Maspalomas: Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows

Palmitos Park’s biggest draw is the dolphin show, but the birds of prey may steal the day. Eagles and other birds fly over the valley, while parrots and exotic birds perform closer to the audience. I like the mix of live shows and quiet animal areas, and I like that the park sits in a mountain valley rather than on a flat urban site.

The trade-off is the terrain. Steep uphill paths run through much of the park, so you will walk more than the 10-kilometer distance from Maspalomas might suggest. Food and drinks inside can also be expensive, making water, sun protection, and a little planning worthwhile.

Key points to know before you go

• Four shows are included: dolphins, birds of prey, parrots, and exotic birds.
• The park is larger than it first appears, with enough animals, gardens, and exhibits for roughly four to five hours.
• The setting is beautiful but hilly: much of the route rises and falls through a valley in the mountains.
• The Komodo dragon is a major reptile highlight, described as one of the first generation raised in captivity in Europe.
• Bring water and snacks if practical: food and drinks inside can add a serious cost.
• You go directly to the entrance: present your online voucher at the gate, with free parking available.

Why Palmitos Park is more than a dolphin show

It is easy to plan this outing around one headline attraction. The dolphinarium gets the largest share of attention, and rightly so, but Palmitos Park works best when you treat it as a small zoological and botanical park rather than a short performance venue.

The setting helps. The park is about 10 kilometers from Maspalomas Lighthouse, up in a valley among the hills. That gives the bird of prey show a natural-looking backdrop and adds fine views as you climb through the grounds. It also explains the walking. You are not simply moving along one level path between a few enclosures.

I would allow at least four hours, and closer to five if you want to see the shows, stop for food, and take your time around the animals. One family spent around four hours, while another stayed five. A shorter visit is possible, but you may find yourself rushing from one show to the next.

The entrance price is listed at $44 per person. That is not a casual add-on for a beach holiday, but the ticket includes the park and all four shows. If you attend the dolphin presentation, birds of prey, parrot show, and exotic bird show, then spend time in the aquarium, butterfly house, gardens, and animal areas, the price becomes easier to justify. It is best viewed as a full day out, not a quick stop.

Arriving from Maspalomas and getting your bearings

You go directly to Palmitos Park and show your online ticket voucher at the entrance. Free car parking is included, which is useful if you have hired a car.

Take care with directions. One booking was affected by an incorrect address and ended up heading toward San Bartolomé de Tirajana instead of the park. I would check the destination on a current map before setting out, especially if you are relying on a taxi or a driver unfamiliar with the area. Another visitor described the taxi journey as roughly 30 minutes and costly, although the exact fare will depend on your starting point and traffic.

Once inside, look at the show schedule before wandering far. The performances are spaced out so you can usually see several areas between them, but the park’s hills make a badly planned route tiring. The last entry is at 5:00 PM, so do not leave your arrival until late afternoon if you want the full experience.

The dolphinarium is the main event

The dolphin show is the clearest reason many families choose Palmitos Park. Expect trained dolphins, energetic movements, jumps, and interaction with their handlers in the new dolphinarium. The show is included in the entry ticket, and the performances are often described as the emotional high point of the day.

I would arrive with realistic expectations. This is a staged animal presentation, not a quiet wildlife encounter, and the dolphins perform in return for food rewards. At the same time, the dolphin area is designed to give you a close view, and the staff’s handling is a visible part of the presentation. Several visitors felt the animals appeared well cared for and noted that time with the dolphins did not feel rushed.

The show works for children and adults. Young children tend to enjoy the movement and splashing action, while older visitors may pay more attention to the training and the way handlers work with the animals. Seating details are not provided, so families should arrive with enough time to find a suitable place rather than turning up at the last moment.

The dolphin area is also one of the less shaded parts of the park. Bring a hat and sun protection, especially during the warmer months. You will want to enjoy the show without spending the whole time looking for shade.

Birds of prey with the mountains behind them

For me, the birds of prey show is the park’s most distinctive performance. Large birds fly across an open area, and the surrounding hills give the display more room and drama than a small indoor venue could provide. You see the birds in flight, rather than only perched behind a barrier.

The show is especially good for anyone interested in movement and scale. A bird crossing the open space overhead gives you a better sense of its wingspan than a static enclosure does. The setting also makes photography tempting, although bright sun and fast-moving birds can make good pictures difficult.

This is another area where sun protection matters. Much of the park has shade, but the dolphin and bird of prey shows are more exposed. I would schedule these performances around your energy level as well as the show times, since getting to them can involve uphill walking.

The presentation includes skilled handling, but the experience is not a substitute for seeing birds in the wild. It is a carefully managed show. Its value comes from the chance to watch these animals fly at close range and learn through the presentation, not from pretending the setting is untouched nature.

Parrots and exotic birds add variety

The parrot show is lighter and more playful than the birds of prey presentation. Parrots are intelligent, colorful, and easy for children to follow, so this performance gives the day a different rhythm after the larger birds.

You also have an exotic bird show included with admission. Together, these performances make the ticket feel more substantial than one dolphin presentation followed by a walk around a zoo. If you are visiting with children aged four to seven, the mix is useful because the shows are short, visual, and varied.

Keep an eye on the schedule rather than assuming all bird performances happen together. The performances are spaced through the day, giving you time to walk around the exhibits between them. Since exact times can change, check availability and the daily schedule when planning your visit.

Butterflies, orchids, and the botanical side

The animal shows get the attention, but the butterfly house is one of the calmer parts of the visit. It gives you a break from the crowds and performances, with close views of tropical butterflies in a controlled environment.

The orchid house is another worthwhile stop. It adds color and plant interest to a park that could otherwise feel focused only on animals. The botanical collection draws from species across all five continents, so the gardens help explain why Palmitos Park is described as both zoological and botanical.

I like this part of the park for practical reasons. It gives you somewhere slower to walk, and it provides variety for anyone in your group who is less interested in live shows. It is also a good place to take a breather before tackling another uphill section.

Reptiles, caimans, and the Komodo dragon

The reptile section includes a Komodo dragon described as part of the first generation raised in captivity in Europe. The species is the largest in the lizard group, reaching up to three meters in length and weighing around 90 kilograms. That makes this more than a quick look at small terrarium animals.

The display is valuable because it lets you appreciate the animal’s size and heavy build at close range. You may not see the Komodo dragon actively moving, but the species itself is a strong reason to include the reptile area in your route.

At Caiman Lake, you may find spectacled caimans, Californian turtles, and the Gran Canaria giant lizard sharing the area. The combination gives you several types of reptiles in one stop, with the lake setting making it feel less like a row of isolated tanks.

These exhibits are especially useful on a hot day because they break up the more exposed show areas. Still, do not assume the entire park is flat or easy simply because some exhibits are compact. The route between them can be the real physical challenge.

Primates, meerkats, aardvarks, and wallabies

The Island of Primates is another must-see area. The collection includes talapoins, along with species such as aardvarks, wallabies, and meerkats elsewhere in the park.

Meerkats are a natural family favorite because they are active and easy to observe. Aardvarks and wallabies give the collection more range, while the smaller talapoins offer a chance to see a less familiar primate species.

One of the appealing features is the chance to get relatively close to some animals in their enclosures. You should still follow the park’s rules and avoid treating the animals like photo props, but the layout can make the visit feel more immediate than a distant viewing platform.

The park is clean and well maintained, and the animals generally appear cared for. That is important to me when judging an attraction of this type. You can never assess every aspect of animal care during a day visit, but clean grounds, attentive handlers, and well-kept areas make a noticeable difference to the experience.

Walking, heat, and mobility concerns

The main practical warning is the terrain. Palmitos Park sits in a valley and includes many steep hills, with paths that go up and down repeatedly. Several visitors found the walking tiring, and one specifically warned that the slopes can be difficult for anyone with mobility problems.

The park is wheelchair accessible, but accessibility does not mean every section will feel effortless. The hills remain part of the site, so anyone using a wheelchair, walker, or mobility scooter should plan carefully and ask about the available route and equipment. Walkers and mobility scooters can be provided at a cost.

Wear comfortable shoes. Sandals that are fine for the promenade may be less suitable after several hours on slopes. You should also carry water, use sunscreen, and bring a hat. Some areas are shaded, but the dolphin and bird of prey shows are more exposed.

A stroller may be useful for a small child, though the steep paths can still make pushing it tiring. Families with young children should plan regular pauses rather than trying to cover every exhibit without stopping.

Food, drinks, and the real cost of the day

Food and drinks are not included. This is where the advertised ticket price can grow.

The park restaurant has been described as good value by one visitor, but individual snacks and drinks can be expensive. Two hot dogs were reported at around 30 euros, while another visitor found the restaurant food good but still advised caution with prices. Those costs are not unusual for a major attraction, but they can surprise a family of four.

I would bring water and snacks if permitted, then use the restaurant for a proper meal if you want one. The supplied information does not specify the park’s current outside-food rules, so check before packing a full picnic. In any case, budget for food rather than assuming the ticket covers everything.

Photo packages are another optional expense. A family reported paying 34 euros for four photos. You do not need to buy them, but young children may enjoy the chance to take animal-themed pictures. Decide in advance how much you want to spend on extras.

Who will enjoy Palmitos Park most

This is a strong choice for families, especially those with children who enjoy animals and short live shows. The mix of dolphins, birds, reptiles, butterflies, primates, and gardens gives the day enough variety to hold attention.

It also works for adults. The mountain setting, orchids, butterfly house, bird flights, and less familiar species such as talapoins and Komodo dragons give you more to see than a simple children’s attraction.

I would be more cautious if you dislike animal performances, have difficulty with steep walking, or are trying to keep every holiday expense low. You can still enjoy the gardens and exhibits, but the ticket makes the most sense when you plan to stay several hours and attend the shows.

Cancellation is flexible if you book through the stated arrangement: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Those options help if your plans depend on weather or family schedules.

Should you book Palmitos Park?

Book it if you want a full family day with four shows, a broad animal collection, and mountain views close to Maspalomas. The dolphin and birds of prey performances are the strongest reasons to go, while the butterfly house, orchids, reptiles, primates, and gardens keep the visit from feeling like a one-show stop.

Skip it if steep paths, paid food, and animal presentations are likely to spoil the day. For everyone else, the best approach is simple: arrive early enough to plan the shows, carry water and sun protection, wear proper shoes, and allow four to five hours. At $44 per person, it is a treat rather than a bargain, but the included program can make it fair value when you use the whole day.

FAQ

Where is Palmitos Park located?

Palmitos Park is in the Canary Islands, about 10 kilometers from Maspalomas Lighthouse.

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 parking included?

Yes. Free car parking is included.

Is food included in the ticket?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What is the latest entry time?

The last entry into the park is at 5:00 PM.

Is Palmitos Park wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the park is wheelchair accessible. Walkers and mobility scooters may also be available for an additional cost.

Can I cancel the booking?

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