Top Things to do in Gran Canaria
The 10 Best Tours in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Welcoming, tolerant Gran Canaria offers a little something for everyone. Families flock to the water parks and beaches of Puerto Rico. Those seeking peaceful escape scamper to Mogan's quiet fishing villages. Gay visitors crowd the bars, restaurants and beaches of Playa del Ingles. Urban attractions are on offer in Las Palmas. Three highways open up the island for those with a rental car or a bus schedule. Prime sites to visit include Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Arucas and Palmalitos zoo park.
Restaurants in Gran Canaria
1. Private Full-Day Volcano Hiking and Winery Tour in Las Palmas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Travel like a local! This is the perfect excursion if you want to go beyond the mere touristic villages and learn more about Gran Canaria and its inhabitants. You don't happen everyday to hike on the rim of a volcano crater or dive deep into the heart of it, do you? The view of the landscapes that surround the volcano will take your breath away, and dive deep into the heart of the crater will make you feel like in another dimension. The gastronomy is the direct consequence of a territory and its colture, therefore, to fully connect with a destination, it's essential to try local products. That's exactly why we'll visit a local winery where traditions meets flavours and we will taste some of the mot delicious wines of Gran Canaria.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Lunch Box included for each participant: sandwiches, fruits, water and juice., Wine tasting , Professional guide
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By HannahRoseH
Due to Covid-19 my husband and I were keen to have a break away as soon as it was safe to do so. We picked the beautiful island of Gran Canaria as I had been before, many years ago, but my husband had not. When we travel as a couple we always like to mix up our holidays, obviously with relaxing on the beach and sunbathing (it absolutely has to be done!) but also with exploring what hidden treasures a place has to offer. We love learning about a place's history, culture, and what the local people do. As beautiful as our hotel was, why take a flight and travel all that way to just stay within the confines of our room?! Therefore I did a little research and found Canarian Heaven via their Instagram page. Luca was immediately friendly and chatty and asked what kind of thing we would be looking to do. He was so helpful with suggestions to match anything I'd mentioned - as we were only in Gran Canaria for a week we agreed on a couple of excursions. We figured we'd spent the other days relaxing and sightseeing at a more leisurely pace, which is where it also really helps to be in touch with Canarian Heaven - Luca pointed us in the direction of the best and closest beaches, cocktail bars and restaurants he knew we would enjoy. This was so handy and saved us so much time, as much of our holiday would otherwise have been spent researching and deliberating on all the amazing places on offer! Our first excursion with Canarian Heaven was to hike a volcano!! The Bandama crater, or Caldera de Bandama is an incredible geological feature which, until recently, was actively farmed in its base. The volcanic scree holds the limited moisture that the island of Gran Canaria gets, so there is still a lot of agriculture in the nearby hills. Luca collected us from our hotel in Puerto Rico and drove us to Santa Brigida, a small and beautiful village in the north of the island (all covid-19 measures were adhered to on the journey and during the excursion). At the Caldera, we decided to walk along the rim of the crater, which provides breathtaking views, and also passed what is reported to be Spain's oldest golf course. Luca was extremely knowledgeable about the island's microclimates and agricultural history, and explained everything to us as we went. We then took a walk to the base which is possible along an established trail. We stopped at a viewpoint for a lunch of delicious sandwiches that Luca had made for us (after checking prior to the trip whether we had any food allergies or intolerances) - we were particularly grateful for the lovely energising mango juice!! I highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys any sort of hiking (like the locals in Gran Canaria do!), it was energising and fascinating. Luca allows you to take the trip at your own pace, providing water and rest whenever needed, and whilst he knows the best spots for photos etc, the excursion is very tailor-made to your personal preferences. The hike took us a few hours (worth doing during the morning hours before the heat from the sun becomes too punishing), then we were off to the second part of our excursion which tied in very nicely. We visited the beautiful vineyard Bodega San Juan. We were met by our tour guide, Maria, who took us around the sprawling grounds and gave us an insight into the generations-old family business. It was amazing to see the wine presses and learn