About this tour
When Alex from our team took this half-day cruise off Gran Canaria's southwest coast, we were after dolphins and whales in the waters between Puerto de Mogán and Maspalomas. The catamaran — a solid, stable vessel — handles the Atlantic swell better than smaller boats, which matters when you're scanning the horizon for cetaceans. After a few hours searching, we anchored at one of several beach coves (Cala del Perchel, Taurito, or Anfi del Mar, depending on where the action was) for a 30–45 minute swim and snorkel break. The whole thing runs 3–5 hours depending on sightings and conditions. Mixed groups of families, couples, and solo travellers — the usual cruise-tour crowd.
Highlights
- Catamaran design cuts rolling, steadier platform for spotting marine life
- Snorkelling gear included; decent window to actually use it mid-cruise
- Stop at a sheltered beach cove breaks up the journey nicely
- Free soft drinks and water during the beach anchor
- On-board facilities (restroom) mean no desperation mid-ocean
- Flexible beach stops adjust based on where cetaceans were spotted
- Suitable for families with prams, infants on laps, all fitness levels
What to expect
We boarded at Puerto Rico and headed offshore, scanning for pods. The catamaran's design genuinely does smooth out the ride — less queasy than we'd braced for. Spotting is never guaranteed, and the crew knows it; they'll search thoroughout but won't promise encounters. Once they'd covered their usual routes and picked a good anchor spot, we pulled into one of the nearby coves. The beach stop is a real breather: shallow, clear water for a dip, snorkelling gear to have a poke about the rocks, and time to dry off before the return leg. The pace is relaxed rather than rushed. Weather and swell direction shape the exact itinerary; on calmer days you might venture further out or linger longer. The mix of families, couples, and casual visitors means it's never rowdy but can feel a touch touristy.
What travellers say
- Catamaran stability reduces seasickness risk on longer swells
- Snorkelling gear and beach stop included in the price
- Flexible anchor locations based on actual sightings that day
- Suitable for families, infants, and varied fitness levels
- On-board facilities spare you desperation mid-voyage
- Cetacean sightings are never guaranteed despite the offshore search
- Beach stop is brief; not enough time for a proper swim
- Early departure times may clash with leisurely breakfast plans
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you're keen on marine life and willing to accept that sightings are luck-based, this hits the spot. The catamaran's stability is a genuine perk if you're prone to seasickness. Families appreciate the beach break and snorkel inclusion; kids can paddle safely while adults soak up sun. The price appears reasonable for a few hours of guided offshore time plus equipment.
Dolphin or whale encounters aren't guaranteed — some days are quiet. The beach stop, though pleasant, is only 30–45 minutes; don't expect a long swim or leisurely lunch. Early starts are typical for boat tours, which won't suit lie-in types. Bring suncream (generous amounts); the reflection off water intensifies UV. The boat can feel crowded on busy days. Bring a light layer too — ocean breeze cools quickly. Included drinks are soft drinks and water only; no alcohol or hot drinks. Children and infants need constant supervision; strollers are welcome but not practical once you're anchored. Check tide and weather forecasts the night before; rough seas can mean cancellations.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.