12 Best Tours in Gran Canaria

The island of Gran Canaria has wonderful beaches escorted by dune fields, peaks covered with green forests, cliffs and volcanic calderas. There are so many worthwhile sites in this corner of the world that one of the best ways not to miss anything is to hire a guided tour.

Small group tours, cruises, gastronomic tastings and activities such as snorkeling and kayaking are some of the options to choose from among the various guided tours offered by the island. These are among the best things to do in Gran Canaria. Below I have selected for you some of the most interesting ones, to make the most of your stay in Gran Canaria.

The sea is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful attractions of Gran Canaria, as well as its fauna. Within the sailing tours that exist in Gran Canaria, a marine safari is one of the best options for nature lovers and also, without a doubt, a great option if you go with children.

During this tour you will enter the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean to visit the most wonderful marine creatures. Dolphins and whales are the main species you will be able to see in this experience. The tour aims to go through their natural habitat in a friendly way, going mainly to the areas where groups of dolphins and sperm whales come to the surface.

From the hand of your guide you will learn about the behavior and characteristics of these animals, while you delight yourself with the coastal views of Gran Canaria from the water. Also, on deck you can enjoy the sun and some refreshing drinks sold at the bar on board.

Interesting details

• Price: from 33 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately two and a half hours total duration.
• Means of transport: boat.

This tour will take you through the dunes of Maspalomas in a different but traditional way, riding a camel. You will get on the saddle and with the help of an experienced guide you will ride for about 30 minutes through the desert side of Gran Canaria.

You will get to know the feeling of riding one of these huge, but friendly animals, while admiring the best views of the rolling sand dunes, and the rocky and sinuous landscapes that give Gran Canaria its identity.

This ride cannot be booked in advance, you just have to go to the meeting point, which every 20 minutes starts a new tour. Please note that the walks take place between 9 and 11 am.

Details of interest

• Price: from 15 euros per person.
• Duration: the experience lasts for an average of 30 minutes.
• Means of transport: camel.

The Afrikat is a luxurious and emblematic tourist catamaran of Gran Canaria. On this tour you will have the opportunity to embark for a morning cruise along the coast and its surroundings. You will be able to enjoy all the beauty of the island, its bays and white sandy beaches and fishing villages.

During the tour there will be stops where, right next to your captain, you will take a group ride on a motorboat. In addition, you will have the opportunity to swim and do other activities such as snorkeling and banana boat rides. A delicious lunch is offered on board the boat , with drinks included.

An excellent plan to experience in one morning one of the most complete tours in Gran Canaria. In addition, thanks to the team of expert guides, you will be able to make the most of every minute of this experience. This is one of the best boat trips in Gran Canaria.

Interesting details

• Price: from 69 euros per passenger.
• Duration: approximately 4 hours and a half in total.
• Means of transport: during the tour you will travel by catamaran. The tour includes transportation from the accommodation and back by van or minibus.

If you are looking for a different kind of adventure, you can get into a 4x4 off-road vehicle and drive through the impressive Red Canyon of Gran Canaria, an arid and mountainous landscape that will make you feel like in the Wild West. This guided tour will allow you to explore difficult access roads, with strategic stops to admire the views and take pictures.

The route will take you through ravines, sandy trails and volcanic formations, in an experience that combines excitement and nature. In addition, during the tour, you will have the opportunity to meet the native flora and fauna of the island and discover places that few tourists visit.

Details of interest

• Price: from 65 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 5 hours.
• Means of transport: 4x4 off-road vehicle driven by an expert guide.

If you like adventure on two wheels, a bike tour in Gran Canaria will allow you to get to know the island in an active and fun way. Cycling along carefully selected routes, you will explore natural landscapes, small villages and some of the most authentic corners of the island.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy sport and want to discover Gran Canaria from a different perspective. The route is adapted to the level of the group, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience, with strategic stops to rest, take pictures and learn more about the local history and culture.

Details of interest

• Price: from 45 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.
• Means of transport: high quality bicycle included in the tour.

To ride through the best landscapes of Gran Canaria is an unforgettable experience, and even more so if you do it in such a particular means of transport as a buggy. In this tour you will be able to go through the Natural Park of Fataga, in a convoy led by a professional guide.

The tour begins by the asphalt roads to the viewpoint of Ayagaures "Pedro Gonzales", thanks to its panoramic views is an ideal place to take pictures. Then you continue through the dam where you will see palm trees and Indian tunos, then you will go into dirt roads.

Please note that per vehicle can go up to 5 passengers, but if more than one wants to drive the buggy may have to hire separate vehicles, otherwise it may not be enough time for everyone to indulge in the wheel.

Details of interest

• Price: from 60 euros per person.
• Duration: the activity lasts approximately two and a half hours.
• Means of transport: 800cc buggy.

