Dolphins and birds of prey in one mountain day. Palmitos Park is one of the best one-day fixes on Gran Canaria when you want animal drama without a lot of planning. I especially like the dolphinarium show paired with birds of prey and exotic bird performances, plus the park’s zoo-and-gardens feel that keeps you moving. The main catch: the grounds are very steep uphill, so plan your pace.

At about $44 per person for a 1-day ticket, this can be good value if you’re show-focused and you don’t mind walking for hours. If you want maximum comfort, I’d start early and build breaks into your route, because the last entry into the park is 5:00 PM.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Dolphin show as the headline: a new dolphinarium and a packed, crowd-pleasing performance schedule.
• Two bird show types: birds of prey plus exotic birds, with a separate parrot show also included.
• A zoo-meets-greenhouses layout: aquarium, butterfly house, and botanical areas mixed into the animal route.
• Big animal variety, not just repeats: primates section, reptiles area, caimans and turtles, plus more.
• A steep, uphill park: bring a strategy for mobility and sun, or consider paid help (walkers/mobility scooters).

Palmitos Park: A Steady-Fun Day Above Maspalomas

Palmitos Park sits about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse, up in the hills. That matters because it shapes the whole experience: you’re not just entering a flat zoo. You’re spending a day in a canyon-like setting where the views pop, and the route has real climbs.

What you’re buying with this ticket is straightforward. You get entry to the park plus all the shows: dolphins, parrots, birds of prey, and exotic birds. Then you also get the wandering time to see animals across multiple zones, including reptiles, primates, and more. In other words, it’s not only about show seats. The park is built so you can pace yourself between performances.

Price and Value: What $44 Really Covers

This ticket is listed at $44 per person and covers park entry and all included shows, with free car parking. Food and drinks are not included, and that is a big part of how you judge value here. If you’re someone who typically buys snacks and meals at attractions, expect the on-site prices to add up. If you can bring water and plan around the show breaks, you’ll feel the value more clearly.

The best way to think about the cost is this: you’re paying for a full day of organized entertainment (the dolphin and bird programs) plus a large animal-and-garden layout. The park feels clean, well maintained, and serious about animal care from what you can see during your visit. So the ticket doesn’t feel like a quick photo stop. It’s more like a planned day out.

Getting In: Voucher, Last Entry, and Timing Your Route

Your meeting point is simple: go directly to Palmitos Park and present your voucher at the gate for online tickets. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to plan your arrival independently (car or taxi, or whatever transport you already use on Gran Canaria).

The biggest timing rule is the easiest one to miss: last entry is 5:00 PM. That doesn’t mean you’ll want to arrive at 4:00 PM, but it helps you plan if you’re doing multiple things the same day. Since there are several shows, arriving earlier gives you more flexibility if one area takes longer than expected.

Dolphinarium Show: The Performance You Should Build Around

The dolphin show is the headline attraction for a reason. The park runs a dolphinarium with a spectacular performance, and you’re also getting the broader dolphin experience as part of the attraction package. Many visitors emphasize that it’s not just entertaining, it’s genuinely impressive—often described as emotional and well executed.

Here’s how to handle the dolphin show like a pro:

• Go early in the day if you can. It reduces stress when the park is steep and you’re timing multiple show stops.
• Watch for the fish rewards and staff interaction during the show. That’s part of what makes it feel like more than a staged trick.
• Think about shade and sun on the way to the arena. Reviews note that some areas of the park are shaded, while the show areas may expose you more.

Don’t treat the dolphin show as a quick sprint. I’d plan it as your anchor. Everything else can flow around it.

Birds of Prey and Exotic Birds: Where the Views Become Part of the Show

If you like your entertainment with real altitude, the bird programs deliver. The park includes a birds of prey show plus an exotic birds show, and there’s also a parrot show on top of that. The birds are shown in dramatic flight and handling formats, set against the mountain backdrop—so you’re not stuck watching from a dull corner.

One of the strongest pieces here is the combination of:

• high-energy presentations
• wide views over the surrounding hills
• easy photo opportunities (especially during the show moments)

I’d schedule your bird-show time intentionally. Since the grounds are uphill, it’s worth timing your route so you’re not constantly arriving sweaty and late. The show timing is spaced so you can move around without missing everything if you keep a steady pace.

Inside the Park: Aquarium, Butterfly House, and Botanical Zones

Not every part is about clapping on cue. Palmitos Park also feels like a zoo-botanical hybrid. You’ll find an aquarium and a butterfly house, plus areas where you can slow down after climbs. This matters if you’re traveling with kids, or if you simply don’t want your entire day to be one show after another.

Think of these zones as your mental reset. They’re also a good fallback if you need a break from sun or if you’re pacing for mobility. Reviews highlight the butterfly/orchid kind of vibe as a memorable part of the day, not only the animals in performance arenas.

