A dolphin show on Gran Canaria is a real treat. At Palmitos Park, you get a big dolphinarium performance plus top-flight bird shows, all inside a zoological botanical park with animals and plants from five continents.

What I like most is how the shows feel like the centerpiece, not a side quest: the dolphin show is the one you plan your day around, and the birds of prey plus exotic bird and parrot shows keep the energy high. The other big win is the animal variety beyond the main stages, from reptiles and caimans to an Island of Primates area.

The main drawback is the steep walking. This is a mountainside park, and you’ll be going up and down hills more than you might expect.

Key takeaways before you go

• Dolphinarium show is the day’s anchor, and it’s included with your ticket
• Bird shows (birds of prey, exotic birds, and parrots) give you three chances to catch flying action
• Komodo dragon and caiman areas add serious variety beyond the big stages
• Primates Island brings in meerkats, wallabies, aardvarks, and more
• Plan for hills and consider renting walkers or a mobility scooter if you need help
• Expect 4–5 hours to see enough, not a quick in-and-out visit

Entering Palmitos Park: a zoo in the mountains, not on flat land

Palmitos Park sits about 10 kilometers from Maspalomas Lighthouse, and it feels like a different kind of day trip the moment you arrive. This is a zoological botanical park, meaning you’re not only looking at animals—you’re also surrounded by landscaped gardens and plant areas. The whole place is built into a valley/mountain setting, so the views show up all day.

You’ll also see a mix that goes beyond typical “same species in a row.” The park’s collection includes animals and plants from all five continents, so you’re bouncing between familiar animals (like meerkats) and the stuff that sounds like it belongs in a science documentary (like a Komodo dragon).

If you’re wondering whether this is a half-day or full-day stop: plan on a few hours, because the park is big and the shows are spread out. Many people end up settling in for around 4–5 hours when they don’t rush.

The big three shows: dolphins, birds of prey, and parrots

If you do only one thing, do the shows. Your ticket includes dolphins, birds of prey, exotic birds, and parrots, so you’re not paying extra just to see what the park is built around.

Dolphin show in the new dolphinarium

The dolphin show is the headline. It happens in a new dolphinarium, and it’s built as a full performance, not a quick cameo. I’d treat it as your schedule boss: arrive early enough that you’re not walking in sweaty and stressed, then settle into the show area.

Two practical tips help here:

• Get there with time to spare. The park involves hills, and you want your breathing under control before you sit down.
• Sun and shade matter. Some parts of the park are shaded, but the show areas (and the walkways between them) can still feel hot.

Birds of prey show: the one with dramatic flight

The birds of prey show is another must-see. This is the performance that many people say is shot through with real spectacle because you’re seeing predators in controlled flight over the park’s mountain setting. You’ll want your camera ready and your eyes up—not down at your feet.

Exotic birds and parrot show

After the birds of prey action, the exotic bird show and the parrot show keep things moving. If your group includes kids, this is where the “wait, we’re doing more?” feeling kicks in. The parrot show also gives you those colorful, close-to-human moments that are perfect for family photos.

How to avoid show-stress

A simple way to make the day smooth: treat the park like a chain of show stops.

• Walk between areas with the next show in mind.
• Don’t try to race through everything in the middle.
• If you’re taking photos, plan a few “photo-only” breaks between shows instead of during the transitions.

Show times are spaced so you can move around without constantly sprinting, but you still need to factor in uphill walking.

Beyond the stage: reptiles, caimans, primates, and more

The shows are the headline, but Palmitos Park keeps rewarding you if you spend time in the exhibits between performances.

Komodo dragon and the reptiles section

One of the standout reptile draws is the Komodo dragon in the reptiles section. The park’s program describes it as a first generation raised in captivity in Europe. You’ll also see details like size and weight mentioned in the park materials, which helps you understand why people take their time at this exhibit.

Even if you’re not a reptile person, this part works because it’s not just “look at a lizard.” It’s a full meeting with a very specific, very impressive species, set inside a broader reptile area.

Caiman Lake: caimans, turtles, and a giant lizard

Head toward the Caiman Lake area and you’ll find a calmer, more landscape-of-water vibe. Here you may see:

• Spectacled Caimans
• Californian Turtles
• Gran Canaria Giant Lizard

The park frames these animals as sharing space in a way that feels like they’re living alongside each other, which makes the area more interesting than a set of isolated enclosures.

Island of Primates: more than just primates

The Island of Primates is described as a must-see, and it delivers more than you might expect. The name can be a little misleading at first because the park spotlights a variety of animals in that zone, including:

• Aardvarks
• Wallabies
• Meerkats
• Talapoins

That mix is a good strategy for your day: it keeps the park from becoming repetitive. One moment you’re watching small alert creatures, the next you’re watching something totally different in behavior.

