Gran Canaria: Dolphin Watching Eco Boat Tour in Small Group

Key Points

• 3-hour dolphin watching experience departs daily from Pasito Blanco Harbour
• Small group size limited to 8 guests for a personalized adventure
• Eco-friendly hybrid vessel provides a quiet, emission-free trip
• Guided by a marine biologist and expert crew, offering insightful marine life explanations
• Frequent sightings of bottlenose, Atlantic spotted, and other dolphins, plus pilot whales
• Departure at 9:00 AM from the south coast of Gran Canaria, suitable for active travelers

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The Unique Location: Pasito Blanco Harbour

This tour begins at Pasito Blanco Harbour, located on the south coast of Gran Canaria. The precise meeting point is at Pontoon: Ribera, Mooring R04, with coordinates 27.747079849243164, -15.625256538391113. From this peaceful marina, the hybrid boat Senda del Azul departs, offering scenic views of the coast before heading into deeper waters where marine life thrives.

The harbor is accessible and provides a relaxed setting for setting sail. Its proximity to Gran Canaria’s marine habitats makes it an ideal starting point for dolphin and whale encounters. The location also ensures a quick transition into tranquil waters, away from busy tourist hubs.

The Eco-Friendly Hybrid Boat Senda del Azul

The tour features the Rodman 1100, called Senda del Azul, specially designed for comfort and eco-conscious whale and dolphin watching. The vessel is equipped with two electric engines, making it quiet and emission-free. This allows marine animals to behave naturally without disturbance, enhancing the chances of observing wildlife.

The boat’s spacious design ensures comfort during the 3-hour journey. Its eco-friendly features align with the tour’s emphasis on sustainable tourism, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing wildlife observation opportunities. The vessel’s stability and size contribute to a smooth ride, suitable for most participants.

Expert Guides: Marine Biologist and Skipper

Led by skipper Victor and marine biologist Paula, this tour offers more than just sightseeing. Their combined expertise creates an educational experience where marine life insights are shared throughout. The guides are attentive and ready to answer questions, helping guests understand the behaviors and habitats of the animals encountered.

The presence of a marine biologist elevates the experience for those interested in learning about cetaceans and marine ecosystems. The guides avoid touching marine life, respecting wildlife regulations, but do provide informative commentary about the species seen, including bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, common dolphins, Rissos dolphins, striped dolphins, and short-finned pilot whales.

The Small Group Advantage: Personalized Experience

With a maximum of 8 guests, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere. This small group size ensures personalized attention from the crew and allows for a more relaxed, less crowded experience. It enhances the chances of spotting dolphins close to the boat and improves interaction with guides.

The small group setting also creates a more comfortable environment, especially for travelers who prefer a quieter, more exclusive outing. It is important to note, however, that the tour is limited to 10 participants, aligning with safety and comfort standards.

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Sightings and Marine Life Encounters

The waters around Gran Canaria are known for frequent cetacean sightings. During the 3-hour trip, expect to see bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, common dolphins, Rissos dolphins, and striped dolphins regularly. Pilot whales are also among the animals sometimes encountered.

The tour’s timing at 9:00 AM helps maximize wildlife activity, increasing the likelihood of sightings. The journey is quiet thanks to the hybrid boat’s electric engines, which means marine animals can carry on their natural routines without disturbance. The crew actively looks for signs of marine life, making every trip a chance for memorable encounters.

Practical Details: What to Bring and Restrictions

Participants should bring essentials such as a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity. Since the boat has no onboard food or drinks, travelers may choose to bring water, although the focus remains on wildlife viewing rather than extended stops.

It is important to note that touching marine life is not allowed to protect animals and follow conservation guidelines. The tour is suitable for most travelers but is not recommended for those prone to seasickness due to the open sea environment.

Departure Schedule and Booking Flexibility

The tour starts at 9:00 AM according to local time. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexible planning. The booking system also offers a reserve now, pay later option, making it easier to secure a spot without immediate payment.

This flexibility is ideal for travelers with unpredictable schedules or those wanting to confirm plans closer to the date. The 3-hour duration fits well into morning slots, leaving ample time for other activities later in the day.

Experience Ratings and Feedback

The tour maintains a solid 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews. Review highlights include a friendly and helpful crew, with one reviewer mentioning assistance with transportation arrangements. Others appreciated the small group setting and the educational aspect provided by the marine biologist.

Some constructive feedback points out that the boat is slower than larger vessels, which can influence the number of dolphin sightings. One review notes that sightings depended on the presence of other boats, and some felt the explanations were limited during the trip. Nonetheless, many find the quiet, eco-friendly vessel and personalized approach worthwhile.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This dolphin watching adventure suits active travelers and wildlife enthusiasts who value sustainable tourism and small group intimacy. It’s ideal for those who want an educational experience guided by marine biology experts, and who prefer quieter, emission-free boat rides.

However, travelers prone to seasickness or seeking a very fast-paced tour might find the boat’s slower pace less exciting. The tour’s emphasis on respecting marine life and environment makes it a responsible choice for eco-conscious visitors.

Final Thoughts on the Gran Canaria Eco Boat Tour

This 3-hour dolphin watching eco tour from Pasito Blanco Harbour offers a personalized, eco-friendly experience with frequent dolphin sightings and expert guidance. The hybrid vessel’s quiet operation enhances wildlife observations, making the journey more natural for the animals.

While some may wish for more in-depth explanations or faster boat speeds, the small group size and sustainability focus stand out as key benefits. It’s a great option for those looking for an educational marine adventure with a responsible operator.

Travelers who value comfort, environmental consciousness, and small-group attention will find this tour well-suited to their expectations and interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The dolphin watching tour lasts 3 hours.

What time does the tour depart?
The tour departs at 9:00 AM local time.

Where does the tour start?
It starts from Pasito Blanco Harbour, at Pontoon: Ribera, Mooring R04.

What animals can I expect to see?
Common sightings include bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, common dolphins, Rissos dolphins, striped dolphins, and short-finned pilot whales.

Is the boat eco-friendly?
Yes, the hybrid vessel uses electric engines, making the trip quiet and emission-free.

How many people are on each tour?
The tour is limited to 8 guests for a more intimate experience.

Can children participate?
Yes, children under 3 years old participate for free.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable outdoor clothing.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?
It is not recommended for those prone to seasickness.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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