Maspalomas: Palmitos Park Ticket with Dolphin and Bird Shows

The dolphin show is the main event at Palmitos Park, but it is only one part of a much bigger day. You can also watch birds of prey fly over the mountain valley, see parrots perform, walk through a butterfly house, and visit animals from all five continents. The park sits in a dramatic inland setting rather than beside the beach, so the views are part of the experience.

I especially like the combination of live shows and quieter animal areas. The birds of prey are shown in open flight, and the botanical gardens, orchids, aquarium, and butterfly house give you plenty to see between performances. My main caution is the steep, hilly layout. You should be ready for repeated uphill and downhill walks, particularly if you have limited mobility.

Key points to know before you go

• The dolphin show is the headline attraction, with plenty of space in the day to see the other exhibits.
• Birds of prey fly against the mountain scenery, making this show as much about the setting as the animals.
• Four shows are included, covering dolphins, parrots, birds of prey, and exotic birds.
• The park is larger than it first appears, so allow roughly four to five hours if you want to see the main areas at an easy pace.
• Paths can be steep, and mobility scooters or walkers are available at an extra cost according to park information.
• Food and drinks cost extra, and several visitors found refreshments expensive, so plan your budget before arriving.

A mountain park, not a quick zoo stop

Palmitos Park is about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse, in a valley among the hills. That location gives you attractive mountain views and a calmer setting than the busy resort area, but it also explains the climbs inside the park.

I would not treat this as a quick one-hour attraction. A realistic visit takes several hours, with many people spending around four or five hours there. You can move at a steady pace, pause for the shows, and still have time for the gardens and animal enclosures.

The ticket costs $44 per person. That is not a small add-on for a family, especially once you include transport, lunch, drinks, and possible extras. Still, the price includes the park and all four headline shows, so the value improves if you stay long enough to see everything rather than arriving only for the dolphins.

Free car parking is included. If you are staying around Maspalomas, you need to make your own way to the park because hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided. Check the address carefully before setting out, as one booking note described confusion over the location. The meeting point is the park entrance, where you present your online voucher.

Start with the dolphinarium

I would plan the dolphin show early in your visit if the timetable allows. It is the attraction most likely to shape your day, and missing it would be frustrating after paying the admission price.

The new dolphinarium presents a choreographed performance with jumps, movement, and interaction between the dolphins and their handlers. The show has received the strongest praise in the available feedback, with many families calling it the highlight of the day. Some people also valued the chance to watch the dolphins at close range without feeling rushed.

The show is popular with children, but it is not only a small-child attraction. Adults who enjoy animal behavior and careful training should find enough interest in the routines. The handlers are a visible part of the presentation, and several comments praised the apparent care shown toward the animals.

You should keep expectations sensible. This is a performance built around trained behavior, not a wild encounter. The value is in seeing the dolphins move through the routines and watching the relationship between animals and handlers.

The viewing area is one of the less shaded parts of the park, so bring sun protection. A hat and sunscreen are useful, particularly during warmer weather. You may also want water before taking your seat, since drinks inside can be costly.

Birds of prey over the valley

The birds of prey show is the other major reason to visit. Large birds fly across the open area, with the mountains providing a memorable backdrop. This is not a small indoor display where you see an animal perched on a stand. The open flight makes the scale and speed easier to appreciate.

I like this show because the setting does real work. You are already high in the hills, and the birds fly against open space rather than a city backdrop. The experience depends on the weather and viewing conditions, but the combination of trained flight and mountain scenery is one of the park’s most distinctive features.

The show takes place in an exposed area, so use sunscreen even if much of the rest of the park feels shaded. Seating and timing matter too. Arrive with enough time to find a good view, especially if you are visiting with children or a larger group.

You will hear the show called the birds of prey performance, but the park also offers a separate exotic bird show. Give yourself time for both. The first focuses on powerful flight, while the second provides a different look at trained birds and colorful species.

Parrots and exotic birds

The parrot show is a lighter, more playful performance. Parrots are known for their ability to copy sounds and handle simple tasks, and the show gives families a change of pace after the larger birds of prey.

The exotic bird show adds another scheduled stop to the day. Since all four shows are included in your ticket, you do not need to choose between paying extra for the most popular performance and skipping the rest. The main challenge is simply keeping track of the times.

Show schedules are spaced so you can tour the park between performances, but you should check the current timetable when you arrive. The starting time and exact show schedule can change, and the ticket is valid for one day rather than for a fixed tour departure.

If you are visiting with young children, these performances help break up the walking. Instead of pushing through every path at once, you can use the shows as natural rest stops. Just remember that reaching each venue may involve slopes.

Butterflies, orchids, and the quieter corners

The animal shows get most of the attention, but I would not rush past the botanical areas. The butterfly house offers a close look at tropical species in a controlled setting, while the orchid house adds color and detail for anyone who enjoys plants as much as animals.