For fans of adventure and extreme sports this is undoubtedly the most tempting option. This canyoning tour in Gran Canaria will allow you to interact intensely with the environment of this beautiful island. Jumps, descents through a ravine or canyon, diving, swimming in rivers, waterfalls and pools are just some of the activities you can do in the middle of nature.

The excursion includes everything you need for the adventure, helmet, wetsuit, harness, descender and neoprene socks. In addition, you will be provided with bottled water to ensure your good hydration during all activities. In a moment of rest there is a picnic with fruits, chocolates, cookies and nuts, all also included in the cost of the activity.

According to the season of the year in which you take the tour changes the site of realization, usually it is done during the winter in the Barranco de La Manta, and in summer in the Barranco de Los Cernícalos.

Details of interest

• Price: from 65 euros per person.
• Duration: the canyoning experience lasts an average of 5 hours.
• Means of transportation: walking tour. Pick up and return transport is not included.

This is an experience that allows you to group 3 recreational activities in the same day. With elements and equipment fully provided by the tour organizers, you will have the opportunity to snorkel, kayak and zipline in the best spots of Gran Canaria.

The routes of this activity vary according to the day of the week you hire them and according to the sea conditions. Based on the latter is that the experienced guides determine which will be the most appropriate site.

The usual routes are by the Confital Bay, the closest to the city; by Agaete, the most rustic option, and by the Mogan Caves, where you will see some incredible landscapes. The guide will tell you all about the wonderful places they pass by, as well as giving you lots of information about the fish you may see while snorkeling.

Details of interest

• Price: from 60 euros per person.
• Duration: the activity lasts about 3 hours in total.
• Means of transportation: does not include transfers to and from the lodging site.

Nature and gastronomy are two fundamental pillars in tourism, and what better way to combine them? On this tour you will enjoy a full day surrounded by nature in the rainforest. You will have the opportunity to explore the Doramas forest, take a hike and swim in a hidden cove in an incredible environment.

You will see places like Barranco de la Virgen and Barranco Azuaje, where you can contemplate the magnitude and immensity of the Doramas rainforest. In the Laurisilva forest you will stop to enjoy the water in its natural pools.

The tour includes a visit to an organic farm to learn about local crops and learn about this discipline from an expert guide. In this place you will also be able to taste the most delicious gastronomic products and fruits of the farm.

Details of interest

• Price: from 89 euros per person.
• Duration: the activity lasts approximately 8 hours.
• Means of transportation: pick up by private car or minibus at the lodging site and return to the same.

This is the ideal tour not to miss any of the most iconic sites of Gran Canaria. With this tour you will be sure to visit the most important tourist attractions of the island in an organized way and in the same day.

In the itinerary you will visit the cities of Telde, Firgas and San Bartolomé. In Valleseco there is a stop for lunch, this is not included in the tour but you will have the opportunity to explore and find an option that suits your budget. You will see tourist attractions such as Roque Nublo and the Cruz de Tejeda.

This activity takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It is really worth it, since it is organized in an ideal way to take advantage of the time and go through the main sites of Gran Canaria, with a professional guide, who throughout the time will give you all the information you need about the places you are visiting.

Interesting details

• Price: from 38 euros per person.
• Duration: the activity lasts about 8 hours in total.
• Means of transport: the ride is in an air-conditioned minibus.

If you like driving, you can get behind the wheel of an open-top Volkswagen Beetle for a tour of the most beautiful places on the island, in a group of up to 10 cars led by a tour guide.

This is an option that balances the advantage of being guided by an expert, with a planned route, with the freedom and privacy of driving a vehicle yourself. The route of this tour will take you through the pine forests and valleys of the interior of the island, places that most tourists miss because they don't know the place.

The pace of the ride is relaxed and you will have the opportunity to stop at several strategic places to appreciate the views and take pictures. Even at midday there is a stop to enjoy a typical Canarian picnic that is included in the tour.

Details of interest

• Price: from 78 euros per person.
• Duration: the activity lasts approximately 6 hours.
• Means of transport: you will go aboard a legendary Volkswagen Beetle convertible.

For those looking for a ride with a more adventurous touch, a horseback riding experience is definitely an excellent option. On this guided tour you will ride through the volcanic plains and sand dunes of Gran Canaria on horseback.

The activity is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, as the guides in charge will adapt the conditions for each particular case. The groups are small, only 6 people maximum with a guide, so you are guaranteed that the experience is personalized and safe.

In this ride through the countryside you can admire at a leisurely pace the mountain trails of the island and the best views of Maspalomas. If you are looking for interaction with nature, this is undoubtedly your best option.

Details of interest

• Price: from 48 euros per passenger.
• Duration: the ride has an estimated duration of two hours.
• Means of transportation: on horseback during the ride, you have the option of being picked up at your lodging point and returning to it in a minibus.