Best Boat Trips in Gran Canaria for Families
Updated: 5 hours ago
Updated October 2026 · By the Digital Guest Pass team, a family who has lived in the Canary Islands since 1993
The best boat trips in Gran Canaria for families with young children are the shorter dolphin and whale cruises, which last about 2.5 hours. Families with older children get more from the 4 to 5-hour Virgin Beaches catamaran from Puerto de Mogán, which includes lunch, swim stops, snorkelling and paddle boards. This guide is based on our comparison of the five top-rated boat trips, with details checked in October 2026.
Which boat trip is best for young children?
Spirit of the Sea and the Short Dolphin and Whale Cruise are the shortest trips, at about 2.5 hours, so they suit toddlers and younger children best. Spirit of the Sea has underwater glass panels and offers a free second trip if no dolphins or whales are seen (check the terms when you book). The Short Dolphin and Whale Cruise has a guide on board and is the only one of the five listed as wheelchair accessible.
Which boat trip is best for older children?
The Virgin Beaches catamaran from Puerto de Mogán is the highest rated of the five, at 4.8 from 215 reviews (October 2026). It lasts 4 to 5 hours and includes a paella lunch, soft drinks, swim stops, snorkelling and paddle boards. It is a small boat with up to 30 people, and infants sit on laps.
Keeper Uno, also from Puerto de Mogán, is about 4 hours with lunch, soft drinks, water sports and beach and cliff stops. The Dolphin, Whale and Snorkel Trip lasts 3 to 5 hours, includes a swim and snorkel stop with gear, and is pushchair friendly.
The five trips at a glance
Virgin Beaches Catamaran with Lunch: 4 to 5 hours from Puerto de Mogán, paella lunch and drinks, swimming and paddle boards. Best for older children.
Keeper Uno Dolphin Search: about 4 hours from Puerto de Mogán, lunch and soft drinks, beach and cliff stops. Best for older children.
Dolphin, Whale and Snorkel Trip: 3 to 5 hours, swim and snorkel stop with gear, pushchair friendly.
Spirit of the Sea Dolphin Cruise: about 2.5 hours, underwater glass panels, free second trip if no sightings. Great for young children.
Short Dolphin and Whale Cruise: about 2.5 hours, guide on board, listed as wheelchair accessible. Suits young children.
Will we see dolphins?
Dolphins and whales are often seen off the south-west coast of Gran Canaria, but no trip can promise sightings. If seeing wildlife matters most, Spirit of the Sea's free second trip is worth knowing about.
Is hotel pick-up included?
It depends on the trip. The Virgin Beaches catamaran and Spirit of the Sea list pick-up from some south resorts. The snorkel trip offers a resort shuttle at extra cost. Keeper Uno and the Short Dolphin and Whale Cruise have no pick-up, so you make your own way to the harbour.
Can we cancel if the weather changes?
All five trips list free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Always check the terms on the listing before you book.
What should we bring?
Sun cream, hats, sunglasses, a towel, a light layer for the sea breeze and a charged phone or camera. If anyone gets seasick, ask a pharmacist about a remedy before you go, as the sea can be choppy.
See all five trips side by side, with photos and availability, on our Gran Canaria boat trips comparison. For days on land, compare our top family days out.
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