Maspalomas: Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows

The hills hide a surprisingly big animal park. Palmitos Park gives you far more than a quick dolphin performance: you can walk through gardens, an aquarium, butterfly house, reptile areas, primate enclosures, and several bird displays in one day. I especially like the dolphin show and the birds of prey flying across the valley, with the mountain scenery adding something you simply do not get at a standard city zoo.

I also like the park’s range. You can see animals and plants from all five continents, then move from colorful tropical birds to caimans, meerkats, wallabies, and a Komodo dragon. The main drawback is the terrain. Much of the route runs uphill and downhill, sometimes steeply, so anyone with mobility concerns should plan carefully, even though the park is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Key points to know before you go

• The dolphin show is the headline attraction: It is the part most likely to make the day feel special, especially for families.
• Birds of prey fly against the mountain scenery: The setting gives this show extra drama, and it is often a favorite alongside the dolphins.
• Expect several hours, not a quick stop: The park is larger than it may look online, and four to five hours is a sensible amount of time.
• Steep hills shape the whole visit: Bring water, wear sensible shoes, and be realistic about your walking ability.
• Food and drinks cost extra: Some visitors found the restaurant reasonable, while snacks and hotdogs were described as expensive.
• You go directly to the park: Show your online ticket voucher at the entrance, and remember that last entry is at 5:00 PM.

Getting to Palmitos Park from Maspalomas

Palmitos Park sits about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse, in a valley up in the hills. That setting is one of its pleasures, but it also explains the steep paths and the need to check directions before setting out.

You do not meet a guide in central Maspalomas. Go directly to Palmitos Park and present your online voucher at the gate. Free car parking is included, which makes a rental car practical if you are already driving around Gran Canaria.

If you are using a taxi, allow for the park’s hill location and the added cost of reaching it. One visitor described a taxi ride of about 30 minutes from their starting point. Another had trouble after using an incorrect address and ending up in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, so I would check the destination carefully before leaving your hotel.

The ticket is valid for one day, and last entry is at 5:00 PM. That does not mean you should arrive at 4:45 PM. The park contains several sections and scheduled shows, so an early or mid-morning start gives you a much better chance of seeing everything without rushing.

What your day at the park looks like

There is no fixed guided itinerary, so you can set your own order. I would begin by checking the show schedule at the entrance, then plan the rest of the park around the dolphin and birds of prey performances.

A practical visit usually works like this:

• Arrive and confirm the day’s show times.
• Walk through the animal and plant areas closest to the entrance.
• Watch the dolphin show.
• Continue through the aquarium, butterfly house, and reptile areas.
• See the birds of prey show and exotic bird performances.
• Finish with areas such as the Island of Primates, Caiman Lake, and the parrot display.

The show times are spaced out enough to make it possible to see the main performances and still explore between them. You should still leave room for pauses, photos, and the hills. Four hours can be enough for a focused visit, but five hours gives you a calmer day.

The route is not a flat loop. You will walk up and down through the valley, and some sections can feel demanding in warm weather. Most of the park is described as shaded, but the dolphin and birds of prey shows are more exposed, so carry sun protection and a hat.

The dolphin show is the main event

The new dolphinarium hosts the park’s most popular performance. The show combines trained movements, jumps, and interaction between the dolphins and their handlers, making it an easy favorite for children and adults alike.

The strongest part is not just the tricks. The show gives you a closer look at the animals and the working relationship with their handlers. Several comments about the staff describe them as warm and caring, and many people felt the dolphins looked well looked after. Of course, a performance is still a performance, so you should decide for yourself how comfortable you are with animal shows.

If you want a good seat, arrive before the performance rather than wandering in at the last minute. The dolphinarium is only one part of the park, but it can shape your whole schedule because it is the show most people do not want to miss.

Do not confuse this standard ticket with a separate dolphin experience. The ticket described here includes the dolphin show. Some visitors paid for or booked an additional dolphin interaction, but that is not listed among the inclusions for this admission.

Birds of prey in open mountain air

The birds of prey show is the other major reason to visit. Rather than watching only birds perched on indoor displays, you see them fly across the open setting, with the hills behind them.

That combination of skill and scenery gives the performance a strong sense of place. The birds may pass low over the viewing area or circle through the valley, depending on the presentation. The important point for planning is that this is an outdoor show, so bring sunscreen even if other parts of the park are shaded.

The handlers demonstrate control and timing, but the setting keeps the birds from feeling confined to a small stage. If you enjoy wildlife and photography, this may be the best show for wide views and dramatic flight.

Exotic birds and the parrot display

Palmitos Park also presents an exotic bird show and a separate parrot show. These are lighter and more colorful than the birds of prey performance, with trained parrots and other tropical birds taking the spotlight.

The exotic bird areas add plenty of color to the walk through the park. One of the most memorable optional activities described by visitors is feeding tropical birds. Check the arrangements and any extra cost on the day, since the standard ticket includes the shows but does not list animal feeding or photos as included.

Children often respond well to the parrots because the birds are close, bright, and active. Adults may find the performance less dramatic than the dolphins or raptors, but it helps make the ticket feel like a full program rather than a single attraction.

Butterfly house, aquarium, and orchid displays

The indoor and garden areas provide a useful change of pace after the open-air shows and steep paths. The aquarium gives you a quieter look at aquatic life, while the butterfly house brings you into a warm tropical setting filled with delicate movement and color.

