2-Hour Dolphin and Whale Watching in Gran Canaria

If you’re visiting Gran Canaria and dreaming of glimpsing dolphins or whales in their natural habitat, this 2-hour boat tour promises an engaging and scenic experience. While it’s relatively short, it offers a chance to see some of the Atlantic’s most captivating marine creatures, especially if luck is on your side. We’ve looked into what makes this trip appealing—and where it might fall short—to help you decide if it’s worth your time.

What we love about this experience is the expert guidance from the crew, the stunning coastline views, and the genuine excitement of spotting marine animals. It’s a solid choice for nature lovers eager for a quick, affordable excursion. A potential drawback is that, like most wildlife tours, sightings can be unpredictable—so patience and realistic expectations matter. If you’re after a fun, family-friendly outing with a good chance of seeing dolphins, this tour could be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Affordable price at around $40.64 per person for a memorable wildlife experience.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with insightful commentary and real-time spotting.
• Good value for the length and scope, especially considering the scenic coastline views.
• Wildlife sightings are common, especially dolphins, but whales are less guaranteed.
• Comfortable large boat ensures stability and space, minimizing seasickness for most.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows you to cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours ahead.

Overview of the Tour: What to Expect

This 2-hour boat trip departs from Puerto Rico’s Muelle Deportivo, setting sail on a large, stable vessel capable of accommodating nearly 150 travelers. The tour is run by VIMOTIONS, and it’s designed to maximize your chances of catching a glimpse of dolphins and, occasionally, whales—mainly sperm whales. The boat’s capacity and stability are notable, especially for those wary of choppy waters, as many reviews mention the vessel handles waves well, offering a smooth ride even with a full load.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Puerto Rico’s Muelle Deportivo
Your adventure begins at Calle Puerto Escala in Puerto Rico, with the boat boarding around 10:15 AM. Once on board, the crew—particularly guides like Mario—are praised for their friendliness and expertise. The boat departs at 11:00 AM, heading into the Atlantic Ocean for wildlife searching.

Duration and Group Size
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is a good length for those who don’t want a full-day commitment but still want enough time to see marine life and enjoy the scenery. The group size is capped at 150, balancing lively camaraderie with plenty of space to spread out, sit back, and look for animals.

What Makes the Trip Stand Out?

Scenic Coastal Views
While the primary goal is wildlife spotting, the trip also offers stunning vistas of Gran Canaria’s coastline. Many reviewers highlight the beautiful sea and shoreline views that are worth the trip alone. It’s an excellent way to see the island from a different perspective, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the coastline and open sea.

Wildlife Encounters
The main draw is spotting dolphins, and most guests seem to have a good shot at seeing them. According to reviews, dolphins often stay close to the boat for over an hour, creating excellent photo opportunities. Some visitors even report seeing multiple types of dolphins, such as white-colored ones—added excitement for marine enthusiasts. Whale sightings are less consistent, but the guides do their best to locate sperm whales or other large mammals.

Onboard Amenities
You’ll find a bar onboard, where drinks (not included in the ticket price) are available for purchase. Some reviewers mention that the bar’s stock is limited, but it’s a nice touch to relax with a cold beverage while gazing at the sea. The boat’s design ensures comfort, with plenty of deck space for sunbathing or taking in the views.

The Experience: What It Feels Like

Many travelers describe the trip as a relaxing yet exciting outing. The boat is large enough to avoid excessive rocking, as some reviews note, which is especially appreciated by those who are prone to seasickness. The crew’s knowledgeable guides, who keep track of sightings and inform the group promptly, contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment.

Dolphin sightings are a common highlight, with some guests reporting dolphins staying with the boat for over an hour. One reviewer, Dana, exclaimed, “The dolphins stayed with us for more than one hour, the guide was very nice, everything was perfect.” The guides are praised not only for their spotting skills but also for their helpfulness—answering questions and sharing interesting facts about marine mammals.

Wildlife diversity is another aspect worth noting. Some guests report seeing whales, sea turtles, and even the rare chance of spotting a hammer shark, thanks to the guides’ efforts. However, it’s important to keep in mind that seeing whales isn’t guaranteed, and most reviews acknowledge this unpredictability. As one reviewer put it, “We saw lots of dolphins but nothing else. I know it’s not easy to spot a whale but they shouldn’t advertise it that much.”

Time management is generally good, but a few reviews mention delays at the start, such as waiting in the sun before departure. Being prepared for possible minor delays and bringing sun protection is recommended.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At around $40.64 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the friendly guides, scenic views, and the chance to see dolphins close up. Many guests feel the experience is worth the cost, especially since it’s a short, well-organized trip with an emphasis on wildlife.

Some reviews note that the trip’s main appeal is the dolphins, which are often seen, and the overall experience provides quality entertainment without breaking the bank. The ability to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance adds flexibility and peace of mind for travelers with uncertain plans.

While food and drinks are not included, the onboard bar allows you to purchase refreshments, adding to the leisure aspect of the trip. Some find the limited stock of drinks a minor downside but appreciate the convenience.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Arrive early: Boarding begins around 10:15 AM, and a bit of extra time helps avoid rushing.
• Bring sunscreen and hats: The sun can be intense, especially on deck.
• Sea legs: If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions as some boats can pitch a bit, although reviews suggest this vessel is quite stable.
• Camera or binoculars: While the guides are good at spotting animals, having your own binoculars can improve your chances.
• Patience: Wildlife watching relies on luck; some guests have to wait a bit before dolphins appear, but most find it worth the wait.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy nature and wildlife. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a short but memorable outing that combines scenic views with animal encounters. Those expecting to see whales should keep their expectations realistic, as sightings are less frequent than dolphins. It’s also suitable for travelers on a budget, given its affordable price point and inclusive nature.

The Sum Up

This 2-hour dolphin and whale watching tour in Gran Canaria offers a fantastic opportunity to see playful dolphins and maybe even a whale or two, all while enjoying the island’s stunning coastlines. The professional guides, stable boat, and good-sized group make for a comfortable and engaging experience.

While wildlife sightings depend on luck, most guests leave with memorable photos and stories—especially of dolphins swimming close enough to touch. If you’re interested in marine life, enjoy scenic boat rides, or simply want a relaxing day on the water, this tour provides solid value and authentic encounters.

It’s best suited for those who are flexible with wildlife sightings, eager to learn from knowledgeable guides, and appreciative of scenic sea views. With a bit of patience, the chance to witness nature’s playful side is well worth the modest investment.

FAQ

Can I cancel this tour for a full refund?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and perhaps binoculars for better wildlife viewing. Sun protection is important because you’ll be on deck in the sun.

Is food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there is an onboard bar where you can purchase refreshments.

How many people are on the boat?
The boat can accommodate nearly 150 travelers, providing a comfortable environment without feeling overcrowded.

Will I definitely see dolphins?
While most reviews mention dolphin sightings, wildlife is unpredictable. Sightings are common, but not guaranteed.

Is the boat stable for those prone to seasickness?
Yes, many reviews highlight the boat’s stability, making it suitable for most travelers, but bringing seasickness remedies just in case is wise.

What is the best time to go?
The tour departs at 11:00 AM, and most sightings happen during daylight hours, so morning trips are ideal for wildlife activity and weather conditions.