Gran Canaria offers a surprising variety of one-hour tours that pack in authentic experiences, stunning views, and fun activities—ideal for travelers with limited time or those wanting a quick taste of the island’s highlights. Whether you prefer cruising the coast in a boat, exploring on a Segway, or riding a horse, these short tours give you a memorable glimpse into what makes Gran Canaria special. For example, the 1h Boat Trip combined with a 2h Dockside Wine & Food Tasting blends scenic sailing with local flavors in a relaxed setting, perfect for those wanting both adventure and culinary delights.
While the island is famous for its dramatic dunes and volcanic landscapes, these quick tours deliver a concentrated dose of their magic. They’re designed for travelers who value efficiency but don’t want to miss out on the essence of Gran Canaria’s scenery, culture, and fun. Below, we’ve listed the top five options with details that help you decide which one fits your interests and schedule best.
What kinds of tours made the list?
Our list features a variety of quick experiences designed to maximize your short time on the island. You’ll find scenic boat trips with local wine tasting, which combine relaxation with cultural exposure, as well as adventure-style activities like Segway and Jetski rides that get your adrenaline pumping. For those wanting a more relaxed but equally authentic experience, a horse riding tour offers a peaceful way to see the countryside and dunes.
Each experience has its own flavor, from scenic coastal cruises to active rides along Maspalomas’s dunes. If you’re curious about what each one involves, click here for the boat and wine combo, here for the Segway tour, here for horseback riding, and here for the Maspalomas Segway adventure.
1. 1h Boat Trip + 2h Dockside Wine & Food Tasting
This experience delivers a perfect blend of scenic ocean cruising and local flavors. Starting at Yellow Boat Mogan, you’ll set sail along the coast of Gran Canaria, passing uninhabited landscapes and enjoying laid-back music and a warm atmosphere. The boat trip itself lasts about an hour, giving you a chance to see the rugged coastline and maybe spot some marine life.
The real highlight is the dockside wine and food tasting—a 45-minute session where you’ll sample authentic local wines and Canarian delicacies. The guide shares stories behind each product, revealing the history and culture that shape the island’s culinary scene. This tour stands out for its relaxed pace and intimate setting, making it ideal for couples or small groups looking for a laid-back yet authentic experience.
Good reviews praise the combination of beautiful scenery with insightful tastings, with many saying it’s a unique way to learn about Gran Canaria’s local products. The tour’s value lies in the combination of scenic sailing and culture—a relaxed half-day that leaves plenty of time to explore other parts of the island.
Bottom line: This is a versatile option for those wanting a scenic cruise paired with a taste of local wine, especially if you enjoy learning about regional flavors.
2. Maspalomas: 1 Hour Segway Sightseeing Tour
For a quick but fun exploration, the Maspalomas Segway Tour offers a unique perspective on this famous part of Gran Canaria. The tour takes roughly an hour and is perfect for those who want to see the highlights without much effort. You’ll glide along Maspalomas’s seaside promenade, passing the iconic dunes, and the guide will share interesting stories about the area’s history and development.
What makes this tour special is the ease of riding a Segway, making it accessible even for beginners. Besides the dunes, you’ll ride through Playa del Ingles, where commentary includes local culture and ecology. Reviewers rave about how much fun the guide made it, and many note that it’s perfect for active travelers wanting a quick, engaging way to see the coast.
Compared to walking, a Segway covers more ground in less time, so you get a richer overview. The tour costs around $52.09, which is reasonable considering the small group size and personalized experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for anyone seeking a quick, active, and entertaining way to see Maspalomas’s dunes and coast without breaking a sweat.
3. The Best Horse Riding Experience in Gran Canaria (1 hour)
This short but scenic horseback riding tour is a fantastic way to see the island’s countryside and dunes. Starting from Gran Canaria, the tour lasts about an hour, perfect for beginners or travelers short on time. You’ll ride through mountain trails and open plains, with views over Maspalomas’s famous sand dunes—a landscape that’s as unique as it is beautiful.
Guides tailor the ride to your ability, whether you’re new to riding or more experienced. Many reviews highlight the gentle and well-cared-for horses, with one rider mentioning her first-time riding experience being “all right,” thanks to the helpful staff. The tour also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, adding to its convenience.
The scenery is a highlight, with panoramic views of the mountains and dunes, making it a peaceful yet visually stunning experience. The cost is $42.77 per person, offering solid value for a personalized, small-group adventure.
Bottom line: A good choice for families, first-time riders, or anyone wanting a peaceful connection with nature over a brief period.
4. Segway Experience 1 hour Sightseeing Tour : Visit Maspalomas Dunes, Playa Ingles
This Segway Tour offers a swift way to cover more ground in less time. You’ll start at Paseo Costa Canaria, where the panoramic views of the ocean and dunes are stunning. The group then heads towards the Reserva Natural de Las Dunas de Maspalomas, where you can appreciate the vast, golden sands, and finally to Playa del Ingles, a busy hub for lively beach life.
The tour lasts about an hour, with the guide sharing insights into the natural and social aspects of the area. The small group size ensures personal attention, and the ride itself is accessible for beginners. The highlight is the ability to see the dunes and coastline without strain, making it an excellent option for those short on time but eager to see key sights.
The price is around $52.09, which includes a soft drink break—ideal if you want a quick, fun, and informative ride. Reviewers mention the guide’s friendliness and the fun of riding a Segway, with some wishing it lasted longer.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who want to efficiently see the dunes and coastline on a fun, guided ride.
5. Maspalomas: Jetski Safari 60 Minutes – Free PickUp & DropOff
For those craving adrenaline, the Jetski Safari is an exhilarating way to see the coast. This 60-minute tour puts you behind the controls of your own Jetski, zooming across the waves and along the dunes. It’s about pure fun and adrenaline, with the bonus of scenic views of Maspalomas’s dunes from the water.
The tour includes a free pickup and drop-off, making logistics smooth. Before hitting the water, you get a safety briefing and instructions, making it accessible for beginners and experienced riders alike. During the ride, you may stop for dolphin watching, dune bashing, or just soaking in the panoramic scenery.
Reviews point out the thrill of driving your own Jetski and the flexibility to change drivers if traveling with others. The price is $84 per person, which is a bit higher but reflects the high-adrenaline experience and scenery.
Bottom line: Best suited for adventure lovers who want a quick, high-energy experience with fantastic views and a chance to drive their own watercraft.
How to Choose Your Perfect One-Hour Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your interests, fitness level, and what kind of experience appeals most. If you love relaxing on the water with a culinary twist, the boat and wine tour is your best bet. For active explorers, the Segway rides or Jetski safari offer fast-paced fun and stunning scenery. Families or first-time riders might prefer horseback riding, which combines nature and gentle adventure.
Budget-conscious travelers will find good value in the horseback riding and basic Segway tours, while adrenaline junkies should consider the Jetski safari for a true thrill. For those looking to maximize a short stay, booking early is wise, especially for popular activities like Jetskiing.
Final thoughts
Gran Canaria’s quick tour options provide a rich taste of the island’s landscapes, culture, and fun activities. Whether you prefer cruising the coast, riding a horse, or zooming on a Jetski, you’ll find an experience to match your style. The boat with wine tasting and the Jetski safari stand out for their combination of scenic views and unique experiences, ideal for those who want a memorable, active adventure. Meanwhile, the Segway tours are perfect for those seeking a fun and efficient way to see the dunes and coastline.
Remember, these short tours are a great way to capture the essence of Gran Canaria in a limited time. Book early, especially in peak seasons, and enjoy every moment on this diverse island.
