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Gran Canaria Excursions

Dolphin & Whale Watching in Gran Canaria

Boat trips from Gran Canaria's south coast to look for dolphins and whales. Around 30 species of whale and dolphin have been recorded in Canary Islands waters.

Activities

1 activity

  • Three dolphins leaping and splashing in open sea off the south coast of Gran Canaria

    Puerto Rico

    Dolphin and whale watching trip from Puerto Rico

    A two-hour catamaran trip along the south-west coast from Puerto Rico, looking for dolphins and whales with a marine guide on board. Soft drinks and water are included.

    2 hoursFrom €40

Where you can do this

Good to know

Gran Canaria rises steeply from the ocean floor, so the boats reach deep water soon after leaving the harbour. Most dolphin and whale trips leave from Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán and last two to three hours. Some catamaran cruises combine a search for dolphins with a swim stop and lunch. They're longer, and the wildlife is only part of the day.

What you might see

Dolphins are the usual sighting. Operators here report bottlenose, Atlantic spotted, common, striped and rough-toothed dolphins. Whales are much harder to predict. Pilot whales, beaked whales and sperm whales do turn up, but you can't count on seeing one on any given trip, and nobody can promise it. Some operators offer a second trip if you see nothing; if they do, the listing says so.

How the trips are regulated

Whale and dolphin watching in the Canary Islands is regulated by the regional government. Boats must keep at least 60 metres from the animals, approach slowly and leave if the animals show signs of stress. Swimming with them, touching or feeding them is not allowed. Boats licensed for whale watching carry the Barco Azul ("blue boat") badge, and it's worth looking for it in the listing.

Tips

  • Polarised sunglasses make it much easier to spot fins on a bright sea.
  • If you get seasick, take something before you board and stay on deck, looking at the horizon.