REVIEW · GRAN CANARIA
Half-Day Cruise Tour-Dolphin and Whale Watching
Book on Viator →Operated by Líneas Blue Bird · Bookable on Viator
Wild water, wild animals, and a built-in swim.
I like that this half-day cruise mixes searching time with an anchor swim-and-snorkel stop. I also like the practical setup: clear pickup options and a crew that runs things professionally so the boat doesn’t turn into dolphin chaos.
One thing to keep expectations honest: whales are not guaranteed. Some days you’ll get dolphins, and other days you might see less—or nothing—depending on what the animals are doing.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Puerto Rico Marina: where the cruise starts and how pickup works
- The cruise plan: a search for whales plus a swim that actually feels worth it
- Dolphins and whales: how the crew improves your odds (and what to expect)
- What’s included on board: seats, snacks/drinks, toilets, and snorkel gear
- Boat comfort: a practical note on motion and who should plan for it
- Price and value: is $44.65 a good deal for this half-day?
- Who should book this cruise (and who might skip it)
- Final verdict: should you book?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the Half-Day Cruise Dolphin and Whale Watching?
- Where does the tour start from?
- Is pickup available, or do I need to go to the marina?
- Do you get time to swim and snorkel?
- Are drinks included?
- How many people are on the boat?
- Do whales and dolphins get guaranteed sightings?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key things to know before you go
- Puerto Rico Marina launch: the catamaran leaves from the Puerto Deportivo de Puerto Rico area in Gran Canaria
- A real swim window: plan on about 30–45 minutes at anchor for swimming and snorkel time
- Crew behavior matters: the captain and crew focus on staying at a safe distance rather than chasing
- Good odds, not a promise: the operator cites a 92% cetacean sighting rate across many departures
- Comfort + convenience: toilets onboard, lots of seating upstairs and downstairs, and mobile ticket entry
- Morning can help: there’s strong practical advice to choose the morning slot if you can
Puerto Rico Marina: where the cruise starts and how pickup works
This tour is based out of Puerto Rico Marina, one of Gran Canaria’s key tourist enclaves. The boat sets sail from the base port, and that matters because it keeps the whole morning (or half-day) feeling efficient. You’re not spending your time fighting transfers to some far-off harbor.
If you want the easiest start, you can use the shuttle bus service. It covers a long list of areas, including Bahía Feliz, Playa del Águila, San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Arguineguín, Patalavaca, Puerto Rico, Amadores, Taurito, and Playa del Cura. To make it smooth, you need to give the operator your hotel name when you reserve—or again up to 48 hours before—so they can confirm the closest pickup point and bus time.
Don’t want a shuttle? You can go directly to the meeting spot at Líneas Blue Bird, C. Puerto Base, 35130 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain. Either way, the crew helps you get sorted and onto the catamaran without turning it into a long check-in ritual.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Gran Canaria.
The cruise plan: a search for whales plus a swim that actually feels worth it
The trip runs about 3 to 5 hours, commonly from 10:00 a.m. to about 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Most of that time is spent navigating in search of cetaceans. In other words, you’re not just doing a short scenic cruise. You’re out there looking.
A big part of the value is the time at anchor: roughly 30–45 minutes to swim and snorkel. That’s long enough to feel like you had an on-the-water experience, not just a quick toe-in-and-go. Some days the swim area can be near rock features or caves, so you may get nice coastal scenery around you while you’re in the water.
Onboard comfort helps you enjoy the search part too. The boat has upstairs and downstairs seating, multiple areas to relax, and even toilets. One reviewer noted a slide and two access points for getting back into the sea zone, which makes the swim stop feel more like an activity than an obligation.
Dolphins and whales: how the crew improves your odds (and what to expect)
Let’s talk about the main reason you’re here: seeing dolphins and possibly whales. The key thing is that wildlife is wildlife. It moves. It changes. So you should treat this as a wildlife search cruise, not a guaranteed sighting.
That said, the operation has a stated performance point: the provider mentions a 92% cetacean sighting success rate over many departures (and notes that the usual target is even higher). In real travel terms, that means your odds are generally good—especially if you can match the cruise to your schedule and weather windows.
What I really like in the feedback is the emphasis on respectful behavior. Several comments praise the captain for keeping a safe distance and for not letting other boats turn into reckless chases. When the crew focuses on calm watching, you get better viewing time and you’re less likely to feel rushed.
Still, you need to know the likely split:
- Many trips focus on dolphins, and that’s what most people report seeing.
- Whales are the upsell hope on the itinerary name, but sightings can be hit-or-miss day to day.
- If you’re traveling with a strong whale-only goal, keep flexibility in mind so the day doesn’t feel like a disappointment if the animals choose another route.
What’s included on board: seats, snacks/drinks, toilets, and snorkel gear
For a price around $44.65 per person, the inclusions add up quickly—especially if you plan to swim. You’re not bringing your own snorkeling setup here. Snorkeling equipment like masks and gear is provided, and reviews also mention items like buoys.
Soft drinks are also part of the experience. One consistent theme is that during the swim stop, drinks are free, so if you want to save a bit of money, plan to use that moment rather than buying onboard later. There is a bar onboard where you can purchase drinks and light snacks, but it’s not the main deal.
Comfort features matter more than people think on a moving boat. The feedback notes a boat that’s clean and well arranged, with plenty of seating choices. One person even mentioned soft music in the background, which helps if you’d rather not hear your own thoughts for 3+ hours on rolling water.
There’s also the small-but-real upgrade of a crew that communicates well in multiple languages. That makes it easier to follow safety instructions and understand what’s happening when dolphins appear.
Boat comfort: a practical note on motion and who should plan for it
Gran Canaria is famous for great boating weather, but you still have to respect the sea. One reviewer specifically warned that the boat can wobble a lot, and they suggested caution if you’re prone to motion sickness or have balance issues.
So if you’re sensitive to movement, it’s smart to come prepared:
- Bring any seasickness remedy you normally use
- Avoid overloading on heavy food right before departure
- Wear shoes that work on a wet deck (you’ll be happier than if you go with slippery sandals)
On the other hand, most people can participate. The tour is listed as most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. If you have specific medical questions, it’s worth messaging the operator before you book.
Price and value: is $44.65 a good deal for this half-day?
This is where the tour earns its keep. For roughly $44.65, you get three things most wildlife day trips usually charge extra for:
1) A proper catamaran ride out of Puerto Rico Marina
2) Guided search time for dolphins and whales
3) A paid-for-in-other-tours style swim/snorkel stop
Even if you only see dolphins, the combo of on-water time plus swimming makes it feel like more than a “look from the boat and that’s it” outing.
Where value can feel weaker is when your personal goal is whales specifically. If whales are the only acceptable outcome, you’re taking a risk with any cetacean cruise. One frustrated comment highlights exactly that: it’s possible to travel for whales and get dolphins instead, or get limited sightings depending on the day.
If you go in with a flexible attitude—wild dolphins plus a swim is still a win—this tour tends to look like strong value.
Also worth noting: if you want souvenir photos, be aware they can be pricey. You do not have to buy them. Treat the photos as optional extras.
Who should book this cruise (and who might skip it)
I think this tour suits best if you want:
- A half-day water activity that balances wildlife time and an actual swim
- Your first shot at seeing dolphins in the wild
- A calm, professional crew that focuses on safe viewing rather than risky chasing
It may be a tougher fit if you:
- Need whales guaranteed
- Are extremely motion sensitive and haven’t planned for boat movement
- Want a tightly guided, land-based history tour instead of time on the water (this is about sea time)
If your schedule allows, morning can be a smart pick. One comment explicitly suggested mornings for better results, and it also means you start earlier before plans stack up for the rest of your day.
Final verdict: should you book?
Yes, if you want a practical, reasonably priced half-day that combines wildlife searching with a real swim stop, this is a good call—especially with the snorkel gear and the boat comfort features. The crew approach also sounds like a big part of why the experience feels safe and enjoyable.
Just book it with the right mindset: cetacean sightings depend on the day, and dolphins are the most consistent outcome. If whales are your make-or-break goal, consider adding backup plans for the rest of your trip so the day still feels complete.
FAQ
What is the duration of the Half-Day Cruise Dolphin and Whale Watching?
The tour is listed as about 3 to 5 hours (with a common run time from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.).
Where does the tour start from?
The meeting point is Líneas Blue Bird, C. Puerto Base, 35130 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain.
Is pickup available, or do I need to go to the marina?
Pickup is offered. You can also go directly to the Puerto Rico Marina base port. If you choose the shuttle, you need to provide your hotel name when booking (or 48 hours before) so they can confirm the closest pickup point and time.
Do you get time to swim and snorkel?
Yes. The schedule includes stopping at anchor for about 30–45 minutes so you can swim, and snorkeling equipment is provided.
Are drinks included?
Soft drinks are included as part of the experience during the swim stop. A bar is onboard for additional purchases.
How many people are on the boat?
The tour is listed with a maximum of 150 travelers.
Do whales and dolphins get guaranteed sightings?
No. The activity depends on what the animals are doing that day. The operator mentions an overall 92% cetacean sighting rate, but you should still expect day-to-day variability.
What happens if the weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.
