Sites & Bites: Gran Canaria botanical garden and fresh fruits

Gran Canaria Spirit of the Sea dolphin-watching cruise

The thrill of watching dolphins in their natural environment is one of the great experiences Gran Canaria has to offer. Onboard Spirit of the Sea – World Cetacean Alliance certified for responsible whale and dolphin watching – you'll get to see these friendly and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.There are six types of dolphins to spot, including bottlenose and common. And fin – the second-largest mammal – and pilot whales also make regular appearances. In fact, one-third of all species of cetaceans, which include whales and porpoises, can be found in these waters. The tour focuses on education with guides who share marine facts, help spot species and support real research. Spirit of the Sea are all about doing things responsibly, and their mission is simple – to show dolphins and whales while inspiring people to respect and protect them.You'll be able to keep a lookout for other creatures too – turtles, flying fish and brightly coloured parrotfish – thanks to the boat's viewing area. And, if you choose the second sailing of the day, there's a swim stop included, for when you want to cool off in the water.

Gran Canaria's 'Little Venice' – visit Puerto de Mogan by boat

Puerto de Mogan is said by many to be the most beautiful town in Gran Canaria, and once you've set eyes on its toytown houses, it's hard to argue. This tour brings you by boat, docking right in the heart of the harbour after a scenic approach, so you avoid long walks from out-of-town parking lots. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Mogan's Friday market is a classic in Gran Canaria, known all over the island. And to arrive in the town by boat gives you that a spine-tingling sensation you get in anticipation of a special experience.'Sailing from Puerto Rico harbour, you'll glide along the rocky, volcanic coastline of the south before arriving at Puerto de Mogan. Cupped into cliffs at the mouth of a steep valley, it's known as ‘Little Venice' for its canal, blue-and-yellow-trimmed white cottages, wrought iron balconies and flower-festooned lanes. Traits that have made it very popular.Arriving by boat, you're in the middle of all the action straight away. Only we bring you to and from Puerto de Mogan by sea. Antonio, another of our local guides, say, ‘If you arrive by coach, not only is the journey less scenic but you have to walk a fair bit to get to the waterfront.' You'll have free time to relax at one of the many terraced cafés overlooking the yachts. Visit on a Friday and you can browse the market selling typical Canarian products. Oh, and there's also an enticing sandy beach to stretch out on, too. What is the itinerary for this experience?This experience runs on a Monday or a Friday, so the timings change depending on which day you go.Monday option:- 8:55am to 9:30am – pick-up from your hotel- 10:00am – arrive at the Mirador de Puerto Rico viewpoint*- 10:30am – boat transfer to Puerto de Mogan- 11:00am – arrive in Puerto de Mogan with around three hours of free time- 2:15pm – depart by boat back to Puerto Rico- 2:45pm – transfer by bus from the harbour to your hotel- 3:30pm – arrive back at your hotel----------Friday option:- 7:55am to 8:30am – pick-up from your hotel- 9:00am – arrive at the de Puerto Rico viewpoint*- 9:30am – boat transfer to Puerto de Mogan- 10:00am – arrive in Puerto de Mogan with around three hours of free time (including the market)- 1:15pm – depart by boat back to Puerto Rico- 1:45pm – transfer by bus from the harbour to your hotel- 2:30pm – arrive back at your hotel*If there is not enough time, the viewpoint stop may take place on the return to Puerto Rico in the afternoon Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day

Gran Canaria OBY catamaran leisure cruise

Set sail past Gran Canaria's rugged volcanic landscapes as you glide along the coast on this four-hour trip. Pop some fins and a mask on and dive into the clear waters of a secluded bay to spot native rays, octopuses and colourful parrotfish. Make the most of the water with the paddleboards and water slides provided, then relax on the sun deck. There's an open bar, stocked with sangria, cava, beer and soft drinks, to wash down a Canarian meal of paella, salads and fruit, too.

Sioux City Entrance

Think thundering hooves, whirring spurs and shouts of ‘yeehah' on this trip to Sioux City – the Canaries' most authentic cowboy themed adventure park. Wandering the dusty streets of a replica old west town, the action happens all around you. From cattle runs and horseshows to gunfights and bank heists, it's an entertainment extravaganza, Wild West style.Kick off the adventure the moment you step foot in the park. Originally a movie set for a spaghetti western, it's all swinging saloon doors and one-room jailhouses. Packed with gun-slinging characters, it feels every bit the authentic American west.Throughout the day, you'll be wowed by cattle runs, horseshows, duels, fights and more – some when you least expect it. Don't miss out on the thrilling bank heist. The town sheriff faces down some dastardly outlaws in an exciting horseback shootout. All in all, an action-packed family day out.

