Things to do in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Spirit of the Sea dolphin-watching cruise

The thrill of watching dolphins in their natural environment is one of the great experiences Gran Canaria has to offer. Onboard Spirit of the Sea – World Cetacean Alliance certified for responsible whale and dolphin watching – you'll get to see these friendly and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.There are six types of dolphin to spot, including bottlenose and common. And fin – the second-largest mammal – and pilot whales also make regular appearances. In fact, one-third of all species of cetaceans, which include whales and porpoises, can be found in these waters.You'll be able to keep a look-out for other creatures – turtles, flying fish and brightly coloured parrot fish – thanks to the Spirit of the Sea's viewing area. Plus, there's a swim stop included, for when you want to cool off in the water.

Aqualand Maspalomas

Thrills, spills, rides and slides – and lots of fun – await you at Aqualand Maspalomas. One of the largest of water parks in the Canaries, it has more than 30 attractions to keep the whole family grinning all day.

Sioux City Entrance

Think thundering hooves, whirring spurs and shouts of ‘yeehah' on this trip to Sioux City – the Canaries' most authentic cowboy themed adventure park. Wandering the dusty streets of a replica old west town, the action happens all around you. From cattle runs and horseshows to gunfights and bank heists, it's an entertainment extravaganza, Wild West style.Kick off the adventure the moment you step foot in the park. Originally a movie set for a spaghetti western, it's all swinging saloon doors and one-room jailhouses. Packed with gun-slinging characters, it feels every bit the authentic American west.Throughout the day, you'll be wowed by cattle runs, horseshows, duels, fights and more – some when you least expect it. Don't miss out on the thrilling bank heist. The town sheriff faces down some dastardly outlaws in an exciting horseback shootout. All in all, an action-packed family day out.

Gran Canaria's 'Little Venice' – visit Puerto de Mogan by boat

Puerto de Mogan is said by many to be the most beautiful town in Gran Canaria, and once you've set eyes on its toytown houses, it's hard to argue. This tour brings you by boat, docking right in the heart of the harbour after a scenic approach, so you avoid long walks from out-of-town parking lots. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Mogan market is a classic in Gran Canaria, known all over the island. And to arrive in the town by boat gives you that a spine-tingling sensation you get in anticipation of a special experience.'Sailing from Puerto Rico harbour, you'll glide along the rocky, volcanic coastline of the south before arriving at Puerto de Mogan. Cupped into cliffs at the mouth of a steep valley, it's known as ‘Little Venice' for its canal, blue-and-yellow-trimmed white cottages, wrought iron balconies and flower-festooned lanes. Traits that have made it very popular.Arriving by boat, you're in the middle of all the action straight away. Only we bring you to and from Puerto de Mogan by sea. Antonio, another of our local guides, say, ‘If you arrive by coach, not only is the journey less scenic but you have to walk a fair bit to get to the waterfront.' You'll have free time to poke around the stalls selling typical Canarian products or just relax at one of the many terraced cafés overlooking the yachts. Oh, and there's also an enticing sandy beach to stretch out on, too.

Aquarium Poema del Mar & Bus TUI Package

From the same family as two of Tenerife's most popular attractions, Loro Parque and Siam Park, comes Poema del Mar aquarium in the heart of Las Palmas. Here you'll come face to face with over 300 marine species, including sharks, piranhas, clown fish and hundreds more. It promises a fun trip out for all the family.With a panoramic 36-metre-long curved window and countless exhibitions, Poema del Mar is where you'll get lost in a hypnotic underwater world that's home to hundreds of sea creatures. There are electric eels, bull sharks and fish that look just like Nemo waiting to be discovered.Lose yourself in The Jungle with creatures from different corners of the world, and head to the Reef where you'll encounter corals and fish of every colour imaginable. You can also take advantage of their state-of-the-art cinema, showcasing hourly screenings of interesting and fun short films, or venture to the Deep Sea with millions of litres of water. There's also free time to enjoy Las Palmas, Santa Catalina and Las Canteras beach.

Full-day Gran Canaria tour with Teror, Tejeda and typical lunch

Villages, viewpoints and volcanic rocks dot Gran Canaria's jagged spine. This tour weaves its way through some of the island's most dramatic landscapes, stopping along the way to visit gems such as Teror, Tejeda and Fataga. David, one of our local guides, says, ‘The legend of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Teror still intrigues me. It was in 1481, amid the Castilian conquest of Gran Canaria, and it helped change the island's destiny.'And Teror is where your adventure begins. Strolling past the balconied townhouses of Calle Real de la Plaza towards the mountain-framed basilica of Our Lady of the Pine is one of the defining Gran Canaria experiences. A scenic mountain drive away is Tejeda, which is a bit of a looker itself – red-roofed, whitewashed houses sprinkled on the slope of a valley. David adds, ‘Every time there's a list of Spain's prettiest villages, Tejeda is near the top. Its setting is unbeatable.' There's also a pit stop at Las Tirajanas viewpoint to admire a vast volcanic caldera, as we make our way to Fataga to eat. A lunch made from locally sourced ingredients will be served in a family-owned restaurant. After a little amble through the town, we'll visit a nearby aloe vera plantation to get the lowdown on its medicinal properties. Generations of islanders have used extracts from the plant for skin burns.

