Things to do in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Spirit of the Sea dolphin-watching cruise

The thrill of watching dolphins in their natural environment is one of the great experiences Gran Canaria has to offer. Onboard Spirit of the Sea – World Cetacean Alliance certified for responsible whale and dolphin watching – you'll get to see these friendly and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.There are six types of dolphins to spot, including bottlenose and common. And fin – the second-largest mammal – and pilot whales also make regular appearances. In fact, one-third of all species of cetaceans, which include whales and porpoises, can be found in these waters. The tour focuses on education with guides who share marine facts, help spot species and support real research. Spirit of the Sea are all about doing things responsibly, and their mission is simple – to show dolphins and whales while inspiring people to respect and protect them.You'll be able to keep a lookout for other creatures too – turtles, flying fish and brightly coloured parrotfish – thanks to the boat's viewing area. And, if you choose the second sailing of the day, there's a swim stop included, for when you want to cool off in the water.

Gran Canaria OBY catamaran leisure cruise

Set sail past Gran Canaria's rugged volcanic landscapes as you glide along the coast on this four-hour trip. Pop some fins and a mask on and dive into the clear waters of a secluded bay to spot native rays, octopuses and colourful parrotfish. Make the most of the water with the paddleboards and water slides provided, then relax on the sun deck. There's an open bar, stocked with sangria, cava, beer and soft drinks, to wash down a Canarian meal of paella, salads and fruit, too.

Gran Canaria's 'Little Venice' – visit Puerto de Mogan by boat

Puerto de Mogan is said by many to be the most beautiful town in Gran Canaria, and once you've set eyes on its toytown houses, it's hard to argue. This tour brings you by boat, docking right in the heart of the harbour after a scenic approach, so you avoid long walks from out-of-town parking lots. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Mogan's Friday market is a classic in Gran Canaria, known all over the island. And to arrive in the town by boat gives you that a spine-tingling sensation you get in anticipation of a special experience.'Sailing from Puerto Rico harbour, you'll glide along the rocky, volcanic coastline of the south before arriving at Puerto de Mogan. Cupped into cliffs at the mouth of a steep valley, it's known as ‘Little Venice' for its canal, blue-and-yellow-trimmed white cottages, wrought iron balconies and flower-festooned lanes. Traits that have made it very popular.Arriving by boat, you're in the middle of all the action straight away. Only we bring you to and from Puerto de Mogan by sea. Antonio, another of our local guides, say, ‘If you arrive by coach, not only is the journey less scenic but you have to walk a fair bit to get to the waterfront.' You'll have free time to relax at one of the many terraced cafés overlooking the yachts. Visit on a Friday and you can browse the market selling typical Canarian products. Oh, and there's also an enticing sandy beach to stretch out on, too. What is the itinerary for this experience?This experience runs on a Monday or a Friday, so the timings change depending on which day you go.Monday option:- 8:55am to 9:30am – pick-up from your hotel- 10:00am – arrive at the Mirador de Puerto Rico viewpoint*- 10:30am – boat transfer to Puerto de Mogan- 11:00am – arrive in Puerto de Mogan with around three hours of free time- 2:15pm – depart by boat back to Puerto Rico- 2:45pm – transfer by bus from the harbour to your hotel- 3:30pm – arrive back at your hotel----------Friday option:- 7:55am to 8:30am – pick-up from your hotel- 9:00am – arrive at the de Puerto Rico viewpoint*- 9:30am – boat transfer to Puerto de Mogan- 10:00am – arrive in Puerto de Mogan with around three hours of free time (including the market)- 1:15pm – depart by boat back to Puerto Rico- 1:45pm – transfer by bus from the harbour to your hotel- 2:30pm – arrive back at your hotel*If there is not enough time, the viewpoint stop may take place on the return to Puerto Rico in the afternoon Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day

Aqualand Maspalomas

Thrills, spills, rides and slides – and lots of fun – await you at Aqualand Maspalomas. One of the largest of water parks in the Canaries, it has more than 30 attractions to keep the whole family grinning all day.

Poema del Mar Aquarium and bus transfer package

From the same family as two of Tenerife's most popular attractions, Loro Parque and Siam Park, comes Poema del Mar aquarium in the heart of Las Palmas. Here you'll come face to face with over 300 marine species, including sharks, piranhas, clown fish and hundreds more. It promises a fun trip out for all the family.With a panoramic 36-metre-long curved window and countless exhibitions, Poema del Mar is where you'll get lost in a hypnotic underwater world that's home to hundreds of sea creatures. There are electric eels, bull sharks and fish that look just like Nemo waiting to be discovered. There's a chance to learn more about Poema del Mar's commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness at the aquarium too.Lose yourself in The Jungle with creatures from different corners of the world, and head to the Reef where you'll encounter corals and fish of every colour imaginable. Venture to the Deep Sea exhibit, with 5.5 million litres of water held back by the world's largest curved viewing window. You can also take advantage of their state-of-the-art cinema, showcasing hourly screenings of interesting and fun short films. There's also free time to enjoy Las Palmas, Santa Catalina and Las Canteras each.

