Maspalomas: Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows

The dolphin show is the headline act, but Palmitos Park makes a fuller day of it: birds of prey fly against the mountain scenery, parrots perform, and the paths lead past gardens, an aquarium and animal habitats. I like the setting as much as the shows. This is a wildlife park in a steep valley, not a flat zoo with one exhibit after another.

I also like the range packed into one admission. You can move from a butterfly house and tropical birds to a Komodo dragon, caimans and the Island of Primates, then pause for a show. The catch is the terrain: many paths climb sharply, which can make the day tiring if hills or long walks are difficult for you.

What to know before you go

• Dolphins are the big draw: The dolphin show is included with park admission and is one of the most talked-about parts of a visit.
• Bird shows bring the scenery into the act: The birds of prey show takes place with mountain views, alongside parrot and exotic bird presentations.
• The park has more than shows: You’ll find an aquarium, butterfly house, orchid house, gardens, reptiles and animal areas.
• Expect hills, not a gentle stroll: The park sits in a valley, and visitors describe steep uphill and downhill stretches.
• Allow several hours: Many people spend around four to five hours here. The ticket is valid for one day, and last entry is at 5:00 PM.
• Budget for extras: Parking is free, but food and drinks are not included and can be costly inside the park.

A dolphin show in a mountain valley

Palmitos Park sits about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse, up in the hills. That setting is part of the appeal. You’re not simply walking through a collection of animal enclosures; the mountain valley frames the park and gives the bird of prey show a dramatic natural backdrop.

The park’s dolphinarium is a major stop. The show is included in the admission price, so you don’t need to buy a separate ticket to watch it. If you’re visiting with children, it may be the moment they talk about most. For adults, it’s also a welcome pause in a day that involves plenty of walking.

Be clear about what your ticket covers: it includes the dolphin show, not a separate dolphin encounter. Some people have booked an additional dolphin experience, but that is not part of the standard admission described here.

The birds of prey show is another strong reason to make the trip. Birds fly in the open air with the hills around them, so you get a different sense of scale than you do inside an enclosure. The park also offers a parrot show and an exotic bird show. With several presentations included, you can shape your route around show times rather than trying to see every exhibit in one long circuit.

Beyond the main shows

Palmitos Park brings together animals and plants from all five continents. That variety makes the place feel more like a full-day attraction than a quick stop for one performance. You can alternate between shows and quieter indoor or garden areas, which is useful if you want a change of pace.

The aquarium and butterfly house are two stops worth making room for. The butterfly house gives you a closer look at tropical insects, while the aquarium changes the rhythm after the outdoor paths. The orchid house and gardens also draw people who want more than animal displays. You’ll see why the park’s botanical side matters: the plants are part of the experience, not just decoration between exhibits.

There’s a broad range of animal habitats, too. The reptiles section includes a Komodo dragon, described as part of the first generation of the species raised in captivity in Europe. Komodo dragons can reach about three meters in length and weigh around 90 kilograms, so this is a substantial animal, not a minor stop on the way to the dolphinarium.

At Caiman Lake, you may see spectacled caimans, Californian turtles and the Gran Canaria giant lizard. The park presents these animals together in a habitat where they live in synchrony. It’s a reminder to slow down and look carefully; some exhibits reward a few quiet minutes more than a brisk walk past.

The Island of Primates is another area to include in your route. The park’s notable species include talapoins, as well as aardvarks, wallabies and meerkats. The mix is unusual, and meerkats tend to be a family favorite. If you’re visiting with children, this variety gives the day plenty of small discoveries between the headline shows.

How to plan your route and time

Your admission is valid for one day, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You go directly to Palmitos Park and present your online voucher at the gate. The park is about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse, but the ride from your starting point can take longer than the distance suggests. One visitor described a roughly 30-minute taxi trip, so check your own route and transport options before setting out.

Once inside, give yourself time to move between areas. Around four hours is a reasonable estimate if you want to see several exhibits and catch the main shows; some visitors spend five hours. The park is larger than it may look when you first check its location, and the hills add time to each walk.

Show schedules are spaced out enough that you can generally visit exhibits between performances. Still, check the current times when you arrive and plan around the shows you care about most. The exact schedule can vary, and last entry is 5:00 PM, so don’t leave the visit until late in the afternoon.

The terrain deserves serious thought. Paths rise and fall, with steep sections that can be hard work even if you’re in good shape. If mobility is a concern, the park provides walkers and mobility scooters for a fee, but a wheelchair-accessible label does not make the whole route flat or effortless. Contact the park before you go if you need specific access details.

What the $44 ticket is worth

At $44 per person, this is not a bargain-basement zoo visit. It is easier to justify if you plan to spend much of the day there and watch several shows. Admission covers the park and the dolphin, parrot, birds of prey and exotic bird shows, so the cost buys more than one short performance.

Value depends on how you like to spend a day. If you’re keen on animals, gardens and live presentations, you’ll likely get several hours out of the ticket. If your main interest is only the dolphin show, the price may feel steep for a single feature. For families, having multiple attractions in one place can make the admission more worthwhile, especially if the children are happy to walk and explore.

Food and drinks are not included, and prices inside can feel high. Some people find the restaurant reasonable, while snacks and drinks may add up quickly. Bringing water and snacks can help manage your budget, though you should check the park’s current rules about outside food before packing a full picnic.

Free car parking is a practical plus if you’re driving. Just remember that the ticket does not include transport from your hotel, so factor that cost into your day. The reserve-now, pay-later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance can offer flexibility when booking, but check the terms attached to your own reservation.

Comfort, weather and a few useful habits

Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. The climbs and descents are the most consistent practical challenge, and sandals that are fine on a beach can feel less useful on steep paths. Take your time between areas rather than trying to rush from show to show.

Bring water, and plan for sun. Many parts of the park are shaded, but the dolphin and bird shows are in exposed areas. A hat and sun protection are sensible, especially if you’ll be sitting through performances in the open.

If you’re travelling with children, set expectations about walking before you arrive. There is a lot to see, but the park’s size and slopes can tire younger legs. You can make the day easier by choosing a few priority areas, leaving some time for breaks and resisting the urge to race across the grounds to tick off every exhibit.

The park is described as clean and well maintained, and its plant collection adds a calmer side to the animal displays. That balance is one reason it can work for adults travelling without children, too. You don’t need to be a dedicated zoo fan to enjoy the gardens, mountain setting and bird presentations.

Who will enjoy Palmitos Park most

Families looking for a full day out will find plenty to hold children’s attention, from the dolphin show to meerkats, butterflies and birds. It also suits animal lovers who want a wide mix of species and several live presentations in one visit.

Adults can enjoy it without children, especially if they like botanical gardens and bird shows as much as the larger animals. The setting adds something distinctive, and the variety means you can spend the day at your own pace rather than treating the park as a quick photo stop.

This is a less comfortable choice if steep terrain is difficult for you, or if you want a low-cost outing with food included. It may also disappoint if you expect a flat, compact zoo or assume the ticket includes a dolphin encounter. The standard ticket is for entry and shows.

Should you book?

Book Palmitos Park if you have several hours to spare, enjoy animal and bird presentations, and don’t mind paying extra for food or transport. The dolphin show, birds of prey and mountain setting make a strong combination, while the aquarium, butterfly house and gardens give you reasons to stay beyond the performances.

Think twice if hills are a major obstacle or you only want a brief visit. For most visitors who can manage the walking, though, the range of exhibits and shows makes the $44 admission a reasonable choice for a full day near Maspalomas.

FAQ

What does the Palmitos Park ticket include?

It includes entry to the park and the dolphin, parrot, birds of prey and exotic bird shows. Free car parking is also included.

Is the dolphin show included in the ticket?

Yes. The dolphin show is included with park admission. A separate dolphin experience is not listed as part of the standard ticket.

How long should I plan to spend at Palmitos Park?

Allow several hours. Around four to five hours gives you time for a number of exhibits and shows, though your visit may be shorter or longer.

What time is last entry?

Last entry to the park is at 5:00 PM.

Is Palmitos Park suitable for wheelchair users?

The activity is marked wheelchair accessible. However, the park has steep uphill and downhill paths, so contact the park to check whether the route suits your needs.

Are walkers or mobility scooters available?

Visitors have reported that the park provides walkers and mobility scooters for a cost. Check directly with the park for current availability and fees.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket, and prices inside the park can be high.

Is transport from my hotel included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Go directly to Palmitos Park and present your voucher at the gate.

Can I cancel my booking?

The activity information allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the terms for your specific booking.