Gran Canaria: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

If you’re dreaming of seeing dolphins and whales in their natural environment while exploring the waters around Gran Canaria, this boat tour might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a well-rated experience, with over 2,200 reviews, and for a reasonable price of about $41 per person, it offers a nice slice of marine life and scenery.

What we really like about this cruise is the chance to get close to the animals and the friendly, knowledgeable guides who go the extra mile to find dolphins — even if it means a little patience. Plus, the on-board bar means you can unwind with a drink while soaking up the views. However, one thing to keep in mind is that since these animals are wild, there’s no 100% guarantee you’ll see dolphins or whales every time. Still, most people seem to come away with memorable moments, which makes it suitable for anyone eager for a good, honest chance at seeing marine creatures in their natural habitat.

This tour is particularly friendly for families, especially since children are welcome and the trip offers a relaxing, engaging experience for all ages. If you’re someone who loves marine animals or just enjoys spending time on the water, this cruise could fit nicely into your Gran Canaria itinerary.

Key Points

• Close encounters with dolphins and whales in their natural environment.
• Affordable price point offers good value for a 2.5-hour experience.
• Knowledgeable guides who are passionate about marine life and dedicated to finding animals.
• Relaxing onboard experience with a bar for refreshments.
• Weather and sea conditions can affect the chance of sightings, but the crew offers free return tickets if you don’t see animals.
• Suitable for families and children, though pregnant women should avoid it.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

This tour offers a relaxed 2.5-hour voyage around the waters surrounding Gran Canaria, starting from Puerto Rico. The meeting point is at Boat Lineas Salmon at 10:15, giving you plenty of time to settle in before the trip begins. The boat itself is generally described as comfortable, loaded with friendly staff who are eager to help and make your experience enjoyable.

The main draw, of course, is the chance to see dolphins and whales playing in the wild. Most reviews mention seeing dolphins very early on — some even within the first minutes — which makes the trip especially rewarding. The crew actively searches for these animals, and many travelers mention how passionate and attentive they are, often going above and beyond to find the best spots.

While sightings are not guaranteed — since these animals are in their natural environment and move freely — the crew will do their best, and if no animals are seen, they offer a free voucher to return another day. This is a smart way of managing expectations and shows they’re confident in their ability to find wildlife most of the time.

The Marine Scenery and Photo Opportunities

One of the highlights for most travelers is the opportunity to snap photos of playful dolphins, swimming alongside or leaping out of the water. The reviews repeatedly mention how incredible it is to see such animals in the wild, often in large pods, which can be a truly breathtaking sight.

Apart from dolphins, you might also spot whales, turtles, flying fish, and even pilot whales. The crew describes the journey as peaceful and scenic, perfect for taking photos or simply basking in the beauty of the ocean.

Many reviews commend the guides for their knowledge and enthusiasm, with one quote highlighting how they “tried everywhere” to find dolphins, showing they genuinely care about delivering a memorable experience. The boat’s proximity to the animals allows for great photo opportunities, which many reviewers happily captured, often describing their pictures as cherished memories.

The On-Board Experience

The boat trip itself is described as smooth and comfortable, even in somewhat choppy seas — a common challenge in open water tours. Some reviews mention a bit of seasickness, especially when the ocean gets rough, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, bringing medication might be wise.

Refreshments are available for purchase from the onboard bar. While drinks are not included in the price, the convenience of grabbing a cold one during the trip adds to the laid-back vibe. Many reviewers appreciated the friendly service, with staff going out of their way to accommodate everyone, including passing out sick bags when seasickness hit some passengers.

The group sizes vary, but most reviews indicate a balanced number of people on board, allowing everyone to find a good viewing spot without feeling overcrowded.

The Weather and Sea Conditions

Weather can influence the experience significantly. Some reviews mention that choppy seas or windy days might make the trip less comfortable and could even affect the likelihood of spotting animals. However, the crew is transparent about this and offers tickets for a free return if no animals are seen on your scheduled day. That policy shows confidence in their ability and takes some of the pressure off when the conditions aren’t perfect.

Expect the trip to be most successful on calmer days, but even in less ideal conditions, many visitors still enjoyed the scenic boat ride and the chance to see flying fish or other marine life.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who enjoy marine wildlife, scenic boat rides, and relaxed outings. It’s especially family-friendly, with children often included in reviews and the crew actively engaging with passengers of all ages. If you’re traveling with kids or simply want a laid-back day on the water, this tour fits well.

However, if you’re pregnant or highly sensitive to seasickness, it might be worth reconsidering or taking precautions. Also, keep expectations realistic — wildlife sightings depend on the animals’ mood and environment, but most people leave with stories of dolphins jumping alongside the boat or whales surfacing nearby.

Pricing and Value

At $41 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the possibility of multiple sightings and the knowledgeable guidance. The fact that they provide free return tickets if no animals are seen adds an extra layer of value and confidence for travelers unsure about wildlife encounters.

While drinks are an extra cost, many reviews note that the overall experience is worth the price, given the opportunity to enjoy a scenic boat ride with wildlife in their natural habitat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re keen on seeing dolphins and whales in a relaxed setting, this cruise is a reliable choice. The crew’s dedication and the chance to capture photos of playful marine animals are definite highlights. The experience suits families, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a break from land-based sightseeing.

Just remember to be prepared for weather variations and the possibility of not always seeing animals — but even then, most travelers find the journey itself worth the price, thanks to the scenic views and the friendly atmosphere onboard.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can take part in this tour, and many reviews highlight it as a fun family outing. Just be mindful that seasickness can sometimes be an issue, so plan accordingly.

How long is the cruise?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the marine scenery.

What’s included in the price?
The boat trip itself is included. Drinks are not included but are available for purchase from the onboard bar.

What if I don’t see any dolphins or whales?
If the marine animals aren’t visible due to natural circumstances, you’ll receive a free voucher to come back another day, which most reviews say gives peace of mind.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet at Boat Lineas Salmon in Puerto Rico at 10:15. It’s best to arrive a little earlier to get settled.

Is there a guide on board?
Yes, the tour features live guides speaking Spanish, English, and German, who are passionate about marine life and eager to share their knowledge.

This dolphin and whale watching cruise from Gran Canaria is a solid option if you’re after a chance to see marine life, love scenic boat rides, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. While wildlife sightings depend on nature, most visitors walk away with great stories, photos, and a sense of connection with the ocean’s creatures.

You can check availability for your dates here: