might be longer due to sea conditions, and the chances of sighting whales or dolphins can vary. However, most leave satisfied with what they saw—whether dolphins swimming by the boat or a pod of whales in the distance. The boat’s modern design and the crew’s professionalism also stand out as major pluses.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families with kids, wildlife lovers, and anyone wanting a relaxing boat trip with a good shot at spotting dolphins and whales. It’s particularly suited if you’re staying in the southern part of Gran Canaria, as the pickup and drop-off service simplifies logistics. If you’re a photography buff, the scenic coast and the chance to capture marine mammals make this a compelling choice.

Those prone to seasickness should prepare accordingly—as some reviews mention, it can get windy and choppy at sea. Also, remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a jumper—conditions can change quickly.

The Sum Up

This dolphin and whale watching cruise in Gran Canaria offers a practical, enjoyable way to enjoy the island’s marine environment. With a high success rate, friendly guides, and a comfortable vessel, it’s a great value for anyone seeking a memorable wildlife experience. Whether you’re traveling with family, a partner, or solo, you’ll appreciate the chance to see dolphins leap out of the water or whales glide smoothly through the ocean.

While weather conditions and luck can influence the sightings, most guests leave feeling they’ve connected with nature and created lasting memories. It’s an activity that balances fun, education, and scenic beauty—all at an accessible price point.

If marine wildlife and sea views appeal to you, this cruise deserves a spot on your Gran Canaria itinerary. Just pack some layers, grab your camera, and get ready for a relaxing day on the water.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours, with some variation depending on marine activity and sea conditions.

What is included in the price?
The ticket includes a guided marine life cruise, soft drinks, and water. Snacks are available for purchase onboard.

Are there pick-up and drop-off options?
Yes, pick-up and drop-off services from the south of Gran Canaria are available with 24-hour notice, making logistics easier.

Is the boat accessible for families with children?
Yes, the catamaran has an access ramp for pushchairs, and the tour is suitable for families, with crew attentive to safety.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection like sunscreen and a hat. It’s also recommended to take a jumper, especially if the weather is windy or cool.

Can I expect to see dolphins and whales?
With a reported 97% success rate, chances are high that you’ll see dolphins and possibly whales, depending on the day.

Are there any additional costs?
Alcoholic drinks are not included in the ticket price and are available for purchase. Food is not included but can be bought onboard.

What if I don’t see any marine life?
Even if marine creatures are elusive, reviews mention that the scenic views and relaxed boat ride make the trip worthwhile.

How is the safety onboard?
The vessel is modern, with all safety precautions in place. The crew is professional and attentive throughout the trip.

Is this trip suitable for people prone to seasickness?
Some guests have mentioned feeling seasick, so bringing medication or a seasickness band might be helpful.

This comprehensive review aims to help you decide if this dolphin and whale watching cruise aligns with your vacation plans. It combines reliable information, honest insights, and helpful tips to ensure you get the most out of your time at sea in Gran Canaria.