Half-Day Cruise Tour-Dolphin and Whale Watching

Discovering the Beauty of Gran Canaria’s Offshore Wildlife: A Review of the Half-Day Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

If you’re dreaming of seeing dolphins and whales in their natural habitat while exploring Gran Canaria, this half-day cruise might catch your eye. Offered by Líneas Blue Bird, this experience promises to deliver a mix of wildlife sightings, scenic views, and a splash of adventure, all packed into roughly 3 to 5 hours. It’s a popular choice, often booked about nine days in advance, which suggests many travelers find it worth planning ahead for.

What we genuinely like about this tour is its focus on wildlife—you’re not just sightseeing from the coast but actively chasing dolphins and whales—and the fact that the boat is designed to be comfortable and stable, especially with its catamaran build that reduces rolling. Plus, the inclusion of a swimming stop with snorkeling gear offers a nice break from the boat ride, allowing you to cool off and enjoy the Atlantic waters up close.

However, it’s worth noting that wildlife sightings are inherently unpredictable. While many reviews rave about successful dolphin encounters, some mention that the experience can sometimes be brief or less eventful, which is typical for nature tours. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy ocean adventures and are flexible with the possibility of variable wildlife encounters.

Overall, if you’re after a relaxed, scenic trip with chances to see dolphins and whales, and you don’t mind the unpredictability, this cruise is a solid choice. It’s especially appealing for travelers looking for good value, a bit of snorkeling, and an offshore adventure that won’t eat up your entire day.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters Are the Highlight: Many travelers see dolphins and sometimes whales, making this a memorable wildlife experience.
• Comfortable Catamaran: The boat’s design offers a smoother ride with less rolling, enhancing comfort during the trip.
• Includes Snorkeling & Swimming: You get about 30-45 minutes to swim and snorkel in clear Atlantic waters, with gear provided.
• Affordable Price Point: At around $45.86 per person, the experience offers good value for the chance to see marine life and enjoy the water.
• Flexible Stop Locations: Depending on the sightings, stops are made at Cala del Perchel, Taurito, Tauro, or Anfi del Mar—each with its own charm.
• Solid Customer Feedback: With an overall rating of 4.2/5 from 93 reviews, most travelers leave satisfied, citing friendly staff and great sightings.

An In-Depth Look at the Cruise Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure kicks off from Puerto Rico, one of Gran Canaria’s main tourist hubs. The meeting point is at Líneas Blue Bird, located on C. Puerto Base in Mogán. Many travelers appreciate the ease of organizing transportation—nearby public transit options and a smooth pickup process are noted positives. The tour typically departs between 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., with the exact time depending on weather and operational schedules.

The boat itself is a large, well-maintained catamaran, providing a stable and relaxed ride. With a maximum capacity of about 150 travelers, it’s not overly crowded, which helps create a comfortable environment. Several reviews mention the crew’s friendliness and professionalism, with comments like “the captain was fantastic” and “staff very friendly and welcoming.” This friendly vibe can make the experience feel more personal and enjoyable.

The Sailing Itinerary

The main part of the cruise involves sailing offshore from Puerto Rico, heading toward the waters between Puerto de Mogán and the Maspalomas Lighthouse. This route is carefully chosen for its known dolphin and whale activity, though sightings can never be guaranteed.

From our compiled reviews, most groups spend between 150 and 180 minutes actively searching for cetaceans. The crew’s focus on respectfully observing wildlife without chasing or disturbing the animals is a recurring praise point. Several travelers remark on the crew’s knowledge and the effort they put into locating dolphins, sometimes successfully finding multiple pods and even different dolphin species.

After the wildlife search, you’ll make a stop of about 30 to 45 minutes at anchor in a chosen spot—either Cala del Perchel, Taurito, Tauro, or Anfi del Mar—depending on where the cetaceans are spotted. During this time, you’ll have the chance to swim, snorkel, and relax. The included snorkeling gear makes it easy to explore the underwater world, and some reviews mention that the gear is in good condition and well-organized.

Wildlife Sightings & Success Rate

Many travelers have raved about dolphin sightings, often describing the experience as “brilliant,” “fantastic,” or “amazing.” One review notes, “We got to see three types of Dolphins,” which highlights the potential for diverse sightings. Several guests mention that the crew spends considerable time with the animals once found, making sure everyone gets good views.

