12 Best Tours in Gran Canaria

The island of Gran Canaria has marvellous beaches escorted by dune fields, peaks covered in green forests, cliffs and volcanic calderas. There are so many worthwhile sites in this corner of the world that one of the best ways to make sure you don't miss anything is to book a guided tour.

Small group tours, cruises, food tastings and activities such as snorkelling and kayaking are just some of the options to choose from among the many guided tours the island has to offer. 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. Among the sailing tours available 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 see on this experience. The tour aims to go through their natural habitat in a friendly way, mainly visiting the areas where groups of dolphins and sperm whales come to the surface.

With your guide you will learn about the behaviour and characteristics of these animals, while enjoying the coastal views of Gran Canaria from the water. Also, on deck you can enjoy the sun and some refreshing drinks from the bar on board.

Interesting details

• Price: from 33 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately two and a half hours in total.
• 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 into the saddle and with the help of an experienced guide you will ride for about 30 minutes along 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 starts a new route every 20 minutes. Please note that the walks take place between 9am and 11am.

Details of interest

• Price: from 15 euros per person.
• Duration: the experience lasts 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 in a motorboat. In addition, you will have the opportunity to swim and do other activities such as snorkelling and banana boat rides. A delicious lunch is offered on board the boat , with drinks included.

An excellent plan to experience one of the most complete trips in Gran Canaria in just one morning. And 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 and a half hours in total.
• Means of transport: during the tour you will travel by catamaran. The tour includes transport from the accommodation and back by van or minibus.

If you are looking for a different kind of adventure, you can hop 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 you are 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. Along the way, you'll also have the opportunity to meet the island's native flora and fauna and discover places that few tourists ever 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'll 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.

A ride through the best landscapes of Gran Canaria is an unforgettable experience, and even more so if you do it in a unique means of transport such as a buggy. On this tour you can explore the Natural Park of Fataga in a convoy led by a professional guide.

The tour starts on the asphalted roads towards the viewpoint of Ayagaures "Pedro Gonzales", thanks to its panoramic views it is an ideal place to take pictures. Then you will continue along the dam where you will see palm trees and Indian tunos, and then you will go into dirt roads.

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

Interesting details

• 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, canyoning, 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 you are well hydrated during all activities. During a break there is a picnic with fruit, chocolates, biscuits and nuts, all of which is also included in the cost of the activity.

Depending on the season of the year in which you take the tour the location changes, usually during the winter in the Barranco de La Manta, and in the 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 transport: walking tour. Transport to and from the canyoning experience is not included.

This is an experience that allows you to group 3 recreational activities in one day. With elements and equipment fully provided by the tour organisers, 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, the experienced guides determine the most appropriate place.

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

Details of interest

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

Nature and gastronomy are two fundamental pillars of tourism, and what better way to combine them? On this tour you can enjoy a full day surrounded by nature in the rainforest. You will have the opportunity to explore the Doramas forest, take a walk 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 see the local crops and learn about this discipline from an expert guide. Here you will also be able to taste the most delicious gastronomic products and fruits from the farm.

Interesting details

• Price: from 89 euros per person.
• Duration: the activity lasts approximately 8 hours.
• Means of transport: pick-up by private car or minibus from the place of accommodation 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 organised way and in the same day.

On the itinerary you will visit the towns 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 worthwhile, as it is organised in an ideal way to make the most of your time and visit the main sites of Gran Canaria, with a professional guide, who will provide you with all the information you need about the places you are visiting.

Details of interest

• Price: from 38 euros per person.
• Duration: the activity lasts about 8 hours in total.
• Means of transport: the tour 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 island's interior, 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. There is even a midday stop to enjoy a typical Canarian picnic 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 travel in a legendary Volkswagen Beetle convertible.

For those looking for a more adventurous ride, a horse 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, with a maximum of only 6 people with a guide, so you are guaranteed a personalised and safe experience.

On this ride through the countryside you can admire the island's mountain trails and the best views of Maspalomas at a leisurely pace. 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 transport: on horseback during the ride, you have the option of being picked up at your accommodation and returning to your accommodation in a minibus.