Dolphin and whale watching catamaran, Puerto Rico
A 2.5-hour catamaran trip off the south coast in search of dolphins and whales, watched from the deck or through glass galleries in both hulls. The afternoon departure includes a swim stop by the coast.
About this activity
The boat leaves from Puerto Base in Puerto Rico, the harbour on the left as you face the sea. You check in at the desk opposite the boat, then board and head out into open water. The crew have been looking for cetaceans along this coast for more than 25 years, and they spend the trip scanning for fins and blows while you watch from the deck.
What sets this catamaran apart is what happens below your feet. Both hulls are fitted out as galleries with windows under the waterline, so when animals come close you can go down and watch them swim, feed and move with their calves. Dolphins and whales are the main draw, but turtles and flying fish turn up too. QR codes on board give audio commentary about each species in more than 20 languages, so you can follow along at your own pace.
The 13:30 departure adds a swim near the coast when the weather allows, so pack swimwear and a towel if you choose that time. Water and soft drinks are free throughout; anything else costs extra. If no cetaceans are seen, you get a voucher valid for a year to come back and try again.
Practical information
- The trip leaves from Puerto Base, about 70 metres from the harbour entrance barrier. The crew meet you by the boat, opposite the barrier, and you check in at the desk opposite the boat first.
- Departures are at 10:30 and 13:30 every day, and the trip lasts 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Adults are €40, children aged 2 to 12 are €25 and babies under 2 go free.
- You can book up to 5 minutes before departure, and the calendar shows places in real time.
- Water and soft drinks are free during the trip. Other drinks and snacks cost extra.
- There is a toilet on board, and audio commentary by QR code in more than 20 languages.
- The boat carries a maximum of 100 people including crew.
- Hotel pick-up costs €5 per adult from Bahía Feliz, Playa del Águila, San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Puerto de Mogán, Taurito, Playa del Cura, Amadores and Puerto Rico. Request it at least 24 hours ahead; it depends on availability.
- Bring swimwear and a towel if you take the 13:30 departure, as the swim stop only happens then and only if the weather allows.
- If no cetaceans are sighted, you receive a voucher valid for one year for another trip.
- If the sea is not safe to sail, you are offered another date or a refund.
- Driving: take the GC-1 and the Puerto Rico exit, then follow signs to Puerto Base. The harbour car park is paid, roughly €3 for two hours, with pay-and-display parking in nearby streets.
- By bus from Las Palmas, Global line 91 from Parque de San Telmo; the nearest stop is Barranco Agua la Perra.
