Welcome to Gran Canaria!
As an authority figure on eco-tourism, I must say that Whale Watching in Gran Canaria is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed. Gran Canaria is located off the coast of northwestern Africa, and it boasts a stunning coastline that draws tourists and locals alike. However, its greatest attraction is the opportunity to observe dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.
Many boat tours operate in Gran Canaria, and they provide a variety of options for observing whales and dolphins. Some tours offer the chance to see these creatures from the comfort of a large boat, while others provide a more intimate experience on a smaller vessel. Some tours even offer the opportunity to swim with the dolphins or snorkel in the vicinity of the whales.
However, it is essential to choose a responsible and eco-friendly tour operator to ensure that the animals are not harmed or disturbed in any way. The welfare of the animals should always be the top priority, and the tours should operate in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
Best season to see whales & dolphins in Gran Canaria?
While whales and dolphins can be spotted in Gran Canaria all year round, there are certain months that are considered peak season for sightings. The waters surrounding Gran Canaria are home to a wide variety of marine life, including several species of whales and dolphins.
The peak season for sightings of these marine mammals in Gran Canaria typically runs from April to October, although sightings have been reported outside of this period as well. During the peak season, the waters surrounding the island are teeming with food, which attracts these creatures and increases the chances of spotting them.
However, it is important to note that the presence of these creatures in the waters surrounding Gran Canaria is dependent on various factors, such as weather conditions and migration patterns, which can affect their movements and sightings.
Best places to see whales & dolphins in Gran Canaria?
If you are looking for the best places to see whales and dolphins in Gran Canaria, the beautiful beaches should be your first stop. Head to the north-west coast, where you can find some of the best whale and dolphin watching spots in the island. Some popular destinations for watching these magnificent creatures include Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogán, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
In addition to the beaches, guided tours and boat trips are recommended to increase your chances of spotting whales and dolphins. These tours will take you to deeper waters where these marine animals can be easily seen.
Apart from Gran Canaria, the Canary Islands have other ideal locations for whale watching, such as Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. Tenerife is particularly known for its large number of pilot whales, while Lanzarote is home to several species of dolphins and pilot whales. On the other hand, Fuerteventura is a breeding ground for loggerhead turtles and several species of whales, including the sperm whale and the humpback whale.
So, whether you are visiting Gran Canaria or any of the other Canary Islands, you can be sure to have an amazing experience of whale and dolphin watching.
Can you swim with wild whales & dolphins in Gran Canaria?
Swimming with wild whales and dolphins in Gran Canaria is not allowed by law to ensure the safety and well-being of these amazing creatures. However, there are plenty of guided boat tours available that allow you to enjoy close interaction with these majestic animals without harming them or breaking the law. These tours provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see whales and dolphins up close in their natural habitat.
If you’re interested in whale and dolphin watching in the Canary Islands, there are many informative resources available, such as this booklet from WebTenerife which provides detailed information on the best practices for whale and dolphin watching:
What types of whales & dolphins can you spot in Gran Canaria?
The most commonly spotted species include the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis), common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), and short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus). Other species that are occasionally sighted include the Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera brydei), and killer whale (Orcinus orca).
Beste Whale & Dolphin Tour in Gran Canaria
Dolphins are friendly creatures who thrive on human interaction. However, you have to be cautious not to scare them or make them uncomfortable in their natural habitat. Keeping that in mind, the Dolphin And Whale Watching Cruise is our top recommendation! And here is why..
What does your day look like?
Opt for this luxury tour on a glass-bottom boat where you can enjoy the magnificent dolphins and whales swimming right under you. Your boat trip will start with the crew announcing all the necessary safety instructions. Then, the passengers on board are taken on a 2.5-hour tour of the beautiful waters surrounding Gran Canaria. You will be in close proximity to the whales and dolphins and can watch them frolicking and enjoying their natural habitat. There is even an underwater glass view!
Onboard passengers are allowed to take as many pictures as they wish to and interact with the beautiful creatures. Moreover, there is an onboard bar for you to relax and enjoy if you wish to sit back with a drink and take in the picturesque beauty.
You can choose the preferred tour timings – either 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM, and you will be escorted accordingly.
Check the availability and price of the tour here!
Highlights
- 2.5-hour dolphin watching experience
- Mobile ticketing and printing of vouchers for convenience
- Live tour guide in English and Spanish
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Instant confirmation of your ticket with free cancellation
- Underwater glass view to watch the animals under water!
What You Should Carry?
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Comfortable pair of shoes
- Camera
- Personal medication
- Towel
Other fun things to do in Gran Canaria besides whale watching?
Las Canteras Beach Snorkeling Experience
Las Canteras Beach in Gran Canaria offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the beauty of the island’s marine life up close through snorkeling. This snorkeling trip lasts for 3 hours, with all necessary equipment provided and a diving instructor present throughout the entire excursion to ensure your safety and guide you through the underwater world.
The Las Canteras Beach snorkeling trip makes it possible to explore a rich underwater ecosystem filled with a variety of marine creatures such as colorful fish, octopuses, and even sea turtles. As you swim along the coast, you’ll witness the diverse and stunning marine flora and fauna in their natural habitat. How cool is that? The clear, turquoise waters of Las Canteras Beach provide excellent visibility, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the marine life and the underwater landscape. You will love it!
In addition to exploring the underwater world, this snorkeling trip also provides an opportunity to learn about the marine ecosystem and the importance of conservation efforts. Your diving instructor will share their knowledge and expertise on the marine life and the environmental challenges that it faces.
Click here to check availability and prices!
Gran Canaria Beginners Scuba Diving Program
The Gran Canaria Beginners Scuba Diving Program is a perfect opportunity for those who have always been fascinated by the underwater world but have never taken the plunge. The half-day course is designed to teach you the basic principles of scuba diving and give you a chance to experience it for yourself under the expert guidance of a certified instructor.
During the five-hour program, you’ll be introduced to the equipment and safety procedures, learn the skills necessary to dive up to 12 meters deep, and take part in a thrilling guided dive in the Atlantic Ocean. The dive location will be carefully chosen based on weather conditions and your experience level to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment.
The crystal-clear waters off the coast of Gran Canaria are home to an incredible array of marine life, from colorful fish and sea turtles to octopuses and rays. As you explore the underwater world, you’ll feel like you’re in a completely different world. And with the guidance of your instructor, you’ll feel safe and confident every step of the way.
So whether you’re a complete beginner or have tried scuba diving before and want to further your skills, this program is an experience not to be missed.
Click here to check availability and prices!
Playa del Inglés Surf School
Have you always dreamed of riding the waves like a pro? Join the Surf Canaries Surf School in Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria, and learn to surf in a fun and safe environment. Even if you’ve never been on a surfboard before, our qualified instructors will have you standing up and surfing in no time.
The lesson begins with a quick briefing on the basics of surfing, including how to paddle, stand up, and balance on the board. Then, we’ll hit the waves together and practice catching some waves. Our instructors will be with you every step of the way, providing tips and feedback to help you improve your technique.
After the lesson, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and soak up the sun on the beach. We’ll provide a delicious picnic lunch, so you can refuel and recharge before getting back in the water for some more surfing.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced surfer looking to improve your skills, our surf school at Playa del Inglés has something for everyone.
Click here to check availability and prices!