However, a minority report less impressive encounters—some say they saw only a few dolphins, or the sightings were brief. As with all wildlife tours, the success depends on the day’s conditions and animal activity, but most reviews suggest that the majority of participants do leave with at least some dolphin or whale sightings.

The Swimming & Snorkeling Stop

One of the tour’s most appreciated features is the chance to swim in the Atlantic with provided masks and snorkels. Several reviews describe the swim as “really cool” and “the best part,” emphasizing how refreshing and fun it is to float in the water, surrounded by marine life.

Keep in mind that the swimming stop is relatively short—about 30 to 45 minutes—but enough for a quick dip and some snorkel fun. It’s a good balance for travelers who want some ocean time without compromising too much of the sightseeing.

Price & Value

At roughly $45.86 per person, this cruise offers solid value, especially considering the inclusions: wildlife viewing, snorkeling gear, and the scenic boat ride. Reviews frequently mention that for the price, it’s a “great day out,” with some saying it’s “absolutely brilliant for the price we paid.”

While it’s not a luxury experience, the affordability combined with the chance to see dolphins and swim in the ocean makes it attractive for budget-conscious travelers or those wanting an authentic marine adventure.

Customer Experience

The overall rating of 4.2/5 from 93 reviews indicates most travelers are satisfied, and many highlight the friendly and attentive staff. Exceptional service, good organization, and the crew’s genuine effort to find dolphins are common themes.

Some reviews mention that the crew goes out of their way to help passengers who may feel seasick or need assistance, which adds to the overall positive vibe. A few guests shared that they’d recommend this trip to others, especially if you’re eager to see dolphins in their natural environment.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is particularly suited for nature lovers and those who enjoy ocean-based activities. If you’re looking for a relaxing, affordable way to spend part of your day in Gran Canaria, with the bonus of possibly seeing dolphins and whales, this tour hits the right notes. It’s less about a deep-sea adventure and more about enjoying the sea’s beauty in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

Travelers who appreciate snorkeling and swimming will find the stop a highlight, especially if they enjoy marine life and ocean exploration. However, if your main goal is guaranteed wildlife sightings, it’s worth remembering that nature can be unpredictable—sightings are common but not guaranteed every time.

The tour is also flexible enough for those with varying energy levels—some prefer a quick, scenic cruise, while others enjoy the longer, wildlife-focused part. It’s a good pick for a half-day outing, leaving plenty of time to explore other parts of Gran Canaria afterward.

Final Thoughts on the Experience

In sum, this dolphin and whale watching cruise offers a great balance of wildlife viewing, water fun, and scenic sailing at an accessible price point. Its main draw—the chance to see dolphins in the wild—is supported by numerous happy travelers, many of whom call it a “brilliant” or “fantastic” trip.

The boat’s comfort and friendly crew help make the experience smooth and enjoyable, even if wildlife sightings aren’t always guaranteed. The snorkeling stop adds an extra layer of fun, allowing you to cool off and observe marine life up close. For travelers seeking an authentic, value-packed ocean adventure in Gran Canaria, this tour is likely to serve well.

That said, if you are expecting guaranteed wildlife sightings or a quieter, more private experience, you might want to manage expectations. But for most, the potential for seeing dolphins—sometimes multiple species—and enjoying a refreshing swim makes this a worthwhile outing.

FAQ

Do I need to book the tour in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book around 9 days ahead, as it’s a popular activity and can sell out.

What time does the tour start?
Tours typically depart between 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., depending on the schedule and weather conditions.

Is transportation provided?
Pickup is offered, making it convenient to reach the departure point at Líneas Blue Bird in Mogán.

How long is the boat trip?
The entire experience lasts about 3 to 5 hours, with 2.5 to 3 hours dedicated to wildlife searching and the rest for stops and swimming.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and perhaps a light jacket if you tend to get cold on the water.

Are there age restrictions or family considerations?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, but always check with the provider if you’re traveling with very young children or have special needs.

What if I don’t see dolphins or whales?
Wildlife sightings depend on natural activity, but the crew does their best to find animals. If the trip is canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re eager to combine wildlife spotting with some ocean fun and scenic views, this cruise provides a well-rounded, budget-friendly experience. Just keep your expectations flexible, and enjoy the chance to see dolphins dance around your boat in the Atlantic breeze.