Dolphin and Whales watching cruise from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

Off Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, the search for dolphins and whales happens from the deck of Spirit of the Sea, with glass panels offering a second view below the waterline. The Canary Islands are home to around 30 cetacean species, so this is a genuine wildlife search, not a guaranteed parade of dolphins.

I like two things in particular: the chance to see marine life both above and below the surface, and the free return cruise if no marine mammals appear. The crew also gets high marks for being friendly and attentive, and some trips have included dolphins, whales, flying fish, turtles, and seabirds.

The trade-off is the sea itself. Conditions can be choppy, and seasickness has affected some people even on trips when they usually feel fine on boats. Take that risk seriously, especially if you are bringing children or anyone prone to motion sickness.

At a glance

• Two daily departures: The boat leaves Puerto Rico at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm for an outing of about two and a half hours.
• A glass-bottom view: The panels let you look beneath the boat, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
• A no-sighting offer: If no marine mammals are seen, you receive a free pass to try again. Check its validity before booking, as the period may vary.
• Selected resort transfers: Pickup is included from listed areas such as Mogán, Taurito, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, San Agustín, and Bahía Feliz.
• Sodas are included: Alcohol and snacks are available to buy on board, but are not part of the price.
• A small-ship outing with a large possible group: The maximum is 97 passengers, so how spacious it feels may depend on the day.

Setting out from Puerto Rico

Spirit of the Sea leaves from Puerto Base in Puerto Rico, on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast. The boat follows the coastline and heads out to search for cetaceans, with trips scheduled twice daily. Allow around two and a half hours for the cruise itself, though actual time at sea and the return may be shaped by conditions and wildlife sightings.

That duration gives the crew time to search rather than make a quick loop around the harbor. In some cases, the boat has sailed far out to sea, with one account describing a journey of roughly 12 miles in search of dolphins. That can make the trip feel like a proper wildlife expedition, but it also means more exposure to open-water swell.

The Canary Islands’ waters are home to around 30 species of cetaceans, including dolphins, whales, orcas, and porpoises. That variety makes the outing more than a simple dolphin hunt, but it does not mean you will see every kind, or even see a marine mammal on every departure. Dolphins are seen often, while whales are less certain.

Watching from the deck and below

The boat’s glass-bottom panels are a useful extra, giving you a chance to look for marine life below the surface without leaving the deck. I would treat them as a different way to observe the sea, not as a substitute for a sighting at the surface. The main event remains watching for animals around the boat.

When dolphins appear, they may swim close by, and the captain may adjust the boat so people on board have a chance to see them. Sightings have included Atlantic spotted and striped dolphins, as well as larger pods. Whales, turtles, and flying fish have also appeared on some trips, though none should be counted on.

Keep your eyes open for birds, too. Cory’s shearwaters and other seabirds have been spotted from the boat. Even on a trip without dolphins or whales, the open-water setting can offer something to watch, though it is fair to say that the wildlife search may feel long if the sea stays empty.

The crew and the wildlife

The multilingual crew shares information about species spotted and the local area. How much you hear may depend on where you sit: some passengers have found the commentary easiest to hear downstairs, while others have described it as focused mainly on safety. If learning about the animals is a priority, stay attentive to announcements and ask the crew questions when the moment allows.

Crew friendliness and care are among the strongest points of the experience. People have described staff checking on passengers who feel sick, offering bags, and helping them find seats at the stern. The captain has also been praised for locating animals and giving people time to watch. Captain Lorenzo is one name associated with these trips, though who is on duty can change.

There is also an ecological element. On at least one outing, passengers helped collect plastic bottles from the water. The crew has been described as discussing conservation work, too. These details are welcome, but the main purpose remains finding wildlife, and the experience will vary with the day and crew.

Sea conditions and motion sickness

Sea state is the biggest factor you cannot control. Some trips have been calm and comfortable; others have been windy and rough enough to make several people feel sick. A few passengers have said they rarely get seasick but were unwell on this cruise. A boat can be well run and still feel unpleasant when the water is choppy.

If you are susceptible to motion sickness, consider taking travel tablets before departure, following the product directions and any advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Choose a seat with comfort in mind, and tell the crew if you begin feeling unwell. Staff have been described as attentive when passengers need help.

