Maspalomas: Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows

Palmitos Park is one of those Gran Canaria day trips that feels both curated and big enough to keep you busy. It’s a zoological botanical park about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse, set in a valley with dramatic mountain scenery, and it’s built around the big draw: dolphin and bird shows.

What I like most is how the shows don’t feel like filler. The dolphinarium presentation is the headline, and the birds of prey plus exotic bird program are consistently called out as outstanding, with the flight show staged against an amazing backdrop.

One thing to plan for: the park is steep and hilly. Expect plenty of uphill walking, and while the park is wheelchair accessible, mobility support (like scooters/walkers) may come with an extra cost.

Quick highlights before you go

• Four big shows included: dolphins, birds of prey, exotic birds, and parrots
• Mountain views in a valley setting: many visitors mention scenery as a major part of the day
• More than a zoo circuit: aquarium, butterfly house, reptiles, primates, and lots of plants
• Standout reptiles: a Komodo dragon noted as the first generation raised in captivity in Europe
• Easy logistics for a day trip: free car parking, voucher redeemed at the gate, last entry at 5:00 PM

You can check availability for your dates here:

Palmitos Park near Maspalomas: what the setting means for your day

Palmitos Park is not on a flat road where you just wander around. It’s up in the hills, about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse, and the landscape shapes the whole visit. You’ll likely feel like you’re moving through different pockets of the park—some shaded, some exposed—because the terrain changes fast.

The good news is that the scenery keeps you from getting bored between shows. Many visitors highlight spectacular views from the hillside setting, and the park’s layout helps you “route” yourself: you go from an animal area to a show venue to another animal area, and the views are a reward rather than a distraction.

The practical takeaway: wear shoes you trust. If you’re the type who dislikes hills, this might be the one day trip you choose differently (or you plan extra help).

Ticket basics: what your Palmitos Park entry includes for around $44

This ticket is sold as a full day pass: entry to Palmitos Park plus all shows. That covers the dolphin show, the exotic bird show, the birds of prey show, and the parrot show.

You also get free car parking, which is a real benefit if you’re driving in Gran Canaria. And the ticket is designed for flexibility: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available so you can keep plans fluid.

What’s not included is straightforward: food and drinks are extra, and there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off. So you’ll want to plan your own transport or meeting time and show up ready to walk.

Timing and last entry: how to avoid rushing the shows

Your pass is valid for one day, and you’ll want to check availability for starting times. The park has a clear cutoff: last entry is 5:00 PM. That matters because shows are spread throughout the day, and you don’t want to be arriving late enough that you miss your favorites.

In practice, plan for several hours on-site. Many visitors report spending around 4 to 5 hours, which usually gives you time to catch the big shows without treating the park like a treadmill.

A smart way to pace it:

• Decide which show is your top priority (for most people, it’s dolphins).
• Then build the rest of the schedule around the birds.
• Leave buffer time for breaks, photos, and the non-show areas like reptiles and primates.

The dolphinarium show: the part everyone remembers

The dolphin show is the headline event, and it’s clearly the one most people talk about afterward. The dolphinarium is described as the park’s new facility, and the performance is staged like a real show, not a quick animal cameo.

Expect a polished presentation with dolphins doing coordinated behaviors. Visitors often mention the dolphins seem engaged with the routine, and staff handling is frequently praised, which helps explain why this show lands as the emotional highlight for many adults and kids.

One travel tip: if you’re going in hot weather, time your show breaks. The park overall can be sun-and-shade mixed, and the show venues draw crowds. Bring water, and protect your skin so the day stays fun, not exhausting.

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Birds of prey and exotic birds: flight, drama, and mountain views

If dolphins are the main attraction, the birds are the artistic one. The birds of prey show is often described as brilliant, with birds flying in natural flight over the mountains. That staging is a big deal: you’re not just watching from inside a flat enclosure—you’re watching in a scenic setting.

The exotic bird show also gets strong praise. It’s a good contrast to the dolphin show because it feels more about movement and air than water theatrics. Pair these two bird programs and you get a varied animal day: wet and wild in one place, winged and airborne in another.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is also the section where attention tends to stay high. Birds are visible from far away, and the show format gives you natural “checkpoints” so you don’t have to constantly decide where to go next.

Parrot show: the colorful, crowd-pleasing stop

The parrot show is included, and it’s a nice bridge between the big flight show and the quieter animal areas. Parrots add color, motion, and personality—especially if you like the idea of seeing birds that are active and close enough to notice details like posture and behavior.

Some visitors also mention moments tied to tropical bird interactions, including feeding experiences. The key here is to treat it as a bonus rather than a guaranteed feature, since the only certainty you have from the ticket is show access.

Bottom line: plan to be in the right spot early for parrot time. Even if the show itself is not long, the crowd and photo moments can eat up time.

Don’t miss the butterfly house and aquarium between shows

The shows are a huge part of Palmitos Park, but the visit feels complete because you’re not trapped in show halls all day. The park includes an aquarium and a butterfly house, plus botanical areas designed so you don’t go from one stadium to the next with nothing in between.

This is where the day becomes more relaxed. Instead of thinking only about show times, you can roam and slow down. If your group includes people who don’t care about every show equally, these areas help keep everyone entertained.

Also, botanical parks have a way of breaking up fatigue. Even if you’re walking uphill (more on that soon), you’ll likely find shade pockets and “rest your eyes” stops before the next show.