Full-day Gran Canaria tour with Teror, Tejeda and typical lunch

Villages, viewpoints and volcanic rocks dot Gran Canaria's jagged spine. This tour weaves its way through some of the island's most dramatic landscapes, stopping along the way to visit gems such as Teror, Tejeda and Fataga. David, one of our local guides, says, ‘The legend of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Teror still intrigues me. It was in 1481, amid the Castilian conquest of Gran Canaria, and it helped change the island's destiny.'After a visit to an aloe vera plantation to get the lowdown on its medicinal properties, you'll head into the Valley of a Thousand Palms for a wander around the cozy village of Fataga, all cobbled lanes, palm-fringed views and traditional Canarian architecture. There's a photo stop at Las Tirajanas viewpoint to admire a vast volcanic caldera, followed by a scenic mountain drive to Tejeda, which is a bit of a looker too – red-roofed, whitewashed houses sprinkled on the slope of a valley. David adds, ‘Every time there's a list of Spain's prettiest villages, Tejeda is near the top. Its setting is unbeatable.' Next up is a local lunch in a family-owned restaurant, before you continue to Teror, the last stop on your adventure. Strolling past the balconied townhouses of Calle Real de la Plaza towards the mountain-framed basilica of Our Lady of the Pine is one of the defining Gran Canaria experiences.

Aqualand Maspalomas

Thrills, spills, rides and slides – and lots of fun – await you at Aqualand Maspalomas. One of the largest of water parks in the Canaries, it has more than 30 attractions to keep the whole family grinning all day.

Gran Canaria’s Poema del Mar aquarium and Guayadeque canyon tour

From the sea to the central mountains and even underground, you'll see the very best of Gran Canaria with this tour. You'll get up-close to more than 300 marine species in Poema del Mar aquarium, drive through the green valley of Guayadeque and tuck into a light lunch before wrapping things up with free time in the colonial town of Agüimes. Miguel, one of our local guides, says, ‘There's so much packed into one day. But for me, the most interesting part is Guayadeque, which represents a very important part of our prehistory.'First up is one of the most popular attractions in Las Palmas. With panoramic curved windows and countless exhibitions, Poema del Mar is where you'll get lost in a hypnotic underwater world that's home to hundreds of sea creatures. There are electric eels, bull sharks and fish that look just like Nemo. You can also take advantage of their state-of-the-art cinema, showcasing hourly screenings of interesting and fun short films.Next, you'll journey through the island's greenest corner to Guayadeque Canyon. It's famed for its cave homes, which the ancient aborigines built in lava bubbles, and winding hiking trails. After exploring, you'll refuel with delicious traditional tapas made from locally sourced ingredients. Then it's on to Agüimes, where you'll have some free time to wander through this pastel-coloured parish perched above the green ravine of Guayadeque. You can see the elegant church, stop for a coffee in a local café or take some selfies by the town's many statues.

Poema del Mar Aquarium and bus transfer package

From the same family as two of Tenerife's most popular attractions, Loro Parque and Siam Park, comes Poema del Mar aquarium in the heart of Las Palmas. Here you'll come face to face with over 300 marine species, including sharks, piranhas, clown fish and hundreds more. It promises a fun trip out for all the family.With a panoramic 36-metre-long curved window and countless exhibitions, Poema del Mar is where you'll get lost in a hypnotic underwater world that's home to hundreds of sea creatures. There are electric eels, bull sharks and fish that look just like Nemo waiting to be discovered.Lose yourself in The Jungle with creatures from different corners of the world, and head to the Reef where you'll encounter corals and fish of every colour imaginable. You can also take advantage of their state-of-the-art cinema, showcasing hourly screenings of interesting and fun short films, or venture to the Deep Sea with millions of litres of water. There's also free time to enjoy Las Palmas, Santa Catalina and Las Canteras beach.

Mogan Yellow Submarine Tour

The Yellow Submarine is as much a part of the seas off Puerto de Mogan as the shoals of fish that swim in them. It's a window on a weird and wonderful world of exotic marine life and shipwrecks that will unfold before your eyes during the 40 minutes this underwater adventure lasts.

Sala Scala – Origen Show

Discover the history of the Canary Islands with a captivating 360º immersive experience that brings the past to life like never before. Lose yourself in the remarkable stories of the archipelago with the masterful show, ORIGEN. This captivating three-hour experience is a true spectacle and promises to be a memorable evening of culture and wow-factor entertainment. Settle into the stalls for a magical evening show of around three hours. Watch as over 30 international artists including singers, dancers, and acrobats, alongside a stellar audiovisual team, weave a spellbinding story. Best of all, when you book the Dinner & Show option with us, you'll enjoy unlimited drinks throughout dinner and front-row seats - all at no extra cost.