Watching dolphins play around your boat is an unforgettable experience.
You don’t want to miss this opportunity?
Here’s all our advice to help you have the best possible experience:
- The best time to watch whales and dolphins on Gran Canaria,
- The best boats and tour companies for you,
- What you need to know to make the most of it,
- …
We wish you unforgettable moments!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Best dolphin and whale watching tours in Gran Canaria – short answer
If you don’t want to read the whole article, here are a few quick answers:
What’s the best way to see dolphins?
The main starting points for dolphin watching are in the south of Gran Canaria, in Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogan, Maspalomas or Arguineguín.
We recommend Puerto Rico. Numerous tours leave from this resort, and many boats offer dolphin tours at the same time. They disperse and call to each other when they find a group of dolphins. This increases the chances of seeing them.
Our favorite tour:
We liked the type of boat and the duration of this 2h30 excursion from Puerto Rico: See prices, photos and availability.
In Puerto Rico, in the southwest of the island, the other options are:
- Longer excursion with snorkeling stop – see details and availability
- Motor catamaran excursion – see details and availability
- Big-boat excursion – see details and availability
Many include transfers from hotels in Puerto Rico, Taurito and Puerto de Mogan de Maspalomas.
For other cities, the options are:
- From Puerto de Mogan, 3-hour small yacht excursion – see details and availability
- From Maspalomas, private group excursion on a sailboat – see details and availability
- From Arguineguín, small-group excursion on a catamaran sailboat – see details and availability
There are resident dolphins all year round. Some say that June is the best month to see a lot of them, but we haven’t had confirmation of this.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely!
Of course, there’s no guarantee of seeing dolphins or whales, but in any case you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful views over the island, the pleasure of gliding over the water… and the excitement of looking off into the distance to catch a glimpse of a fin. And when you find them, it’s unforgettable!
This is a popular activity, so don’t wait until the last minute to book!
See all boat trips on the island
What species can you see around Gran Canaria? When can I see them?
Whale and dolphin watching season
Numerous species of dolphins and whales visit the island in different seasons.
But all year round you have two resident species:
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Pilot dolphins
As a result, you can choose these tours all year round.
For whales, it’s less clear-cut. Different species are observed for a few days each month, but the residents are often sperm whales.
Gran Canaria’s resident dolphins
In terms of probability, you’re more likely to see one of these 2 species:
Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
This is the world’s best-known dolphin species. They are dark gray on the back and lighter on the belly.
Their average length is 2.7 meters (8.8 feet) for males and 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) for females. They live in groups of 10 to 30 members, called “pods”.
Short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorinchus)
They are also known as pilot-whales. They belong to the delphinid family. These animals can grow to over 5 metres in length and weigh between 900 and 1,800 kg (1 to 2 tonnes). They have a highly developed forehead.
Other species
Otherwise, in the waters of the Canary Islands you can also observe, depending on the season:
- Common dolphins
- striped dolphins,
- rough-toothed dolphins,
- Risso’s dolphins
- Frasers’ dolphins
- …
Whales around the Canaries
Around the Canaries, the likelihood of seeing them is lower, but you do have..:
- Sperm whales
- Bryde’s roqual
- The common whale
- …
A LITTLE MORE patience
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Which port and which company?
As this is a very popular activity on the island of Gran Canaria, there are a plethora of companies and tours to choose from. This can be paralyzing.
Here’s our advice to help you make the right decisions.
Which port?
In Gran Canaria, you can find departures from the ports of:
- Puerto Rico
- Puerto de Mogan
- Maspalomas to Pasito Blanco
- Arguineguín
However, it’s in Puerto Rico that the most companies offer tours. That’s why it’s the best option.
In fact, the boats start with a slight time lag and cross different zones.
When they spot dolphins, they warn the other companies so that everyone can see them.
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.
Morning or afternoon?
Excursions take place in the morning, afternoon and at sunset.
There’s no better time to see dolphins and whales.
Whale sightings are uncommon, but the chances of seeing dolphins are very high throughout the day.
Which company?
Frankly, no company gives you a better chance of seeing them.
According to our research, no company really has a better reputation than another.
You need to choose the right type of boat and tour. And almost all of them offer shuttle services from hotels in the south of the island.
So far, we have not seen any bad behavior with dolphins on the part of any company (they must not be touched or fed).
Which boat and tour to choose to see dolphins in Gran Canaria?