Reptiles at Palmitos Park: Komodo dragon and the Caiman Lake

If you’re the sort of traveler who likes animals outside the usual tourist highlights, this is where Palmitos Park scores. The reptiles section includes a Komodo dragon described as part of the first generation raised in captivity in Europe. It’s a notable claim, and regardless of the trivia, it’s a genuinely impressive animal to see up close.

The reptiles highlight doesn’t stop there. You’ll also find a Caiman Lake area with Spectacled Caimans, Californian Turtles, and the Gran Canaria Giant Lizard mentioned as living in synchrony in that setting.

What that means for you on the ground: this is a slower section than the show venues. It’s more about observing. Reptile areas often invite you to pause, scan for movement, and re-check because animals can be still for long stretches.

If your day is tight, don’t skip this. Even a quick look can add variety, and it balances the louder show energy.

Island of Primates: aardvarks, wallabies, meerkats, and more

The Island of Primates is flagged as a must-see. You get a mix of species that feels different from the dolphin-and-bird rhythm. Among the animals mentioned are aardvarks, wallabies, meerkats, and talapoins.

This zone is often a favorite for families because it’s where you might spot animals moving around rather than only performing in a stadium format. Meerkats in particular tend to be a “pause and watch” species, and wallabies offer a different look than birds or sea mammals.

Travel tip: don’t treat primate time as something you only do if you have energy left. Many visitors frame this area as a key reason they didn’t just do a show-and-leave day.

Steep hills and moving around: accessibility plus reality

Palmitos Park is wheelchair accessible, which is important. But accessibility isn’t the same as “flat.” Multiple visitors mention steep uphill walking and lots of moving up and down.

The park does provide walkers and mobility scooters at a cost. That’s worth planning for if you or a traveling companion has limited mobility. If you’re not sure what you’ll need, arrive with a flexible mindset: you can start on foot, and then decide once you see how the hills feel.

A practical approach:

• Wear grippy shoes with good support.
• Bring sun protection because parts of the park are exposed.
• Build the day around your energy, not around your desire to check every box.

Food and drinks: good restaurant value, but plan your budget

Food is not included, and the most consistent warning is cost. Multiple visitors say food and drinks are expensive inside the park. That matches the usual reality of tourism-heavy venues, where convenience is what you pay for.

What’s also true: people praise the restaurant. One visitor calls the restaurant good value and says the food was really good. Others mention specific snack experiences, like paying for hot dogs, which signals that you can eat, but it may not be cheap.

So here’s the balanced plan:

• Bring water (and snacks if you’re allowed by park rules and personal preference).
• Expect to pay more than you would outside.
• If your goal is one solid meal, treat the restaurant as your best bet rather than constantly grabbing small items.

Value for money: why people feel this ticket is worth it

At about $44 per person, this ticket is often seen as good value because it bundles several attractions into one admission price. You’re not paying separately for the big dolphin show and the main bird programs, and you get access to the rest of the park too.

The value angle really comes down to two things:

• You can spend a half day or more here without getting bored.
• The shows are widely praised, not just “included.”

That said, value depends on how you travel. If you’re the type who hates walking hills or wants a low-effort day, you may feel the ticket is less “worth it” because your time becomes about getting from place to place.

Who should book this Palmitos Park ticket (and who might skip it)

This is a strong match for:

• Families with kids who like animal shows and predictable show times
• Animal lovers who want both stadium entertainment and non-show exhibits
• Travelers who enjoy scenic views while they walk (the mountains are a big part of the appeal)

You might think twice if:

• Your group has limited mobility and you don’t want to budget for mobility support
• You dislike steep walking and prefer flat attractions
• You’re only looking for one short show and then to leave quickly

If you fall in the middle, you can still make it work by pacing yourself and choosing the shows that matter most.

Booking tips and common logistics (voucher, navigation, and timing)

The meeting instruction is simple: go directly to Palmitos Park and present your voucher at the gate for online tickets.

Because the park is located in the hills, don’t trust navigation blindly. Some visitors report getting the address wrong in their maps app, ending up at a different location. The safe move is to double-check your route right before you leave and keep your voucher details handy.

Also remember the park’s last entry at 5:00 PM. If you’re pairing this with other Gran Canaria sightseeing, schedule it early enough that you’re not watching the clock.

Should you book Palmitos Park dolphin and bird shows?

If your idea of a great day is animal shows plus real time to wander a landscaped park, I’d book it. The biggest reason is that the ticket isn’t only about one highlight. You get dolphin entertainment, strong bird programming (birds of prey plus exotic birds), a parrot show, and enough exhibits to make the hours feel full.

Book if you’re traveling with kids, or if you know you want both the show “wow” factor and the variety of animals. Skip or adjust expectations if walking hills would be a deal-breaker, and plan for mobility support if needed.

FAQ

FAQ

What’s included with the Palmitos Park ticket?

Your ticket includes entry to the park and access to all shows: dolphins, parrots, birds of prey, and exotic birds.

How long is the experience?

It’s valid for 1 day. You should check availability for starting times.

Do I need hotel pickup or drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where do I go to redeem my voucher?

Go directly to Palmitos Park and present your voucher at the gate for online tickets.

What’s the last time I can enter the park?

Last entry is 5:00 PM.

Is parking included?

Yes. Free car parking is included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the park wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the park is wheelchair accessible.

Can I reserve and pay later?

Yes. You can reserve now and pay later, with the option to book your spot without paying today.

You can check availability for your dates here: