If you are looking for activities in Gran Canaria, stay here because we are going to review everything you can do on the island. Except skiing and other winter sports, we can say that in Gran Canaria you can do all kinds of activities. As it is an island, we highlight the water activities, although we must not leave aside the aerial ones for those who are looking for real adrenaline. Here we tell you what are the best activities to do in Gran Canaria. Let’s go!
Activities in Gran Canaria
As we were saying, as it is an island located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, water activities are the biggest attraction of Gran Canaria. We highlight surfing, diving, kayaking, boat rentals, coasteering and parasailing. If you think so, we are going to review each type of activity and tell you about the areas where you can do each of them. There will be activities that you can do in various places, but it can always be better, due to the natural environment or weather conditions, to do them in a specific area of Gran Canaria.
Water sports in Gran Canaria
✔ Surf in Gran Canaria
Possibly surfing and all its modalities is one of the best known activities to do in Gran Canaria. Starting with Pozo Izquierdo, the mecca of windsurfing. On the other hand, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, on Las Canteras beach you can take a surf, longboard and bodyboard lesson. What is distinctive about Gran Canaria is that all these sports can be practiced 365 days a year given the island’s good weather conditions: sun, waves and wind (depending on the area and activity to be carried out).
✔ Kayaking Gran Canaria
One of the activities that we like to do with friends in Gran Canaria is to rent a kayak and discover coves. As we see it, the best areas to do it is in El Pajar because the water is like a plate and you can visit several beaches in the area. The next photo we show you is on a route we took from Santa Águeda to Montaña Arena beach passing through different coves.
The cool thing about this route is that next to Santa Águeda you can eat delicious food with views of the sea in La Bahía del Pajar. By the way, don’t be scared by the cement factory in El Pajar, let’s hope they destroy it soon. You can find more details about this plan here.
✔ Coasteering Gran Canaria
On the other hand, if you like extreme sports, you may be interested in trying coasteering in Gran Canaria. This type of water activity combines several types of adventure sports while you go on a tour. That is: hiking, high jumps into the sea, climbing, diving, rappelling, cave exploration, rope bridge, among others. That is, depending on the orography of the coast, you will have to do one thing or another. Come on, a great plan to do with friends and have fun. So take note if you are looking for ideas for a bachelor party in Gran Canaria.
✔ Diving in Gran Canaria
If we had to highlight another of the water sports in Gran Canaria, without a doubt we would opt for diving. There are several diving areas in Gran Canaria known for their depths and seascapes. They are mainly Sardina del Norte, La Catedral, Risco Verde and El Cabrón.
The seabed of Gran Canaria is very diverse as it is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. We invite you to personally discover the vieja fish, the Canary parrot fish, as well as the pejeverde, among others. If you would like to try scuba diving, have a look to all the details here.
Many marine species can be discovered snorkeling in Gran Canaria, so bring your diving goggles and go investigate!
✔ Parasailing Gran Canaria
Regarding parasailing in Gran Canaria or water parachuting, we believe that the best areas to do it are on the beaches of Anfi del Mar and in Puerto Rico. Here are the typical water activities companies that offer everything and, in addition, are open 365 days a year. So now you know where to go if you want to fly over the Atlantic Ocean.
Skydiving Gran Canaria
Skydiving is also one of the activities that only few dare to do wherever they travel or as a life experience. Possibly, together with bungee jumping, it is one of the activities in which adrenaline is released the most. Although here the fall is much longer and with views of the Dunes of Maspalomas. As far as we know, there are only two companies that do skydiving in Gran Canaria. The two are in the south and are iJump and Skydive Gran Canaria.
Boat rental Gran Canaria
It is probable that one of the most sought-after activities in Gran Canaria is renting a boat with a skipper. Whether to enjoy with friends, for a private getaway with the family, a proposal, a bachelor party, etc. Without a doubt, it is the best way to get to know the southern coast of Gran Canaria. You will see that many areas are mega built, but luckily there are still virgin areas such as El Perchel cove or Tiritaña beach. Two ideal places for snorkeling in Gran Canaria.
With which, we could say that this is one of the top activities in the south of Gran Canaria, although possibly also one of the most expensive. To rent a private sailboat in Gran Canaria, take into account two sports docks. The most local is Pasito Blanco, the most touristic and accessible is Puerto de Mogán.
On the other hand, there are several boat trips in Gran Canaria. That is, sharing the boat with other people. As we see it, the most recommended is the one that takes you along the entire southwest coast to Güigüi beach. A paradisiacal virgin beach that can only be reached by boat or after a walk of about 3 hours. If you would like to visit it on foot, take a look at our article on how to get to Güigüi with tips.
✔ Dolphin and whale watching Gran Canaria
Likewise, one of the most popular family activities in Gran Canaria is whale watching. Whether you are lucky or not to see dolphins (wild animals are not like a zoo), there is no doubt that the experience of going on a boat for a child is a great experience.
Finally, you should know that if you are looking for activities in the south of Gran Canaria, as it is a very touristy area, you will always have the typical rental offer for jet ski, banana boats, etc. You will be able to find these activities mainly in the tourist areas of Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico or Anfi del Mar. By the way, the island has no rivers, so do not look for rafting in Gran Canaria.
Bungee jumping Gran Canaria
We as residents have never done bungee jumping in Gran Canaria and we do not believe that the destination is one of the best for this activity. As we have shown you, water sports are so nice and you will always be able to do bungee jumping in other more spectacular destinations such as the Kawaru River in Queenstown (New Zealand). In any case, if you don’t have the option and want to surprise someone with this experience in Gran Canaria, you can also do it 🙂
Activities in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
As we said at the beginning, surfing and all its variants is one of the most relevant activities in Gran Canaria. In fact, in addition to world windsurfing championships, bodyboarding world championships are held. There are many waves or wave areas in Gran Canaria. The main areas for surfing in Gran Canaria are: El Frontón, La Guancha, Los Enanos, Quintanilla, El Confital, Playa del Hombre and sometimes even on Maspalomas beach itself.
✔ Surf in Las Palmas
However, if your intention is to do different activities in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, we recommend a surf course or a paddle surf route on Las Canteras beach. Here there are a number of schools where you can hire one or more classes. The Las Canteras surf zone is known as La Cícer, here the waves are stronger. On the contrary, the paddle surf area is concentrated around the Reina Isabel hotel. This is right where the barrier reef is that we locals call La Barra. It is also a nice place for snorkeling in Gran Canaria. In the next photo you can see it perfectly.
✔ Paragliding in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
As far as paragliding in Gran Canaria is concerned, this activity is only carried out in the capital. Specifically, in the Los Giles area and, therefore, with panoramic views of the entire Las Canteras beach and even Las Alcaravaneras beach.
Finally, we invite you to take a look at our Gran Canaria guides where we propose routes and itineraries to discover the most authentic side of the island on your own. This way you will not have to search for information here and there and you will save time planning your stay on the island.
