Planning a trip to Gran Canaria and already organising your activities? The island offers plenty of options, and it is no coincidence that excursions in Gran Canaria are among the most popular things to book.
The range is broad and varied: boat trips, inland routes, adventure activities, dolphin-watching excursions, buggy tours, catamaran trips and more relaxed outings. The right choice depends on the type of experience you are looking for and how much time you want to spend on it.
In this guide, we look at some of the best excursions in Gran Canaria so you can compare your options before booking and choose the one that best fits your trip.
Sea-based excursions in Gran Canaria
Who doesn’t look for the sea when travelling to Gran Canaria? The beach, sunshine, water and fun by the coast are some of the most popular features of excursions in Gran Canaria. The island offers water-based activities for different types of visitors: relaxed experiences, trips to see marine wildlife, sailing, swimming, time in the sun and activities designed to enjoy the Atlantic without going too far from the main tourist areas.
Within this range, dolphin-watching excursions and catamaran trips are usually among the most popular options. Both are based on the same idea, making the most of the sea, but they offer different experiences.
Dolphin-watching excursion in Gran Canaria
The dolphin-watching excursion in Gran Canaria is designed for observing cetaceans in their natural habitat. The trip heads out into the Atlantic and, as well as dolphins, there is also the possibility of spotting whales or other marine species along the way.
One of the distinctive features of this activity is the glass-bottom boats. This adds extra interest to the trip, especially if you are looking for a comfortable, safe outing that lets you enjoy the sea without any physical effort.
Catamaran trip in Gran Canaria
If you book a catamaran excursion in Gran Canaria, you will sail along the coast with time to sunbathe and swim. It is a good option if you are looking for a complete sea-based activity.
Depending on the excursion, there may also be food, an open bar or water activities such as snorkelling and banana boat rides. This makes it an appealing choice whether you want to relax at sea or enjoy a livelier day out.
Land-based adventure: buggy and jeep tours
Gran Canaria also has a more volcanic and rugged side. Away from the beach areas, you will find dirt tracks, ravines and open landscapes that are ideal if you are looking for a more exciting experience. With these types of activities, the appeal lies in leaving the usual routes behind and exploring the island in a more active way.
Buggy excursion in Gran Canaria
A buggy excursion in Gran Canaria is a good option if you are looking for something more active, with dirt tracks, scenery and a touch of adrenaline. This type of route usually follows dirt tracks and areas in the south of the island where the terrain changes quickly: dry stretches, open tracks and views towards the interior.
The buggy offers a different experience from a conventional route. There is more contact with the surroundings, a stronger sense of adventure and a more dynamic pace. It is an activity designed for those who want to do something different during their holiday without spending the whole day on a long excursion.
There is also the option of a quad bike, which offers a more physical experience and keeps you closer to the terrain. In both cases, the appeal lies in leaving the conventional road behind and travelling through areas where the volcanic landscape, valleys and dust from the tracks are part of the activity.
Jeep safari in Gran Canaria
The jeep safari takes you through parts of the island that are less accessible on an independent visit, with stops at inland landscapes, secondary roads and viewpoints.
It is a good option if you want to see a more rural side of Gran Canaria without having to plan the route yourself. The guided format makes the journey easier and adds context during the stops, especially in mountain areas or ravines.
Excursions through Gran Canaria’s interior
The interior of the island completely changes the type of excursion. The landscape rises in altitude, mountain roads appear and the pace becomes more relaxed. It is a good alternative if you are looking for a day away from the coast and want to discover a more natural side of Gran Canaria.
Excursion to Roque Nublo
The excursion to Roque Nublo is one of the best-known inland activities in Gran Canaria. This natural monument is located in one of the highest areas of the island and forms part of a highly recognisable volcanic landscape.
The route usually appeals to visitors who want to walk, take photos and enjoy wide views of the surroundings. It is a recommended excursion if you would like to spend part of your trip in the mountains and add a different stop to your beach days.
Electric bike routes
Electric bike routes are a comfortable way to explore inland areas with elevation gain without requiring as much physical effort as a conventional bike. Pedal assistance helps on the climbs and makes the route more manageable.
In Gran Canaria, there are e-bike routes through areas such as Ayagaures, Las Filipinas and Taurito. They are a good option if you are looking for an active experience, but without reaching the level of a demanding sports route.
Horse riding in Gran Canaria
Horse riding in Gran Canaria is a different way to discover volcanic landscapes, mountain areas and views towards the Maspalomas dunes. It is a calm activity, designed for enjoying the surroundings without the pace of a motorised excursion.
The routes are usually guided and adapted to different levels, whether it is your first time riding or you already have experience. Before setting off, the team provides the necessary instructions and accompanies the route, so previous riding experience is not required.
It is a suitable plan if you are looking for an outdoor activity that is easy to fit into your holiday and offers a more direct connection with the landscape. Instead of exploring the island by vehicle, the experience is based on the ride itself, contact with the horses and views of the surrounding area.
How to choose your excursion in Gran Canaria
The best excursion will depend on the type of trip you are planning. If you are looking for the sea, dolphin-watching trips and catamaran excursions are usually the most direct options. If you prefer a more active experience, a buggy, quad bike or jet ski activity will offer a more adventurous feel.
The time available also matters. Some excursions in Gran Canaria take only a morning or an afternoon, while others require more time and better planning. Before deciding, check the duration, the departure point, what the activity includes and whether any previous experience is required.
Another important aspect is where you are staying. Many excursions depart from the south of Gran Canaria or take place near Maspalomas, Puerto Rico and other tourist areas. Choosing an activity nearby helps avoid long transfers and makes the plan much more convenient.
Book your excursion with Scooter & Bike Rental
Once you have compared the options, it is time to choose an excursion that suits your trip and book in advance, especially in high season. At Scooter & Bike Rental you will find sea-based activities, adventure routes and outdoor experiences to help you organise your days on the island.
The range includes dolphin-watching excursions, catamaran trips, buggy and quad bike routes, jeep safaris, jet skiing, fishing, diving, electric bike routes and horse riding. Each activity has its own timetable, duration and requirements, so it is worth checking the information carefully before confirming your booking.
If you are looking for excursions in Gran Canaria that are easy to book and offer options for different types of trip, Scooter & Bike Rental is your starting point. Choose the activity that best fits what you have in mind and enjoy the island with everything arranged.
