Maspalomas: Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows

Dolphins and birds, in a mountain park. Palmitos Park is a zoo-botanical mix just outside Maspalomas, and what makes it special is the dolphin show plus the birds of prey performances with huge views over the hills. I also like that the ticket bundles entry and all the main shows in one go. One thing to plan for: the park is steep, with plenty of uphill walking.

I like the way the day flows from big set-piece shows to quieter animal areas. You’ll also get the fun contrast of tropical-feeling spaces like a butterfly house, plus reptiles and primates-style exhibits in the same visit. If you’re not into stairs and slopes, start your route early and consider the park’s mobility options (for a fee).

For a one-day trip, this is a strong pick because it gives you a full menu: dolphins, parrots, birds of prey, exotic birds, and plenty more around the grounds. Last entry is 5:00 PM, so build your timing around shows and downhill breaks.

Key points to know before you go

• New dolphinarium show is the headline event, built for repeat viewing on a single visit
• Birds of prey and exotic bird shows come with dramatic mountain settings
• Reptile highlights include a European-raised generation of komodo dragon and a proper Caiman Lake area
• Expect serious hills even though the park is very clean and well kept
• Ticket covers all main shows, but food and drinks are extra

Palmitos Park Near Maspalomas: Where It Is and How It Feels

Palmitos Park sits in the Canary Islands’ Gran Canaria countryside, about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse. It’s not flat “zoo-in-a-city” walking. The whole place sits up in the mountains, in a kind of valley setting, with views that pop during breaks and at show areas.

That mountain setting affects your day. You’ll want to think in terms of show areas first, then habitats between them. When the schedule moves you uphill, you’ll feel it. When you finally hit shade and seating, you’ll appreciate it.

Practical note: the ticket is simple. You go straight to Palmitos Park, show your voucher at the gate for online tickets, and then follow the route inside. Free car parking is included, which is a big deal if you’re driving from Maspalomas or nearby resorts.

Ticket Value Around $44: What’s Included (and What Costs Extra)

At about $44 per person, this ticket isn’t just entry to a walking zoo. It covers:

• Park entry
• All shows: dolphins, parrots, birds of prey, and exotic birds
• Free car parking

So you’re buying a full day of structured entertainment, not hoping you stumble into the right time for a single show. If dolphins and bird performances are the reason you’re going, that bundled value matters.

What you should budget separately:

• Food and drinks
• Any paid extras (like mobility scooters, if you need them)

In plain terms: plan to spend most of your money on the ticket and keep the rest under control by bringing water/snacks when you can (more on this in the packing section). Inside food and drink can be pricey, and that’s pretty consistent across parks like this.

Plan Your 1-Day Route: Shows First, Animals Second

You’re visiting for a single day, and the park closes to new arrivals at 5:00 PM. I’d treat Palmitos Park like a set of connected “mini-attractions” rather than one long museum-style walk.

A smart rhythm looks like this:

• Start early enough to catch a show without rushing
• Use show seating as a recovery stop
• Fill the gaps between shows with the most spread-out areas first (reptiles and bigger habitat zones tend to take longer)

The shows are timed so you can work your way around without missing everything. In other words, you don’t feel forced to sprint. You still walk a lot, but the park is designed for a show-and-stroll pace.

If you only have one day in Gran Canaria beyond the beach-and-pool routine, this kind of structure helps you feel like you got your money’s worth.

Dolphin Show at the New Dolphinarium: The Main Reason Most People Come

The dolphin show is the star. The park highlights a new dolphinarium, and the show itself is described as spectacular. Even if you’re not usually a “dolphin person,” you’ll likely understand why it keeps getting picked as the highlight.

Why it works as a first-time experience:

• It’s a clear “event” moment in your day
• It gives the day energy after the initial uphill walking
• The staff handling is part of the impression, since it’s organized and close enough to feel involved

If you’re sensitive about noise or heat, pick a spot with the best shade you can find during the seating stage. Also, dolphin shows tend to draw crowds right before they start, so give yourself enough buffer time to get there without stress.

Birds of Prey and Exotic Bird Shows: Watch the Flight, Don’t Skip the Timing

The birds of prey show is one of the most emphasized performances. It combines trained birds with a setting that gives you real “this is happening outdoors” perspective. The views over the mountains add to the feeling—you’re not just looking at cages or screens.

The exotic birds show, plus the separate parrot show, also round out the day in a way that keeps it varied. You’re not stuck watching the same “bird type” all afternoon.

Key advice from how the park is set up:

• Plan your route so you arrive a little early for these bird shows
• Use the seating areas as part of your walking strategy—sit, cool down, then keep going

Bird shows are also the easiest places to appreciate how the park’s grounds are designed for viewing. The best angles are usually the ones where you can see both the performance and the surrounding scenery.

Parrot Show, Aquarium, and Butterfly House: More Than Just Wildlife

After the big show moments, Palmitos Park keeps moving with smaller-but-worth-it indoor stops and animal viewing areas.

Here’s what to look for on your route:

• Parrot show (separate from birds of prey)
• Aquarium areas, which give you a different pace from the animal “theater”
• Butterfly house, where the vibe shifts toward gardens and quiet viewing

This combo is valuable because it breaks up the muscular part of the day—your legs get a rest while your brain stays engaged. It also helps if you’re traveling with mixed-age kids, because not everyone wants to sit through every loud show back-to-back.

If you like photo moments, these zones tend to be easier for quick pictures than the most open-air viewing platforms. You’ll still want sun protection, but you’re less exposed in indoor or semi-covered spaces.

Reptile Section: Komodo Dragon and the Caiman Lake Stop

The reptiles area is a big draw, and Palmitos Park goes heavy on the impressive scale.

Komodo dragon highlight:

• You can see a komodo dragon that belongs to the first generation raised in captivity in Europe
• The park description notes this is one of the biggest lizards, reaching up to 3 meters and around 90 kilograms

Even if you don’t know much about reptiles, that kind of fact makes the exhibit memorable. It’s the sort of stop you’ll linger near longer than you expect.

Caiman Lake and nearby habitats:

• Spectacled caimans
• Californian turtles
• Gran Canaria giant lizards

You’ll also notice how the park presents these areas as coordinated “zones,” not just a random collection of enclosures. The caiman and turtle mix works especially well if you’re the type who enjoys observing calm behavior rather than only watching performances.

Island of Primates Plus the Small “Wow” Animals

The Island of Primates is called out as a must-see. That doesn’t mean it’s only about monkeys. In the same visit, you’ll run into other standout species that people like to point out for being memorable on short timeframes.

Among the animals emphasized across the park:

• Aardvarks
• Wallabies
• Meerkats
• Talapoins

This is where the day becomes more personal. Shows give you spectacle. These smaller exhibits give you “stop and watch” moments, where you can take your time and enjoy behavior rather than choreography.

If you’re traveling with kids, this section can be your secret weapon. After sitting for shows and walking uphill, kids often need a place where they can feel like they’ve found something on their own.

Walking, Hills, and Getting Around: What to Pack for the Real Day

This is the part you can’t ignore. Multiple people point out the same theme: the park is very steep and there’s a lot of uphill walking. Even if you’re fit, expect the hills to add up.

What helps:

• Wear shoes with grip for steep, uneven paths
• Plan water breaks after shows
• Use shade when you find it

A key packing tip: bring sun protection. One of the consistent notes is that much of the park is shaded, but the show areas can be more exposed. Also bring water and snacks because on-site food and drinks can be pricey.

Mobility note: the park can provide walkers and mobility scooters at a cost if needed. The park is also wheelchair accessible, but the steep terrain still shapes what “easy” will feel like.

Food and Drink Costs: How to Avoid a Budget Surprise

Food and drinks are not included in the ticket. Inside the park, you should expect higher prices than what you’d pay near Maspalomas.

That doesn’t mean the experience is bad. It just means you should decide early whether you’re doing:

• a full buy-everything-on-site day, or
• a mixed plan with snacks and water from outside (when allowed and practical)

If you’re traveling with kids, it’s worth planning snacks around show breaks. That keeps you from spending extra just to avoid getting hungry mid-walk.

Also, restaurant reviews suggest the food can be good and can feel reasonable compared to typical theme-park markup. Still, drinks are often where budgets get squeezed.

Who This Trip Suits Best

This is a great match for:

• Animal lovers who want both shows and hands-on viewing
• Families who want a full day that doesn’t depend on weather for entertainment
• People visiting Gran Canaria who want a break from the beach rhythm

You’ll especially enjoy it if dolphins and bird shows are at the top of your list. The park delivers a strong “event” day, not a half-hearted zoo stop.

If you have mobility limits, don’t write it off—but do plan your route and consider scooters. The hills are a real factor, even with wheelchair access.

Should You Book This Dolphin and Bird Shows Ticket?

Yes, if you want a one-day plan that mixes big performances with real animal viewing. The ticket’s value is strongest when dolphins and bird shows are your must-do priorities, since entry and all the major shows are included, and parking is free.

I’d skip or think twice if:

• steep walking is a major issue for you, and you don’t want to use mobility support
• you prefer a low-structure visit with long, slow wandering and minimal show time

If you’re on the fence, here’s the easiest decision rule: if dolphins and birds are the top two reasons you’re going, Palmitos Park is a smart booking. If not, you might find other Gran Canaria outings that feel more relaxed.

FAQ

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. You should check availability to see starting times.

What shows are included in the Palmitos Park ticket?

The ticket includes entry to the park and all shows: dolphins, parrots, birds of prey, and exotic birds.

Where do I go to enter with an online voucher?

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

What’s not included in the ticket price?

Food and drinks are not included, and hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included.

What time is the last entry to the park?

Last entry is 5:00 PM.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

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