From Gran Canaria: Day Trip to Loro Parque Tenerife

A full-day adventure from Gran Canaria to Tenerife brings you to Loro Parque, an acclaimed zoo renowned for its wide variety of animals and spectacular shows. This 12-hour tour offers a seamless journey, including round-trip transportation, ferry crossings, and entry tickets to Europe’s best zoo. Starting early, the tour departs from Gran Canaria in the morning and takes you through a well-organized itinerary that balances fun, education, and relaxation.

Despite some comments about the age of the Tenerife bus, the overall experience remains engaging, especially for those eager to see dolphin and sea lion shows, giant tortoises, and exotic bird species. This trip is perfect for families, animal lovers, and anyone looking for a hassle-free day of exploration, although it requires passport or ID card for participation and excludes food and drinks.

Key Points

• Includes round-trip transportation from Gran Canaria to Tenerife, with ferry and bus transfers.
• Visit Loro Parque, a top-rated zoo with live animal shows, exotic birds, and giant tortoises.
• Departure at 8:00 AM, duration about 12 hours, with pickup options in the south of Gran Canaria or Las Palmas.
• Entry ticket included, but food and drinks are not, so plan accordingly.
• Limited flexibility with timing, as the schedule is fixed, and the ferry departs early.
• Some comments about the Tenerife bus being old and not very comfortable.

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How the Tour Begins: Transfers and Ferry from Gran Canaria to Tenerife

This trip kicks off with hotel pickups in the south of Gran Canaria or in Las Palmas, making it convenient for travelers staying in these areas. After the pickup, you’ll head to Agaete, where the ferry departs at 8:00 AM to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The ferry ride lasts approximately 72 minutes, offering scenic views of the sea as you travel between the islands.

Upon arriving in Tenerife, a bus awaits to take you directly to Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz. The transfer from Santa Cruz to the park helps maximize your time exploring the zoo’s attractions without worrying about logistics. While the ferry and bus are included, the bus in Tenerife has faced some criticism for being older and less comfortable, with reports of it being damp and lacking air conditioning.

Exploring Loro Parque: The Best of Europe’s Top Zoo

Once inside Loro Parque, visitors find themselves in a vibrant environment full of exotic animals, birds, and reptiles. The park boasts a variety of live shows, including dolphin and sea lion performances, which provide entertaining and educational displays of animal skills and interactions.

The zoo’s collection features parrot species like macaws and parakeets, allowing close encounters with colorful exotic birds. Plus, it hosts notable animals such as giant Galápagos tortoises and Western gorillas. The park’s reputation as Europe’s best zoo is supported by its diverse exhibits and engaging demonstrations throughout the day.

Animal Shows: Dolphins and Sea Lions Take Center Stage

A highlight of this tour is the chance to watch live animal shows. The dolphin show showcases these intelligent creatures performing synchronized routines, while the sea lion show demonstrates their agility and training skills. These performances offer both fun and insight into animal behavior.

The shows typically run at scheduled times, so it’s worth planning your visit around them. These presentations are among the most praised aspects of the trip, providing lively entertainment and opportunities to see animals in action.

Encountering Birds and Marine Life Close Up

The park’s bird enclosures feature a variety of parrots, macaws, and other exotic species, giving visitors the chance to observe their vibrant plumage. For marine enthusiasts, the seahorses and other aquatic creatures captivate with their intricate forms and movements.

While the park’s main focus is on exotic animals and birds, the aquarium sections and open enclosures also offer a glimpse of marine diversity. The opportunity to get close to these creatures makes the visit both exciting and educational.

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Additional Attractions: Tortoises, Reptiles, and More

Beyond the animal shows, Loro Parque features impressive Giant Galápagos tortoises, often seen wandering peacefully among visitors. Reptile houses display a variety of lizards and snakes, providing further insight into the world of reptiles.

Walking through the park, visitors appreciate the well-maintained habitats and the chance to observe rare and exotic species that are not commonly seen elsewhere. Although some visitors note that the park can get crowded, the spread-out layout helps maintain a comfortable viewing experience.

Practicalities: Entry, Transportation, and What’s Not Included

Your entry ticket to Loro Parque is included in the tour price, saving the hassle of long lines. The tour also includes pickup and drop-off services in the designated pickup areas, along with ferry and bus transfers.

However, food and drinks are not included, so travelers should bring snacks or plan to purchase refreshments inside the park. Remember to bring your passport or ID card, as it is required for the trip. The tour offers skip-the-line entry via a separate entrance, streamlining your visit.

Timing and Pacing: A Full 12-Hour Day

The entire tour spans roughly 12 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip. The early departure from Gran Canaria allows ample time to explore Loro Parque at your own pace. Still, the fixed schedule means some flexibility may be limited, especially if you wish to linger at certain exhibits.

Given the early start and the return ferry in the late afternoon, travelers should prepare for a busy day, but one filled with engaging animal encounters and lively shows.

Considerations: Age of the Transport and Cost Changes

While the overall experience is positive, some reviews mention the bus in Tenerife being less than ideal, describing it as damp and lacking air conditioning. This could affect comfort, especially on warmer days.

Plus, there has been a noticeable price increase over the years, with the current cost around €180, compared to €100 two years ago. This sharp rise may influence how travelers perceive the value of the trip, although the included ferry, transfers, and park entry still make it convenient.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This day trip suits animal and zoo enthusiasts, families, and those wanting a hassle-free, organized way to visit Tenerife’s top zoo. It’s ideal for visitors who prefer guided transfers and pre-paid tickets to avoid queues. Keep in mind the pace can be busy, so those seeking a relaxed, unhurried day might find it a bit rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation from Gran Canaria to Tenerife included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup services, ferry transfers from Agaete to Santa Cruz, and bus transportation** from Santa Cruz to Loro Parque.

Do I need to bring my passport or ID?
Absolutely. You must bring your passport or ID card to participate in the trip, as it is a requirement.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price, so plan to bring snacks or purchase inside the park.

How long does the entire trip last?
The full experience lasts approximately 12 hours, with early start times around 8:00 AM and the return in the late afternoon or evening.

What are the main attractions inside Loro Parque?
Visitors see live dolphin and sea lion shows, exotic birds, giant tortoises, and reptile exhibits, all within a well-maintained environment.

Is the bus in Tenerife comfortable?
Some reviews mention the Tenerife bus as being old and not very comfortable, with issues like dampness and lack of air conditioning.

This from Gran Canaria to Tenerife day trip offers a smooth, well-organized way to enjoy Loro Parque’s animal spectacles and diverse exhibits. While the bus quality and price hikes are points to consider, the inclusion of ferry transfers and entry tickets make it a convenient choice for those eager to explore Tenerife’s wildlife in a single day.

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