
Gran Canaria Shore Excursions
Private tours from Las Palmas cruise port with a local English-speaking driver. Guaranteed back before sailing.
Available Shore Excursions
Las Palmas City Tour
2–3 hrs · Up to 4 pax
Vegueta old town (UNESCO heritage), Triana shopping street, Casa de Colón, Las Canteras beach. Perfect for first-time visitors with limited time.
Roque Nublo & Mountain Villages
4–5 hrs · Up to 4 pax
Drive into the volcanic heart of Gran Canaria. Visit Tejeda village, Cruz de Tejeda viewpoint and the iconic Roque Nublo monolith at 1,813m.
Maspalomas Dunes & South Coast
5–6 hrs · Up to 4 pax
The iconic Gran Canaria experience. Visit the natural sand dune reserve, Playa del Inglés, the charming harbour of Puerto de Mogán and the lighthouse at Maspalomas.
Teror & Arucas Village Tour
3–4 hrs · Up to 4 pax
Discover the colonial soul of Gran Canaria. Visit the beautiful Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino in Teror, and the famous Arehucas rum distillery in Arucas.
Full Island Grand Tour
7–8 hrs · Up to 4 pax
The complete Gran Canaria experience — north coast, central mountains, Roque Nublo, south dunes and Puerto de Mogán. Perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise stop.
Why Choose a Private Shore Excursion in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is known as a "miniature continent" for good reason — in a single island you have volcanic mountains, dramatic gorges, golden sand dunes, colonial towns and modern beach resorts. A cruise stop of 8–10 hours gives you just enough time to experience one or two of these if you plan well.
Ship-organised shore excursions can cost €80–€150 per person, depart in large coaches with 40+ people and follow a fixed, rushed itinerary. A private shore excursion with Raquel costs €55–€160 for the whole vehicle of up to 4 passengers — and gives you complete freedom to stop where you want, take photos, visit a local restaurant or change the plan mid-tour.
Raquel is a local Gran Canaria driver and guide who knows every road on the island. She grew up in Las Palmas, speaks fluent English and is passionate about sharing her island with international visitors. Every excursion is different because every passenger is different — she adapts the pace, the stops and the stories to match what you are most interested in.
Most importantly: you will never miss your ship. Raquel monitors departure times throughout the day and always returns passengers to the port at least 45 minutes before sailing. In 3+ years of serving cruise passengers, she has never had a passenger miss their ship.
Shore Excursion FAQ
What are the best shore excursions in Gran Canaria?+
The top picks are Roque Nublo mountains (dramatic volcanic landscape), Maspalomas dunes (iconic Gran Canaria), Teror village (colonial heritage), and a Las Palmas city tour (old town + beach). For longer stops, the full island tour covers everything.
Are private excursions cheaper than ship tours?+
For a couple or family of 4, private excursions are usually cheaper or comparable — and the service is completely personalised. Ship tours are priced per person; private excursions are priced per vehicle.
Can I customise the excursion itinerary?+
Yes. All excursions are private and flexible. Tell Raquel what you are most interested in (landscapes, history, beaches, food) and she will plan the best route for your available time.
What if we want to stop for lunch?+
Absolutely. Raquel can recommend and take you to authentic local restaurants away from tourist traps. Lunch stops are factored into the itinerary timing.