From Gran Canaria: Day Trip to Loro Parque Tenerife

If you’re considering a trip to Tenerife and love animals and lively shows, this day trip to Loro Parque from Gran Canaria could be a great option. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed reviews, itinerary, and offerings paint a clear picture of what you might experience. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy seeing animals up close, watching engaging live performances, and prefer a hassle-free day with transportation included.

Two things that stand out about this tour are the convenience of round-trip transportation and the chance to witness some truly entertaining animal shows. The stunning variety of exotic animals, from dolphins to giant tortoises, promises a day full of visual delights. One thing to keep in mind is that the transportation quality may not be top-tier, as some reviews point out the bus in Tenerife being quite old and less comfortable. Still, if you’re after a straightforward, organized trip to one of Europe’s best zoos, this could be just what you’re looking for.

This tour is well-suited for families, animal lovers, or anyone wanting a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of planning logistics. It’s a long day, so if you’re someone who enjoys a structured schedule and seeing a lot in one go, you’ll likely find this trip worthwhile. But if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are sensitive to older transport, you might want to weigh those factors.

Key Points

• Convenience is key: Round-trip transport from Gran Canaria makes planning easier.
• Animal shows are a highlight: Dolphin and sea lion performances are generally well-reviewed.
• Diverse wildlife: Expect to see mammals, reptiles, and colorful birds in Europe’s top zoo.
• Long day: From early start to late return, it’s a full 12-hour experience.
• Transport quality varies: Some travelers mention older buses, which can impact comfort.
• Value for money: The ticket includes entry and all transfers, but food and drinks are extra.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

This day trip is designed to be a smooth, all-in-one experience for those based in Gran Canaria who want to see Tenerife’s pride — Loro Parque. You’ll begin your day with a pick-up either in the south of Gran Canaria or Las Palmas. The tour includes a boat transfer from Agaete to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, providing a scenic crossing that lasts around 72 minutes, giving you a glimpse of the Atlantic and the Canary Islands’ rugged coastline.

Once in Tenerife, a bus will transport you from Santa Cruz to Puerto de la Cruz, where Loro Parque is located. The actual zoo is reputed as Europe’s best zoo, so expect a well-maintained, expansive space filled with fascinating animals, birds, and reptiles. The park is known for its live animal shows featuring dolphins and sea lions — these are definitely the star attractions, and you’ll have the chance to watch them perform in front of an audience.

Throughout your time at the park, you’ll be free to explore at your own pace. The park is designed to be engaging, with opportunities to get close to parrot species like macaws and parakeets, marvel at seahorses, and encounter giant Galápagos tortoises. Many visitors comment positively on the variety of animals and the vibrant displays.

Transportation and Logistics

The trip is quite comprehensive in terms of logistics. The round-trip ferry from Agaete to Tenerife is included, which means you won’t need to worry about booking separate transport. The bus transfer from Santa Cruz to Loro Parque is part of the package, making it a seamless experience.

However, the quality of transport in Tenerife has received mixed reviews. One reviewer noted that the bus was “probably very old”, with air conditioning not working and it being quite hot inside. This could be uncomfortable, especially if you’re sensitive to heat or if the weather is warm. The duration of the bus ride isn’t specified, but considering the whole day, you should be prepared for a fair amount of sitting.

The tour starts at around 8:00 AM, and it lasts approximately 12 hours. That means you’ll be out for most of the day, with some time potentially spent waiting between transfers. It’s a long day, so packing a snack or some water (note that food and drinks are not included in the price) might be a good idea.

Cost and Value

The package includes hotel pickup (for accommodations in the south of Gran Canaria or Las Palmas), the ferry, transportation to Loro Parque, and your entry ticket. Given this all-in-one approach, the value is quite apparent for travelers wanting convenience.

That said, some reviews note the price increase — from around €100 to €180 — which is nearly double in a couple of years. While the prices are significant, you are paying for a full day of sightseeing, transportation, and entry, avoiding the hassle of planning each step yourself.

It’s worth considering whether the shows and animal encounters will be engaging enough for your interests, as this is a major part of what the park offers. If you’re a true animal enthusiast or traveling with kids who love animals, the experience could be well worth the cost.

The Experience in Practice

Many travelers highlight the knowledgeable guides and the stunning animal displays as some of the best parts. One review praised the “great job” done by the guide Laura, noting that she made the day memorable despite some transport discomfort. The shows themselves seem to be a hit, with visitors mentioning the “antics of sea lions and dolphins” as fun and entertaining.

The park is spacious, allowing you to explore at your own pace. You might find yourself captivated by the colorful birds and exotic fish, while the giant tortoises offer a chance to get close and see animals that are typically hard to encounter.

On the downside, the older bus in Tenerife might dampen the mood for some, especially if temperature control isn’t optimal. The transport’s age has been a common theme in reviews, so if comfort is a high priority, this is worth considering.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal if you’re looking for a hassle-free day with organized transportation, exciting animal shows, and the chance to see one of Europe’s top zoos in a single day. It’s particularly suited for families or animal lovers who want to maximize their time and skip the logistics headache.

However, if you’re sensitive to transport comfort or prefer a more relaxed pace, you might want to explore other options or consider spending more time at the park to enjoy it at leisure. For those with a limited schedule or who want to avoid the long day, this tour packs a lot into 12 hours, so be prepared for the full experience.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my ID or passport? Yes, you must bring your ID card or passport to participate in the trip, as it’s a requirement for security and identification.

What is included in the tour price? The package covers hotel pickup, ferry transfer from Agaete to Santa Cruz, bus transportation from Santa Cruz to Loro Parque, and the entry ticket to the park.

Are food and drinks included? No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring some snacks or money for purchasing at the park.

How long is the ferry crossing? The ferry from Agaete to Santa Cruz de Tenerife takes approximately 72 minutes, offering a scenic start to your day.

What is the main highlight of the tour? Most travelers enjoy the live animal shows, especially the dolphin and sea lion performances, along with the chance to see a wide variety of animals.

Is this tour family-friendly? While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, it’s suitable for those traveling with children who are interested in animals and shows.

What is the transportation like within Tenerife? The bus used for transfer from Santa Cruz to Loro Parque is older and might be less comfortable, with some reports of air conditioning issues.

What is the duration of the entire trip? The tour lasts roughly 12 hours, including transfers, park time, and travel.

Would this trip be worth the price? If you value the convenience of organized transport and want to see the best of Loro Parque in a day, many find it worthwhile, though some note the price has increased significantly recently.

Is there an option to cancel? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in your plans.

This day trip offers a compelling way to experience Tenerife’s renowned zoo without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and transport. While some aspects, like the older buses, might detract from the comfort, the variety of animals and the ease of logistics make it an appealing choice for a full day of family-friendly adventure or animal fascination. Just be sure to pack light, bring your ID, and prepare for a long but rewarding day exploring one of Europe’s premier animal parks.

You can check availability for your dates here: