With over 230 kilometres of coastline, temperate climate and optimum wind and sea conditions, Gran Canaria is a favourable holiday destination when it comes to water activities and sea excursions. You can opt for a whale and dolphin watching trip, a cruise along the coast with catamaran or submerge in a submarine to spot marine life. Alternatively, if money is the not an issue, why not hire a private charter to celebrate that special occasion?
There are plentiful of dolphins and whales inhabiting the waters of Gran Canaria with one third of the species in existence can be found here. This is due to the ideal water temperature and wealth of fish- food. Be wise to choose an authorised boat which is licensed to bring visitors near the habitat of these mammals. This is to ensure that they are not being harmed. In addition, you will have on board an expert/ biologist who can tell you more about these fascinating creatures.
Most recreational boat trips and excursions are available in the south of the Gran Canaria, with most departures concentrated on the two marina harbours in Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan.
There are two marinas/ habours in Puerto Rico- Deportivo Harbour (also known as Puerto Base) and Puerto Escala. Here, you can join a whale and dolphin watching trip, board a coastal cruise or sail on a modern yatch in search of picturesque bays where you can swim, snorkel, fish or just relax.
Located just 14km north of Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogan, also dubbed “Little Venice of the Canary Islands”, is another seaside resort with port facilitating departures of various boat excursions similar to that of Puerto Rico. Alternatively, near the harbour mouth is the Yellow Submarine where you can hop in for a 40 minutes of underwater discovery journey (Adult: €29, child of 2-12 years: €14.5).
Prices start from €25 for an adult (child €12.50) for a 2-3 hours whale watching trip, and could creep up double for more private cruises and catamarans, meaning less number of people per boat. Due to the competition, prices are pretty standard across the island. with other factors to consider: what’s included, duration and length of trip.
There are a couple of ferry lines which connect the coastal towns of Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogan, Anfi del Mar and Arguineguín. It is an interesting alternative to local buses (and not expensive) of which you get to admire the beauty of Gran Canaria from a different perspective.
In the north, the main port in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is reserved mainly for commercial and island crossing purposes. From the port of Las Palmas, you will be able to catch a ferry to neighbouring islands of Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
There is another sea port (Puerto de las Nieves) in Agaete, northwest of Gran Canaria, facilitating ferry crossing between the island and Tenerife. Another port named La Aldea de dan Nicolás is home to a couple of boat excursion companies offering ‘water taxi’ services to visit some of the magnificent sights of Gran canaria’s west coast such as the cliff and mountain areas, the Güigüi beach (one of the nudist beaches of the island), as well as other hidden gems.
