From Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria: Dolphin Watching Cruise

Discovering the Dolphin Watching Cruise from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

Taking a dolphin-watching cruise in Gran Canaria offers an exciting way to connect with the island’s marine environment. This 2.5-hour boat trip aboard the Spirit of the Sea takes you along the southwestern coast, promising wildlife sightings and spectacular ocean views. The reviews, which have accumulated over 2,183 ratings averaging 4.3 stars, suggest that this experience is both popular and generally valued for its friendly staff, reliable sightings, and opportunities for family fun.

What I really like about this trip is its focus on ethical wildlife watching. The guide team is committed to respecting the animals’ natural habitat, and their permits from the Canary Islands government ensure responsible operation. Plus, the large glass-bottom boat offers a unique underwater perspective, even from a distance, which is a surprisingly engaging feature. Another highlight is the sighting guarantee—if you don’t see dolphins during your trip, you get a free voucher for another day. That’s not just confidence in their chances but a sign of their commitment to customer satisfaction.

One potential drawback to consider is weather dependency. Seas can be choppy, and the boat might experience some movement, which could cause seasickness—especially if you’re prone to it. A handful of reviews mention seasickness as a concern, so taking precautions like medication or focusing your gaze on a fixed point can make the experience more comfortable. Also, the activity does not include transportation from Las Palmas city, so if you’re staying far from Puerto Rico, that’s an extra planning step.

This cruise offers a balanced mix of adventure, education, and relaxation at a reasonable price. It’s ideally suited for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to see dolphins and other cetaceans in their natural setting. With friendly guides, a good-sized vessel, and a focus on eco-friendly practices, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a memorable marine encounter without overpaying.

Key points / Takeaways

• Responsible Wildlife Watching: The operators hold all necessary permits and prioritize animal well-being, offering peace of mind for eco-conscious travelers.
• Guaranteed Sightings or Return: If dolphins are elusive, you’ll get a free voucher to try again—showing their confidence in consistently finding marine life.
• Large Glass-Bottom Vessel: The Spirit of the Sea accommodates 97 guests, with clear views both above and below the waterline—great for those who want to observe without getting wet.
• Expert Multilingual Guides: The crew is knowledgeable about cetacean ecology and fluent in several languages, making the experience accessible and informative.
• Timing & Duration: The 2.5-hour schedule is short enough for beginners or families, yet long enough to increase the chance of sightings.
• Transport & Accessibility: Optional pickups from various southern resorts make logistics easier, and the vessel is wheelchair accessible with restrooms and a bar area.

Why This Dolphin Cruise Stands Out

Gran Canaria’s waters are among Europe’s most biodiverse marine environments, hosting around 30 species of cetaceans, including dolphins, whales, orcas, and porpoises. That means your chances of seeing these creatures are quite good—if the weather cooperates. As a traveler, I appreciate that the tour emphasizes ethical wildlife observation, ensuring that the animals are not disturbed or harmed, which is vital when connecting with nature responsibly.

The Spirit of the Sea is a spacious vessel, built for comfort and observation. It features a large glass bottom, which allows for underwater viewing without getting in the water. This means you can enjoy watching dolphins and turtles from the comfort of your seat, which is especially helpful for kids or those less keen on swimming.

What the Journey Looks Like

The cruise departs daily from Puerto Rico, a popular resort town in the south of Gran Canaria. The meeting point is at the Puerto Base, where you’ll find the boat docked. The trip lasts about 2.5 hours, which is enough time to venture a decent distance along the coast, yet not so long as to tire out less experienced sailors. If you’re worried about seasickness, the reviews suggest that taking medication beforehand, focusing on the horizon, and staying hydrated can make a big difference.

The crew, which speaks multiple languages including English, Spanish, German, and French, guides you through the experience, helping identify the species and explaining the animals’ behaviors. They are praised for their friendly attitude and knowledgeable insights—some reviews mention guides like “Antonio” and “Maria” as being especially helpful.

The Animal Sightings: What to Expect

Dolphins are the main event here, and sightings are very common. Many reviews mention seeing large pods of striped dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and even turtles. One reviewer, Anton, praised the “perfect atmosphere” and “friendly crew” that made the trip memorable. Others, like Paul, highlight the attentiveness of the guides, which enhances the experience significantly.

On rare days, dolphins might be shy or absent, but the tour offers a sighting guarantee—if no cetaceans are spotted, you receive a voucher to rebook at no extra cost. Many visitors have found this reassuring, especially since nature can never be 100% predictable.

Extra Features & Considerations

The vessel offers a bar area selling soft drinks, beer, snacks, which are not included in the price, so bringing your own water or light refreshments might be wise. Some reviews mention the boat being not overly crowded, which makes for a more comfortable experience. That said, the boat can sway in rough seas, so those with seasickness should prepare accordingly.

The tour includes return transfer from select resorts in the south, which adds convenience for travelers staying in Mogan, Taurito, Playa del Inglés, or Maspalomas. This makes the experience accessible for many, though if you’re in Las Palmas city, you’ll need to arrange your own transport.

Pricing and Value

At $46 per person, this trip offers good value considering the length, the quality of the guides, and the chances of wildlife sightings. The inclusion of a return transfer and sighting guarantee elevate the experience, making it more than just a boat ride. For families or anyone wanting a day out at sea without excessive expense, the price feels quite reasonable.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cruise is ideal for families with children, couples seeking a romantic yet adventurous outing, or solo travelers who enjoy marine wildlife and scenic boat rides. It’s perfect for those who value responsible tourism and want knowledgeable guides to enhance their understanding of marine life. If you’re prone to seasickness, just remember to prepare in advance, and most importantly, enjoy the spectacle of dolphins swimming alongside your boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the cruise?
  The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours, leaving enough time for wildlife viewing and enjoying the scenery without it feeling too long.

• What animals might I see?
  You are very likely to see dolphins, and sometimes whales, turtles, and flying fish. The tour has a sighting guarantee—if no animals are seen, you get a voucher for a free trip.

• Is the boat accessible for people with reduced mobility?
  Yes, the vessel is accessible and equipped with restrooms and a bar area, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

• Are drinks and snacks included?
  No, these are available for purchase on board. It’s a good idea to bring your own water or light refreshments.

• Do I need to book in advance?
  Yes, especially during peak travel seasons. You can reserve your spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

• What should I wear?
  Dress comfortably for the weather. It can be breezy at sea, so layers are advisable. Sun protection and sunglasses are recommended.

• What if I get seasick?
  Seasickness can be an issue for some, so consider taking medication beforehand. The crew is helpful and can provide sick bags if needed.

• Do I need transportation from Las Palmas?
  No, but the tour offers optional pickup from resorts in the south. If you’re in Las Palmas, you’ll need to make your own way to Puerto Rico.

• Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?
  There’s a short swim stop at the end, which is appreciated by many reviews, but swimming is not a primary activity. It’s mainly wildlife watching.

• What makes this tour stand out?
  The professional, multilingual guides, responsible practices, and reliable sightings make this cruise a trusted choice for nature lovers and families alike.

To sum it up, this dolphin watching cruise from Puerto Rico offers a well-rounded opportunity to encounter Gran Canaria’s marine life in a responsible and enjoyable manner. The large glass-bottom boat, combined with expert guides and a sighting guarantee, makes it a worthwhile addition to your island itinerary. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for a fun day out, or a couple seeking a scenic adventure, you’ll find value and authenticity here. Just remember to prepare for the sea conditions, and you’re set for a memorable ocean experience.