From Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria: Dolphin Watching Cruise

Traveling to Gran Canaria and eager to see its vibrant marine life? A dolphin watching cruise from Puerto Rico is a popular, accessible way to connect with the ocean’s wonders. With over 2,100 reviews and a solid 4.3-star rating, this excursion promises a chance to witness dolphins, whales, and other cetaceans in their natural habitat—all from the comfort of a well-equipped boat.

What we love about this experience is how it balances the thrill of wildlife sightings with a relaxing boat ride. The professional guides are known for being knowledgeable and friendly, making the journey both fun and educational. Plus, the glass-bottom vessel offers a great underwater view, so even if the sea is a little choppy, there’s still an opportunity to catch a glimpse of marine life below the surface.

One thing to keep in mind is that, like all wildlife tours, spotting animals is never 100% guaranteed. But the company’s sighting guarantee and the fact that they operate with proper permits show a strong commitment to ethical, respectful wildlife watching. This tour is ideal for anyone interested in marine animals, nature lovers, or those simply looking for a unique sea adventure during their stay.

If you’re visiting Gran Canaria, especially the Puerto Rico area, and enjoy being out at sea or want a good chance to see dolphins in their natural surroundings, this cruise could be a great pick. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable outing that combines wildlife, scenery, and a bit of ocean breeze—perfect for a half-day activity.

Key Points

• Wildlife Diversity: Home to around 30 species of cetaceans, including dolphins, whales, and porpoises
• Underwater Views: The glass-bottom boat provides a rare perspective of marine life
• Expert Guidance: Guides are knowledgeable and multilingual, helping you identify animals
• Sighting Guarantee: If you don’t see any animals, you get a free voucher to return
• Duration & Price: 2.5 hours for $46 per person, offering good value for the experience
• Accessibility & Comfort: The boat accommodates those with reduced mobility and has restrooms and a bar

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Dolphin Watching Cruise

This tour kicks off in Puerto Rico, with a smooth and easy departure on the Spirit of the Sea, a vessel designed to comfortably hold up to 97 passengers. The boat features a large glass bottom, which is a real highlight. Even if you’re not lucky enough to see dolphins directly from the surface, the underwater view can still reveal fish, turtles, and other marine creatures.

The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and keep an eye out for marine life. The crew, often described as friendly and professional, will guide you on spotting cetaceans and share interesting facts about their ecology and behavior. They’re also multilingual, so language isn’t a barrier here.

The departure point is clearly marked at Puerto Base, and the tour includes a return transfer service from the southern part of the island, making logistics easier, especially if you’re staying nearby. For those who prefer to stay flexible, you can reserve your spot now with the option to pay later, and cancel for free up to 24 hours beforehand.

The Marine Life You Might See

Gran Canaria’s waters are surprisingly biodiverse, with up to 30 species of cetaceans. Common sightings include dolphins and porpoises, which are often seen during the cruise. According to reviews, many guests have had close encounters, with some seeing large pods of striped dolphins and even turtles.

Several travelers have been lucky enough to spot whales, including sperm whales and pilot whales, along with occasional surprises like flying fish. The guides take care to operate in a responsible and respectful manner, ensuring the animals are not disturbed—something that’s increasingly important for eco-conscious travelers.

One review recounts, “We managed to see a big group of striped dolphins and a few turtles with the help of the crew, who spared no effort in finding those beautiful cetaceans.” Such dedicated efforts to find marine life make this trip more than just a scenic cruise; it’s about genuine wildlife interaction.

The Experience: Comfort, Views, and Atmosphere

Passengers often comment on how comfortable and well-organized the trip is. The boat’s bar area offers soft drinks, water, beer, and snacks—though these are extra, so you might want to bring your own if you prefer. The boat’s restrooms and accessibility features also add to the ease of the day, making it suitable even for those with reduced mobility.

The scenery along the southwest coast of Gran Canaria provides a stunning backdrop for the cruise, with rugged cliffs, open ocean, and often clear, sunny skies. The crew’s knowledgeable guidance helps pass the time while waiting for sightings, and their respectful attitude toward the animals ensures a peaceful experience.

Guests have described the atmosphere as relaxed, with many appreciating the not overcrowded boat, allowing everyone a chance to see and enjoy the marine life. Several reviews mention that the trip is a great value for the price, especially given the possibility of seeing a whale or a pod of dolphins.

The Sighting Guarantee and Customer Service

One of the most reassuring features of this tour is their sighting guarantee. If no cetaceans are spotted during your trip, you receive a complimentary voucher valid for a year to repeat the experience at your convenience. This shows confidence in their ability to find wildlife and their respect for customer satisfaction.

Many reviews praise the friendly, helpful staff who are quick to answer questions and accommodate individual needs. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, you’ll find the staff eager to make the trip enjoyable and memorable.

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Price and Value

At $46 per person, this tour is quite reasonable considering the length of the cruise, the quality of the vessel, and the likelihood of sightings. Included in the price are the professional guides, the return transfer, and the sighting guarantee, which collectively add value. You might find some extra costs for drinks and snacks onboard, but overall, it’s a fair deal for the experience.

When you compare this to other wildlife or boat excursions on the island—some of which may not include a guarantee or have larger groups—this cruise offers a well-balanced mix of comfort, expert guidance, and wildlife potential.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise suits animal lovers, families with older children, or anyone interested in a laid-back, nature-focused activity. It’s especially recommended if you want a responsible wildlife experience with guides who genuinely care about marine conservation.

If you’re prone to seasickness, remember to take precautions before setting sail, as the Atlantic waters can sometimes be choppy. The boat has restrooms and accessible facilities, making it suitable for most travelers, but it’s not specifically designed as a family-focused activity for very young kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the cruise?
The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours, giving enough time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife without feeling rushed.

How much does it cost?
Tickets are around $46 per person, which includes guides, a return transfer, and a sighting guarantee.

What if I don’t see any cetaceans?
If no animals are spotted during your trip, the company provides a free voucher to go again within a year—so you aren’t losing out if the animals are shy that day.

Is the boat accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the vessel is accessible and also equipped with restrooms, making it easier for those with mobility needs.

Can I buy drinks or snacks on board?
Yes, there’s a bar area offering soft drinks, beer, water, and snacks, but these are not included in the ticket price.

Is there a pickup service available?
Yes, the tour includes return transfers from the southern part of Gran Canaria, making the logistics simple.

Is it suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as a family activity, the boat’s accessibility and the nature of the tour make it appropriate for older children who can handle being at sea.

How likely am I to see dolphins or whales?
Many travelers report seeing dolphins frequently, sometimes in large pods. Sightings of whales are also possible, with some reviews mentioning close encounters with whales and even turtles.

What should I bring on the trip?
Bring sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, and maybe a light jacket. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication beforehand. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone for photos and possibly some water and snacks.

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, well-organized way to see marine life in action, this dolphin watching cruise from Puerto Rico is a solid choice. The combination of a comfortable boat, expert guides, and the chance to witness up to 30 species of cetaceans makes it a memorable outing. Plus, knowing you’re supporting an operation that operates responsibly adds peace of mind.

For wildlife enthusiasts, families with older children, or anyone wanting a relaxed day at sea, this trip delivers plenty of moments worth remembering. While no wildlife tour can guarantee sightings every time, the high success rate and positive reviews suggest you’re likely to come away thrilled.

This excursion offers a genuine chance to connect with the ocean, see incredible creatures in their natural environment, and enjoy Gran Canaria’s stunning coast from a unique perspective. It’s a kind of experience that leaves you with stories to tell and a deeper appreciation for the sea’s fascinating inhabitants.

You can check availability for your dates here: