Our most recommended things to do in Maspalomas

Gran Canaria: Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

1. Gran Canaria: Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

Board a catamaran in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and head out into the Atlantic Ocean in search of dolphins and whales. Marvel at picturesque views of Gran Canaria's coastline from the water, sip on complimentary soft drinks, and go snorkeling or swimming in the ocean. Your cruise begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel and transportation to the Puerto Base harbor, where you'll board your boat. Then, set sail to explore the waters off the coast of Gran Canaria, going in search of dolphins, pilot whales, minke whales, and more. Watch from the deck or through the glass panels below deck, keeping an eye out for these magnificent creatures and other aquatic life. Then, get ready to experience the ocean firsthand as your boat anchors in one of the small bays along the coastline. Go for a swim, enjoy some snorkeling, or make use of the onboard toboggan slide. If you prefer not to get wet, just sit back and relax, admire the view, and sip on a complimentary soft drink. Spend around 45 minutes enjoying the ocean before your cruise continues with a return journey to the harbor. Your bus will be waiting here to take you back to your accommodation.

Maspalomas: Guided Camel Ride in the Maspalomas Sand Dunes

2. Maspalomas: Guided Camel Ride in the Maspalomas Sand Dunes

Ride through the rolling dunes of Maspalomas on camelback and admire the unique landscape of Gran Canaria. Enjoy the support of your Sahawari guides during your 30-minute experience. Feel like a desert scout as you ride a gentle camel along the seemingly endless dunes of Maspalomas. The camels are fitted with comfortable 2-seater saddles, so you don’t need to ride on the hump. The ride on these gentle giants lasts for around 30 minutes and you’ll be accompanied by Saharawi guides. Enjoy this unique way to discover the desert landscapes of Gran Canaria. 

From Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria: Dolphin Watching Cruise

3. From Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria: Dolphin Watching Cruise

Head out on a journey from the Puerto Rico harbor to spot whales, dolphins, and other marine animals in their natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean. Get up close to the animals from your glass-bottom boat with unlimited drinks. Sail along the southwest coast of the island in search of marine mammals and benefit from the services and expertise of the friendly multi-lingual crew. Get up-to-date information about the sightings and different species. Avail of a boat equipped with a large glass bottom in both keels to experience life below the ocean waves without getting wet. Encounter a great diversity of animals including pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, green turtles, and flying fish. 

Maspalomas: Aqualand Maspalomas Water Park Entry Ticket

4. Maspalomas: Aqualand Maspalomas Water Park Entry Ticket

Enjoy a fun day out for all the family at Aqualand Maspalomas, the largest waterpark in Gran Canaria. Ride on over 40 different slides, get up close and personal with sea lions with the optional sea lion experience, and relax knowing the kids are having fun in the children's park. Aqualand Maspalomas has more than 40 water slides to choose from so there’s plenty of family-friendly fun to be had and a variety of activities for all ages to enjoy. Both adults and children can slide on the waterpark’s craziest slide, the Anaconda, or challenge one another to a race on its multi lane slides. There’s more than enough to fill an entire day with fun in the water. Polynesia park, and gardens are the park’s activities on land, while the resident sea lions offer an interactive experience with the friendly sea mammals (available at an added cost and availability is not guaranteed). Enjoy moments of relaxation watching the little ones have fun in the children's paradise, the water park that promises adventure. Sun loungers, parasols, lockers, and fast passes are available to purchase in the park for an extra cost.

El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options

5. El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options

Embark on a horseback riding excursion in Gran Canaria for 1 hour or 2 hours, depending on the option selected, with an instructor and all safety gear included. Meet your horse, with companions suitable for all ages and levels of horse riding ability. Upgrade by choosing hotel transfers. Start off by getting acquainted with your surefooted and gentle horses, with companions suitable for all ages and levels of horseriding ability. With your guide, set off on the mountain trails and discover the beautiful and rugged volcanic landscape of Gran Canaria. See tropical plantations, the sight of large sand dunes in the distance, and admire the vista of Maspalomas Beach. Arrive back at the ranch, where you can purchase a refreshing drink and some snacks. Feel free to visit the farm animals who live onsite, before your activity finishes.

