Maspalomas: Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows

The biggest draw at Palmitos Park is the mix of dolphin and bird shows in a mountain valley outside Maspalomas. You can also wander through gardens, an aquarium, butterfly house, reptile areas and animal enclosures, making this more than a quick dolphin display.

I especially like the birds of prey show, where the mountain setting gives the flight demonstrations plenty of room, and the park’s variety. You can see everything from Komodo dragons and caimans to meerkats, wallabies and tropical birds in one day. The catch is the steep, uphill walking, which can make the park tiring for anyone with mobility trouble.

Palmitos Park at a glance

• Dolphinarium: The dolphin show is the main event for many families and usually the moment most worth planning your day around.
• Four included shows: Your ticket covers dolphin, parrot, birds of prey and exotic bird performances.
• Mountain setting: The park sits in a valley around 10 kilometers from Maspalomas Lighthouse, with broad views from the show areas.
• More than a zoo: An aquarium, butterfly house, orchid areas, reptiles, primates and botanical displays fill out the visit.
• Plan for hills: The paths rise and fall sharply in places. Walkers and mobility scooters are available for an extra cost.
• Bring refreshments: Food and drinks inside can be expensive, while the restaurant offers a more practical option than buying several small snacks.

Why the dolphin show gets top billing

The dolphinarium is the natural starting point for planning your visit, even if you do not enter the park there. Show times are spaced through the day, so you can fit the dolphin performance between the other animal areas rather than standing in one place for hours.

The show combines trained movements, jumps and interaction with the handlers. The information provided does not give a show length or a named presenter, so I would not plan your entire timetable around an exact running time. Instead, check the schedule when you arrive and work backward from the performances you most want to see.

For many families, this is the emotional high point of the day. Children aged four and seven are specifically well suited to the experience, but adults can enjoy it too. The dolphin area is not the only reason to buy the ticket, though. If you arrive expecting a dolphin-only attraction, you will miss much of the park’s value.

One practical point matters here: the dolphin show area is one of the less shaded parts of the park. Wear sunscreen, bring a hat and carry water, especially during warmer months. Seating may make the show easier than the walk to it, but you still need to reach the area along the park’s sloping paths.

Birds of prey with the mountains as a backdrop

The birds of prey show is one of the best reasons to visit even if dolphins are not your main interest. The birds fly over the open show area, and the setting in the hills gives the performance a sense of scale that a small indoor venue cannot match.

You may see the birds gliding and swooping close to the audience before rising into the air above the valley. That open flight is the detail I find most valuable here. It helps you notice the birds’ control and speed rather than simply watching a series of staged poses.

The show area has less shade, so the same hat, sunscreen and water advice applies. Check the performance time as soon as you enter. Missing this show would be a shame, since it is harder to replace with another part of the park.

The bird demonstrations also help break up the walking. You can use a show as a fixed point in your route, then explore a different section afterward. This is more comfortable than trying to cover every enclosure in a random order.

Exotic birds, parrots and close-up colour

Palmitos Park includes both an exotic bird show and a parrot show. These are separate from the birds of prey performance, and each gives you a different look at bird behaviour.

The exotic bird area brings tropical species into the main program. The parrot show is more focused on trained actions and close interaction. There may also be opportunities to see or feed tropical birds in parts of the park, which can be a highlight for children and anyone who enjoys getting close to colourful species.

I would not treat these shows as filler between the dolphins and raptors. They add variety, especially for younger children who may not have the patience for a long sequence of animal enclosures. Since all four shows are included in the ticket, you do not have to choose which one costs extra.

The schedule matters. Show times are arranged so you can generally move through the park without missing each performance, but you should still check the current timetable on arrival. The park is larger than it may appear from a simple online glance, and steep paths can make a short walk take longer than expected.

Butterfly house, orchids and the quieter paths

The botanical sections provide a calmer change of pace after the main shows. The butterfly house is one of the more memorable indoor stops, with delicate species moving through a controlled tropical setting. It is a good place to slow down and look closely rather than rush from enclosure to enclosure.

The orchid house adds another plant-focused stop. The gardens are carefully maintained, and the planting helps make the park feel like a botanical collection as well as a zoo. If you are taking photographs, these areas offer a break from the bright, open show spaces.

Much of the park has shade, but do not assume every path or viewing area does. The dolphin and birds of prey shows are the main exceptions noted by the practical details of the visit. A light cover-up, comfortable shoes and sun protection will make the day easier.

The gardens also matter for adults who may not be as interested in animal shows as the children. You can enjoy the plants, views and layout while the family spends time at an enclosure. That balance helps justify a full-day ticket for a mixed-age group.

Reptiles, caimans and a rare Komodo dragon

The reptile section contains one of the park’s more unusual animals, a Komodo dragon described as part of the first generation raised in captivity in Europe. This is the largest species in the lizard group, capable of reaching around 3 meters in length and weighing roughly 90 kilograms.

That scale is hard to appreciate from a photograph. Seeing the animal in person gives the reptile area a strong reason to visit, even if you normally head straight for mammals and birds.

At Caiman Lake, you may find spectacled caimans, Californian turtles and the Gran Canaria giant lizard living in the same general area. The mix gives you several species to look for in one stop, and the setting is more interesting than a row of small glass tanks.

The reptile areas are also useful on a hot day because they break up the exposed sections of the route. Take your time here. Some animals will be still or partly hidden, so a quick glance may not reveal everything.

Primates, meerkats and smaller animals

The Island of Primates is another major section of the park. The collection includes talapoins, along with other primate species. You can also see aardvarks, wallabies and meerkats among the wider animal areas.

The meerkats are likely to be an easy favourite for families because their behaviour is simple to follow. Wallabies and aardvarks add less familiar species to the day, while the primate section gives you a chance to compare different body shapes and habits rather than seeing only the animals most common in European zoos.

The park’s enclosures bring you close to the animals, although the exact viewing distance varies by species. That proximity makes the visit more engaging, but it also means you should allow time at each area. If you hurry only from one show to the next, you will miss some of the quieter details that make the ticket feel worthwhile.

How much time should you allow?

The ticket is valid for one day, and that is the right way to think about the park. Some people may cover the main highlights in around four hours, while a slower visit can fill five hours or more.

I would allow at least half a day if you want the dolphin show, both bird performances, the parrot show and several animal sections. A full day is better for families, photographers and anyone who wants time for the butterfly house, gardens, reptiles and primates without racing.

The park is larger than some people expect. Its location in a valley means the route is not flat, so walking time includes climbing and descending rather than simple distance. Build in pauses, especially before and after the open-air shows.

A useful plan is to attend the first suitable show, explore nearby enclosures, then move toward the next performance. Do not leave every show until late afternoon. The last entry is at 5 PM, and arriving late could leave you with too little time to see the areas you paid for.

The steep paths are the main drawback

The biggest limitation is the terrain. Several sections involve steep hills, and you may find yourself walking uphill and downhill repeatedly during the day. That is manageable for most reasonably active visitors, but it is not a minor detail for anyone with knee, heart or mobility concerns.

The park provides walkers and mobility scooters for an additional charge. The experience is wheelchair accessible, but accessible does not mean flat or effortless. If you use a wheelchair or tire easily, contact the park or check the available equipment before you go, and allow extra time between show areas.

Comfortable shoes matter more than smart holiday footwear. Carry water, take the slopes slowly and avoid assuming that a nearby enclosure will be just a few level steps away.

The reward for the climbing is the setting. The park is built in a mountain valley, and the higher paths and show areas provide impressive views. You trade flat walking for a more dramatic location.

Getting there from Maspalomas

Palmitos Park is about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse. You go directly to the park and show your online voucher at the entrance. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own transport.

Free car parking is included, which makes a rental car practical. If you use a taxi, budget for the extra cost from the resort area. A taxi ride can take around 30 minutes depending on the starting point and traffic, and the price may matter when you compare the total cost of the day.

Double-check the address before setting out. The park is in the hills and is not in San Bartolomé de Tirajana itself, despite that municipality name appearing in some directions. A wrong destination could waste a large part of your day.

Public transport details are not provided with this ticket, so do not assume a particular bus route is included. The simplest choices are driving, taxi or a separately arranged transfer.

Is the $44 ticket good value?

At about $44 per person, this is not a cheap casual stop. The value depends on how much of the park you use. If you see only one show and leave after a quick walk, the price will feel high. If you spend four to five hours seeing the dolphin, parrot, exotic bird and birds of prey shows, then add the gardens, aquarium, butterfly house and animals, the cost becomes easier to justify.

All shows are included, and free parking helps keep the total down for drivers. Food and drinks are extra, and this is where costs can rise quickly. Several small purchases inside may be poor value. Bring your own water and snacks if permitted, or use the restaurant rather than relying on hot dogs and impulse buys.

The park is clean and well maintained, with extensive plant displays and many animal sections. Those running costs are part of what you are paying for, but the price still deserves honest thought if you have a large family.

Photography packages and animal photos can cost extra. One family paid 34 euros for four photos, so set a limit before children start asking for every available souvenir image.

Who will enjoy Palmitos Park most?

This is a strong choice for families with children, especially if your children enjoy dolphins, colourful birds and close views of animals. The range of exhibits means younger children can move between short activities, while older children and adults can spend longer with the reptiles, birds of prey or botanical displays.

It also suits adults who like gardens and unusual species. The butterfly house, orchid areas, Komodo dragon and primate section give the day more substance than a single animal performance.

You should think twice if you dislike animal shows or cannot manage steep paths. The dolphin and bird performances are central to the experience, and the route is physically demanding in places. Anyone wanting a flat, slow stroll may find the setting more tiring than expected.

The park works best as a planned day out, not a rushed stop between beach activities. Wear walking shoes, protect yourself from the sun and check the show times immediately.

Practical details before you book

Your ticket includes entry and the dolphin, parrot, birds of prey and exotic bird shows. Food, drinks, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. The activity is valid for one day, with availability and starting details shown when you check the date.

The park is wheelchair accessible, but the steep terrain remains important. Walkers and mobility scooters can be rented at a cost. Last entry is at 5 PM, so treat that as a cutoff for arriving, not as a promise of enough time to see every show.

Should you book Palmitos Park?

Book it if you want a full animal-focused day near Maspalomas and you are happy to walk uphill. The dolphin show and birds of prey performance are the strongest reasons to go, while the butterfly house, gardens, reptiles and primates keep the visit from feeling one-note.

I would book for families, animal lovers and adults who enjoy botanical displays as much as staged performances. I would skip it if you have limited mobility and no plan for rental assistance, or if the $44 entry price is already at the edge of your budget before food and transport.

For the best value, arrive early, bring water and snacks, map out all four shows, and allow at least four hours. Use the restaurant rather than buying several expensive snacks, and leave time for the quieter animal areas. Done that way, Palmitos Park is a substantial day out rather than a short dolphin stop.

FAQ

Where is Palmitos Park?

Palmitos Park is in the Canary Islands, about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse. You go directly to the park entrance.

What does the ticket include?

The ticket includes entry to Palmitos Park and the dolphin, parrot, birds of prey and exotic bird shows. Free car parking is also included.

Is food included in the ticket?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy refreshments inside, but prices may be high.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day. Last entry to the park is at 5 PM.

Is Palmitos Park wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the park is wheelchair accessible. The paths can be steep, and walkers and mobility scooters are available for an additional cost.

Do I need to arrange transport to the park?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Palmitos Park. Free parking is available if you drive.

Can I cancel my booking?

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