From Gran Canaria: Day Trip to Loro Parque Tenerife

If you’re looking for a fun-filled day that combines wildlife, vibrant shows, and a bit of island hopping, a day trip from Gran Canaria to Loro Parque in Tenerife could be just what you need. While we haven’t personally braved the 12-hour journey, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of an experience packed with memorable animal encounters and smooth logistics.

What we love about this tour is the convenience of round-trip transportation — it takes the hassle out of planning ferry and bus connections — and the chance to see some of Europe’s most impressive wildlife displays. The live animal shows, especially those featuring dolphins and sea lions, are often highlighted as highlights. On the other hand, a potential drawback is that the transportation in Tenerife has been described as aging and possibly uncomfortable, so expect a no-frills ride.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a family-friendly outing, wildlife enthusiasts, or those seeking a full day of exploration without the hassle of organizing transport. If you’re eager to see exotic animals and enjoy lively shows, this tour offers a straightforward way to do it.

Key Points

• All-inclusive transportation makes the trip seamless from Gran Canaria to Tenerife
• Animal shows and encounters are central highlights, especially dolphins, sea lions, and parrots
• The park itself offers a wide variety of animals, including giant Galápagos tortoises and exotic birds
• Flexible scheduling allows you to explore at your own pace once inside
• Pricing is on the higher side; consider whether the experience justifies the cost
• Transport quality in Tenerife may not be luxurious but is generally functional

You can check availability for your dates here:

How This Tour Works

The day begins early, with pickup options available in the south of Gran Canaria or from Las Palmas’s Auditorio Alfredo Kraus. The 8:00 AM ferry from Agaete provides a scenic, roughly 72-minute crossing to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, giving travelers an opportunity to enjoy the views of the Atlantic. Once in Tenerife, a bus, described as possibly quite old, takes you to Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz.

While “seamless” is a relative term, the organized transfer simplifies what could otherwise be a logistical puzzle. The trip includes entry tickets to Loro Parque, so once inside, you’re free to explore at your own pace, enjoying the various animal exhibits and shows.

The Park: What to Expect

Loro Parque is heralded as Europe’s best zoo, a title that’s quite a claim but supported by its extensive collection of animals and engaging shows. The park’s highlights include dolphin and sea lion performances, which many visitors find captivating. You’ll also see parrot species like macaws and parakeets, along with giant tortoises and exotic fish, offering diverse and vibrant displays of wildlife.

Reviewers like Jasmine praised the animal shows, especially the dolphins, describing the experience as memorable despite minor discomfort with the old bus in Tenerife (which was reportedly “dripping from the ceiling,” and at times felt like a sauna). She also complimented the guide, who evidently did a “great job,” adding a personal touch to the trip.

You might find that the park’s layout and live shows are the main draws, but there’s plenty of calm to enjoy just wandering through the exhibits. Many visitors appreciate the wide variety of animals and the chance to get close to Galápagos tortoises and exotic birds.

Transportation and Logistics

The ferry from Agaete to Santa Cruz is a highlight of the trip, offering a scenic start to the journey. The bus transfer from Santa Cruz to Loro Parque is reportedly less comfortable, with one review mentioning it felt aged and somewhat uncomfortable, especially with the air conditioning not working. Yet, most travelers seem willing to overlook this minor inconvenience for the overall experience.

The full-day nature of the tour makes it suitable for those eager to pack in a lot in one day. The duration is about 12 hours, from pick-up to drop-off, which means you’ll want to start your day early. The timing allows plenty of time inside the park to enjoy shows, exhibits, and perhaps a quick snack (note that food and drinks are not included).

Cost and Value

While the tour is priced higher than in previous years, the value of the all-inclusive package can be justified if you’re interested in wildlife and don’t want the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and transportation. The entry to Loro Parque is included, along with the ferry and bus transfers, making it a straightforward, single-price experience.

Reviewers have mentioned that the price increase—from about 100 to 180 euros—is significant, but many still find the convenience and comprehensive nature of the tour worthwhile. If you’re traveling with family or as part of a group, the cost per person can seem more reasonable considering the ease of logistics.

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What You Need to Know Before You Go

Bring your passport or ID card — it’s mandatory for the trip. Also, wear comfortable clothes and bring some water, especially if you are prone to feeling warm during bus rides or in the park. Remember, food and drinks are not included, so plan to purchase snacks or meals inside the park if you want to avoid extra expenses.

The languages spoken are Spanish and English, making it accessible for most travelers. The tour offers skip-the-line entry to avoid long queues, which is a nice perk, especially during busy times.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

Considering the reviews, what makes this tour stand out is the knowledgeable guides and the stunning animal displays. Jasmine’s comment about the guide doing a great job suggests that the guides are well-informed and helpful, which enhances the overall experience.

The scenic ferry ride and the chance to see exotic animals up close are major selling points. However, the transport quality in Tenerife could be an issue; if you’re sensitive to older vehicles or discomfort, plan accordingly or prepare for a somewhat basic bus ride.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is perfect for families with children, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a convenient, all-in-one day out. If you’re already staying in Gran Canaria and want to sample Tenerife’s wildlife without the hassle of organizing separate transport, this tour offers a solid solution.

It’s also a good choice if you’re okay with a long day and are prepared for some basic transportation conditions. If your budget is tight or you’re not especially enthusiastic about animal shows, you might find other options more suitable.

Final Thoughts

This day trip to Loro Parque delivers a comprehensive wildlife experience that combines the thrill of live animal shows with the chance to see some of the most exotic creatures in Europe. The organizational convenience—ferry, bus, and entrance all included—makes it appealing for travelers who prefer to keep things simple.

While some logistical aspects like transportation comfort could be improved, the overall experience is highly rated. The large variety of animals and the lively shows make it a memorable outing, especially if you love animals and vibrant displays.

If you value authentic encounters, knowledgeable guides, and the convenience of all-in-one planning, this trip from Gran Canaria to Tenerife’s Loro Parque might just be your next highlight.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my ID or passport?
Yes, you must bring your ID card or passport to participate in the trip. Without it, you may not be allowed to join.

What is included in the tour price?
The package includes pickup and drop-off from specified locations in Gran Canaria, ferry transfer from Agaete to Tenerife, bus transfer to Loro Parque, and your entry ticket.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You’ll want to bring some snacks or plan to purchase inside the park.

How long does the ferry ride take?
The ferry from Agaete to Santa Cruz de Tenerife takes about 72 minutes.

What is the condition of the transportation in Tenerife?
The bus in Tenerife has been described as possibly quite old, with some reviews mentioning it felt like a sauna due to poor air conditioning.

Can I explore the park at my own pace?
Absolutely. Once inside Loro Parque, you’re free to wander and enjoy the exhibits and shows at your own leisure.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, with plenty of animal displays and shows that children tend to love.

This detailed tour offers a rewarding peek at Tenerife’s wildlife and entertainment, all packed into a well-organized, if slightly long, day trip from Gran Canaria. For animal lovers eager to see dolphins, parrots, and giant tortoises, it’s a reliable choice—just be prepared for the ride and the price.

You can check availability for your dates here: