Gran Canaria: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Glass Bottom & Snorkeling

Spot dolphins, pilot whales, and minke whales on a 3.5-hour catamaran cruise from Puerto Base, with glass-hull viewing below deck, a snorkel stop near Taurito, and soft drinks included throughout.

Getting started

If you've booked the hotel pickup option, your shuttle collects you from your accommodation in the south of Gran Canaria and transfers you to Puerto Base harbor in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. If you've booked without the shuttle, make your way directly to Puerto Base and look for the Lineas Blue Bird catamaran at the harbor. Once on board, the crew runs through the safety briefing and you set sail into the Atlantic.

What to expect

Gran Canaria's southwest coast sits along one of the most active cetacean corridors in the Atlantic, with resident dolphin pods and passing whales making sightings a regular occurrence on this stretch of open water. Over 3.5 hours, the cruise covers the main wildlife zone, a sheltered snorkel bay, and the return to harbor — with a live guide keeping you informed at every stage.

Features

• Glass-hull dolphin and whale watching: As the catamaran reaches the wildlife zone, you can watch from the open deck or head below to the glass-hull viewing area, where large panels give you a clear look at dolphins and whales passing beneath the boat. The crew slows when animals are spotted, giving you time to watch pods surfacing, diving, and occasionally bow-riding alongside the catamaran. Sightings are very common on this route, though they can never be fully guaranteed as wildlife moves freely.

• Live guide commentary: Throughout the wildlife section, a live guide narrates in English and Spanish, identifying species, explaining behaviours, and sharing context about Gran Canaria's marine environment. This makes a real difference when you're watching from the deck — knowing whether you're looking at striped dolphins or bottlenose, or understanding why pilot whales travel in such large pods, adds a lot to what you're seeing.

• Snorkel and swim stop near Taurito: After the main wildlife stretch, the catamaran anchors near the coast at Taurito for around 30–45 minutes. Snorkel masks are provided so you can explore the water directly, or you can swim freely from the boat. For those who'd rather stay dry, the onboard toboggan slide is an option — and if the wildlife search runs longer than usual, the crew may shorten the swim stop slightly to make the most of the conditions.

• Soft drinks and water on board: Complimentary soft drinks and water are served during the swim and snorkel stop, so there's no need to bring your own beverages for the break. Food and alcoholic drinks are not included and aren't available to purchase on board, so factor that in before you leave.

• Hotel pickup from across Gran Canaria's south: The shuttle pickup option covers a wide range of hotels and apartment complexes across the south, from Maspalomas to Bahía Feliz and beyond. If your accommodation is in the pickup zone, this option saves you organising your own way to Puerto Base and drops you back at your hotel after the cruise.