how the animals such as donkeys help to carry and cultivate the harvest. The 90-minute vineyard tour culminates in a sampling of some delicious cheese and the fantastic wine made there, a bottle of which we purchased to take home for my family as we are all wine-lovers! The venue also hosts wedding functions which is a great idea as the setting is absolutely beautiful. Sadly it was almost time for our day's excursion with Canarian Heaven to come to an end BUT Luca had a surprise destination up his sleeve to finish off the day - I won't spoil this for you but let's just say it is a hidden gem and a must-do photo opportunity - if you know, you know! The cost of this tour I think was around 122euros for two for a private guided tour, volcano hike with lunch and vineyard tour/tasting which we thought was excellent value and we were very happy to pay. Obviously prices may change, but in my opinion I would have expected to pay more for such a great once-in-a-lifetime day. Thank you! The next excursion Canarian Heaven organised for us was a trip on a boat from the harbour at Puerto Rico, with a company called Five Star Boats - I will review them separately as they were also amazing! Again Luca went above and beyond with a lift for us from our hotel to the harbour. Please contact Canarian Heaven for prices, but the fee we paid was excellent value for money, considering on the luxury boat we had a balinese day bed, bottle of sparkling wine, open bar of beer and sangria, buffet lunch, two stops with swimming/snorkelling and banana boat/watersports included. This was an fantastic day out and the atmosphere on the boat was as sparkling as the ocean! The final day of our holiday was spent in the fishing village of Arguineguin, also recommended by Canarian Heaven. We ate the most delicious fresh seafood at Cofradia de Pescadores and counted our lucky stars at the amazing week we'd had. I would, and will be, recommending Canarian Heaven to anyone visiting Gran Canaria. Especially as this is an anxious time for everyone, it really helps to have the added reassurance of a guide who actually lives on the island, and who has a passion for showing you the beautiful place through a local's eyes. Luca is available to give as much or as little input as you would like - recommendations on walks, shopping, food, drink, sightseeing, transport, nothing is too much trouble. It's brilliant to feel like we had a jam-packed holiday but also a relaxing trip at the same time. We made memories to cherish for a lifetime. Thank you Canarian Heaven - we hope to be back soon!
2. Surfing Course for Beginners in Maspalomas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Enjoy a fantastic surfing course in one of the best beaches in the Canary Islands: Maspalomas. A professional instructor will teach you how to handle a board and to handle yourself in the water.
Inclusions: Transfer service., Surfing lesson., Surfing board for the lesson.
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By 160camillea
We had a wonderful experience today ! Thank You Alicja for this perfect time, we appreciated the tour and the testing
3. 2 Dive Package for PADI Qualified Divers in Gran Canaria
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Come join one of blue water’s guides on our fantastic dive sites. We have a wide range of reefs, wreck and walls that will suit all levels of divers, and we are always looking for new and exciting sites to take our clients too.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By 645andreasw
My girlfriend and me had a wonderful first diving experience with our diving instructor Kate. We've been picked up right in front of our stay in Maspalomas and dropped there after as well. Kate provided us with lots of information already on the way to Puerto Rico, addressed our concerns for first time diving and is generally very simpathetic and chatty. The diving itself took place right at the Beach of Puerto Rico inside the Bay. We first got a basic briefing, then got dressed and went into the water. There we performed basic diving tecniques hands on. We were ready after 5-10 Minutes and started diving into the bay. Altogether the diving experience went for ~45 minutes underwater and we went to a maximum depth of 10.5m. Karen was very patient with us and we felt safe all the time. She constantly checked if we feel safe and also checked our bottle oxygen levels. Even though this was a beginners experienc we saw a lot of different fished with different colors, forms, hermit crabs, a Kalamar. Generally it was a beautiful underwater experience and we plan to continue with our diving Career soon :)
4. Discover Scuba diving in Gran Canaria
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Leagues Ahead Diving only conducts dives in small and personal groups, and and all of our dives are based on experience and comfort level. We make sure that your first dive is a relaxed, happy, and memorable one! The price includes complimentary hotel transfers, snacks and refreshments, full rental equipment, a PADI-qualified instructor guide, and insurance. There are no hidden fees!