Aquarium, butterfly house, and even the small moments

Your ticket includes access beyond the big named exhibits. You can also expect the aquarium and a butterfly house. These are the kinds of stops that break up the physical pace of the day, and they’re a nice counterweight to the animal-spotlight energy of the dolphin and bird shows.

Walking plan: steep hills, shade, and mobility options

Here’s the part you can’t ignore: Palmitos Park is steep. Multiple people highlight that the walking is uphill and that there’s plenty of up-and-down.

What this means for your day

If you go without a plan, you might spend more energy climbing than enjoying. So I’d do this:

• Start early so you’re not rushing between shows late in the day.
• Keep a slow pace between exhibits.
• If you’re sensitive to heat, bring sun protection and plan breaks.

One helpful note from visitor experiences: the park provides walkers and mobility scooters at a cost. If you think you’ll need help, it’s worth considering instead of suffering through the hills. It can turn a strained day into a relaxed one.

Last entry timing

The park has a last entry at 5:00 PM. That means you should not book yourself into a late start. Aim to arrive with enough time to make at least the key shows without cutting off your last walk.

Food, photos, and what costs extra

Your ticket includes entry and the shows, but food and drinks are not included. That’s standard for this type of attraction, yet it’s still important because on-site prices can surprise you.

Based on real-world experience from visitors:

• Food and drinks can be expensive
• Drinks and snacks are a common pain point
• The park’s restaurant can still be decent value for what you’re getting, but you’ll pay for convenience

Bring water and handle the budget smartly

I’d treat this as a “bring your own basics or plan to pay” day. Even if you buy lunch inside, having water and snacks helps you avoid getting stuck in a cycle of vending-machine decisions.

Photo culture

There are plenty of opportunities for family photos with animals. That’s great fun, but it also means you might see photo add-ons or extras near the show areas. If you’re traveling as a family, decide ahead of time what you’ll spend on souvenirs or paid photo packages so the day stays fun.

Ticket value: $44 and what you’re actually paying for

Let’s talk value in plain terms.

Your $44 per person ticket includes:

• Entry to the park
• All shows: dolphins, parrots, birds of prey, and exotic birds
• Free car parking

You’re not paying extra per show, which matters because most attractions like this nickel-and-dime you once you’re inside. Here, the ticket is built around the main events. That makes it easier to judge value: if you’re excited about dolphins and the bird shows, you’re buying the core experience.

The other value factor is time. If you spend about 4–5 hours here and see multiple shows plus a variety of exhibits (reptiles, caimans, primates island areas, aquarium, butterfly house), the ticket stops feeling like just a show pass and starts feeling like a full day out.

If your group only wants one short stop, then yes, it can feel pricey. But if you want a day with performance and animals in a scenic setting, it tends to make sense.

Getting there from Maspalomas: no hotel pickup, go straight in

Palmitos Park doesn’t offer hotel pickup and drop-off, so plan to get yourself there. The meeting approach is simple:

• Go directly to Palmitos Park
• Present your voucher at the gate for online tickets

The park is close to Maspalomas in the grand scheme of Gran Canaria—about 10 km from the lighthouse—but it’s still in a hilly, elevated part of the island. That’s why taxis and private transfers show up in people’s plans, and why a “quick trip” can turn into a longer one than expected when you’re accounting for mountain roads.

Best fit: who should book this day at Palmitos Park

This is a strong pick for:

• Families with kids who want show-based excitement plus lots of animals to look at
• Animal lovers who like variety and aren’t just focused on one species
• People who enjoy mixing performance with wandering through exhibits and gardens

It’s less ideal if:

• Your group struggles with steep walking and you don’t want to use a scooter/walker option
• You hate being outdoors in the sun and you don’t want to manage shade breaks

Should you book Palmitos Park with dolphin and bird shows?

I think you should book if you’re aiming for a real day out and not just a short stop. The mix of dolphin show plus birds of prey and parrot/exotic bird shows gives you enough structure to make the day feel complete. Add in reptiles (including that standout Komodo dragon), caiman lake area, and the Island of Primates exhibits, and you’ve got more than one kind of attraction going on.

If hills are a concern, plan for them. Come with comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a willingness to slow down. And if you think you’ll need it, consider using the mobility help the park provides rather than pushing through.

FAQ

How long is the Palmitos Park ticket valid for?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. You’ll also want to check availability to see starting times.

What shows are included in the ticket?

Your entry includes all shows: dolphins, parrots, birds of prey, and exotic birds.

Where do I go to use my voucher?

Go directly to Palmitos Park and present your voucher at the gate.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is there free parking?

Yes. Free car parking is included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is the latest time to enter the park?

Last entry is 5:00 PM.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the park wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Palmitos Park is wheelchair accessible.