← Gran Canaria cruise guide
wildlife · Gran Canaria

Whale & Dolphin Encounter: Premium Small-Group Catamaran Cruise

Gran Canaria's deep southwestern waters are a permanent feeding corridor for resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Board a small-group catamaran with a marine-biologist guide for one of the Atlantic's most reliable cetacean encounters.

What to expect

You depart from Puerto Rico marina, slipping quickly into the deep-water channel between Gran Canaria and Tenerife — one of the Atlantic's most biodiverse corridors. Resident short-finned pilot whales are sighted on the vast majority of departures year-round; bottlenose and common dolphins frequently join the bow wave. A marine biologist onboard contextualises each sighting with behavioural commentary. The catamaran's wide deck and seating make for a relaxed, unhurried experience with time to simply watch.

Book it with
Dolphin Watching Puerto Rico Gran Canaria (operated via local licensed fleet, bookable at grancanaria.com official tourism portal)
EUR 40–55 per adult (2–3 hours; premium vessels with marine biologist commentary)
Book it →

Good to know

Puerto Rico marina is approximately 45 minutes by taxi or car from Las Palmas cruise terminal. Most morning departures (09:00–12:00) work perfectly with afternoon all-aboard times. Book directly through the official Gran Canaria tourism portal or the marina operators' own desks on arrival. Bring sun protection — the deck is fully exposed.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Gran Canaria — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Azamara · Azamara Onward
7 nights · calls at Gran Canaria
from $1,639
View sailing →
Oceania · Oceania Insignia
15 nights · calls at Gran Canaria
from $2,310
View sailing →
Azamara · Azamara Journey
7 nights · calls at Gran Canaria
from $2,699
View sailing →
Viking Ocean · Viking Sea
11 nights · calls at Gran Canaria
from $2,999
View sailing →
See all cruises to Gran Canaria →
← Back to the full Gran Canaria guide

⚓ Your bucket-list concierge

Doing the whole cruise?

Tell us your sailing and we'll send the bucket list for every port — the operator to call, real prices, and an honest verdict on each ship tour.

No spam. The honest plan, even when it says skip the ship’s tour.