Which Gran Canaria Island Tour Should You Book?

Updated October 2026 · By the Digital Guest Pass team, a family who has lived in the Canary Islands since 1993

If you are staying in the south and want the island's mountain scenery in one day, the Volcano Heart Tour is the most reviewed choice, at 4.9 from 1,395 reviews (October 2026), with a Roque Nublo hike and sunset at Pico de las Nieves. For easier walking, choose the Red Canyon Tour. For a coach tour of the whole island, choose the Across the Island Tour from Las Palmas.

The four tours at a glance

• Volcano Heart Tour: 8.5 to 11 hours with hotel pick-up from the south. Includes a Roque Nublo hike of about 3.5 km with a 200 m climb, local tastings and a honey rum toast, and sunset at Pico de las Nieves. Needs good fitness.

• Red Canyon Tour: 7 to 10 hours with hotel pick-up from the south, rated 4.9 from 1,087 reviews. Short walks, a tasting of local dishes and a swim at Arinaga beach.

• Rainforest Tour: 8 to 10 hours with hotel pick-up from the south. A ravine hike of about 3 km with stream crossings, a tasting at an eco-farm and a swim stop at El Puertillo.

• Across the Island Tour: about 8.5 hours, starting in Las Palmas with no pick-up in the south. Mostly by coach, with a lunch stop in Fataga at your own cost.

Which island tour is best if I am staying in the south?

The Volcano Heart, Red Canyon and Rainforest tours all include hotel pick-up from the south of the island, so you don't need to travel first. The Across the Island Tour starts in Las Palmas, about 45 to 60 minutes north by bus.

Which island tour is best for families?

The Red Canyon Tour suits families best, with short walks, a food tasting and a swim stop. The Volcano Heart, Red Canyon and Rainforest tours recommend a minimum age of 5, and the Across the Island Tour has a minimum age of 7.

Do I need to be fit?

It depends on the tour. The Volcano Heart Tour's Roque Nublo hike needs good fitness, and the Rainforest Tour has a ravine hike with stream crossings. The Red Canyon Tour has only short walks, and the Across the Island Tour is mostly by coach.

Can you swim on an island tour?

Yes, on two of them. The Red Canyon Tour finishes with a swim at Arinaga beach, and the Rainforest Tour stops at El Puertillo. Bring swimwear and a towel. The Volcano Heart and Across the Island tours have no swim stop.

How do I get to Las Palmas for the Across the Island Tour?

Global bus line 30 runs direct from Faro de Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and San Agustín to Las Palmas, and lines 50 and 5 also link the south with the city. Check times on the Global website (guaguasglobal.com) and allow time to reach the meeting point.

What should I bring?

Layers and a jacket, as it is cold at altitude, plus walking shoes, sun cream, a hat and water. For the Rainforest Tour bring waterproof shoes and dry clothes, and for the Red Canyon and Rainforest tours bring swimwear and a towel.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Weather in the mountains and the north can be very different from the south. On the Volcano Heart, Red Canyon and Rainforest tours the guide may change the route depending on the weather, and the Across the Island Tour runs in all weather. All four offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

Are the island tours wheelchair accessible?

No. None of the four is listed as wheelchair accessible, as they include uneven paths, hikes or mountain stops. Check with the operator if you have specific access needs.

Compare all four tours side by side, with photos and availability, on our Gran Canaria island tours page. Staying in the capital? See our Las Palmas guide.