One southern day hits dunes, caves, and sea. You get a well-paced sweep of Gran Canaria’s south, built around Maspalomas sand, Puerto de Mogán waterways, and a story-led nature stop in Guayadeque. It’s the kind of day plan that helps you see a lot without feeling rushed.

I especially like the included hotel pickup in Las Palmas city and the roundtrip transport that keeps the day simple. I also like the scheduled breathing room, including time to relax or swim during the longer stop in Puerto de Mogán.

One thing to plan for: food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget for lunch on your own (even though lunch is usually available there).

Key takeaways before you go

• Hotel pickup in Las Palmas city plus drop-off means less figuring out transport.
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 30 people, which helps the guide keep everyone together.
• Free time built in, including a long stretch at Puerto de Mogán for sunbathing or swimming.
• Guayadeque ravine stop includes the admission, with nature and cave dwellings in the mix.
• Optional add-ons let you tailor the day: camel riding near Maspalomas and an optional boat trip at Puerto Rico.

The big idea: a tight southern loop that stays human-scale

This tour works because it’s not just a checklist of scenic spots. You get multiple short guided segments, then you get actual time to slow down and enjoy the coast and sun—especially later in the day.

It also helps that the tour is built for a small-group pace. With a maximum of 30 people, the guide can keep the flow manageable, and the story stops land better than they would on a bigger bus where everyone tunes out.

Getting rolling: pickup in Las Palmas and a clear meeting point

The day starts at 9:00 am, and pickup is offered for people staying in Las Palmas city. If you’re not in the city center (or you’re near the Old Town area), the meeting point is the main door entrance at Mercado de Vegueta, fruit market hall.

The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t have to worry about finishing in the middle of nowhere. Also, since the meeting area is near public transportation, you’re not stuck if you need a simple way back or a backup plan.

Stop 1: Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas (plus camel safari option)

First up is Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas, a protected natural area of sandy dunes and the nearby beach area. You get about 1 hour, which is enough to get your bearings and enjoy the dunes without turning it into a long hike.

This stop also has an optional camel riding safari. If that sounds appealing, this is the moment to do it, since the option is tied directly to the Maspalomas dune area.

Practical tip: bring your towel and swimwear, because you’ll be in coastal territory pretty quickly. Even if you don’t swim, wet sand and sea breezes are part of the vibe here.

Stop 2: Puerto de Mogán, the Southern Venice stroll and beach time

Next you head to Puerto de Mogán, often called the southern Venice. Expect a sunny walk through the area, plus 1 hour 40 minutes of time to sunbathe or swim on the beach.

This is the long, relaxing block of the day. If you want the trip to feel like more than sightseeing, this is where the balance happens.

Lunch note: lunch is usually available there, but food and drinks aren’t included. So treat this as a good time to plan your own meal. If you prefer simple choices, you’ll probably find plenty of options once you’re in the port-town area.

Stop 3: Barranco de Guayadeque ravine, nature, and cave dwellings

Then you shift from coast to geology with Barranco de Guayadeque. You’ll spend about 40 minutes here, and the focus is on the ravine’s natural setting along with its history and archaeological cave dwellings.

This is the stop that adds depth without taking over the whole day. The format matters: you get a short guided segment that gives context, and then the ravine environment does the rest. It’s a nice contrast after the open beach time.

Admission-wise, this is the one stop marked as included, so you don’t have to think about an extra ticket at the door for this segment.

Stop 4: Playa Puerto Rico beach time and the optional 35-minute boat trip

The final coastal stop is Playa Puerto Rico, geared toward people who want a stronger sea angle. You get about 35 minutes here, so it’s not a full beach day, but it’s perfect for a swim break, a quick rest, or a short browse of the shoreline atmosphere.

There’s also an optional boat trip available for 7.5 euros with a duration of 35 minutes. This is listed as not included, so you’ll pay it separately if you choose to add it.

Because time is short at this stage, decide early whether you want the boat. If you do, it will likely shape how you use your time onshore. If you skip it, you can keep the stop simple and just enjoy the beach.

The guide matters: clear English, good attention, and smart timing

One of the best reasons to take a guided day like this is that it turns places into stories you can remember. The tour guide’s style comes through in the reviews, including Laura, who’s noted for fluent, clear English and for keeping people’s attention during the narration.

