Dolphin Watching Catamaran Cruise with Snorkelling Gran Canaria
- Duration3.5 hours
- Daily
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- Pickup available
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Overview
This 3.5-hour catamaran cruise leaves the Puerto Base marina in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and heads out into the Atlantic to look for dolphins, pilot whales and other marine life. The group then anchors in a quiet bay for a swim and a snorkel with a mask provided, and soft drinks and water are served during the swim stop. Depending on the option you choose, a shuttle bus collects you from the main south-coast resorts or you meet us at the marina. It suits families, couples and friends.
Highlights
- Catamaran cruise in search of dolphins and whales off the south-west coast
- Watch from the deck or through glass panels below deck
- Swimming and snorkelling stop in a sheltered bay, snorkel mask provided
- Onboard toboggan slide for the brave
- Soft drinks and water served during the swim stop
- Choose shuttle bus pickup from the southern resorts or meet at Puerto Base
- Relaxed 3.5-hour outing that suits families with children from 6
Full Description
The catamaran cruise from Puerto Base, Puerto Rico
Our dolphin watching cruise in Gran Canaria starts at Puerto Base, the marina of Puerto Rico on the sunny south-west coast. The catamaran is stable and comfortable, with open deck space for sunbathing and shaded seating, so the trip is easy for families and for anyone who is not used to boats.
Departures are in the morning, when the sea is usually calmest, and the whole outing lasts about three and a half hours. If you are looking for a catamaran trip in Gran Canaria that combines wildlife, a swim and no rushing, this cruise is a good match; the crew keeps the pace relaxed and points out the coastline as you sail.
Dolphins, pilot whales and marine life off Gran Canaria
The waters between Gran Canaria and Tenerife are known for resident groups of dolphins and pilot whales, and the crew heads to the areas where they are most often seen. Besides bottlenose dolphins you may spot pilot whales, minke whales, flying fish or turtles, and glass panels below deck let you look into the water without getting wet.
Sightings depend on nature and cannot be guaranteed, but the crew's daily experience gives a good chance of an encounter. Many guests ask about the best time for dolphin watching in Gran Canaria: the cetaceans live here all year, and calm mornings usually give the clearest views. Keep sunglasses and a camera to hand.
Swimming and snorkelling stop in a Gran Canaria bay
After the search the catamaran anchors in a small bay along the coast. You can jump in for a swim, snorkel with the mask that is provided, slide down the onboard toboggan or simply relax on deck with a soft drink or water, which are served during the stop.
Plan on around 30 to 45 minutes in the water, although the time can be shorter if the wildlife search needs longer. The water is clear and usually pleasant, and the bay keeps swimming easy for beginners. Bring a towel, because towels are not provided, and sunscreen for the open deck.
Shuttle bus pickup, meeting point and tips
With the shuttle option, a bus collects you from the main resort areas of the south, such as Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas, Meloneras, San Agustin, Arguineguin, Taurito and Bahia Feliz, and takes you back after the cruise; the exact stop and time are sent after booking. With the other option you meet at Puerto Base in Puerto Rico by your own transport, which is a little cheaper.
Children aged 6 to 12 have their own child rate, and younger children are counted as infants. People who suffer from seasickness may prefer another activity. Food is not included, so eat before you come or bring a snack.
Itinerary
- Shuttle pickup or meeting at Puerto BaseDepending on your option, the shuttle bus collects you from your resort area, or you meet us at the marina in Puerto Rico.
- Boarding the catamaranThe group boards in the morning (10:00 departure) and gets a short safety briefing.
- Dolphin and whale watchingThe catamaran sails along the coast looking for cetaceans, with viewing from deck or from below through glass panels.
- Swimming and snorkelling stopAbout 30 to 45 minutes in a quiet bay, with snorkel mask, soft drinks and water.
- Return to the marinaRelax on deck as the catamaran sails back to Puerto Base.
- Shuttle bus backWith the shuttle option, the bus takes you back to your accommodation area.
What's included
- Catamaran dolphin-watching cruise
- Swimming stop
- Use of a snorkel mask
- Soft drinks and water during the swim stop
Not included
- Food
- Extra drinks
- Towel
- Transport to the marina
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 6–12
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Nature and wildlife lovers
- Anyone who wants to see it from the water
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- Wheelchair users
- People prone to seasickness
- Unaccompanied minors
Meeting point
With the shuttle bus option, pickup is from the main resort areas in the south of the island, including Bahia Feliz, Playa del Aguila, San Agustin, Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Arguineguin, Anfi del Mar, Marina Elite, Taurito and Playa del Cura; your pickup stop and time are confirmed after booking. With the meeting point option, you go to the Puerto Base marina in Puerto Rico by your own transport and arrive a little before the 10:00 departure.
Important information
- Bring a towel and sunscreen; towels are not provided.
- Wear swimwear under light clothing and bring a hat and sunglasses.
- Food is not included, and extra drinks beyond the soft drinks and water at the swim stop are not included.
- Wildlife sightings depend on nature and cannot be guaranteed.
- Children aged 6 to 12 are charged as children; younger children count as infants and must be accompanied by an adult.
- Do not touch or feed marine animals, and keep the sea clean.
- Pets are not allowed, except assistance dogs.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the dolphin watching catamaran ticket cost?
The price depends on the option you choose and the number of guests. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child, for your date.
Is hotel pickup included?
It depends on the option. The shuttle bus option includes pickup and drop-off from the main resort areas of southern Gran Canaria, while the meeting point option starts at the Puerto Base marina in Puerto Rico.
How long is the dolphin cruise?
About 3.5 hours, including the search for dolphins, the swim and snorkel stop and the return to the marina. Shuttle transfers are on top of the cruise time.
Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children from 6 years have their own child rate and younger children are counted as infants. Children must always be accompanied by an adult.
What should I wear and bring?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. We provide a snorkel mask and serve soft drinks and water during the swim stop.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes, if the booking panel shows availability for the date. Same-day and next-day places depend on the departure and how many seats are left.
What is the difference between the options?
Both options are the same catamaran cruise with the swim stop. One includes shuttle bus pickup and drop-off from the southern resorts; the other starts at Puerto Base and is a little cheaper.
Will we definitely see dolphins?
Not guaranteed, because the animals are wild, but dolphins and pilot whales live in these waters all year and sightings are common.
Can I snorkel if I am not a strong swimmer?
The swim stop is in a sheltered bay and you can also stay on deck. If you are not confident in the water, tell the crew before you jump in.
Is food served on board?
Food is not included, but soft drinks and water are served during the swim stop. You are welcome to bring a light snack.
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