There are different types of boats and tours for whale and dolphin watching. These excursions vary from 2 to 4 hours. And there’s a difference in price and additional activities.
Advantages of a catamaran excursion
- Duration = about 2 hours
- You can stand up on the boat and sit forward to watch the dolphins.
- A guide specializing in cetaceans and marine life is on board
- The tour focuses on dolphin watching
- Ideal for young children
- Complimentary soft drinks and water
- Bar with snacks for purchase
- Hotel pick-up possible (southern Gran Canaria)
It’s our favorite trick.
Check availability and book now!
Advantages of a motor catamaran excursion
- Duration = about 3 hours
- You can move around the boat
- Glass panels below deck
- Swimming and snorkeling break
- Bathing is easy from the boat
- Complimentary soft drinks and water
- Hotel pick-up possible (south of the island)
Advantages of a big-boat excursion
- Duration = 2h30
- You can move around the boat
- Convenient for families
- Bar selling refreshments
Advantages of a yacht tour
- Duration = 4h
- Outboard adrenalin for those who appreciate it
- Some people are less seasick
- Small private group
- The boat is lower in the water, so the dolphins can get very close to you.
- Tapas and drinks
- Swimming break
- Activities: paddle, inflatable mattress, snorkeling
- Hotel pick-up possible (south of the island)
Check availability and book now!
Advantages of a sailboat tour
- Duration = 4h
- Small group
- The sensation of gliding over water
- The boat is lower in the water, so the dolphins can get very close to you.
- Snacks and beverages included
- On-board toilets
- Hotel pick-up possible (south of the island)
Check availability and book now!
Swimming with dolphins in Gran Canaria
In Gran Canaria, although there are boats offering snorkeling, this takes place in areas close to the coast and rarely where dolphins are found.
Here are the tours with a snorkeling or swimming option:
- Yacht tour from Puerto de Mogan and your accommodation in the south of the island
- Catamaran tour – see details and availability
- Sailboat tour from Arguineguín or Maspalomas
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
7 tips to make the most of your trip
Once you’re ready for your whale-watching excursion, here are a few tips to consider to make the most of your experience: be comfortable, seize the moment and enjoy every second of it.
Tip 1 – Bring a jacket
Don’t forget that on a boat, you’re always outside, on the move. As a result, it’s windy. Even in summer, when it’s hot, you can get cold on a boat. I therefore recommend that you pack several layers of clothing, whatever the season, to keep warm.
A jacket is essential. Personally, I always get cold feet, so I recommend bringing socks.
But take a small, water-resistant bag!
Tip 2 – Wear sunscreen
Because of the wind blowing over the boat, we sometimes don’t feel hot and don’t realize how much the sun is burning our skin.
The first thing to do before the tour starts is to apply sunscreen.
And if you’re going swimming, make sure you put some back on afterwards.
And don’t forget your feet. On a boat, they are as exposed as the rest of your body.
Sunglasses and a hat are also a good idea.
Tip 3 – Put on your jersey before the tour
For excursions involving swimming, you must wear your bathing suit under your clothes.
There’s not much space aboard the boats for changing. What’s more, you don’t want to miss a single second of the opportunity to bathe in such magnificent scenery.
Tip 4 – Manage your seasickness
If you suffer easily from seasickness, don’t forget:
- Choose the stern of the boat
- Stay outside where the fresh air will help you
- Don’t eat too much before the boat trip
- Look to the horizon
- Sip water slowly if you feel nauseous
Some say that smaller boats are less seasick. We think it depends on the sailing conditions.
Tip 5 – Parking at ports
If you don’t take the shuttles, be sure to take some time to find parking. The ports have parking lots nearby. In the mornings, space is usually easy to find, but as the day progresses, this can become a problem at the height of the season.
See our article on everything you need to know about renting a car in Gran Canaria.
Tip 6 – Photographing
Take your camera with you. It’s best to have one with a good zoom.
But don’t forget that whales and dolphins move very fast.
The best option is to take lots of photos. So take plenty and look at them after the visit to see if you’ve picked a good one.
And be sure to fasten your device securely to your neck or wrist, as some waves do shake the boat.
But don’t forget to enjoy the experience. Taking a photo isn’t the most important thing.
Tip 7 – Behavior
If you are lucky enough to encounter whales and/or dolphins, we recommend the following:
- Do not feed them
- Do not pass in the middle of a group of whales – stay around them.
- Do not approach closer than 100m
- Keep noise to a minimum
- Avoid sudden changes in direction or speed
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
