Whale watching tours run every day of the year — there's no closed season. Morning departures (from ~09:00) offer the calmest sea conditions and the best light for spotting fins. Afternoon and sunset sailings suit those who prefer a slower start to the day. Some tours don't run on Sundays in winter — check schedules before booking.
Tours run 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the cruise. The sunset variant runs approximately 2.5 hours; standard day cruises typically go for 3. Factor in travel time to the dock — from Playa del Inglés that's around 20 minutes; from Las Palmas, closer to 50.
Polarised sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, a light windproof layer, and a camera with a long zoom if you have one. If you're joining the snorkeling cruise, bring a swimsuit and water shoes — gear is provided on board. Take any seasickness medication before you board, not once you're at sea.
Tours depart from three south coast marinas: Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Puerto Base near Arguineguín, and Pasito Blanco Marina near Maspalomas. Check your booking confirmation for the exact dock — they're separate locations along the same stretch of coast.
The most reliably spotted species in these waters. A permanent colony lives year-round off the south coast — look for their rounded melon-shaped heads breaking the surface in coordinated family groups. They're social and frequently approach stationary boats.
Spotted on most departures regardless of season. They ride the bow wave, breach alongside the boat, and come close enough for a standard phone camera. Pods of around 15 are typical; sightings are nearly guaranteed.
The rare headline encounter, most likely in spring. When one surfaces, the scale is striking — adults reach up to 20 metres. Watch for the angled blow first, then a brief dorsal hump before the whale dives. The tail fluke may lift clear of the water on descent.
Both are regularly encountered on south coast sailings — turtles often within the first ten minutes, flying fish skimming the surface at speed. Neither is the main event, but both draw as much reaction from passengers as the cetaceans.
Lines 32 and 33 connect Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas to Puerto Rico every 20 minutes — the journey takes about 23 minutes and costs €2–4 one way. From Las Palmas, Line 91 express runs hourly and takes around 55 minutes (€6–11). From the airport, Line 91 also stops at the terminal en route to Puerto Rico in approximately 37 minutes.
Take the GC-1 Sur motorway south. Exit after the sixth tunnel for Puerto Rico, slightly earlier for Arguineguín (Puerto Base), or at km 53 for Pasito Blanco. From Las Palmas, allow 45 minutes; from Playa del Inglés, around 16. Paid parking is available near all three marinas — arrive 30 minutes before your sailing.
Fastest option, no parking needed. From Playa del Inglés: ~16 min, €25–35. From Las Palmas: ~45–50 min, €50–60. From the airport: ~40 min, €45–60. Ask the driver to reset the meter before departure.
Several tours include hotel pickup from Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, San Agustín, and Mogán. Confirm your pickup zone at booking — not all resorts are covered by every tour.
Yes, especially for sunset cruises, private tours, and small-group sailings. These cap at 8 passengers and fill weeks ahead in summer. Standard day cruises have more availability but are still worth booking ahead to secure your preferred time.
Tours run year-round and sightings happen in every season. Spring is the best chance for sperm whale sightings; winter concentrates common dolphins; summer brings humpback whales on their migration route. For calm seas and comfortable conditions, April to June and September to November are ideal.
Yes — glass-bottom cruises are particularly good for young children as the viewing floor keeps them engaged throughout. Small-group tours with a marine biologist on board are educational and calm. Morning departures tend to have gentler sea conditions, which helps with younger passengers.
Severe sea conditions may cancel departures at short notice. You'll be notified in advance and a refund or reschedule will be offered. Cancellations are relatively rare — tours run on approximately 8 out of every 10 days year-round.
Yes. Puerto Rico has paid parking close to the marina (approximately €5–10 per day). Pasito Blanco has parking on-site. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time to park and walk to the embarkation point.
Gran Canaria: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Glass Bottom Viewing
Gran Canaria: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Glass Bottom & Snorkeling
Gran Canaria: Small Group Dolphin & Whale Watching Sunset Cruise
Gran Canaria: Private Dolphin & Whale Watching Sunset Cruise