Gran Canaria: Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

If you’re after a Gran Canaria day that mixes wildlife watching with time in the water, this catamaran dolphin watch cruise is a solid pick. You sail out from Puerto Base, search for dolphins and whales in their natural habitat, and then anchor in a small bay for swimming, snorkeling, and even an onboard toboggan slide.

What I like most is the balance: you’re not stuck in a bus all day, and the crew spends real time trying to find cetaceans. I also like that you get extra viewing options, including large glass panels below deck, plus complimentary soft drinks during the swim stop.

One consideration: sightings are not guaranteed, and the sea can be choppy—so if you’re prone to seasickness, plan carefully (this isn’t a great match for everyone).

Key Points at a Glance

• Dolphins and whales are the main event, and swim time can flex based on where the wildlife is.
• Glass-bottom viewing gives you a different angle without getting wet.
• Transfers are straightforward from many hotel areas, and you can also book without shuttle for less.
• Snorkeling gear is included, and soft drinks are provided during the swimming stop.
• Seasickness can be an issue in rougher conditions, and some travelers noted this with a quick response from staff.
• Expect snorkeling that’s more “fun in the water” than guaranteed underwater scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Sailing From Puerto Base: What the Start Feels Like

The experience starts with your choice of getting there. If you select hotel pickup, you’ll ride by bus/coach (listed as about 1 hour) to Puerto Base harbor in Puerto Rico. If you don’t want the shuttle, you can book a cheaper option and meet the crew directly at Puerto Base.

Once you’re on board, the mood shifts fast. You’re out on the Atlantic, the ocean breeze does its job, and you’re in the right headspace to watch for movement and surfacing behavior. This is one of those tours where the pacing is part of the value: you spend time scanning and then, when something appears, the whole boat shifts into “pay attention” mode.

Small practical note: many drop-off points are listed afterward, including popular bases like Playa del Cura, San Agustín, Maspalomas areas, and more. That usually means less wrestling with taxis at the end of a splashy day.

The Boat Portion: Dolphin-Watching That Feels Like Real Searching

Most of the energy goes into the 2-hour on-water wildlife search. The cruise heads off the coast in search of dolphins and whales, with the itinerary specifically naming pilot whales and minke whales in the mix, plus dolphins and other marine life you might encounter.

Here’s what this means for you as a traveler: you’re not only relying on luck. Multiple passengers described how the crew worked actively to find the animals, and that when dolphins were spotted, they were treated respectfully—more “cruise alongside” than “chase them down.”

Also pay attention to where you stand (or sit). If you want the full experience without getting wet early, the tour offers two ways to watch:

• From the deck as the boat cruises
• From below deck using large glass panels

Even if you don’t end up getting a dolphin right in front of your feet, glass-bottom viewing can still be fun for the marine world. One traveler mentioned the glass can be a bit hazy at times (algae), so don’t expect a perfect museum-grade view every day.

Below Deck Glass Panels: A Clever Bonus If You Want Dry Comfort

The glass panels below deck are a smart add-on. They let you stay comfortable while still feeling connected to the water. When you spot activity above, you can also check below to see what’s moving and how the animals behave underwater.

This is especially useful if:

• You’re not in the mood to be in the sun nonstop
• The deck is windy or cooler than expected
• You want something to do while scanning for surfacing

Just keep expectations grounded. This isn’t a guarantee of crystal-clear underwater views. But even with imperfect visibility, the novelty of watching marine life through a glass section adds real variety to the cruise.

The Swim and Snorkel Stop in Taurito: Fun Water Time in a Small Bay

After the wildlife search, the boat anchors along the coastline. The itinerary highlights Taurito with about 1 hour for snorkeling and swimming, but keep in mind a key detail: wildlife searching is the main goal, so the bath time can be shorter if the crew needs more time to track what they’re hoping to find.

In other words, this is not a strict “60 minutes in the water no matter what” situation. If dolphins are active and the crew is chasing the best window, you’ll likely trade a little snorkeling time for more wildlife time. Many travelers seemed happy with that trade.

What you can do during the stop:

• Swim or wade in
• Try snorkeling (snorkel masks are included)
• Use the onboard toboggan slide
• Or simply hang out and relax if you’d rather stay dry

Soft drinks and water are included during this swimming stop. That’s a nice touch for value, especially on warm afternoons when you’re working up a thirst from sun and wind.

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Snorkeling Reality Check: Great for Enjoyment, Not Always for Underwater Scenery

The snorkeling is included, and for many people it’s the “you actually get in the water” payoff. But a few travelers noted the underwater view isn’t always spectacular, with comments like water clarity not being great and the area being deeper and rocky.

So here’s how I’d frame it for you:

• If you want a calm, simple way to try snorkeling and enjoy the sea day, this works well.
• If you’re chasing a bright, reef-style underwater show, you might be a little disappointed.

Still, the overall experience tends to win because the day already has the dolphin portion. The swim stop is more about refreshing, having fun, and getting that sea-day memory—not a guarantee of fancy coral sightseeing.

Crew and Guide Energy: Professional, Knowledgeable, and Quick to Help

One of the biggest strengths here is how the crew and guides handle things on board. Travelers repeatedly described the staff as friendly and professional, with knowledge about the ocean and wildlife. That matters because wildlife cruises succeed or fail based on who’s scanning and how they communicate what’s happening.

