Gran Canaria Dolphin & Whale Catamaran Cruise with Windows

Underwater windows, a working captain, and whatever cetaceans are moving through the strait that morning

A 2.5-hour catamaran cruise in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria designed for whale and dolphin watching, with underwater viewing windows and a professional crew trained in cetacean behavior and history. The boat, Spirit of the Sea, is captained by Ivan Lopez, a certified cetacean-watching professional with 15 years of experience. If no cetaceans are spotted, you receive a bonus credit valid for one year to rebook the tour free.

The experience

The boat leaves from Puerto Rico with a crew of professionals who know the habits, feeding patterns and mating behavior of the animals you might encounter. You'll spend two and a half hours in the southwest waters where dolphins, whales, turtles and flying fish move through the strait. The catamaran is built specifically for these sightings. The hull design gives every passenger clear sightlines, and the underwater viewing windows let you watch what moves beneath the surface without leaving your seat. Captain Ivan Lopez has been running this route for 15 years, and the crew hands out QR codes linked to detailed information about each species of dolphin or whale that inhabits the Canary Islands.

What you see depends on the season and the day: sometimes a few dolphins pass, sometimes thousands move through at once. The same goes for whales. You might spot the small common dolphin or, on a rare morning, the blue whale. The crew narrates what's happening as it unfolds, explaining behavior and habitat. If conditions allow, you can swim in the sea during the tour. The boat carries soft drinks, beer, water and snacks at the bar area, though meals are not included.

Pickup is optional. You can arrange your own transport to the dock, or add roundtrip transfer service at checkout. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and infants can sit on an adult's lap or ride in a stroller. All areas and surfaces are accessible. If you don't spot cetaceans on your departure, the crew issues a bonus credit you can use to rebook the tour anytime within a year.

What’s included

• 2.5-hour catamaran tour with a professional crew trained in cetacean history and behavior.
• underwater viewing windows for observing marine life below the surface.
• QR codes with detailed species information.
• optional roundtrip pickup service from your accommodation.

Options for this experience

2 options

No pickup neededGuide in 4 languages · 10:30 and 13:30

I need pickupGuide in 4 languages · 10:30 and 13:30Includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30 and 13:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 95

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, German and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dolphin and Whales

Is this one for you?Choose the option with pickup if you're arriving without a rental car or prefer not to navigate to the dock in Puerto Rico. Book the cruise-only option if you have your own transport or are staying nearby. Either way, the underwater windows and the captain's 15 years of experience mean you're watching from a boat built for this, not a general tour boat adapted for it.

Traveler reviews

4.20★★★★★★★★★★

635 verified traveler reviews

5 ★406

4 ★102

3 ★35

2 ★33

1 ★59

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, German and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the two booking options for this cruise?

One option includes roundtrip pickup from your accommodation. The other is the cruise alone, and you arrange your own way to the dock in Puerto Rico.

Can I swim during the dolphin and whale cruise?

Yes, if conditions allow, you can swim in the sea during the 2.5-hour tour.

What happens if we don't see any dolphins or whales?

The crew gives you a bonus credit valid for one year, so you can rebook the tour free on another date.

What marine animals might we see besides dolphins and whales?

Turtles and flying fish are common sightings, along with other marine species that move through the waters southwest of Gran Canaria.

Does the boat have food and drinks available?

The boat has a bar area with soft drinks, beer, water and snacks, though full meals are not included in the tour.

Who captains the boat and what's their experience?

Captain Ivan Lopez, a certified cetacean-watching professional, has been captaining Spirit of the Sea for 15 years and leads the crew in observing these animals with respect for their natural habitat and behavior.