Reptiles and Caimans: Big Names in the Reptile Area

If reptiles are your thing, you’ll likely have fun in the reptile sections. The park’s description highlights standout features such as a Komodo dragon raised in captivity and a major giant lizard species reaching up to about 3 meters. That’s not a small claim, and the point for you is simple: this isn’t only about common zoo reptiles. It’s about rare, attention-grabbing specimens in a show-and-walk format.

In the caiman zone, you can expect animals like:

• Spectacled caiman
• Californian turtles
• Gran Canaria Giant Lizard

This “put them near water and make the habitat feel cohesive” approach is the key. You’re not just seeing an animal behind glass. You’re walking a route where different zones link by theme and setting.

Island of Primates: The Wildcard Zone for Adults and Kids

The Island of Primates is described as a must-see, and it has the benefit of being interesting even if you’re not a hardcore animal nerd. You’ll see species like aardvarks, wallabies, meerkats, and talapoins.

For me, this section works because it adds variety to your route. After the dolphin and birds, primates give you a different kind of energy: more wandering, more watching, more spotting. It’s also an easier area for kids to stay engaged because the animals are part of the walking experience, not only a seated show.

Steep Hills Reality Check: How to Plan if Walking Is Hard

Here’s the honest part: Palmitos Park is hilly, and reviews specifically call out steep uphill walking. If you have mobility issues, it’s not automatically a no-go, but you do need a plan.

Practical help exists. The park provides walkers and mobility scooters at a cost (so you’re not completely stuck if stairs and slopes are rough). Still, you should anticipate a lot of up-and-down movement across the day.

My advice:

• If you’re sensitive to steep routes, schedule your toughest climbs earlier (when you still have energy).
• Wear footwear that can handle uneven paths.
• Bring sun protection. Reviews note that much of the park may be shaded, but show areas can be sunnier.

Food, Drinks, and the Cost of Convenience

Food and drinks are not included with your ticket. Reviews often say the on-site prices are expensive for snacks and drinks, and that’s consistent with how most full-day animal parks work.

The key is to avoid surprises:

• Bring water if you can. If you’re not sure about rules for bringing items, plan to at least have your day hydration sorted.
• If you buy food inside, treat it as a planned expense, not an occasional treat.

One review mentioned paying a lot for hot dogs, and another said the restaurant is good value with decent food. So the smartest move is to decide your comfort level in advance: either plan to buy meals there, or plan your breaks around bringing your own basic supplies.

Getting There and Finding the Right Entrance

Transport is not included, and the park is out of the flat part of Maspalomas. Car parking is free, which is a major plus if you’re renting or driving.

One detail to watch: an incorrect address in maps happened to at least one visitor, sending them to a different spot. So if you’re navigating by phone, I’d double-check that you’re headed to Palmitos Park itself and not a similarly named location nearby.

Who Should Book This One-Day Ticket?

This is a strong match if you want:

• A packed day with multiple included shows
• An animal park that mixes performance + animal wandering
• A fun day out for families, especially kids who like dolphins and birds
• A day that feels more like a guided outing than a slow museum visit (because show schedules structure your time)

It may be less ideal if:

• You need a fully flat walking experience
• You’re okay spending extra on scooters/walkers or you’d struggle with steep paths even with help
• You don’t want to pay for food and drinks on-site

Should You Book Palmitos Park?

If you’re choosing between a relaxed beach day and a structured animal day, this one-day ticket is worth serious consideration. The value is strongest when you use the included shows as your anchors and treat the walking as part of the adventure. The dolphin program and birds of prey/exotic bird lineup are the standouts, and the rest of the park gives you enough variety to justify a full visit.

Book it if you can handle steep walking or you’re willing to use the park’s paid mobility help. Skip it if you need a mostly flat itinerary and don’t have a workaround.

If you time it well, protect yourself from sun, and plan breaks around the show schedule, Palmitos Park turns into exactly what you want from a day trip: a full dose of animal watching plus performances that actually deliver.

FAQ

What is included with the Palmitos Park ticket?

Entry to the park and all shows are included: dolphins, parrots, birds of prey, and exotic birds.

How long is this experience?

The ticket is valid for 1 day.

Where do I go to present my voucher?

Go directly to Palmitos Park and show your voucher at the gate for online tickets.

What time is the last entry to the park?

Last entry is at 5:00 PM.

Is food and drinks included in the ticket price?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is parking available, and is it free?

Yes. Free car parking is included.

Is the park wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

What shows should I plan around first?

Plan around the dolphin show and the birds shows (birds of prey and exotic birds). A parrot show is also included.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the park offer help for mobility on steep areas?

The park provides walkers and mobility scooters at a cost if you need them.