Inclusions: Bottled water, Use of SCUBA equipment
Exclusions:
Reviewed By jaimevL6348QH
I had a great experience at Leagues Ahead diving center. They picked me up in my hotel and took me to the diving center, where they had all my equipment ready. They explained me all the safety measures and chose together with me the diving spot that best suited my diving level and expectations. I was also gladly surprised by the COVID 19 prevention measures. All the staff wore masks at all times and all the equipment and the facilities were sanitized. Also, they make sure all their costumers meet the COVID 19 criteria. My instructor, Elsa, was amazing. She understood my diving skills perfectly and adapted the dive for me to get the most out of it. She knows the diving sites perfectly and she will take you to wonderful places down the reef. We saw a lot of fish, octupuses, barracudas and a morena. Elsa knows a secret spot in El Cabrón diving site... Ask her to show it to you and you'll get a nice surprise :) Thanks for all guys and looking forward to diving with you soon!
5. Discover Scuba Diving in Arinaga Marine Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Explore the wonderful underwater world of the Arinaga Marine Reserve in Gran Canaria. Arinaga is located east of the island and is one of the best areas to learn to dive as a beginner in Gran Canaria. In a wonderful environment you can realize your dream of breathing under the surface of the sea.
Inclusions: Use of SCUBA equipment, Soda/Pop, Diver Insurance, 1 Instructor for every 2 people
Exclusions: Private transportation
Reviewed By delosangeleslakers
No doubt. This is the most amazing diving club I ever met. High security level, incredible places to dive and good people to meet. It is a huge family. Thanks a lot! Congratulations! For sure, I will be back!
6. Snorkeling in Gran Canaria with Hotel Pick-up
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
The snorkeling safari with Leagues Ahead Diving is suited for both adults and children alike! Our PADI instructor guides will take you to the best snorkeling site on the island and introduce you to the underwater world of Gran Canaria in a fun, relaxed, and safe manner. Top of the range professional snorkeling equipment, including a wetsuit, is provided to all clients. *Complimentary hotel transfers start at 9:00am *You will then be transported to the dive center to fill out all the necessary paperwork, meet the team and be fitted for your wetsuit! *You will then be transported to the snorkeling site in our top of the range van. *A briefing will be provided that will go into detail about the marine life you can expect to see and how to snorkel safely. *We will transport you back to your hotel for 12:00pm **Please note times may vary to take into account COVID-19 restrictions and the reduced number of group size!
Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
Reviewed By jaimevL6348QH
I had a great experience at Leagues Ahead diving center. They picked me up in my hotel and took me to the diving center, where they had all my equipment ready. They explained me all the safety measures and chose together with me the diving spot that best suited my diving level and expectations. I was also gladly surprised by the COVID 19 prevention measures. All the staff wore masks at all times and all the equipment and the facilities were sanitized. Also, they make sure all their costumers meet the COVID 19 criteria. My instructor, Elsa, was amazing. She understood my diving skills perfectly and adapted the dive for me to get the most out of it. She knows the diving sites perfectly and she will take you to wonderful places down the reef. We saw a lot of fish, octupuses, barracudas and a morena. Elsa knows a secret spot in El Cabrón diving site... Ask her to show it to you and you'll get a nice surprise :) Thanks for all guys and looking forward to diving with you soon!