You’ll also see signs that safety and comfort are taken seriously. Some passengers mentioned seasickness when the water is rough, and that staff responded quickly with bags and cleanup support.

If you’re choosing between tours, this is a real differentiator. A less experienced crew can turn “maybe we’ll see dolphins” into wasted time. A knowledgeable crew makes the searching feel intentional, not random.

Transfers, Timing, and the Big Pickup/Drop-Off List

Let’s talk logistics—because this tour tries to be easy.

• Pickup is optional and offered from listed hotel locations.
• The bus/coach leg is listed at about 1 hour.
• The total duration is listed as 3.5 hours, with the core cruise and swim time forming most of that.

The drop-off list is long, with dozens of hotel and neighborhood points. That’s good for convenience, but it also means the bus route could feel like a proper “loop,” especially if you’re near the end of the list.

If you’re sensitive to timing and hate uncertainty, confirm your pickup window and plan to be ready before the stated time. A few travelers noted pickup logistics can feel a bit chaotic at the start, like boarding was a bit of a free-for-all, so arriving calmly and knowing where you’re going helps.

What’s Included vs Not Included: Where Your Money Goes

At about $44 per person, the pricing is a big part of the appeal. You’re paying for:

• The catamaran dolphin cruise
• A swim/snorkeling stop
• Snorkel masks
• Soft drinks and water during the swimming stop
• A live tour guide (English/Spanish)

Not included:

• Food
• Alcoholic drinks

That said, some travelers mentioned snacks being available to purchase and even small extras onboard (like a honey rum shot being offered in at least one case). But you should treat food and alcohol as optional extras rather than a core part of the deal.

Value-wise, what stands out is that the included drinks during the swim stop and the snorkeling gear reduce the “extra costs” many tours quietly stack onto you. You’re not scrambling for bottled water right when you’re most likely to want it.

Seasickness and Suitability: Who Should Book (and Who Should Think Twice)

This is where you’ll want to be honest with yourself.

Not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• Wheelchair users
• People prone to seasickness

If you’ve had motion sickness on boats before, you might want to skip this one or talk to a pharmacist about prevention. Several travelers described rougher conditions and quick help from staff, but that doesn’t change the fact that the tour is boat-based and exposed.

Also note the activities themselves:

• It involves swimming and snorkeling for part of the day
• There’s a slide option if you feel like it
• It’s an active sea environment, not a calm lake situation

What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)

Bring:

• A towel
• Sunscreen

Useful to add: swimwear and a change of clothes for afterward, since you’ll be on the water and likely get wet.

Not allowed includes a range of safety rules: no weapons/sharp objects, no smoking, no pets (assistance dogs allowed), no fishing, and no feeding or touching marine life. Also no unaccompanied minors, and no skateboards or similar items.

These restrictions are common for wildlife-focused cruises, and honestly they help keep the whole trip more respectful for both animals and people.

How to Get the Most From the Day

If you want the best chance of a memorable trip, do these simple things:

• Be ready with your eyes up. Dolphins often show up fast—movement, surfacing, and calm waves can be your clues.
• If you’re not a strong swimmer, choose the safer options during the swim stop. The tour gives you choices: swim, snorkel, or stay onboard and relax.
• Treat snorkeling as a sea experience, not a guaranteed underwater show.
• Bring your towel and sunscreen and plan to cool down after the water time.

And if you see a dolphin—don’t rush. Give the crew time to position and communicate. That’s when the most people get those great moments, and the animals seem to behave calmly alongside the boat.

Is This a Good Fit for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers?

This tour is a good match for:

• Families who want a short, structured sea adventure with a clear highlight
• Couples who like scenery plus a shared activity (swim/snorkel together)
• Solo travelers who want a guided day rather than trying to coordinate a boat on your own

It’s not ideal if you’re:

• Wheelchair-bound (this is explicitly not suitable)
• Pregnant or sensitive to motion
• Expecting a reef snorkeling destination

Should You Book? My Decision Guide

You should book this cruise if you want:

• Dolphins and whales as the main goal
• A guided experience with knowledgeable crew
• A mix of sailing + a swim stop that feels included for the price

You might skip it if:

• Seasickness is a real issue for you
• You need accessible options like wheelchair support
• You’re coming for top-tier snorkeling scenery above all else

Bottom line: at around $44, this is strong value for a guided dolphin-watching and sea-play day in Gran Canaria, especially if you’re flexible and happy to let the wildlife set the rhythm.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

You meet at the harbor called Puerto Base in the urbanisation of Puerto Rico, and you should look for the local partner there if you are meeting directly.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is optional. You can select pickup from listed pickup points, or book without the shuttle bus for a cheaper rate.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 3.5 hours. The plan includes time on the water for dolphin and whale watching and a swim/snorkeling stop.

What animals are the crew looking for?

The cruise goes in search of dolphins and whales, with pilot whales and minke whales mentioned along with other marine life.

What’s included for the swimming and snorkeling stop?

Snorkel masks are provided, and soft drinks and water are included during the swimming stop.

Is food included?

Food is not included, and alcohol is also not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen.

What if I feel seasick?

This cruise is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it is a good idea to plan carefully if you have motion sensitivity.

What are the rules around marine life?

Feeding animals and touching marine life are not allowed.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: