Maspalomas: Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows

The dolphin show is the main event at Palmitos Park, but it is only one part of a much bigger day out. This zoological botanical park sits about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse, in a valley among the hills, with animals and plants from all five continents.

I like the way the ticket covers four shows, so you are not paying extra each time you reach a highlight. I also like the mix of wildlife, gardens, an aquarium, and a butterfly house. The main catch is the terrain: much of the park runs uphill and downhill, and some sections are steep.

If you have trouble walking, plan carefully. The park is wheelchair accessible, and walkers and mobility scooters are available for an extra charge, but the hills can still make this a demanding visit. Bring water, sun protection, and sensible shoes.

Key points at a glance

• Dolphinarium: The dolphin performance is the park’s biggest draw, with scheduled shows and close views of the animals.
• Four shows included: Your admission covers the dolphin, parrot, birds of prey, and exotic bird performances.
• Wildlife from five continents: See primates, meerkats, wallabies, aardvarks, reptiles, caimans, tropical birds, and more.
• A beautiful hill setting: The park occupies a valley with wide mountain views, but the setting creates steep paths.
• Several hours of exploring: Plan on at least four hours, and possibly five or more if you take your time.
• Free parking, no transport included: Drive directly to the entrance or arrange your own taxi or bus.

The dolphin show is the park’s big moment

I would plan your day around the dolphin performance. It is the most widely praised part of the experience, and it gives the visit a clear centerpiece after you have explored the animal areas and gardens.

The show takes place in the new dolphinarium. You can expect trained dolphins, handlers, and a display built around jumps, movement, and interaction. The performance is included in your admission, so there is no separate ticket once you are inside.

The dolphin area is not the only place where you can see the animals. Some booking options and on-site activities may offer closer contact or photographs, but the standard ticket described here covers entry and the show itself. If you want a special dolphin experience, check exactly what your chosen booking includes before paying extra.

I would arrive early enough to find the dolphinarium and settle in, particularly if you are visiting with young children. Show times are spaced through the day so you can move around the park between performances, but you should still check the schedule when you arrive. Missing one of the main shows can mean a long wait for the next opportunity.

Birds of prey over the valley

The birds of prey show is the other major highlight. It is staged outdoors, with the birds flying across the open space and the hills forming the backdrop. That setting gives the performance a sense of scale that a small indoor arena cannot match.

You may see birds flying close to the viewing area before heading out over the valley. The show focuses on flight, handling, and the birds’ natural abilities. It is also a good reason to bring a hat and sunscreen, since the outdoor viewing areas have less shade than much of the rest of the park.

I would not treat this as a filler between the dolphins and the other birds. Many visitors rate it as one of the best parts of the day. The combination of open flight, mountain views, and trained handlers makes it a strong choice for adults as well as children.

Parrots and exotic birds

The park includes both a parrot show and an exotic bird show. These are separate performances, so check the schedule rather than assuming one covers both.

The parrot show is likely to appeal most to younger children, especially if they enjoy colorful birds and simple demonstrations. You may also have the chance to feed tropical birds in the park, although feeding opportunities can depend on the area and the day.

The exotic bird show adds another change of pace. Instead of spending the whole visit looking through enclosures, you get to see the birds in an organized performance. I like this variety because it keeps the day moving, especially for families who might otherwise tire of walking between animal areas.

The shows are arranged with gaps between them, making it possible to see all four without rushing from one end of the park to the other. Still, the park is larger than it may appear from a quick look at its website, so keep an eye on your route and leave time to reach each venue.

A full animal park, not just a dolphin attraction

Palmitos Park works best if you see it as a zoo and botanical park with major shows, rather than as a dolphin venue with a few extra exhibits.

The Island of Primates is one of the areas worth seeking out. The collection includes talapoins, along with other primate species. You may also see aardvarks, wallabies, and meerkats among the park’s wider animal collection.

Meerkats are an easy hit with families because they are active and entertaining to watch. Wallabies bring a distinctly different feel to the visit, while aardvarks are less familiar animals that can make this section especially interesting for children who already know the more common zoo residents.

The park also keeps its animals in areas where you can sometimes get quite close. That makes the visit feel more immediate, but you should follow all barriers and staff instructions. Close views are useful only when the animals have room and calm around them.

Reptiles, caimans, and the Gran Canaria giant lizard

The reptile section adds a more unusual side to the park. Its major resident is a Komodo dragon described as one of the first generation raised in captivity in Europe. The species can reach about 3 meters in length and weigh around 90 kilograms, making it one of the largest lizards in the world.

That is a serious animal, not a quick glance at a small terrarium. Give yourself time to look closely and understand the scale of the creature.

At Caiman Lake, you may find spectacled caimans, Californian turtles, and the Gran Canaria giant lizard living in the same area. The setting is designed to bring several species together, and it gives you a break from the more formal show schedule.

This is one reason I would not rush through the park after the dolphin performance. Some of the quieter exhibits, including reptiles and aquatic animals, reward a slower visit. They also give older children and adults more to think about than the headline shows alone.

Aquarium, butterfly house, and tropical gardens

The aquarium and butterfly house provide useful indoor or sheltered stops during the day. They are especially welcome when the sun is strong or you need a quieter stretch between shows.

The butterfly house offers close views of delicate tropical species in a planted setting. Move slowly here, and take care around the paths and viewing areas. The experience is less about a single dramatic animal and more about seeing small details at close range.

The aquarium provides another change of setting, with underwater life replacing birds, mammals, and reptiles. You can pair it with the botanical areas, where tropical plants and flowers help make the park feel more like a garden than a conventional city zoo.

The gardens are one of the park’s strongest features. They add shade and color to a day that includes a lot of concrete paths and open viewing areas. The plant collection represents all five continents, so take time to look beyond the animal enclosures.

How much walking should you expect?

This is the most important practical point. Palmitos Park is built in a valley and on the surrounding slopes, so the route is not flat. You should expect repeated uphill and downhill sections, with some steep stretches.

The views are part of the reward. From the higher paths and show areas, you can look across the surrounding hills and the valley below. But the same topography that creates those views also makes the visit harder for anyone with limited mobility.

I would wear comfortable shoes with good grip. A lightweight bag is better than carrying unnecessary items up and down the paths. Water matters, particularly on warm days, and sun protection is useful even if parts of the park are shaded.

The park is wheelchair accessible, but that does not mean every slope will feel easy. If you use a wheelchair or tire easily, contact the park or ask at the entrance about the most manageable route. Walkers and mobility scooters can be rented for a fee, according to the information provided.

Families with young children should also think about strollers, tired legs, and the timing of the shows. A four-year-old may love the dolphins and birds but struggle with the final uphill section. Build in pauses rather than trying to see every enclosure at top speed.

Planning your day around the shows

The ticket is valid for one day, and I would allow at least four hours. Five hours is reasonable if you want to see the animals, gardens, aquarium, butterfly house, and all the shows without rushing.

Start by checking the day’s show times. Then choose a route that links nearby exhibits between performances. Because the shows are spaced out, you should be able to see the dolphin, birds of prey, parrot, and exotic bird displays in one visit, provided you follow the schedule.

The last entry is at 5:00 PM. That does not mean you should arrive at 4:45 and expect a full day. Late entry may work if you want a short visit, but it is a poor plan if you want all four shows and the wider animal collection.

You go directly to Palmitos Park and present your online voucher at the gate. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so arrange your own transport from Maspalomas or elsewhere in Gran Canaria. Free car parking is included for visitors who drive.

One booking note is worth keeping in mind: an incorrect address can send you in the wrong direction, particularly if you rely on a basic map entry. Check the location carefully before setting out and make sure your navigation is taking you to Palmitos Park, not another municipality in the interior.

Food, drinks, and the real cost of the day

The listed price is $44 per person. That is not a small admission fee, but it includes the park and all four shows, with no separate charge for the dolphin, parrot, birds of prey, or exotic bird performances.

I think the price is easier to justify if you plan to stay for several hours. A quick visit focused only on the dolphins will feel expensive. A longer day that includes the gardens, animal areas, aquarium, butterfly house, and every show gives you better value.

Food and drinks are not included. Prices inside can be high, particularly for simple snacks and drinks, although the restaurant has also been described as good value compared with the snack options. If the rules allow you to bring your own supplies, carrying water and snacks can help control the cost. The supplied information does not confirm a food policy, so check before packing a picnic.

There are also extra-cost options for mobility equipment and animal photographs or special contact experiences. These are not part of the standard entry ticket, so set a budget before you arrive, especially if you are visiting with children who may want every add-on.

Who will enjoy Palmitos Park most?

I would recommend this day out to families who want more than a beach afternoon. Children get dolphins, parrots, colorful birds, meerkats, and reptiles, while adults can enjoy the plants, open bird flights, and mountain setting.

Animal lovers should allow plenty of time. The park has enough variety to keep two adults interested, especially if you are curious about less familiar species such as talapoins, aardvarks, caimans, and the Komodo dragon.

It also suits repeat visitors to Gran Canaria. The park is not only a single staged performance, and one visit may leave you with exhibits you did not have time to study properly.

I would be more cautious if you have significant mobility limits, dislike steep paths, or want a quiet, flat garden visit. The hills are not a minor detail. They shape the whole day, even though they also provide some of the best views.

My verdict on this Maspalomas day out

I like Palmitos Park because it offers a proper half-day or full-day visit rather than one short attraction. The dolphins and birds of prey are the clear stars, but the butterfly house, gardens, primates, reptiles, caimans, and tropical birds give the rest of the day substance.

Book it if you are happy to walk uphill, pay the admission price for a longer visit, and plan around the show times. Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes, and consider eating before you arrive or budgeting for food inside.

Skip it if you want a cheap, easy stroll or if steep terrain will make the day uncomfortable. For most families and animal lovers staying near Maspalomas, though, the combination of shows, wildlife, gardens, and views makes this one of the stronger organized outings on the island.

FAQ

Where is Palmitos Park located?

Palmitos Park is in Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands of Spain, about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse.

How much does the ticket cost?

The listed price is $44 per person.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day.

Which shows are included?

Admission includes the dolphin show, parrot show, birds of prey show, and exotic bird show.

Is parking included?

Yes. Free car parking is included.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off provided?

No. You must make your own way to Palmitos Park.

What is the latest entry time?

The last entry into the park is at 5:00 PM.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Is the park wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible. The park also provides walkers and mobility scooters for an additional cost, but many paths are steep.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve now and pay later option is also available.