7. Gran Canaria Highlights Small Group Tour with Hotel Pick-up
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
This amazing route goes through the interior of Gran Canaria. Mountain roads, steep rocky walls and amazing views. On this trip you meet TOP 10 of Gran Canaria sightseeing points and learn about canarias culture and cuisine. We will try local cheese, mojo sauce and rum with honey rum! Our local guide will take you to the former astronomic observatory, where you will look at the sky of Guanches. We stop in Fataga to get lost for a while in charming Old Town. Be ready to discover hidden places while driving through Valley of 1000 Palms and Almonds Valley - capital of almonds trees. During the day we will reach up to mountains enjoying a view of romantic Roque Nublo and the highest peak of the island. We also will find some time for lunch. Barraquito, canarias wines and ropa vieja are waiting for thirsty and hungry turists! We will also show you Las Palmas and Teror. At the end we will enjoy magnificant views from Pico de Bandama and geological wonder Bufardero de la Garita.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel Pick-up, Bottle of water, Cheese, mojo sauce and honey rum
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By Mark G
Simon has a great personality. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of all matters concerning Gran Canaria. We went to a coffee place, explored the mountains and ended up eating some fantastic sea food in Agaete. We had such a warm time with Simon I now regard his as a friend. Ours was a private tour of friends. Simon put together a tour to suit all of us from a 7 year old to a 64 year old (me). Look no further than Simon tours for an authentic Gran Canaria experience. PS great value too
8. Hiking Route "Magic Waterfalls" in Gran Canaria
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Dare to discover the Magic Waterfalls of Gran Canaria with this incredible hiking route. A professional guide will always accompany you and will make sure that you do not miss any details. • The biggest attraction are the many waterfalls. • Your guide will show you the best places on the tour. • You will have lunch included • Difficulty level: easy / medium Distance: 7km ↑ 240m ascent ↓ 240m descent We recommend you bring water and some fruit for the road.
Inclusions: Hiking Route "Magic Waterfalls" in Gran Canaria, Lunch, Insurance, Certificade Guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, We recommend to bring Water
Reviewed By 160camillea
We had a wonderful experience today ! Thank You Alicja for this perfect time, we appreciated the tour and the testing
9. Surfing on Gran Canaria
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Learn to surf with us in perfect weather, perfect waves and with highly experienced, fun and qualified instructors in small groups. We are passionate about surfing and therefore focus only on giving top quality surf classes! Surf Canaries Surf School is based at the foot of the sand dunes of Maspalomas in Playa del Inglés - impossible to be closer to the beach! Our local beach break Playa del Inglés has excellent waves for learning and improving when conditions are right. Our permanent team of instructors paired with small groups of 1 instructor for maximum 5 students are what sets our surf school apart from others. We will tailor each of our courses to fit your skill level and personal goals - essential for a fun and unforgettable surfing experience!
Inclusions: Surfboard, Wetsuit, Rash Vest, Leash, Fins, Air-conditioned vehicle, Ham Baguette or Cheese Baguette or Fruit, Bottled water
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Raskie08
My 12-year-old son had a great day learning to surf. The instructors are the best. So much fun, knowledgeable, and made us as parents feel like our kid was in good hands. My son will be back to do the 3-day course on our next trip. Highly recommended!!!
10. 3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 167 reviews
During our boat trip you will navigate the last protected coast of Gran Canaria. From Puerto de Mogán to Tasarte you will enjoy the stunning cliffs of the island. We will stop in a small beach where you can just access by boat called El Perchel. In our stop you could do some snorkeling and delight the fantastic underwater views and try to identify as much fish as you can. Be careful is plenty of life! Food and drinks are included on the price. We will make sure to make your trip the best activity during your holidays!
Inclusions: Snacks, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Unlimited drinks (open bar), Lunch
Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions
Reviewed By Freedom168815
I could not praise them enough! The crew of the boat makes this already wonderful experience absolutely fantastic. The hospitality, the information, the food, the activities - everything - will leave even the most demanding customers (I talk teenagers!;) super happy. Thank you guys. You made our day. Our vacation wouldn’t be the same without this trip.
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