Mogan Yellow Submarine Tour

The Yellow Submarine is as much a part of the seas off Puerto de Mogan as the shoals of fish that swim in them. It's a window on a weird and wonderful world of exotic marine life and shipwrecks that will unfold before your eyes during the 40 minutes this underwater adventure lasts.

Full-day Gran Canaria tour with Teror, Tejeda and typical lunch

Villages, viewpoints and volcanic rocks dot Gran Canaria's jagged spine. This tour weaves its way through some of the island's most dramatic landscapes, stopping along the way to visit gems such as Teror, Tejeda and Fataga. David, one of our local guides, says, ‘The legend of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Teror still intrigues me. It was in 1481, amid the Castilian conquest of Gran Canaria, and it helped change the island's destiny.'After a visit to an aloe vera plantation to get the lowdown on its medicinal properties, you'll head into the Valley of a Thousand Palms for a wander around the cozy village of Fataga, all cobbled lanes, palm-fringed views and traditional Canarian architecture. There's a photo stop at Las Tirajanas viewpoint to admire a vast volcanic caldera, followed by a scenic mountain drive to Tejeda, which is a bit of a looker too – red-roofed, whitewashed houses sprinkled on the slope of a valley. David adds, ‘Every time there's a list of Spain's prettiest villages, Tejeda is near the top. Its setting is unbeatable.' Next up is a local lunch in a family-owned restaurant, before you continue to Teror, the last stop on your adventure. Strolling past the balconied townhouses of Calle Real de la Plaza towards the mountain-framed basilica of Our Lady of the Pine is one of the defining Gran Canaria experiences.

Palmitos Park Ticket

Dr Doolittle eat your heart out – Palmitos Park has more birds, fish and creatures than you could ever chat to. Set at the top of volcanic canyon near Maspalomas, this brilliant wildlife park boasts a roll call of residents that will impress your whole family, large and small.

Aqualand and Palmitos Park transfer package

Aqualand and Palmitos Park are two of Gran Canaria's biggest attractions, and with this ticket you'll get a transfer to the park of your choice. Zoom down twisty waterslides at Aqualand or spend time in a subtropical oasis. Either park offers a great outing for all the family on this exclusive package.

Gran Canaria’s Poema del Mar aquarium and Guayadeque canyon tour

From the sea to the central mountains and even underground, you'll see the very best of Gran Canaria with this tour. You'll get up-close to more than 300 marine species in Poema del Mar aquarium, drive through the green valley of Guayadeque and tuck into a light lunch before wrapping things up with free time in the colonial town of Agüimes. Miguel, one of our local guides, says, ‘There's so much packed into one day. But for me, the most interesting part is Guayadeque, which represents a very important part of our prehistory.'First up is one of the most popular attractions in Las Palmas. With panoramic curved windows and countless exhibitions, Poema del Mar is where you'll get lost in a hypnotic underwater world that's home to hundreds of sea creatures. There are electric eels, bull sharks and fish that look just like Nemo. You can also take advantage of their state-of-the-art cinema, showcasing hourly screenings of interesting and fun short films.Next, you'll journey through the island's greenest corner to Guayadeque Canyon. It's famed for its cave homes, which the ancient aborigines built in lava bubbles, and winding hiking trails. After exploring, you'll refuel with delicious traditional tapas made from locally sourced ingredients. Then it's on to Agüimes, where you'll have some free time to wander through this pastel-coloured parish perched above the green ravine of Guayadeque. You can see the elegant church, stop for a coffee in a local café or take some selfies by the town's many statues.

Dolphin Safari & Mogan Market

Gran Canaria's Atlantic waters are home to many amazing creatures, but on this selection of catamaran cruises, you'll go in search of dolphins. See them in their natural habitat, where abundant food and highly oxygenated currents see them spend their days frolicking and playing.Choose from three sailings:Dolphin Safari – Two-hour sail in search of dolphinsDolphin Safari & Swim – Two-hour sail in search of dolphins with swim stopDolphin Safari & Mogan Market – Two-hour sail with free time in Puerto de Mogan on market day

Adults-only Oby Cat cruise in Gran Canaria

Jump aboard the Oby Cat boat for an epic adults-only cruise. You'll set sail on a four-hour afternoon trip along a stretch of Gran Canaria's volcanic south-west coast. Along the way, the skipper will anchor at a quiet bay where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard or hit the waterslide. Prefer a slower pace? You can stretch out on the comfy sun deck with drinks from the open bar. You'll round off the day savouring Canarian favourites – paella and wrinkled potatoes with tangy mojo sauce are on the menu.