That “stay engaged” skill matters on an island day. You’re hopping between natural sites and different towns, and the guide is what makes the connections click: why one place feels dramatic (Guayadeque), why another feels postcard-like (Puerto de Mogán), and how the dunes fit into the south’s identity.

The schedule also sounds well-managed. One review highlighted that the guide arrived on time and managed the day’s timing well. That’s a big deal with a tour that runs about 7.5 hours total.

What to expect from the pacing (and why it feels comfortable)

This is not a nonstop marathon. If you break down the day, you’ve got:

• a 1-hour dunes-and-beach start,
• a longer 1 hour 40 minutes port-town beach block,
• a shorter 40-minute ravine/history stop,
• and then a final 35-minute coastal finish (with an optional add-on).

That structure keeps you from getting exhausted too early. You get early variety, a mid-day reset with real leisure time, and a calm finish at the water.

One practical consideration: the day includes outdoor time and sun. If you’re prone to heat fatigue, plan your water breaks, use sun protection, and pace yourself during the free-time sections.

What to pack for a dune-to-beach day

The tour explicitly asks for beach towel and swimwear. I’d treat that as a smart suggestion, not a formality, because you’ll be in dune and beach territory across multiple stops.

Here’s a no-fuss packing approach:

• light clothes you can get sandy,
• a towel you actually don’t mind getting wet,
• swimwear that dries fast,
• comfy shoes for walking through port areas and uneven ground near dunes.

Even if you don’t do the optional camel ride or the boat trip, you’ll still benefit from being prepared for water and sun.

Value and budgeting: what’s included, what’s optional, what you pay yourself

There’s good value in how the tour is packaged. You get:

• hotel pickup and drop-off in Las Palmas city,
• a local guide,
• transportation as part of the day,
• and admissions are listed as free for the first two stops, with Barranco de Guayadeque admission included.

What’s on you:

• food and drinks (not included),
• and optional add-ons like the camel safari and the boat trip (7.5 euros, 35 minutes).

To make this easy, I recommend planning for one meal on your own during the Puerto de Mogán stop. Then treat the optional activities as upgrades, not requirements.

If you like structure with room for choice, this setup tends to feel fair. You’re not locked into every extra, but you have the chance to add fun if the timing works for you.

Who this tour suits best

This one is a good match if you want:

• a guided day in the south of Gran Canaria with a clear route,
• a small-group experience rather than a giant crowd,
• a mix of nature, town strolls, and beach time,
• and enough flexibility to add optional activities like a camel ride or boat trip.

Minimum age is 8 years, so it can also work for families with kids who can handle a few shorter stops and one longer leisure block.

If you dislike time on beaches or want very long stays in a single town, this might feel a bit “sample-sized.” The upside is variety; the tradeoff is shorter time per stop.

Should you book Southern Treasures of Gran Canaria?

Yes, if your goal is to see southern highlights in one coordinated day without juggling tickets and transport yourself. The combination of included pickup, a guided history-and-nature rhythm, and beach time built into the schedule is the main draw.

I’d skip it only if you’re set on doing everything independently, or if you strongly prefer included meals and long single-location hangouts. Since food and drinks aren’t included, you’ll want to be comfortable handling your own lunch plans once you’re in Puerto de Mogán.

If you like a day that feels both informative and relaxing, this is a solid way to spend your time in Gran Canaria’s south.

FAQ

How long is the Southern Treasures of Gran Canaria tour?

It’s approximately 7 hours 30 minutes.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Las Palmas city?

Yes. The experience includes hotel pickup in Las Palmas city and drop-off.

What are the main stops during the tour?

You’ll visit Maspalomas Dunes (Las Dunas de Maspalomas), Puerto de Mogán, Barranco de Guayadeque, and Playa Puerto Rico.

Is food included during the tour?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Lunch is usually available at Puerto de Mogán, but you would pay for it yourself.

Are any admissions included, or are they all separate?

Admissions are listed as free for the first two stops, included for Barranco de Guayadeque, and not included for the Playa Puerto Rico/boat option.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.