Gran Canaria: dolphin and whale catamaran cruise with snorkeling
Catamaran cruise from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria looking for dolphins and pilot whales, with underwater glass panels, a swim and snorkel stop, a water slide and soft drinks. Rated 4.4/5 from more than 6,000 reviews.
4.46,154 reviews
Photo credits
- Tony Hisgett, CC BY 2.0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source
- Bengt Nyman, CC BY 2.0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source
- Cayambe, CC BY-SA 3.0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source
- Hobbyfotowiki, CC0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source
- Tony Hisgett, CC BY 2.0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source
- Tony Hisgett, CC BY 2.0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source
- Giuseppe Milo, CC BY 3.0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source
Practical details
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Guide languages
- English · Spanish
- Mobile ticket
- No need to print
- Instant confirmation
- Right after booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- No
- Minimum age
- No restriction
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Cancellation
- Free up to 24h before
Highlights
- Dolphin and pilot whale watching
- Underwater glass panels
- Swim and snorkel stop
- Water slide on board
- Free second trip if there are no sightings
Our take
It's Gran Canaria's most-booked boat trip and its strength is balance: genuine whale and dolphin watching, with the glass panels as a bonus, plus time to swim. If you want a party or lunch on board, choose the catamaran with lunch instead.
What's included
- Whale and dolphin catamaran cruise
- Swim stop
- Snorkel mask
- Soft drinks and water during the swim stop
Not included
- Food and alcoholic drinks
- Hotel bus if you book the option without transfer
Good to know
What to bring
- Towel
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- Wheelchair users
- People prone to seasickness
Things to keep in mind
- Sightings are not guaranteed; if no cetaceans are seen you can repeat for free within a year
- Swim time (30-45 min) may be shorter if the wildlife search takes longer
- In July and August the port car park fills up at weekends
Meeting point
Puerto Base, Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria (or hotel pickup depending on the option).
If you go on your own, head to the harbour called Puerto Base in Puerto Rico and look for the local partner. There is paid parking at the port.
The experience
What you will see
- Dolphins and pilot whales in the wild off the south coast.
- The sea below through the glass panels.
- The south-west coves and cliffs from the water.
- A swim stop with snorkeling and a slide.
How it works
You board at Puerto Base (Puerto Rico), with hotel pickup if you book it. The catamaran searches for cetaceans, then anchors in a small bay for swimming and snorkeling before heading back.
Who I recommend it for
- Families with children.
- Anyone wanting to see dolphins on a budget.
Who I don't recommend it for
- Anyone prone to seasickness.
- Anyone looking for food or a party on board.
Accessibility
Not suitable for wheelchairs.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, with a full refund.
Frequently asked questions
Are dolphins guaranteed?
Is hotel pickup included?
Can I swim?
Is there food on board?
Related reading on our guides
→ What to see in Gran Canaria: dunes, summits, Vegueta and Puerto de Mogán
Gran Canaria guide: the Maspalomas Dunes, Roque Nublo, Vegueta, Las Canteras, Puerto de Mogán and the northern towns. How many days, where to stay and how to get around.
→ Roque Nublo hike: how to get up, where to park and what to see nearby
Guide to hiking Roque Nublo: the trail from La Goleta, difficulty, parking, best time, weather and what to see nearby (Pico de las Nieves, Tejeda, Bentayga).
→ Maspalomas Dunes: how to visit, what to see and what not to do
Maspalomas Dunes guide: how to get there, permitted routes, La Charca and the lighthouse, the camel ride, the best time and the nature reserve's rules.
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