Mogan Yellow Submarine Tour

The Yellow Submarine is as much a part of the seas off Puerto de Mogan as the shoals of fish that swim in them. It's a window on a weird and wonderful world of exotic marine life and shipwrecks that will unfold before your eyes during the 40 minutes this underwater adventure lasts.

Gran Canaria’s Poema del Mar aquarium and Guayadeque canyon tour

From the sea to the central mountains and even underground, you'll see the very best of Gran Canaria with this tour. You'll get up-close to more than 300 marine species in Poema del Mar aquarium, drive through the green valley of Guayadeque and tuck into a light lunch before wrapping things up with free time in the colonial town of Agüimes. Miguel, one of our local guides, says, ‘There's so much packed into one day. But for me, the most interesting part is Guayadeque, which represents a very important part of our prehistory.'First up is one of the most popular attractions in Las Palmas. With panoramic curved windows and countless exhibitions, Poema del Mar is where you'll get lost in a hypnotic underwater world that's home to hundreds of sea creatures. There are electric eels, bull sharks and fish that look just like Nemo. You can also take advantage of their state-of-the-art cinema, showcasing hourly screenings of interesting and fun short films.Next, you'll journey through the island's greenest corner to Guayadeque Canyon. It's famed for its cave homes, which the ancient aborigines built in lava bubbles, and winding hiking trails. After exploring, you'll refuel with delicious traditional tapas made from locally sourced ingredients. Then it's on to Agüimes, where you'll have some free time to wander through this pastel-coloured parish perched above the green ravine of Guayadeque. You can see the elegant church, stop for a coffee in a local café or take some selfies by the town's many statues.

Maspalomas Camel Tour

Tucked away in the southern tip of Gran Canaria is an oasis of unmatched beauty that'll make you think you're in the Sahara desert. The sand dunes of Maspalomas are hemmed in by the resorts of Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas and Meloneras – and there's no more authentic way to explore them than on the back of a camel.

Afrikat Cruise

The southwest coast of Gran Canaria is best admired by boat – and what better way than with this half-day catamaran cruise that combines both adventure and relaxation. You'll glide along the protected coastline, swim in a crystal-clear bay and for a small extra charge, join the captain on an optional speedboat tour.You'll set off in a spacious catamaran along the southwest coast of Gran Canaria and soak up the island's volcanic beauty in all its glory as you soak up the sun on deck. Your captain will steer the boat to a pristine bay where clear water invites you to take a refreshing dip.And if you like a bit of adventure, there's an optional exhilarating speedboat tour available as well for a small extra charge of 5 euro. What's more, you'll be able to sit back for a freshly-prepared lunch complete with sangria, beer and soft drinks before you head back.

Gran Canaria buggy by Multiactivity

The rugged terrain and winding trails of Gran Canaria make it ideal for a buggy tour. These tours are a dream for adrenaline junkies, with photo stops along the way to relax things down a bit. You'll take in some of the island's most beautiful and deserted spots on a 4-wheeled adventure.The day kicks off as you navigate through the rugged desert landscapes of southwest Gran Canaria. You'll speed along sandy and rocky trails, spewing up clouds in your wake. Enjoy the breathtaking views as you speed along off-road routes in search of untouched places on the island.Before you get to experience the island's ever-changing landscape in an exciting, action-packed two hours, don't forget you'll need your driving licence to participate, and your sense of adventure.

Gran Canaria 4x4 Safari Tour

Family adventures are what holidays are all about – and this one has the whole clan covered. Imagine starting your day with an exhilarating ride in a rugged off-road vehicle, whizzing through the heart of Gran Canaria's stunning landscapes. As you journey through the island, you'll pass through picturesque spots like Chira and Ayacata, where the views will have everyone reaching for their cameras. Your first major stop is the charming hillside village of Fataga. With its narrow, cobbled streets and traditional whitewashed houses, Fataga feels like stepping back in time. Find a quaint café to grab a bite to eat, or perhaps enjoy wandering through the local shops and discovering unique souvenirs. Then, the adventure continues to a Canary Island must-see – an authentic aloe vera farm. This stop is not only interesting but also educational, offering a unique experience for the whole family. Learn about the cultivation and uses of aloe vera, a plant renowned for its healing properties.