The orchid house and botanical areas are worth slowing down for. Palmitos Park is not only a zoo. Its plants help create the park’s character, and the gardens offer some of the prettiest sections for photographs and a break from animal enclosures.

These areas also help on a hot day. Several sections offer shade, though you should not assume the entire route is sheltered. If you are visiting with young children, the butterfly house and gardens can be good places to reset between show times.

Reptiles, Caiman Lake, and the Komodo dragon

The reptile section includes a Komodo dragon described as one of the first generation raised in captivity in Europe. The species is the largest in the lizard group, with the park information listing individuals reaching up to 3 meters and about 90 kilograms.

That is a substantial animal, and it gives the reptile section real weight. You also find Spectacled Caimans and Californian Turtles at Caiman Lake. The Gran Canaria Giant Lizard is another local point of interest, linking the park’s collection to the island rather than only to faraway species.

The displays are especially useful for anyone who tends to rush past reptiles. The mix of large predators, turtles, and island species makes this more than a row of ordinary terrariums. Take your time, but keep an eye on the show schedule so you do not miss the dolphins or raptors.

The Island of Primates and other animals

The Island of Primates is one of the park’s essential stops. The collection includes talapoins, wallabies, meerkats, and aardvarks, along with other animals spread through the grounds.

Meerkats are a reliable hit with families because they are easy to watch and often active. Wallabies and talapoins add variety, while aardvarks give you a chance to see an animal that is less common in ordinary zoo visits.

You may also encounter caimans and other animals in settings designed to let you get a close look. The close viewing is a strength for photography and children’s interest, but remember that close does not mean touching. Stay within the marked viewing areas and follow staff instructions.

How steep is the park?

This is the most important practical issue. Palmitos Park sits in a valley and the route includes plenty of uphill and downhill walking. Some sections are described as very steep, so you should not treat this as a flat stroll between a few exhibits.

If you have difficulty walking, contact the park or check the available support before your visit. Walkers and mobility scooters are available at a cost, according to visitor information. The attraction is listed as wheelchair accessible, but accessible does not necessarily mean effortless here. The hills, distance, and outdoor show areas may still affect how comfortable your day feels.

I would wear shoes with good grip and carry water. The park’s size means that even a slow visit can involve several hours on your feet. Parents with small children should also consider a stroller suited to slopes, though no specific stroller policy is provided in the information available.

Food, drinks, photos, and extra costs

The $44 admission price includes entry, the dolphin show, parrot show, birds of prey show, and exotic bird show. Free car parking is also included. For a full day with several major performances and a broad animal collection, that can be fair value, particularly if you attend most of the shows.

The costs inside are less consistent. One visitor found the restaurant’s food good and reasonably priced, while another reported paying 30 euros for two hotdogs. Drinks and treats were also described as expensive. I would bring water and snacks if permitted, or set aside extra money for food rather than assuming the entry fee covers the whole day.

Animal photos and other souvenir opportunities cost extra. One family paid 34 euros for four photos, so decide in advance how much you want to spend. The gift shop near the exit is easy to reach, and children may spot something they want just as the day is ending.

Who will enjoy Palmitos Park most?

This is a strong choice for families with children, especially if your group likes animals and live shows. Children aged four and seven were described as having a full day of fun, and the range of exhibits gives you plenty to do between scheduled performances.

It also works for adults. The gardens, orchids, butterfly house, mountain setting, and birds of prey offer more than a child-focused outing. Animal lovers will appreciate the variety, while photographers should find good subjects in the birds, gardens, and valley views.

You may want to choose another activity if your priority is a flat, quiet garden visit. The park is clean and well maintained, but the hills can turn a pleasant day into a tiring one if you are not prepared.

Is $44 good value for one day?

At $44 per person, Palmitos Park is not a cheap add-on. You also need to budget for transport from Maspalomas, food, drinks, and any photos or special animal activities.

The value improves if you stay four to five hours and see all four included shows. A quick visit focused only on dolphins would make the price feel high. A full day that includes the birds of prey, exotic birds, parrots, aquarium, butterfly house, gardens, reptiles, and primates gives you much more for the admission fee.

I see it as a treat rather than a casual stop. The combination of the setting and the number of exhibits helps justify the price, but families should know that the day can become expensive once everyone wants lunch, drinks, and a souvenir.

Should you book Palmitos Park?

I would book this ticket if you want a full family day near Maspalomas and your group enjoys animal shows. The dolphin and birds of prey performances are the clear highlights, while the gardens, butterfly house, reptiles, and primates keep the visit worthwhile between shows.

Before booking, check the route, confirm the park address, and be honest about the steep hills. Bring water, sun protection, and a sensible food budget. If you can manage the walking and plan to stay several hours, the $44 ticket offers a substantial day out. If mobility is a concern, ask about the paid walkers or mobility scooters before you arrive.

FAQ

Where is Palmitos Park located?

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

How much does admission cost?

The ticket costs $44 per person.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day.

What 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 with the park admission.

Are food and drinks included?

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

Does the ticket include hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You go directly to Palmitos Park.

Is Palmitos Park wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. However, the park has steep uphill and downhill sections, and walkers or mobility scooters may be available for an additional cost.

What time is the last entry?

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