Dolphin Searching Tour in Puerto de Mogán (“KEEPER UNO” Boat)

If you’re headed to Gran Canaria and love the idea of spotting whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, a boat trip like this might catch your interest. We’re talking about a 4-hour expedition aboard the sleek Keeper Uno yacht, focusing on dolphin sightings along the southwest coast. It’s one of those experiences where the ocean becomes a playground, and the chance to see marine life up close makes it all the more special.

What we particularly like about this tour is its intimate size—only up to eight travelers—which means you won’t be lost in a crowd. Plus, the inclusion of lunch and soft drinks makes it a more convenient, all-in-one outing. On the flip side, some may find the price a tad high for what’s essentially a boat ride, but the quality of the boat and the personal feel of the trip often make it worth considering.

This experience works best if you’re after a luxurious, relaxed day on the water, with decent chances of dolphin encounters. If you’re a nature lover or just want a more personal experience than many large tour boats offer, this could be just right. However, if you’re prone to sea sickness or expecting a high-energy adventure, keep reading for some details that might influence your decision.

Key Points

• Intimate group size ensures a more personal experience, with only up to 8 passengers.
• Includes lunch and soft drinks, making it convenient and good value for a half-day trip.
• Designed for dolphin and whale spotting, with scenic stops at cliffs and beaches along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast.
• Water activities like snorkeling are available, adding variety to the trip.
• The boat’s luxurious and modern design contributes to comfort and style.
• Weather-dependent, so good weather is crucial for the best experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Dolphin Searching Tour

What the Tour Offers

This isn’t just a quick boat ride; it’s a planned 4-hour excursion that combines wildlife viewing, scenic cruising, and water fun. The Keeper Uno yacht is described as modern and comfortable, designed to maximize enjoyment while minimizing discomfort. It’s a step above the typical tour boat, leaning into a more luxurious feel, which some reviews highlight as a major perk.

On this trip, you’ll explore the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, an area known for its striking cliffs and hidden beaches. The boat’s style and size allow for a more relaxed, less rushed experience—ideal if you want to soak in the views, relax, and maybe get lucky with dolphin sightings.

The Marine Life: What You Might See

Gran Canaria’s Atlantic waters are a hotspot for marine mammals, making this trip potentially rewarding. Many travelers report seeing dolphins in large pods, often quite close to the boat. Some reviews mention seeing a mother dolphin with her baby—a sight that tends to stick with people.

While sightings are not guaranteed—nature can be unpredictable—many guests have been lucky. One reviewer recalls seeing “more than twenty dolphins and their baby,” which sounds like a truly memorable encounter. Others mention dolphins, turtles, and even flying fish during their trip, adding to the marine spectacle.

Scenic Stops and Water Activities

Apart from marine life, the tour offers stunning stops at beaches and cliffs, giving you a chance to snap photos or relax on deck. Snorkeling is provided at a peaceful bay, which is appreciated by those who enjoy getting in the water. The reviews suggest that while snorkeling might not be for everyone, the opportunity to do so is a nice bonus.

Food and Drinks

Included in the price is lunch and soft drinks, which travelers find convenient and tasty. The menu seems to consist of simple, well-prepared items like tapas, with many reviewers calling the food “delicious” and “tasty.” It’s a good way to refuel without leaving the boat, especially after a morning of wildlife watching.

The Crew and Service

Guests consistently comment on the friendly and helpful crew. Despite a few negative remarks about smoking on board—something to consider if you’re sensitive to smoke—the majority of reviews praise the staff for their kindness and professionalism. The smaller group size allows the crew to offer more personalized attention, which can make a difference in how relaxed and cared-for you feel.

Real-World Experiences from Travelers

• One guest mentions: “We saw a lot of dolphins, thank you very much! We recommend this trip,” highlighting the potential for a successful dolphin encounter.
• Another notes the luxurious boat and friendly staff, adding, “the boat was very comfortable and luxurious,” emphasizing the upscale feel.
• Conversely, a reviewer pointed out that the lunch was quite basic, describing it as “a few potatoes and pasta salad,” which is worth keeping in mind if you’re expecting a gourmet meal.

