If you have time during your trip, we suggest you take at least one boat trip to Gran Canaria. It’s a great way to admire the island from afar, enjoy the volcanoes and maybe see some dolphins and whales. Grab your hat, bathing suit, towel, sunscreen and get ready to embark!
Here’s our selection of the best boat trips in Gran Canaria.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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1. Dolphin-watching trips on Gran Canaria
Why do we recommend this tour?
One of the best boat tours in Gran Canaria is to see the dolphins in southern Gran Canaria. We love the whale and dolphin watching tours. We had high hopes and were lucky enough to spot a pod of dolphins! A wonderful experience, enhanced by the beauty of the coastal scenery in the background. Sightings are never guaranteed, but in this corner of Gran Canaria, the chances are excellent!
Tours are available with several types of boat. We chose this motor catamaran for its comfort and the possibility of moving around on board – see photos, photos and availability.
Useful tips
- Departures are mainly from Puerto Rico, but also from Puerto de Mogán.
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours depending on the tour
- Hotel pick-up possible with almost all tours
- Onboard catering: soft drinks and snacks available for purchase on most tours
Our favourite tour – Check photos, photos and availability
Excursion with snorkeling stop – see details and availability
Catamaran excursion – see details and availability
Big-boat excursion – see details and availability
2. Take the ferry to Tenerife or Fuerteventura
Why do we recommend this tour?
Gran Canaria is close to 2 other Canary Islands, Tenerife and Fuerteventura. You can also take a ferry to the island for a day trip. From Las Palmas, you can reach Morro Jable in Fuerteventura in 2 hours. From Agaete in the west, the boat will take you to Santa Cruz in Tenerife in 1h20. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a break and discover another island. We recommend this adventure!
Useful tips
- Departure from Las Palmas for Fuerteventura, from Agaete for Tenerife
- Duration: between 1h20 and 2h
- Hotel pick-up: no
- Snack on board: yes
- Toilets on board: yes
- Children’s play area
Departure from Agaete to Tenerife – See prices, photos and availability
Departure from Las Palmas to Fuerteventura – See prices, photos and availability
WHERE TO STAY IN Gran Canaria
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Gran Canaria
- Our favorite: Marina Suites Hotel
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families
Select by city:
3. Catamaran fun in the south of the island
Why do we recommend this tour?
In our opinion, a catamaran trip combines relaxation and discovery. Sail along the beautiful coastline of southern Gran Canaria and enjoy the crystal-clear waters while relaxing on the boat’s deck and nets. In a small group, you can enjoy an outing facing the island’s magnificent coastline, lunch and swimming breaks. We love sea escapades where you feel closer to the water. Wind in your hair, suntan and sea spray!
Useful tips
- Departure: from the port of Puerto Rico or Arguineguín
- Duration: about 4 hours
- Hotel pick-up: available from the south of the island
- Onboard catering: drinks and snacks included
- Optional water sports activities depending on tour
- Bring your bathing suit and sun cream
Join a small group for 1 day on this beautiful catamaran – See prices, photos and availability
Take a fun cruise on this catamaran – See prices, photos and availability
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
4. Sailing on a schooner
Why do we recommend this tour?
In another style, you can opt for the schooner: a moment of wonder for sea lovers. We recommend this outing for a unique experience aboard a boat with authentic charm. This excursion is ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway. You’ll have the chance to explore secluded coves and dive in translucent waters. Activities such as canoeing, paddling and snorkeling are also available. A glass of champagne greets you on arrival, immersing you in a romantic atmosphere.
Useful tips
- Departure from Puerto Rico
- Duration: 4h
- Adults-only
- Hotel pick-up: possible in the south of the island
- Onboard catering: lunch, drinks
- Bring your bathing suit and a towel
- 12 passengers
Romantic outing on a 26m schooner – See prices, photos and availability
5. Boarding a charter sailboat
Why do we recommend this tour?
Would you like an exclusive outing? Choose a sailing getaway! The opportunity to discover the coast at your own pace, while enjoying the comfort of an elegant boat. In our opinion, this is the perfect activity for those looking for a more intimate experience in a small group, and who are not in a hurry. As you gently explore the island’s coastline, you’ll enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in the south and its crystal-clear waters.
Useful tips
- Departure from Puerto de Mogán
- Duration: 4h
- Hotel pick-up: yes in the south of the island
- Onboard catering: drinks and snacks, beer and wine included
- 8 passengers
4-hour sailing cruise in the south – See prices, photos and availability
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you’d like to be notified when our guide to the Canaries is published, please subscribe:
6. Kayak or jet-ski excursions
Why do we recommend this tour?
If you’re looking for a more active boat tour, there are a number of guided kayak excursions, as well as jet-ski tours.
In Puerto de Mogán, you can climb aboard a 2-seater kayak to explore the rocky coastline and caves. You can also stop off to snorkel underwater and admire the rich marine life around the rocks. Jet-skiing will delight thrill-seekers. Set off on an exciting 1-hour guided tour from Puerto Rico.
Useful tips
- Departure: Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán
- Duration: 4h for kayaking and 1h for jet-skiing
- Accessible to beginners
Coastal exploration kayak tour – See prices, photos and availability
Energizing jet-ski outing – See prices, photos and availability
7. Parasailing: boat and paraglider combined
Why do we recommend this tour?
Parasailing combines boat and paraglider! Experience a sensational adventure combining speed and adrenalin. As a duo or trio, you’ll soar over Gran Canaria’s turquoise waters and enjoy breathtaking views of the beaches and coastline. The more daring can opt for the 300m lanyard and soar high into the air. We think it’s an exciting and unforgettable experience!
Useful tips
- Departure from Puerto Rico
- Duration: 15min
- Hotel pick-up: no
- Large bags and suitcases not allowed on board
- Bring comfortable clothing
Parasailing tower – See prices, photos and availability
FUN in Gran Canaria:activities
Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling
Kayaking in the Mogan caves
But also: Canyoning, Horse riding, Via Ferrata, Coasteering… See all options
8. Boat trip and snorkeling under the cliffs
Why do we recommend this tour?
Set off from Puerto de Mogán for an escapade along the impressive cliffs of the island’s south coast. During a stopover in pretty El Perchel Bay, dive into crystal-clear waters for a snorkeling session. You can observe tropical fish and other marine species. Drinks and snacks are available on board to enhance your adventure.
Useful tips
- Departure from Puerto de Mogán
- Duration: 3h
- Hotel pick-up: no
- Onboard catering: yes
- Bring a towel
Tour under the cliffs and snorkeling – See prices, photos and availability
9. Fast yacht trip
Why do we recommend this tour?
Speed enthusiasts will love the speedboat outings! This luxurious, small-scale experience lets you discover southwest Gran Canaria with your hair blowing in the wind. Glide over water and waves, but also enjoy swimming and tasting breaks. Drinks and tapas are included in the tour. A paddleboard is also available. Thrills and relaxation on the agenda!
Useful tips
- Departure: Puerto de Mogán
- Duration: 4h
- Hotel pick-up: yes in the south of the island
- Onboard catering: yes
- Snorkeling mask and snorkel provided
Yacht tour – See prices, photos and availability
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
