Maspalomas: Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows

The dolphin show is the star here, but it is only one part of a much bigger day. Palmitos Park packs an aquarium, butterfly house, tropical gardens, reptiles, primates and several bird displays into a steep valley about 10 kilometers from Maspalomas Lighthouse.

I like the four included shows, especially the birds of prey flying over the hills. I also like the setting: clean paths, mountain views and animal areas that bring you close to species from all five continents. The catch is the walking. Much of the park runs uphill and downhill, and some slopes are steep.

Key points to know before you go

• The dolphin show is the main event, with a purpose-built dolphinarium and a display that many families rate as the day’s highlight.
• The birds of prey show uses the open mountain setting well, giving you a chance to see the birds fly above the valley.
• Four shows are included: dolphins, parrots, birds of prey and exotic birds.
• Expect several hours of walking, with steep sections that can be hard for anyone with mobility problems.
• The park is more than a zoo, with a butterfly house, aquarium, orchid house, tropical plants, reptiles and primates.
• At $44 per person, the ticket is fair value if you stay for the shows and spend four to five hours inside, but food and drinks are costly.

A full day in Palmitos Park’s mountain valley

Palmitos Park is not beside the beach or in the middle of Maspalomas. It sits inland, in a dramatic valley with high slopes and broad views across the surrounding hills. That location gives the park much of its character, but it also explains the amount of uphill walking.

You should plan on at least a few hours. Many people spend around four or five hours here, while families who stop for food and catch every show can make it a full-day outing. The ticket is valid for one day, so there is no need to rush from one exhibit to the next.

The park brings together animals and plants from all five continents. You move between landscaped gardens, animal enclosures, shaded paths and open show areas. It feels like a mix of botanical garden, small zoo and live animal theater rather than a simple collection of cages.

That variety matters. If one child loses interest in reptiles, there are parrots and butterflies nearby. If you have had enough animal exhibits, the gardens and mountain views give you a quieter break. I would still wear sensible shoes, because the hills are a real part of the experience, not a minor detail.

Why the dolphinarium deserves first place on your plan

The new dolphinarium hosts the park’s most popular show. The presentation is built around trained dolphins, movement, jumps and close work with the handlers. It is designed for families, but adults who enjoy animal displays will find plenty to watch too.

The show is often the emotional high point of the visit. The dolphins respond to signals, perform in the pool and receive fish rewards during the presentation. You can see why children find it exciting, while the visible care between staff and animals adds a more personal element.

I suggest checking the show times as soon as you enter. The displays are spaced through the day, and the timing generally lets you walk around the park without missing the next one. Do not assume you can simply arrive at any time and catch everything in sequence.

The dolphin area is one of the more exposed parts of the park. Bring a hat, use sunscreen and carry water, especially in warm weather. The surrounding grounds offer shade in many places, but the main show areas may leave you in direct sun.

The dolphin display is also the part most likely to create a decision for animal-conscious visitors. You are watching a performance with trained dolphins, not observing wild animals behaving on their own. If that format is not for you, Palmitos Park still offers plenty of other exhibits, including gardens, reptiles, butterflies and free-flight bird displays.

Birds of prey over the hills

The birds of prey show is the other major reason to buy this ticket. It works particularly well because the park sits in open country rather than a flat urban site. The birds fly over the valley, giving the performance a stronger sense of space than a small indoor arena could provide.

You might see the birds swoop, circle and return to their handlers. The display explains their speed and control through action rather than a long talk. For many adults, this is the most memorable show because the birds are seen in flight against the hills.

There is little shade at the birds of prey area, so plan your arrival with sun protection in mind. If you are visiting with young children, this is a good show to place between quieter indoor exhibits. The contrast helps keep the day moving without making every stop feel the same.

The park also presents an exotic bird show. This gives you another chance to see colorful species and trained behavior, but it has a different mood from the birds of prey display. The birds of prey show is about size, speed and open flight. The exotic bird presentation focuses more on smaller birds and their learned routines.

Parrots and close-up bird encounters

The parrot show adds a lighter, family-friendly stop to the program. Parrots are intelligent, social and visually striking, so their displays tend to work well for children who may not have the patience for a long animal talk.

You should also allow time for the bird areas outside the scheduled show. One of the park’s appealing features is the chance to get close to tropical birds in their enclosures. Some experiences may let you feed tropical birds, though you should follow the park’s instructions and any extra charges that apply.

Bird lovers can easily spend longer here than expected. The combination of free movement within enclosures, bright plumage and the formal shows gives this section more depth than a quick walk past cages. It is also a good place for family photos, although photographs with animals can cost extra.

The fourth included presentation is the exotic birds show. Since all four shows are covered by the entrance ticket, I would treat the schedule as the backbone of your visit. Build the animal exhibits around those times instead of wandering first and hoping the shows fit later.

Butterflies, orchids and tropical plants

The butterfly house is one of the park’s quieter pleasures. It gives you a break from the larger animals and offers a close look at delicate species in a controlled tropical setting. The experience is visual rather than fast-paced, so take your time and watch the wings, colors and movements around the plants.

The orchid house adds another change of pace. You may not expect a zoo ticket to include such a strong botanical side, but the tropical plants help make the park feel like a garden as well as an animal attraction.

The gardens are among the best areas for a slower walk. You can cool down in shaded sections, look across the valley and give children time to reset between shows. The paths are attractive, but do not mistake a garden setting for easy walking. The terrain remains hilly.

For me, this mix is a major part of the ticket’s value. A dolphin show alone might not fill a whole day, and a conventional zoo can become repetitive. Here, plants, butterflies, birds and mountain views break the visit into different chapters.

Komodo dragons, caimans and Gran Canaria reptiles

The reptiles section includes a Komodo dragon described as one of the first generation raised in captivity in Europe. The species is the largest lizard group, reaching up to three meters in length and weighing about 90 kilograms.

That is a substantial animal, and the exhibit gives you a chance to see a creature that is far removed from the small lizards common in the Canary Islands. The Komodo dragon is worth seeking out even if reptiles are not usually high on your list.

At Caiman Lake, you may find spectacled caimans, Californian turtles and the Gran Canaria giant lizard living in the same wider area. The exhibit connects several types of reptile life and makes a useful stop for children who like spotting animals rather than watching a scheduled performance.

Reptile sections can be easy to skip when a dolphin show is coming up. I would check the map and return after one of the bird presentations, when you already know the next show time. The cooler, slower exhibits are also welcome after standing in the sun.

The Island of Primates and smaller mammals

The Island of Primates is another must-see area. The collection includes talapoins, small primates known for their alert behavior and expressive faces. The setting gives you a chance to watch animals move, feed and interact rather than simply viewing a single large attraction.

The park also has aardvarks, wallabies and meerkats. These species broaden the visit beyond the headline animals. Meerkats are particularly easy for children to enjoy because they are active and often visible, while wallabies add an Australian touch to the collection.

You may also find caimans, turtles and other animals placed near paths and garden areas. The park’s design lets you get fairly close to many exhibits, but you should still keep to the marked routes and follow staff instructions.

This is where a slower pace pays off. I would not try to race through every enclosure. Give yourself time to watch the animals, especially if you have come with children who want to stop at every viewing point.

Walking, shade and practical comfort

The biggest drawback is the terrain. The park sits in a valley, and paths run up and down steep hills. Recent visitors with no mobility difficulty still describe the walking as substantial, so take the warning seriously.

The park is officially wheelchair accessible, but accessible does not mean flat or effortless. Walkers and mobility scooters may be available to rent for an extra cost. If you need one, check the arrangements before setting out rather than relying on a quick decision at the gate.

Wear shoes with a firm grip. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen. Much of the park is shaded, but the dolphin and birds of prey shows are more exposed. The sun can be strong even when the valley feels comfortable.

A stroller may be useful for small children, though the steep paths can still make moving around harder. Families with children aged four and seven have found enough variety to fill the day, but you should expect tired legs by the end.

Food costs and what $44 really buys you

The listed price is $44 per person. That is not a cheap admission, but it includes entry and all four shows, plus free car parking. If you arrive early, stay four or five hours and see the dolphin, parrot, exotic bird and birds of prey presentations, the price becomes easier to justify.

The ticket is less attractive if you plan to stay only an hour or two. The park is larger than it may appear from the website, and its value comes from using the whole day rather than making a quick stop.

Food and drinks are not included, and prices inside can be high. Bring your own water and snacks if the ticket conditions allow it. Some meals at the restaurant have been considered reasonable, but individual hot dogs and drinks can add up quickly.

Photography can also cost extra. Animal photo packages have been described as pricey, so decide in advance whether those souvenirs matter to you. You can still take plenty of ordinary family photos around the park and gardens.

Free parking helps if you have a hire car. If you are staying in Maspalomas and need a taxi, allow for the inland journey and check the fare first. One visitor described a taxi ride of about 30 minutes, with the cost becoming part of the decision.

Getting there without a wrong turn

Go directly to Palmitos Park and use the supplied voucher at the entrance for online tickets. The park is about 10 kilometers from Maspalomas Lighthouse, but the address and directions can cause confusion, so check the exact destination before leaving.

Do not simply enter San Bartolomé de Tirajana as your final destination. That is a wider municipality, and it can send you somewhere other than the park. Use Palmitos Park by name in your map app and confirm that the route ends at the entrance.

Free car parking is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not, so transport is your responsibility. A bus can take you directly there, according to one account, but the specific service is not provided in the ticket details, so confirm the current route before relying on it.

The last entry is at 5:00 PM. That is not the same as a promise that you can see every show after arriving late. If the shows are important to you, arrive with enough time to enter, collect the schedule and reach the first presentation.

Who will enjoy Palmitos Park most

I would recommend this day out most strongly to families, animal lovers and anyone who wants a break from the Maspalomas beach routine. Children get quick visual rewards from dolphins, parrots, meerkats and wallabies, while adults can spend more time with the gardens, reptiles, orchids and mountain views.

It also suits adults traveling without children. The setting is peaceful in places, and the bird displays have enough skill and drama to hold adult attention. You do not need to be a serious zoo fan to enjoy the mix of shows and botanical areas.

I would be more cautious if you have difficulty walking uphill, are sensitive to sun or dislike animal performances. The accessibility label is useful, but the slopes remain a practical issue. Ask about mobility scooters or walkers and any rental costs before your visit.

The park is also not ideal for a very short free afternoon. You pay for a full collection of exhibits and shows, so give it at least several hours.

Should you book the Palmitos Park ticket?

Book it if you want a full family day with dolphins, birds and varied animal exhibits in a mountain setting. The strongest reasons are the dolphin show, the birds of prey flying across the valley, the clean gardens and the fact that all four shows are included.

Think twice if $44 is already at the top of your activity budget, especially if you will also pay for taxis, food, drinks or animal photos. Bring your own refreshments where permitted, plan around the show schedule and prepare for steep walking.

My practical verdict: Palmitos Park is worth the price when you treat it as a half-day or full-day outing, not a quick attraction. Arrive early enough to see every show, wear good shoes and save time for the butterfly house, reptiles and primates. That is how you get the most from the ticket.

FAQ

Where is Palmitos Park?

Palmitos Park is in the Canary Islands, about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse. Go directly to the park entrance rather than using San Bartolomé de Tirajana as the final destination.

How much does the ticket cost?

The listed price is $44 per person.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day.

What shows are included?

Entry includes the dolphin show, parrot show, birds of prey show and exotic bird show.

Is food included?

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

Is parking included?

Yes. Free car parking is included.

Does the ticket include hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to the park.

What time is the last entry?

The last entry is at 5:00 PM.

Is Palmitos Park wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. The park has steep uphill and downhill sections, and walkers or mobility scooters may be available at an additional cost.