Gran Canaria: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

6. Gran Canaria: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

Enjoy a trip along the waters surrounding Gran Canaria and see dolphins and whales up close on a dolphin and whale-watching cruise. Relax on board and snap photos of the idyllic scenery during the journey. Get as close as possible to the majestic dolphins while on the boat so that you can experience their natural habitat in an intimate manner. You can take photos as you watch whales and dolphins play. Sit back and enjoy the experience with refreshments purchased from the cash bar available on board — and bring the children along for a fun family outing.

From Mogán/Maspalomas/Arguineguín: Gran Canaria Day Tour

7. From Mogán/Maspalomas/Arguineguín: Gran Canaria Day Tour

Discover Gran Canaria on a guided bus tour through the great green heart of the island. See why this island is sometimes called a 'miniature continent' because of the huge contrasts in habitats and landscapes.  Benefit from pickup from Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Bahía Feliz, Puerto Rico, Arguineguín, Taurito, and Puerto Mogán. The northern middle area will amaze you with its green meadows, farming areas, forests, natural parks, mountains, impressive viewpoints, and hidden villages. Pass through Telde, the 2nd most populous city on the island. It's modern but full of interesting history as it was the ancient capital. Learn about the history of its Church and about its past and present. Then, discover the charming old town of Arucas and its magnificent modernist Church of San Juan Bautista built with volcanic black stone.  After that, explore Firgas, known as "the Atlantic balcony" for its fantastic panoramic views. Find out why it is also called "the water village", for its exceptional waterfall fountain in the middle of the old town. Next, arrive in the mountain area to make a stop at a restaurant in the Valleseco surroundings for lunch (optional and not included in the price of the tour).  Continue through protected natural areas and mountains with stops at Mirador de la Cruz de Tejeda, which has beautiful views of Roque Nublo and El Teide. Finally, see the almond trees growing area of Ayacata, San Bartolomé, with fantastic views of the Santa Lucia Valley and the Caldera de Tirajana, and end the tour with an impressive panoramic route through the Fataga Valley Canyon.

Gran Canaria: Fun Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

8. Gran Canaria: Fun Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

Cruise along the southwestern coastline of Gran Canaria on a luxury catamaran. Relax in style and take in views of beaches, cliffs, and coves. Enjoy unlimited drinks and a meal onboard. Take a speedboat to snorkel or join water sports activites. Set sail and cruise along the coastline of Gran Canaria on a catamaran. Next, head out with the captain on a speedboat ride (optional). Swim and snorkel with the gear provided, or take advantage of discounts on donut rides, or jet skiing and parasailing experiences. Savor a meal prepared for you by the crew. Savor traditional potatoes served with mojo sauce, chicken meatballs, and a choice of salads and bread rolls. Enjoy unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water from the onboard bar.

Gran Canaria Guided Buggy Tour

9. Gran Canaria Guided Buggy Tour

Discover Gran Canaria from a different perspective on a buggy drive along some of the island's adventurous roads. Marvel at the impressive natural landscapes of Fataga. The guided excursion starts by heading for the Ayagaures Valley. Drive to the Pedro Gonzales viewpoint for panoramic views. Get a breathtaking view of the Ayagaures Valley with its reservoir and surrounding mountains. Continue along unpaved roads to explore more exciting canyons. See the impressive mountains and charming villages in the south of Gran Canaria. Discover reservoirs and the Valley of Fataga. Go to some of the most beautiful observation points on Gran Canaria on an extensive 2-hour buggy ride through the imposing southern half of the island.

Maspalomas: Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows

10. Maspalomas: Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows

Visit the new dolphinarium, with its spectacular show, as well as the aquarium, the butterfly house, the incredible show of birds of prey, the show of parrots, meerkats, caimans and much more. In the reptiles section you will find a komodo dragon belonging to the first generation raised in captivity in Europe, the biggest species of the lizard group reaching up to 3 meters in height and weighing some 90 kilograms. In the Caiman Lake you may find the Spectacled Caiman, Californian Turtles, and the Gran Canaria Giant Lizard living in perfect synchrony. The Island of Primates is undoubtedly a must-see. Among the many species you will find at the park the most notorious are aardvarks, wallabies, meerkats and talapoins.

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Maspalomas
Dive into Gran Canaria’s coast, and find a mixture of adventure, luxury, and stunning sand dunes to boot.

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Frequently asked questions about Maspalomas

What are the best day trips and excursions from Maspalomas?

The best day trips and excursions from Maspalomas are:

Las Palmas

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Maspalomas

Travel blogger Check Out Sam used Maspalomas as his home base for more than six months when exploring the Canary Islands. Here are some great tips about the city and its surroundings:

What should I do on my first trip to Maspalomas?

To be honest, there are hardly any important sights or must see attractions in this resort beach town, so I suggest you just unwind and relax at the stunning beach of Maspalomas or the nearby dunes. If you do want to head out, organizing a fun day on a boat (dolphin spotting, parasailing, snorkelling, ...) will be loved by most people. Not so fond of water? Rent a car (or book a tour) to visit the center and north of Gran Canaria.

What are some hidden gems to see in Maspalomas?

There are quite some great spots from where you can see the sun fall into the ocean in Maspalomas, but it seems not many people have heard of the "Mirador" at the end of Calle Canadá. This quaint spot overlooks the lush green golf course of Maspalomas and since you're up so high here, you can also admire the beach, dunes and shiny ocean. Make sure to bring your own drinks!

How much time should I spend in Maspalomas?

If you are here to relax, you can definitely spend a week or more here. Do you want to party hard? Shopping centers or the areas near the beaches transform into open-air parties from Thursday to Sunday. Are you more of an explorer? Then I wouldn't stay in Maspalomas unless you have a car. It is a really good "base" to explore the rest of the island, but there just isn't much to see here. If you don't have a car, Maspalomas is also a good place to be since most tours pick-up their guests from here or Las Palmas.

What food is Maspalomas known for?

There are a lot of tourist traps in Maspalomas and therefore I wouldn't say that this is a great food destination. However, you can order Canarian tapas almost everywhere and you'll never do wrong with that. I specifically loved the papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, but also the prawns in garlic sauce never disappointed me!

What is the best way to get around Maspalomas? 

There are buses driving around all over Maspalomas, but they are quite slow. To get from the center of Maspalomas to the beach will take you at least 45 minutes (and then you still have to walk through the dunes!), so I suggest taking a taxi instead. It will only cost you around €5 for up to four people. The same goes for a trip from Maspalomas to the nearby San Augustín. The city center is very walkable and it should never take you much more than 15 to 20 minutes to go anywhere. Playa del Inglés is also at walking distance. If you want to discover other parts of the island, I suggest you rent a car. Only some cities (Las Palmas, Puerto Rico, ...) are easily visited by public transportation. Sights such as the famous Roque Nublo or the stunning Agaete are almost impossible to visit with the local buses.

What are the best months to visit Maspalomas?

Maspalomas is a beloved LGBTQI+ holiday destination, and thus the main two events are the winter (November) and summer (May) Pride festivals. There are lots of events all over the city, but the Yumbo Shopping Center is where most of the celebrations take place. In February and/or March carnival is also celebrated in Maspalomas, but even more so in the capital of the island: Las Palmas.

What is neighborhood Playa del Inglés known for?

The area around Playa del Inglés is most touristy and has lots of little (touristy...) restaurants, whereas the center of the city (around Yumbo Center) is often the favorite place for members of the LGBTQI+ community. You'll immediately notice that the neighborhoods around Playa de Maspalomas and the dunes are much more modernized and caters to a richer and more demanding audience.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping? 

There are a lot of shopping centers in Maspalomas. Here you can almost find anything: from clothes and shoes to souvenirs to luxury goods, but also plenty of restaurants and bars. Both Yumbo Center and -the slightly tackier- Cita Shopping center have a lot of options. The only thing you don't really find anywhere in Maspalomas is fashion chains. For that, I suggest you visit Las Palmas or Puerto Rico.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Maspalomas?

Maspalomas is a beach resort town that seemingly never modernized, so all of the neighborhoods look a bit tacky and well... just not very pretty. If you do want a nice and modern area, you should stay around Playa de Maspalomas. All the other neighborhoods are quite outdated. However... Most of the nightlife and restaurants are also in those areas. Therefore the neighborhood around Yumbo Center or Playa del Inglés is also a good location to be at. If you don't mind being a bit further away from Maspalomas, then I suggest to book an accommodation in cozy San Augustín.

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in Maspalomas?

Head to the beach and build sand castles! The kids will love to spend their days at the broad and long beaches, while the parents will enjoy the amazing weather and stunning sights on the dunes of Maspalomas. If you want even more fun near (or in!) the water, I suggest to book an excursion on the sea. There are plenty of options: dolphin spotting, snorkelling, parasailing, ...

What is the best thing to do in Maspalomas for solo travelers?

Book a (party) boat tour and start socializing, or just go to one of the bars and do the same. I'm still amazed by how easy it was to make friends in Maspalomas.

What is the best thing to do in Maspalomas for couples?

Head to the Atelier Cocktail Bar on the eighth floor of Bohemia Suites&Spa. Order one of the special sips and enjoy the stunning views over Maspalomas and the surrounding areas. This really is the perfect place to celebrate romance!

What are the best areas for outdoor activities around Maspalomas?

There are plenty of tours you can organize which will bring you to the ocean. Often with pick-up from your hotel, so you don't need to rent a car for these excursions. I recommend spotting whales and dolphins, snorkelling or trying out some exciting water sports such as parasailing, canyoning or surfing! For beautiful viewpoints or stunning hikes, you need to be in the center or north of the island. I already mentioned Roque Nublo, but the hike to Charco Azul is great. In the north, I really liked Agaete, Teror and Firgas. To visit these destinations, you will need to rent a car though.

What are the best beaches around Maspalomas?

Playa Maspalomas is by far the most stunning beach in this area! Make sure to also venture into the dunes and explore this very unique attraction. You can also find the famous Gay Beach (near Kiosk N°7) close to these dunes.

Other Sightseeing Options in Maspalomas

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What people are saying about Maspalomas

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 7,834 reviews

Highly recommended Day Trip in Gran Canaria: Pavel is a most knowledgeable and talented guide who gave us a wonderful experience of the island. He also has a great sense of humour which made the trip even more enjoyable. The day was well structured to provide us with a lot of fascinating information and the chance to explore a little on our own when appropriate. We learned about history, traditions, canarian food, the climate, fauna and flora, and the economy of this lovely island. The itinerary provided us with great stops for photos and refreshments. We were even treated to a free mid morning coffee and sandwich. Lunch was in a nice restaurant with a typical canarian menu. The coach was comfortable and driven with skill by Salvador, a most experienced and friendly driver. Don't hesitate to book this excursion!

Great excursion, very scenic and informative guide. Lots of hair pin bends on the whole journey. Pick up in the morning was a bit chaotic, I think a photo of where we were to meet would be helpful as there was another entrance. Another driver who picked us up in a car was a bit rude. But apart from that minor mishap it was a great day. Thanks

Couldn't recommend this more. The interior of Gran Canaria is stunning and often missed by tourists sticking to the resorts. Jose was a brilliant, friendly, funny and knowledgeable guide and an expert driver, which helped with some of the narrower off-road mountain tracks!

Dear supporter Good morning Everything was good but just I saw in your app that the parking is free but they received 4€ for the parking fee and told us the application is not updated and free parking is for the past. I wanted let you know about this issue. Best, Ali.

Amazing sunny trip where they wait while you have fun, speedboating, jetski-ing and swimming your heart out while they serve you food and drinks. What’s not to like?