Gran Canaria: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

Thinking about adding a boat trip to your Gran Canaria itinerary? If you’re interested in seeing dolphins and whales in their natural environment, a dolphin and whale watching cruise might be just what you need. These tours tend to be popular because they combine scenic ocean views with a chance to witness some incredible wildlife, often right next to your boat.

From what we’ve seen in reviews and tour descriptions, what really makes this experience stand out are the friendly guides who share their marine knowledge and the high success rate of spotting dolphins and whales—up to 97%. Plus, the price is quite reasonable at around $46 per person, making it accessible for many travelers.

That said, it’s not without its considerations. The trip can be affected by weather, especially wind, which might make the experience less optimal or cause some seasickness. If you’re prone to motion sickness or expect a very smooth ride, it’s worth preparing accordingly.

This tour primarily suits those who love nature and are comfortable on the water, especially if you’re eager to see marine life in its natural habitat. Families with older kids often enjoy it, but if you’re traveling with very young children or infants, check the boat’s accessibility and safety features first.

Key Points

Stunning wildlife sightings are the main draw, with a high chance of seeing dolphins and whales.
Knowledgeable guides enrich the experience by sharing interesting facts about marine life.
Soft drinks and water are included, making the trip comfortable without extra costs.
Flexible booking options allow free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The boat is modern, clean, and equipped with safety features.
Weather and sea conditions can affect the chances of sightings and comfort, so be prepared.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

If you’re after a memorable ocean adventure in Gran Canaria, this dolphin and whale watching cruise offers a solid option. While it’s not a full-day expedition, at around 2.5 hours, it’s an ideal way to break up your day, especially if you’re exploring the southwest coast or staying around Puerto Rico.

What’s Included and How it Works

The tour departs from Puerto Rico, a popular resort area known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful coastline. You’ll be picked up nearby your hotel—just make sure to give 24 hours’ notice if you need the transfer service—and then transported to the harbor. Once aboard the Multiacuatic catamaran, which was built in 2005 and is 52 feet long, you’ll set sail along the coast, searching for marine life.

The boat’s size and design mean a relatively stable ride, but as some reviews mention, the ocean can be choppy. It’s wise to bring a light jumper or hat because it can get chilly out at sea, especially if the wind picks up. Onboard, the crew is friendly, safety-conscious, and eager to share their marine insights—expect plenty of interesting facts along the way.

The Search for Dolphins and Whales

The route extends about 5-7 miles out to sea, between Faro Maspalomas and Veneguera. This is prime territory for spotting dolphins, which are known for swimming close to boats, sometimes in large pods. According to reviews, the success rate in seeing dolphins and whales is around 97%, so chances are high you’ll witness some exciting wildlife.

One traveler shared, “We watched a pod of beautiful dolphins,” while another noted it was “amazing to see dolphins so close and in their natural environment.” In some cases, sightings include whales, which can be a spectacular sight. Even if your trip doesn’t produce a dolphin sighting, the crew often points out other marine life, such as turtles, flying fish, or seabirds, adding to the adventure.

The Experience on Board

The boat is modern, clean, and has two decks, providing ample space for comfort. If you’re traveling with kids or a group, the access ramp is helpful for pushchairs or anyone with mobility concerns. Soft drinks and water are included, which is a nice touch to stay hydrated during the trip. Snacks can be purchased at the bar if you fancy something more substantial.

Reviews mention the helpfulness of the crew, especially when someone gets seasick. One reviewer stated, “Crew were absolutely brilliant as I was sea sick during the journey; they were caring and tried to make the experience less stressful.” So, if you’re worried about motion sickness, bringing medication or seasickness remedies could be wise.

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Seeing Marine Life and Other Highlights

While the main goal is dolphin and whale sightings, the crew also shares insights into other marine creatures. Some reviews mention seeing flying fish or turtles, adding extra layers to the experience. The guides are multilingual, which helps if you’re not fluent in Spanish or English.

Timing and Duration

The cruise lasts approximately two and a half hours, which is enough time to enjoy the scenery and marine life without feeling exhausted. The trip’s length is also a good balance; long enough to spot marine creatures but short enough to avoid fatigue or seasickness. The availability of multiple starting times allows you to choose what fits best with your schedule.

Cost and Value

At around $46 per person, this cruise offers good value, especially considering the included soft drinks and the chance to witness marine life in the wild. Many reviews highlight the reasonableness of the price for such an experience. One traveler remarked, “Great boat ride and got to see lots of dolphins and flying fish,” emphasizing the value for money.

Drawbacks and Considerations

Like any outdoor boat activity, the weather can influence your experience. Windy days might make the ride more uncomfortable or limit marine sighting success. Some reviews mention choppy seas or seasickness, so prepare accordingly. Also, the tour doesn’t include meals or alcoholic drinks—if you’re looking for a more leisurely or gourmet experience, you’ll need to plan separately.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for wildlife lovers and anyone wanting a scenic, relaxing boat trip. It’s particularly suited for travelers who are comfortable on the water and interested in marine biology or just enjoying the thrill of spotting dolphins and whales. Families with older children often find it engaging and fun, especially if they’re interested in nature and ocean life.

However, if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer the utmost comfort, you may want to consider bringing remedies or choosing a day with calmer seas. Also, those seeking a full-day adventure or food options might find this tour a little limited, as it’s focused primarily on marine sightings and basic refreshments.

FAQs about the Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours, making it a manageable trip that can fit into most day plans.

What is the success rate of seeing dolphins and whales?
The tour has about a 97% success rate in spotting dolphins and whales, so chances are good you’ll see some wildlife.

Are drinks included?
Yes, soft drinks and water are provided for free onboard. You can also buy snacks at the bar if you want something more substantial.

Is transportation from hotels provided?
Yes, pick-up and drop-off services are available from the south of Gran Canaria, but you need to give 24 hours’ notice for this.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans shift.

Is this suitable for children?
While the reviews suggest families enjoy it, especially with older kids, check the boat’s safety features and consider the weather conditions for very young children.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a relaxing, wildlife-focused experience in Gran Canaria, this dolphin and whale watching cruise offers a good mix of opportunity, scenery, and comfort. The knowledgeable guides, combined with the chance to see marine animals in their natural habitat, make this a worthwhile addition to your trip. The moderate price, combined with soft drinks and the chance to learn about marine life, adds to its appeal.

While it’s not perfect—seasickness and weather can impact the experience—it’s a tour that many travelers find memorable. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking to enjoy time on the water, or someone simply eager to see dolphins jumping beside the boat, this cruise suits a variety of travelers. Just remember to check the weather forecast and come prepared for a potentially windy day out at sea.

To sum it up, this tour is best for those who want a genuine chance to observe marine life while enjoying the natural beauty of Gran Canaria’s coastline. It offers a good balance of sightseeing, education, and relaxation, making it a dependable choice for many travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: