whale watching gran canaria, man taking a picture of a whale swimming alongside the boat

Whale Watching Gran Canaria: Set Sail for an Unforgettable Encounter

Geschreven door: Cristiano Cianfa

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Tijd om te lezen 8 min

Whale Watching Tours in Gran Canaria

Let's immediately give the most essential information of this article about whale watching in Gran Canaria:  whale watching in Gran Canaria is not as frequent as you might think.

Gran Canaria is a paradise for lovers of the sea, nature, and the warm waters of the Atlantic, which favour the formation of incredible biodiversity. However, when it comes to whales, sightings are undoubtedly possible but much rarer than those of dolphins, which instead occur with daily regularity, sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, and many other species.


That said, a dolphin and whale watching excursion in Gran Canaria can easily turn into one of the “memorable days” of your life.


It is an exciting and educational experience, a real stargate connecting humans and nature. The Canary Islands' privileged position makes the area an unparalleled habitat for cetaceans throughout the year. 

However, as already mentioned, we need to discuss whales separately because the fact that they populate the area does not mean that you can see them often. It is a completely different story for dolphins.

Marine Life You Might Spot

The following data comes from our experience in the field: from our customers' feedback, images and videos  and from the reports of operators who organize whale and dolphin watching excursions in Gran Canaria, which we carefully select before publishing on our portal.

Here are the species you can find in the waters of Gran Canaria:


  • Bottlenose Dolphins: With a sighting success rate of 97%, dolphins are among the most commonly spotted species. 
  • Short-finned pilot Whales: These cetaceans live in Canary waters and are the species of whale sighted most frequently.
  • Sperm Whales: Occasionally spotted in deeper waters.
  • Killer Whales: Rare but spectacular visitors.
  • Bryde's Whales and Fin Whales: Larger species that can sometimes be seen.
  • Sea Turtles: Five species have been reported in the Canary waters, with the Loggerhead Turtle and the Green Turtle being the most common.
  • Hammerhead Sharks: Present in the waters around Gran Canaria, but sightings during dives are very rare due to their shy and elusive nature.

Responsible Whale Watching

The dolphin and whale watching area is located southwest of the island, in the area commonly known as the Blue Lagoon. 


This part of the coast faces the island of Tenerife, and the most numerous sightings are found within this sort of "canyon". Many boats, with varied formulas, bring hundreds of tourists to this wonderful experience every day, mainly from the ports of Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan.


There are many excursions and boat trips to go dolphin and whale watching: dozens of boats, catamarans and yachts every day.


Although information exchanges between boats are standard practice, so that all tourists can enjoy the experience, the vessels shift so as not to overcrowd the area and upset the natural balance.Getting advice on the operator to choose is a determining factor if you want to buy a "responsible" tour.

Choosing Your Whale Watching Tour

There are several types of whale watching tours available in Gran Canaria, each offering a unique experience:

  • Catamaran dolphin tours:  sightings are rare because catamarans cannot reach the main sighting area of Gran Canaria, which is located about 2-2.5 miles from the coast. The only catamaran that guarantees sightings of dolphins and occasionally whales is the Supercat, which, as the name suggests, is a super-catamaran in size (about 200 passengers) and speed. Thanks to its characteristics it has an accuracy of 97% and guarantees a new free excursion in case of no sighting.
  • Glass-bottom boat:  This is one of the best options for whale watching. These boats offer a whale and dolphin-watching tour with a 97% success rate. Also, in case of no whale or dolphin sighting on the day of the excursion, all passengers receive a free ticket for a new trip.
  • Shared Luxury Yacht for Whales and Dolphin Search:  This is the best option if in addition to whale and dolphin watching, you are looking for more exclusivity, comfort and you want a complete tour, 4 hours all included with lunch, drinks and the possibility of swimming in the ocean, also doing some snorkelling. And, why not, even some water activities.

What to Consider When Booking

When selecting a tour, consider the following factors:

  • Group Size : Do you prefer a more private experience or a social atmosphere? In the first case, a shared luxury yacht experience will be your option; if you prefer something with other people and families, then a supercar tour and the glass-bottom boat will be perfect for a shorter trip. 
  • Duration : Tours typically range from 2 to 4 hours.
  • Budget : Prices vary from €34/40 to €75/80 in relation to the experience you decide to buy.

Finding a Reputable Tour Operator

We will take charge of this goal by preselecting the operators for you. According to our knowlodge and experience over the years, we preselected the operators we know will provdide the best service by guaranteeing:

  • Follow  ethical whale and dolphin watching guidelines .
  • Employ  experienced and knowledgeable guides .
  • Have  positive customer reviews .
  • Contribute to  marine conservation efforts .

What to Expect on a Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour

Itinerary & Inclusions

A typical whale and dolphin watching tour in Gran Canaria includes:

  • Transportation  to and from the marina (only in the south area of Gran Canaria, depending on the operator).
  • brief explanation of the boat  and the species you might encounter.
  • The chosen formula for  whale and dolphin spotting experience .
  • Snacks, drinks snorkelling time, and some optional water sports  are included when on a shared or private luxury yacht experience or the 4h Supercat Dolphin Search & Coast Tour.
dolphin boat trip, dolphins jumping in front of the boat

What to Bring

Find below some tips here to pack your backpack and make the most of your tour:

  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses  to protect against the sun.
  • Towels, and a light jacket , as it can be breezy at sea.
  • A camera or binoculars  for capturing stunning moments.
  • Bath suite  if on a tour with snorkelling time or  comfortable clothing  and footwear.

Best Time for Whale Watching in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria offers whale watching opportunities year-round, but certain seasons provide a higher likelihood of spotting specific species.

Taking into account the premises made in this article regarding the difficulty of meeting whales in Gran Canaria and the frequency of sightings of dolphins which is practically daily throughout the year, here are some indications on seasonality:

  • Winter (December – February) : Ideal for sperm whales and larger species.
  • Spring (March – May) : Good for a mix of dolphins and pilot whales.
  • Summer (June – August) : Excellent for dolphins and occasional sightings of orcas.
  • Autumn (September – November) : A great time to see resident species.

Additionally, depending on the time of year, sea turtles, flying fish, and various seabirds can be spotted.

Why Book with Discover Gran Canaria?

If you plan a whale and dolphin spotting trip, make it unforgettable with Discover Gran Canaria: We offer several optionsand above all, we are a total "customer-oriented" excursion center. We ensure you choose the best trip, according to your needs, and choose the best operators to grant a 100% memorable experience.

  • Rigorous selection of excursions and operators:  We carefully select the activities and, above all, the best operators to guarantee unique experiences. Take a look at the reviews our customers leave.
  • Wide choice of excursions and tours:  From boat tours to spot dolphins and whales, bus or minivan trips, water sports, adventure tours with buggies, jeeps, quads, van-ams or trekking in the heart of the island, up to visits to the picturesque villages of Gran Canaria.
  • Best Price Guarantee:   If you find the exact tour or activity at a lower price from our operator, simply notify us with the details, and we'll refund the price difference hassle-free.
  • Fast Customer Support:   Rapid interaction through the main platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram messenger but also with our live chat service, operational every day from 8:00 to 22:00, where you can interact with a human.

Make the most of your  Gran Canaria getaway  by booking unforgettable  excursions, tours, and activities  with  Discovergrancanaria.net From dolphin watching to luxury stays, your next adventure starts here.  Plan now and create memories that last a lifetime! 

Conclusion: 3 unmissable things about Whale Watching & Dolphin Gran Canaria

The Perfect Family-Friendly Adventure

A whale and dolphin tour is an  absolute must-do activity for families , especially with young children. Kids get to see their favourite sea creatures  up close, in the wild, rather than captivity , sparking curiosity and a love for marine life. With safe, guided tours on comfortable boats, it’s an educational and awe-inspiring experience that creates  lifelong memories for the whole family .

A Profound Connection with Nature

Whale watching in Gran Canaria is more than just spotting marine animals: it’s about  immersing yourself in the wonders of the natural world. Seeing dolphins playfully surf the waves or a majestic whale glide through the ocean fosters a deep emotional connection between humans and wildlife. It’s a humbling reminder of the beauty and importance of marine conservation.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime, Unforgettable Experience

The thrill of witnessing wild whales and dolphins in their natural habitat stays with you forever. Whether it’s the  first time hearing a whale’s blowhole exhale , watching a dolphin leap joyfully into the air, or feeling the gentle sway of the boat on the open sea, every moment is  magical and unique . No two tours are ever the same!

The Author: Cristiano Cianfa - Founder of Discover Gran Canaria

Hi, I'm Cristiano, for my friends Cris 😜

I live in Gran Canaria with my wife Ilaria and our hairy daughter Emma, and I share information, advice and tips to explore it to the fullest!

I founded DiscoverGranCanaria with one goal: to make every visitor's experience truly memorable: Explore. Discover. Experience.
With DiscoverGranCanaria , your next adventure starts here!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gran Canaria good for whale watching?  

Gran Canaria is good for whale watching, especially in the waters off the southern coast. Although spotting whales is not as common as in Tenerife, you can spot resident species like the pilot whale and various dolphins. 

Which Canary Island is best for whale watching? 

Tenerife is considered the best place among the Canary Islands for whale watching, as many species pass through. You can spot pilot whales, sperm whales, orcas, and false orcas.

Where is the best place to watch whale watching?  

The best places to watch whales in the Canary Islands are Los Gigantes (Tenerife), the waters around La Gomera, and the southern coast of Gran Canaria.