A dolphin show in the hills makes sense here. I love the dolphin show and the birds of prey flights, all set in a zoological botanical park outside Maspalomas. The catch: the grounds are steep, so walking comfort matters.

Palmitos Park sits about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse, and it feels like a day trip designed for animal lovers who also enjoy plants and butterflies. You get multiple big live performances plus plenty to explore at your own pace, which makes it easier to plan around kids or jet lag.

You can pace it well, but you’ll still want an early start: last entry is 5:00 PM. Also note that food and drinks cost extra, so I’d plan to bring a water strategy from the start.

Key Things That Make Palmitos Park Worth Your Time

• Dolphin show at the new dolphinarium: The star attraction with a full performance focus
• Birds of prey and exotic bird show: Real flying action with big mountain views
• Parrot show: A lighter, colorful companion to the heavier wildlife moments
• Botanical + animal mix: Aquarium, butterfly house, reptiles, primates, and more in one ticket
• Worth it as a half-day to full-day plan: Most people seem to spend around 4–5 hours if you watch the key shows
• Steep walking is the main challenge: Expect uphill and downhills, even in a very scenic setting

Palmitos Park Near Maspalomas: A Smart Day Out

If you’re staying in Maspalomas and you want a break from beach time, Palmitos Park is a strong pick. It’s only about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse, so you’re not committing to a long, complicated excursion.

What I like about Palmitos Park is the mix. This isn’t just a zoo where you chase enclosures. It’s also a zoological botanical park, so you’ll see plants, butterfly-style indoor exhibits, and a layout that feels like it’s built to be enjoyed slowly—between shows.

And since you’re visiting in one day, the ticket structure really helps. Your day is centered on a set of included performances: dolphins, parrots, birds of prey, and exotic birds. That keeps the experience focused and gives you clear anchors, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Getting Your Ticket Right: Timing and Gate Entry

Your voucher is meant for straight entry at the gate. The simplest move is to go directly to Palmitos Park and present your voucher at the entrance.

Two timing notes matter more than people expect:

• The ticket is valid for 1 day, so you’ll want to pick a day that doesn’t get swallowed by plans.
• Last entry is 5:00 PM, which is your cutoff for getting in. If you arrive late, you risk missing the last show slots or running out of time in the reptile and primate areas.

If you’re trying to fit Palmitos Park around other Gran Canaria moments, I’d treat it like a “main event” morning-through-afternoon plan. It’s not the kind of place where you pop in for an hour and call it a day.

The Dolphin Show: The Big Performance You Should Plan For First

The dolphin show is the headline act, and Palmitos Park builds the day around it. You’ll head to the new dolphinarium for a spectacle that most people consider the emotional peak of the visit.

Why it works: this show isn’t just a quick animal segment. It’s presented as a full performance, which means you get a clear storyline, more “watching” energy, and less wandering confusion when you’re on-site.

Also, Palmitos Park is set in the hills. That matters for your planning. The dolphin show is one of the easiest things to build your route around because it’s a time-based anchor. If you catch it early, you can relax after, knowing you’ve already hit the main item.

Practical tip: bring a little water patience. Even with show seating and indoor areas, you’ll still be walking and climbing between zones.

Birds of Prey and Exotic Birds: Flying With the Best Views

Next to the dolphin show, the birds of prey show and the exotic bird show are usually the next big “wow” moments. The bird-of-prey performance in particular is designed for visibility, and it’s staged so you can watch the action while enjoying the setting around you.

What makes this section special is how the birds interact with open space. Instead of feeling like a small enclosure demonstration, the shows feel like real flight over a dramatic backdrop. Multiple people call out the view and the natural feel of the birds performing overhead.

Then there’s the parrot show, which is more colorful and playful. It’s a good contrast to the sharper intensity of raptors, and it helps keep the energy balanced for families.

If you’re planning your schedule, I’d think like this:

• Use the bird shows as your mid-day anchor.
• Arrange your wandering around them, so you’re not sprinting uphill to catch a slot.
• Leave time after for the indoor exhibits and the reptile sections while you still have daylight in the day.

Aquarium, Butterfly House, and the Built-In Wander Time

After (or between) the main shows, Palmitos Park expands into a full day of animal-and-plant viewing.

You’ll find:

• Aquarium areas
• A butterfly house
• Reptiles and larger wildlife zones
• The Island of Primates area

This is where the ticket starts to feel like more than a show-and-go option. If you’re someone who likes to keep looking once the big performance ends, you’ll appreciate the variety.

The butterfly house is a nice “downshift” from fast-moving outdoor shows. It gives you a break from sun and steep walk segments, and it’s a good chance to slow down and actually observe behavior rather than just watch a performance.

The aquarium areas also break up the day nicely. Even if you’re not a “marine person,” it helps keep the visit feeling like a complete day out instead of a single attraction.

Reptiles and Other Wildlife: Komodo Dragon and Caimans

Palmitos Park isn’t only about mammals and birds. The reptile section is a real draw, and it’s one of the best reasons to stay long enough to explore.

One standout is a Komodo dragon described as belonging to the first generation raised in captivity in Europe. That’s the kind of detail that helps the visit feel specific, not generic. You’re not just seeing “a lizard,” you’re seeing an animal that’s part of a larger conservation and husbandry story.

Then you’ll encounter a giant lizard species in that same group, noted as reaching up to 3 meters in height and weighing around 90 kilograms. Those numbers sound almost unbelievable—so seeing it in person helps the scale finally make sense.

In the Caiman Lake area, you may see:

• Spectacled caimans
• Californian turtles
• Gran Canaria Giant Lizard

The key idea here is that reptile zones feel immersive if you take your time. You don’t need to rush, and you’ll get more out of it if you pause for a few minutes in each area instead of moving through like a checklist.

Also keep an eye out for other mammals and smaller animals around the park’s precincts, including meerkats, plus a range of additional species.

Island of Primates and the Missing Pieces That Still Work

Palmitos Park calls out the Island of Primates as a must-see. But here’s the useful part for planning: even if that’s the section name, the park’s animal focus doesn’t end there.

In the primate-area overview, you’ll also find other notable species listed in the park, including aardvarks, wallabies, meerkats, and talapoins. That means the area works both ways:

• If you love primates, it’s a key stop.
• If you don’t, you still won’t feel like you missed the main point.

For me, that variety is part of the value equation. You’re paying for entry plus shows, and the park delivers multiple themes—birds, dolphins, reptiles, and more. That’s why it tends to satisfy both kids and adults during the same visit.

Steep Hills, Walking Time, and How to Not Have a Rough Day

Let’s talk about the main drawback, because it’s real: Palmitos Park is hilly. Expect uphill and downhills, sometimes steep. The park is in a valley-like setting, and the views are part of the reason it’s so good—but your legs feel every meter.

Here’s how to handle it without ruining the day:

• Wear shoes you can walk in for hours. Sandals usually end with regrets.
• Plan your route around the shows so you’re not constantly moving uphill just to keep up with time slots.
• Use sun protection. A lot of the park is shaded, but the show areas can expose you to stronger sun, depending on the time of day.

If you need mobility help, Palmitos Park can provide walkers and mobility scooters at a cost. That’s worth knowing before you get there, so you can decide quickly rather than after you’re already exhausted.

My practical advice: if mobility is a concern, don’t schedule this as your only activity. Keep the rest of your day light.

Food, Drinks, and Photo Costs: Plan for Extra Spend

Food and drinks are not included in the ticket, so you’ll need to budget for meals or snacks on-site. This is one of those attractions where the inside prices can surprise you.

What I’d do:

• Bring water if you’re allowed to carry it through your chosen route and gate policies.
• If you’re traveling with kids, pack simple snacks outside the biggest meal time.
• Consider the restaurant for a sit-down break, since some people find the food there a reasonable option compared with quick snacks.

Also, be prepared for extra costs around photos. If you want picture souvenirs, have a look at prices before you commit—photo packages can add up fast.

The upside: once you accept that food is extra, you can stop making the visit about managing small costs and instead focus on enjoying the performances and animal exhibits.

How Much Time Do You Need?

You have a 1-day ticket, and last entry is 5:00 PM. In real life, you should expect to spend enough time to see the shows and still have room to wander.

Based on typical pacing, most people seem to plan for about 4–5 hours. That’s long enough to:

• catch the dolphin show
• see the birds of prey and exotic/parrot performances
• visit at least some of the reptile and primate areas

If your day is tight, you can still make it work, but you’ll spend less time lingering at enclosures. If you can, give yourself more rather than less—this is a park where slowing down helps.

Who This Ticket Is Best For (and Who Might Skip It)

Palmitos Park is a great fit if:

• you want live animal shows as a core part of your day
• you’re traveling with families, especially kids who like big, timed performances
• you like variety: birds, dolphins, reptiles, and a butterfly-style break indoors

It’s also a strong choice if you’re staying around Maspalomas and want a change of scenery without a long transfer.

The main “not for me” situation is mobility and comfort. Even though the park is wheelchair accessible, the steep walking is a big factor. If you know you struggle with hills, use the on-site mobility options if you want the full experience.

Also, if you’re traveling with tight budgets, account for added spending on food and drinks. The entry price gets you the core shows, but your day can get pricier once you start buying inside.

Should You Book This Palmitos Park Ticket?

I’d book it if you want one day in Gran Canaria that mixes performance and exploration. For $44 per person, you’re paying for entry plus multiple major shows: dolphins, birds of prey, exotic birds, and parrots. That combo is hard to beat if you like a structured visit.

Skip it (or adjust your expectations) if you’re hoping for minimal walking or a relaxed stroll-only plan. The steep hills are the big reality check. Pair the ticket with early planning, comfortable footwear, and a water/snack strategy, and you’ll likely feel it’s money well spent.

My final decision shortcut:

• If the dolphin show and bird shows are on your wish list, this is an easy “yes.”
• If hills and extra on-site spending would stress you out, consider shortening your visit time or planning mobility support from the start.

FAQ

What’s included in the Maspalomas Palmitos Park ticket?

You get entry to Palmitos Park and all shows, including dolphins, parrots, birds of prey, and exotic birds, plus free car parking.

Where do I go to redeem my ticket?

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

How long is the visit valid for?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. Check availability for the starting time you choose.

What are the main shows I shouldn’t miss?

The highlights are the dolphin show, the birds of prey show and exotic bird show, plus a parrot show.

Is food and drink included?

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

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

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

What’s the last time I can enter the park?

Last entry is 5:00 PM.

Is the park wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The park is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a reserve and pay later option?

Yes. You can reserve now and pay later, keeping your travel plans flexible.