The weather policy matters here. The cruise requires suitable conditions. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. Do not assume that a rough day will always lead to cancellation, though. If the sea looks unsettled, contact the operator and ask about the conditions before you set out.

Swim stop and resort pickup

A swim stop and return transfers from selected resorts are available as upgrades. The swim is not a standard inclusion, and its length may depend on how the trip unfolds. One outing had only a short swim window after a long search, so do not choose the upgrade on the assumption that you will get a long time in the water.

Included hotel pickup and drop-off are limited to specified areas: Mogán, Taurito, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, San Agustín, and Bahía Feliz. If you are staying elsewhere, you need to make your own way to the meeting point in Puerto Rico. Pickup details are sent 24 to 48 hours before the trip. If they do not arrive, contact the operator rather than guessing where to wait.

Transfers can be useful if you are staying in one of the covered resorts, particularly if you would rather not arrange transport to Puerto Rico. Just confirm your accommodation during booking and check the exact pickup time and place once they are sent. Some people have had confusion around collection points, so clear confirmation is worth the small effort.

What the $50.46 price gets you

At about $50.46 per person, the fare covers the sightseeing cruise and unlimited onboard sodas. Alcoholic drinks and snacks cost extra. If you are using the included transfer, pickup and drop-off are also part of the package, but only from the named resort areas.

The price is reasonable for a two-and-a-half-hour boat trip with a glass-bottom viewing area and a crew searching for wild marine mammals. The free return pass adds value if no marine mammals are found, especially if you have enough time left on the island to use it. But the offer does not remove the main uncertainty: you may spend the cruise searching without a sighting.

Check the return-pass conditions before you book. The stated offer is a free second cruise if no marine mammals are seen, while some passengers have found that the pass had a limited validity period. Ask how long it remains valid and whether you can use it during your stay.

Who will enjoy this cruise

This trip suits you if you are happy to spend time at sea for a chance to see wild animals in their natural environment. It can be a memorable choice for families, wildlife fans, and anyone who has not seen dolphins from a boat before. The possibility of whales and other sea life adds interest, but you should be comfortable with uncertainty.

It is less suitable if you need a calm, predictable boat ride or are strongly affected by motion. Families with young children should weigh that carefully. A child may love seeing dolphins close to the boat, but a rough crossing can be hard going, and no sighting can be promised.

The maximum group size is 97. That is not a small private outing, though the boat has felt uncrowded on some departures. If space matters to you, ask about expected numbers when you book. The tour is offered in English, with a multilingual crew.

Before you book

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made later than that are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local time in Gran Canaria.

The tour is booked, on average, about 15 days ahead. If your dates are fixed, booking early may help you secure a place, especially if you need a particular departure or resort pickup. The confirmation arrives at booking, but the exact transfer details come later.

Should you book Spirit of the Sea?

Book this cruise if seeing wild dolphins or whales is worth a few hours of open water, even when the animals do not appear. The glass panels, included sodas, friendly crew, and free return offer help make the fare worthwhile, while the chance of seeing a pod close to the boat is the real prize.

Skip it if rough seas would spoil your day or if you need a guaranteed wildlife encounter. If you do go, check your pickup carefully, prepare for possible motion sickness, and treat the free return pass as a helpful backup, not a promise that the second trip will produce a sighting.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts about two and a half hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

It departs from Spirit of the Sea at Puerto Base in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria.

What time does the cruise leave?

Departures are scheduled at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.

What wildlife might I see?

The trip searches for dolphins and whales. Dolphins are commonly spotted, and some outings have also seen turtles, flying fish, and seabirds.

Is there a glass-bottom viewing area?

Yes. Spirit of the Sea has glass panels that let you look beneath the water from the boat.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited sodas are included. Alcoholic drinks and snacks are available to purchase.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from selected areas: Mogán, Taurito, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, San Agustín, and Bahía Feliz. Other areas are not included.

What happens if no marine mammals are seen?

You are offered a free pass to take another cruise. Check the pass’s validity when booking, as its period may vary.

Can I add a swim stop?

A swim stop is available as an upgrade. It is not included in the standard cruise.

What happens if poor weather cancels the cruise?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.