The Downsides

While most reviews are positive, a few points stand out. Some mention sea sickness—particularly in choppy waters—so if you’re prone, it’s worth taking precautions. Also, the smoking on board was a concern for some; the captain was observed smoking while steering, which could be off-putting for sensitive travelers. The price, at around $100, can seem steep for some, especially considering the simplicity of the lunch and the nature of wildlife viewing, which is inherently unpredictable.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This trip is ideal if you’re after a personalized, relaxed experience with the chance to see dolphins and other marine animals. It’s perfect for travelers who value comfort and style and don’t mind paying a bit more for it. Families with older children or groups that enjoy water sports will find the snorkeling option appealing, but keep in mind that the boat’s size means space might be limited for larger groups or those with very young children.

If encountering dolphins in a serene setting is a priority, this tour hits the mark. However, if you’re after a highly energetic, large-group expedition or are sensitive to sea sickness, you might want to explore other options or prepare accordingly.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Meeting Point and Duration

The tour begins at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, Mogán, with a check-in process that’s straightforward and near public transportation, according to reviews. The 4-hour duration makes it manageable for a half-day activity, giving enough time for wildlife spotting, scenic cruising, and water activities without feeling rushed.

The Scenic Cruise

Once on board, the boat departs into the Atlantic, heading toward the key whale and dolphin habitats. Expect to cruise along the coastline, with views of spectacular cliffs and hidden beaches—great for photos or just soaking in the scenery.

Wildlife Watching

The main goal is to spot cetaceans. Many reviews echo that sightings happen within the first hour or so, with some guests mentioning they saw “a pod of striped dolphins” shortly after setting out. Others note that wildlife encounters can vary; sometimes, dolphins are plentiful, and other times, you might see fewer.

Water Activities and Beach Stops

Midway or later in the trip, the boat will anchor at a peaceful bay for snorkeling or relaxation. Guests can swim in calm waters, enjoy the sun, or simply watch the sea life around them. The opportunity to snorkel makes the trip more engaging, especially if you’re into aquatic adventures.

Lunch and Relaxation

The included lunch is generally well-received, with many calling it “tasty” or “delicious.” Soft drinks keep everyone hydrated, and the laid-back atmosphere allows travelers to unwind and chat with fellow passengers.

Pricing and Value

At around $100.72 per person, the trip isn’t the cheapest option out there, but considering it includes lunch, drinks, and water activities, many find it reasonable. The luxury boat, smaller group size, and personal attention likely justify the cost for those seeking comfort and a more exclusive experience.

Many reviews suggest the value comes from the combination of wildlife sightings, scenic stops, and the quality of the boat and service. If you want a more personal, less touristy experience, this tour might be worth the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the small group size and gentle nature of whale and dolphin watching generally make it suitable for older children. Those prone to seasickness should take precautions.

What should I bring on the tour?
It’s advisable to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and swimwear if you plan to snorkel. The boat provides soft drinks and lunch, but bringing personal snacks or additional water is always a good idea.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This flexibility helps if weather conditions or plans change unexpectedly.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The trip is weather-dependent; if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the tour will be canceled or rescheduled, and you’ll be offered a full refund or a different date.

How many people are on each trip?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, with most trips booking around 8 to keep it intimate.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkeling is available at a designated spot during the trip, and reviews indicate that many guests enjoy it.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
Most travelers say the dolphin sightings and scenic views are the main draws. The chance to see marine life close-up makes it a memorable outing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a luxurious, relaxed day on the water with a good chance of spotting dolphins and enjoying stunning coastal views, this tour from Puerto de Mogán offers a lot. The small group size and inclusion of lunch and drinks add to its appeal, especially if you prefer a more personal experience over the hustle of larger tour boats.

While it’s not perfect—some reviews mention basic lunch options and the unpredictability of wildlife sightings—the overall experience comes across as genuine and enjoyable. The boat itself, praised as modern and comfortable, helps elevate the entire trip, making it a worthwhile choice for those willing to invest a little extra in comfort and quality.

For nature lovers, families with older children, or travelers craving a calm, scenic, marine adventure, this trip fits the bill. Just remember to keep expectations realistic about wildlife encounters—they’re wonderful when they happen, but nature has its own plans.

Enjoy your trip, and hopefully, you’ll get the chance to see plenty of dolphins and maybe even some whales!