From Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria: Dolphin Watching Cruise

If you’re heading to Gran Canaria and love the idea of seeing marine life in its natural habitat, a dolphin watching cruise from Puerto Rico might just be the highlight of your trip. This experience offers a chance to spot up to 30 species of cetaceans—dolphins, whales, and even orcas—within the island’s crystal-clear waters. It’s a balanced mix of adventure and education, led by a crew that knows their marine mammals inside out.

What makes this trip particularly appealing is the large glass-bottom vessel, allowing everyone a decent view beneath the waves, and the well-organized logistics, including hotel pickups and a sighting guarantee. On the flip side, boat rides aren’t always smooth sailing, and seasickness could be a concern for some. This trip suits those who enjoy wildlife, are comfortable on the water, and want a reasonably priced, memorable outing.

Key Points

• Marine diversity: Up to 30 cetacean species in Gran Canaria’s waters.
• Expert guides: Multilingual team with extensive knowledge of marine life.
• Flexible booking: Reserve now, pay later, with a free re-ride if no sightings.
• Comfortable vessel: Large glass bottom for underwater views, accessible for mobility issues.
• Value for money: At around $46, enjoyed with hotel transfers, it’s a solid deal.
• Authentic wildlife experience: Respectful, eco-conscious operation with permits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Dolphin Watching Cruise

The adventure begins in Puerto Rico, where you’ll find the Spirit of the Sea, a spacious catamaran equipped with a large glass bottom. The trip lasts about 2.5 hours, which is enough time to venture along the southwest coast of Gran Canaria and hopefully encounter some of the 30 cetacean species that call these waters home.

The Vessel and Onboard Facilities

The Spirit of the Sea holds nearly 100 guests, but reviews suggest it’s not overcrowded—plenty of space to move around and find a good spot to watch for dolphins. Its glass-bottom section is a notable feature, offering a unique underwater perspective without getting wet. Restrooms are available on board, and there’s a bar area selling soft drinks, water, beer, and snacks—although these aren’t included in the ticket price.

The Itinerary and Search for Marine Life

We loved the way the crew uses their knowledge of cetacean behavior and tracking to locate animals. They track sightings and coordinate searches, maximizing your chances of a good sighting. The start times vary, so it’s best to check availability when booking, but most trips depart daily.

While dolphin sightings are very likely, the crew emphasizes that nature is unpredictable. On those rare days when no animals are spotted, they offer a free return pass, valid for a year. This kind of sighting guarantee speaks volumes about the commitment to a respectful, non-intrusive wildlife experience.

What You’ll See and Learn

Expect your guides to share their extensive knowledge of the marine environment and the animals you might see. Reviews repeatedly praise the crew’s friendly, helpful attitude and their ability to make everyone feel comfortable. You might spot dolphins, whales, sea turtles, or even flying fish—and if you’re lucky, a sperm whale or pilot whale.

Some reviews mention seeing dolphins in large groups for about 15 minutes or even encountering multiple species during the cruise. Others appreciated the educational commentary, which helps even casual observers identify what they’re witnessing.

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The Experience of the Sea and Seasickness Tips

The Atlantic Ocean can be rocky, and quite a few reviews highlight that seasickness could be a concern. However, many travelers found that taking motion sickness tablets beforehand made all the difference. The crew is attentive and offers sickness bags and blankets if needed, which adds to the comfort level.

One review noted, “The water splashes on the boat of course it does, but we were in safe hands and knew it the whole time.” If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s worth preparing in advance—not just with medication but also by focusing on a fixed point and avoiding reading or looking at your phone.

The Return and Flexibility

The tour includes hotel pickup from several southern resorts like Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and others, making it hassle-free. After the cruise, you’ll be returned to your accommodation, completing a smooth, well-organized experience.

If the weather or sea conditions prevent sightings, the company’s policy is to offer a free re-ride, which can be used within a year—adding confidence that your money is well spent.

Authentic Experience and Reviews

Travelers consistently describe this cruise as “fantastic,” “well-organized,” and “value for money.” Multiple reviews mention the knowledgeable crew who go out of their way to ensure everyone sees the animals, making it clear that customer well-being and wildlife respect are priorities.

One traveler wrote, “We managed to see a big group of striped dolphins and a few turtles,” emphasizing the rich marine life you can expect. Another shared, “The staff were very friendly, made sure everyone was okay, and the trip was very relaxing.” The small group size and dedicated tracking really seem to boost the chances of sightings.

Many reviews highlight the quality of the boat—clean, comfortable, with friendly staff—and the value of including hotel transfers. With tickets costing around $46, it’s a cost-effective way to combine wildlife observation, scenic views, and a bit of educational fun.

The Value of This Dolphin Watching Tour

For roughly $46 per person, you’re getting a well-rounded, professionally operated experience. The length of 2.5 hours is enough to enjoy the open sea without feeling exhausted or bored. The sighting guarantee adds peace of mind, especially for families or first-time whale watchers.

The included transfers from the southern resorts eliminate the hassle of figuring out transportation, and the knowledgeable guides enhance the experience by making marine life accessible and engaging. If you’re interested in marine biodiversity or just want a fun, relaxing boat trip, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This cruise is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy wildlife, boats, and scenic views. It’s especially appealing if you’re eager to see dolphins in their natural habitat and appreciate a respectful, eco-conscious approach. If seasickness is a concern, taking precautions is advisable, but many find the moderate duration manageable.

Those looking for a value-packed activity that combines nature, education, and scenery will find this trip a worthwhile addition to their Gran Canaria itinerary. It’s also suitable for travelers with reduced mobility, as the vessel is accessible.

FAQ

How long is the dolphin watching cruise?
It lasts about 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the sea and hopefully see some cetaceans.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, return transfers from several southern resorts like Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and others are included in the ticket price.

What if I don’t see any dolphins?
The company offers a sighting guarantee—if no cetaceans are spotted during your trip, you’ll get a free voucher to return within a year.

Can I book in advance and pay later?
Absolutely, you can reserve now and pay later, which provides flexibility as your plans solidify.

Is the boat accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the vessel is accessible to those with reduced mobility, and restrooms are available onboard.

Should I take seasickness medication?
Many reviews suggest taking motion sickness pills beforehand, especially since the Atlantic can be choppy. The crew also provides bags and blankets.

What will I see during the trip?
Dolphins are very common, but you might also see whales, turtles, flying fish, and other marine creatures, depending on conditions.

Are drinks or snacks included?
No, but there’s a bar area where you can purchase soft drinks, water, beer, and snacks if you wish.

Final Thoughts

Opting for a dolphin watching cruise from Puerto Rico offers a great combination of adventure, education, and scenic beauty. The large glass-bottom vessel ensures everyone gets a good view, and the professional crew makes the experience both enjoyable and informative. The sighting guarantee and hotel transfers add convenience and peace of mind, making it a solid choice for those wanting an authentic encounter with marine life.

This tour is particularly suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a relaxed yet engaging escape on the sea. The moderate price, combined with quality service and the chance to see dolphins, makes it a worthwhile addition to your Gran Canaria holiday.

If your travel style includes loves of nature, animals, and scenic boat rides, this dolphin cruise hits the mark. Be prepared for the sea, take some seasickness precautions if needed, and keep your camera ready—the sightings, whether dolphins or whales, can be unforgettable. For a value-driven, responsible wildlife experience, this cruise from Puerto Rico delivers a genuine glimpse into the ocean’s lively world while respecting the environment and its creatures.

You can check availability for your dates here: