Palmitos Park turns a normal zoo visit into a full show day, with a dolphin show and birds of prey as the big hits. I like that you are not just walking past cages, you are watching animals perform in a purpose-built setting. The main drawback is the park sits up in the hills, so expect plenty of uphill and steep back-and-forth.

I also really like the variety here. The park mixes aquatics, reptiles, tropical birds, and a strong botanical component, so you keep finding new things as you move between areas. If you want a totally flat stroll, you might find it tiring.

Still, for one day near Maspalomas, it is a strong value if you plan around the show times and protect your legs.

Key things to know before you go

• Steep hills are part of the deal, but there are mobility helps available for a fee
• Dolphin plus multiple bird shows are included, so you can build a simple game plan
• World-animals meet Canary Islands species in themed zones like reptiles and primates
• Expect more than a zoo, with butterfly and aquarium stops plus lots of greenery
• Food and photo extras add up, so bring water if you can and budget for treats

Palmitos Park up in the hills near Maspalomas Lighthouse

Palmitos Park sits about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse, and you feel that distance as soon as you arrive. The whole place is set in a valley up in the mountains, so you get views and a cooler feel than you might get down at the coast. It also means your day is not a simple straight line. You will zigzag through different elevations.

That setting is part of the appeal for me because it keeps the visit from feeling like one long flat queue. You will move between shows and animal zones with plenty of visual breaks, like open areas for spectators and landscaped paths between exhibits.

One practical note: you can absolutely do this as a family day, but it is not ideal if you hate stairs or steep slopes. Many visitors love the scenery, then remember halfway through that their calves are doing extra work.

Shows you should plan around: dolphins, birds of prey, and parrots

If you only have energy for the headliners, aim for the shows first. Your ticket includes entry and all shows, including dolphins, parrots, birds of prey, and exotic birds. That matters because you do not need to decide later if a show is “worth it.” You already paid, so you can just go with what you feel like seeing.

The dolphin show, the crowd-pleaser

The dolphin show is the clear favorite. People rate it as the standout experience, and the vibe is upbeat and high-energy. It is the kind of show where the staff, the presentation, and the animals themselves all do the work for you.

Also, the dolphin show is staged in a way that makes it easy to understand what is happening. You are not guessing. You sit, watch, and then you get back to walking while you still have excitement in your head.

Birds of prey and exotic birds: more than just watching

Birds of prey are a major event at Palmitos Park, and it is not only about seeing birds perched. You are watching birds fly overhead in scheduled presentations, with the park’s mountain views acting like a natural backdrop. I like that it gives you a sense of scale, and it feels different from many indoor-only animal shows.

There is also an exotic birds show. That gives you a second bird-focused option so you are not doing the same thing twice. Between the birds of prey and the exotic birds show, you get variety in bird behavior and presentation.

The parrot show: smaller, close-up, and fun

The parrot show rounds out the “show circuit.” Parrots bring a different feel from birds of prey. Instead of flight and hunting behavior, it is more about attention, personality, and interaction style that tends to work well for kids and adults who just want a cheerful break between heavier walking.

If you are traveling with children, this is often the portion that makes them talk about the day on the taxi ride home.

How the show layout helps your route

Show times are spaced in a way that lets you move around without rushing every minute. That is a big deal at a steep park. You can usually get to the next seating area without sprinting up a hill, which makes a difference when you are managing heat, water, and energy.

Tip: I would plan your day so you catch the dolphin show and the birds of prey show earlier, then let the rest of the park fill the gaps.

Your “one day” itinerary that actually fits: start smart, then wander

You have a 1-day ticket, and Palmitos Park keeps you busy enough that a half-day plan will feel rushed. Many visitors spend around 4 hours, and that tracks with what the park layout encourages. If you want photos, extra animal time, and time in indoor exhibits, give yourself closer to that 4 to 5 hour window.

Step 1: arrive and check in at the gate

There is no mystery meeting spot. You go directly to Palmitos Park and present your voucher at the gate for online tickets. This keeps your morning simple.

Also note last entry into the park is 5:00 PM. If you are doing this after a beach morning, aim to arrive with enough cushion so you do not feel stuck waiting for the final show.

Step 2: hit the big show, then move to animal zones

After you get through the first seating, you can transition into themed areas. The park is designed so you can keep moving while still returning to your favorite show areas. The walking pattern is more like a circuit than a single straight route.

Step 3: finish with the indoor or calmer sections if your legs need it

If you are feeling the hills, save some of the indoor or slower stops for later. The butterfly house and aquarium-style areas give you a slower pace, plus they offer shade compared to open outdoor seating.

You end up with a day that feels like a collection of experiences instead of one nonstop grind.

Reptiles, caimans, and that Europe-raised Komodo dragon

Palmitos Park has a strong reptile component, and it is not treated like an afterthought. You can spend real time in these sections because each area has multiple species and enough space to slow down and actually look.

The reptiles highlight: a Komodo dragon with a specific captive history

In the reptiles section, you can see a Komodo dragon described as belonging to the first generation raised in captivity in Europe. That is a very specific fact, and it helps you understand why reptile lovers get excited here.

This Komodo is described as a large lizard in the group that can reach up to 3 meters in height and around 90 kilograms. Even if that number sounds wild, the point is clear: this is not a small display.

Caiman Lake and reptiles in “perfect synchrony”

The Caiman Lake area brings together spectacled caimans, Californian turtles, and the Gran Canaria Giant Lizard. They are presented as living in perfect synchrony, and that phrasing matters because the display is meant to be watched as a system, not as random separate tanks.

If you like animal behavior, this section is one of the places where you can pause without feeling you are missing a show.

Why the reptile sections work on a show day

Because you have three major animal shows, it is easy to think you will get tired of animal presentations that feel similar. Reptiles give you a different tempo. You get quieter viewing, slower pacing, and that makes the overall day feel balanced.

The Island of Primates and the small-critters zone

One of the most memorable parts of the park experience is the Island of Primates. It is described as a must-see area, and it makes sense because it covers several animal types instead of just one.

You might find aardvarks, wallabies, meerkats, and talapoins among the species highlighted in this zone. That mix also helps with variety. You do not just see primates, you get other mammals and different activity styles.

Meerkats and wallabies: the “look longer” animals

Meerkats are often the type of animal that rewards patient watching, and wallabies bring an active but gentler feel compared with many larger species. I like this kind of zone because it breaks up the “sit-and-watch” energy from the dolphin and bird shows.

Aardvarks and talapoins: for when you want something different

Aardvarks and talapoins are not animals most people casually see on a vacation. Even if you do not know the biology, seeing them in a well-maintained, themed area makes your day feel more special than a standard day at a local zoo.

Botanical extras that make Palmitos feel like more than a show calendar

Palmitos Park is a zoological botanical park, so it is not just animals in a grid. You also get garden areas that add comfort, plus indoor sections that work as a breathing space during warm weather.

Butterfly house and aquarium time

The park includes a butterfly house and an aquarium. These are the sections I like on a day with show seating because you can step inside when you need shade or a slower pace.

They also give your brain a different “input” than animal shows do. Instead of a performance, you are observing.

Gardens and animal viewing areas

Many people describe the park as clean and well maintained. That matters because steep places can feel exhausting fast if the route is messy. Here, the environment feels organized enough that you keep moving without constantly recalculating where to go next.

Price and value: is $44 per person worth it?

At about $44 per person for a 1-day ticket, Palmitos Park costs like a mid-range attraction. The key is what you are getting for that money. Your entry includes multiple shows, not just one. You also get full access to several animal zones and indoor exhibits.

I think it is best viewed as a “choose your highlights” day. If you care about dolphins and you also want serious bird shows, then you are already aligned with what the ticket is built around. If you only want one show and you plan to skip most other sections, the value can feel smaller.

One more reality check: food and drinks are not included, and the park has a reputation for being pricey inside. You can counter that with planning. Bring water where possible, and treat restaurant meals and snacks as part of your budget, not an afterthought.

Food, photos, and the costs that sneak up

Food and drinks are not included, and that is usually where the total bill changes fast. Several visitors have mentioned that on-site meals and treats can be expensive, and one example given was hotdogs that felt pricey for the amount received.

So I recommend a simple approach:

• Plan to buy something light on-site only if you need it
• Consider bringing your own water and basic snacks if allowed where you are staying
• Set your expectation that you will pay more than a supermarket back on the island

Photo options can add up too. People have noted that photo packages and printed photos near the end can be costly. I would treat photos as optional unless you know you want the package before you sit down for the dolphin or bird show.

Who should book, and who should think twice?

You should book Palmitos Park if you want a one-day plan that mixes scheduled animal shows with plenty of animal viewing. This is a great match for families, animal lovers, and anyone who likes both big spectacle moments and quieter wandering.

You might think twice if you have mobility challenges or you hate steep walking. The park is wheelchair accessible, and it is possible to visit with mobility support. Still, the hills are real, and you should be ready for that. The park also provides walkers and mobility scooters at a cost, which can help if you need it.

If you are short on time on Gran Canaria and you want one attraction that hits multiple interests, this is a strong candidate.

Should you book Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows?

Yes, I would book it if dolphin and bird shows are on your must-do list. The dolphin show is widely treated as the top experience, and the birds of prey presentations are the second reason people feel satisfied they came. Add in reptiles, primates, and botanical indoor stops, and you get a day that feels packed without being confusing.

If your number-one priority is a flat, easy walk, then plan a different outing. But if you can handle hills and you want your ticket to include the big performances, Palmitos Park is a solid, satisfying choice for a Canaries day trip.

FAQ

Where do I go to enter Palmitos Park with my ticket?

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

What is included in the Palmitos Park ticket?

Your ticket includes entry to the park and all shows, including dolphins, parrots, birds of prey, and exotic birds. Free car parking is also included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

How long is the visit?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. You should plan for a few hours on-site so you can catch the main shows and still wander the park.

What are the main shows I should not miss?

The dolphin show, the birds of prey show and the exotic bird show, and the parrot show are the key shows included with your ticket.

What time is the last entry to the park?

Last entry into the park is 5:00 PM.

Can I cancel, and do I need to pay right away?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now and pay later option to keep your plans flexible.