The aquarium provides another change of pace. It is indoors and slower than the outdoor exhibits, which can be welcome after walking in the sun. Palmitos Park presents its collection as a mix of zoological and botanical displays, with plants and animals from all five continents.

These sections also make the park more suitable for mixed-interest groups. One person can focus on birds, another on reptiles, and a child can spend time looking for butterflies or smaller animals. You are not locked into a single type of attraction.

The gardens are among the park’s strongest visual features. They soften the paths and provide shade in several areas, although you should not assume every route is protected from the sun. The bird and dolphin show areas are more exposed.

Komodo dragons, caimans, and the giant lizard

The reptile section offers some of the park’s more unusual animals. The Komodo dragon is described as belonging to the first generation raised in captivity in Europe. It is also presented as the largest member of the lizard group, reaching up to 3 meters and weighing around 90 kilograms.

That detail gives the exhibit extra interest, but you should allow time to look carefully. Reptile areas can feel quieter than the shows, and the animals may not always be active when you arrive. The attraction is the chance to see species that you are unlikely to encounter in ordinary animal parks.

At Caiman Lake, you may find spectacled caimans, Californian turtles, and the Gran Canaria giant lizard living in the same area. The mixed habitat gives this section a more natural feel than a simple row of separate cages.

The park’s presentation aims to show the animals in planted spaces rather than only behind plain barriers. That makes the walk more engaging, though it can also mean you need patience to spot smaller or less active creatures.

The Island of Primates and family appeal

The Island of Primates is another essential stop. The collection includes aardvarks, wallabies, meerkats, and talapoins, along with other animals found around the park.

Meerkats are usually a reliable family favorite because they are active and easy to watch, while wallabies and talapoins give you a chance to see less familiar species. Aardvarks are particularly unusual, so check the enclosures rather than assuming the best-known animals are the only highlights.

Families can make a full day of Palmitos Park because the attractions vary so much. The dolphin show gives you a big shared moment, the bird performances add action, and the animal areas reward slower viewing. Children aged four and seven have enjoyed the park in the past, but adults can also find plenty to interest them.

There are opportunities for family photographs around the park, including animal-focused photo options. These can cost extra, so treat them as optional souvenirs rather than part of the ticket value. One family paid 34 euros for four photos, which gives you a useful idea of how quickly add-on costs can rise.

How hard is the walking?

This is the point I would stress most. Palmitos Park is wheelchair accessible, but accessible does not mean flat. The park sits in a valley and includes steep sections, with repeated climbs and descents along the routes.

Several people describe the walking as tiring, particularly uphill. If you have difficulty moving, ask about the walkers and mobility scooters available at an extra cost. You should also wear comfortable shoes and avoid planning another demanding attraction immediately afterward.

The hills are not only a problem. They create many of the views that make the park memorable. From the higher paths and show areas, you can look across the surrounding mountains. You simply need to decide if the scenery is worth the effort for your group.

Take breaks instead of trying to see every enclosure without stopping. The gardens, shows, and indoor areas let you divide the day into manageable sections. If you are visiting with a stroller, older relatives, or someone with limited stamina, study the route and ask staff for practical guidance at the entrance.

Food, drinks, and what to carry

Food and drinks are not included. Prices inside can be high, particularly for simple snacks and hot dogs. One person reported paying 30 euros for two hot dogs, while another found the restaurant’s food reasonably good for the setting.

That mixed experience suggests a simple plan: budget for lunch, but do not assume every food purchase will feel like good value. Bring water and consider carrying snacks if permitted under the park’s current rules. At minimum, buy or carry enough water for the walking and heat.

A restaurant is available, and one account described it as good value with good food. Still, eating there adds time, which is not necessarily a bad thing. A proper break can help you manage the hills and keep young children in a better mood.

Food costs are one reason the $44 entry price can feel higher once the day is over. The ticket itself includes the main shows, but lunch, drinks, photographs, transport, and mobility equipment can all sit outside that amount.

Planning your day at Palmitos Park

The park is open for a one-day visit, and the last entry is at 5:00 PM. Do not arrive close to that cutoff if you want to see the shows and animal areas. You need time to enter, check the performance timetable, and walk between sections.

I would begin by checking the dolphin and birds of prey times. Then fit the parrot and exotic bird shows around them. Use the butterfly house, aquarium, reptiles, primates, and gardens to fill the spaces between performances.

A practical order looks like this:

• Enter and check all show times.
• Prioritize the dolphin show and birds of prey show.
• Visit the butterfly house, aquarium, and orchid area during the gaps.
• Walk through the reptiles and Caiman Lake.
• Allow time for the Island of Primates and other animal enclosures.
• Leave room for a food break, photographs, and the gift shop near the exit.

The times are designed to allow movement around the park, but you should not cut it too close. The paths are not always direct, and a steep climb can take longer than expected.

Is the $44 ticket good value?

At $44, I see Palmitos Park as a full-day treat rather than a cheap family stop. The ticket is good value if you enjoy animal parks, attend all four shows, and stay for several hours. It is harder to justify if you only want to see the dolphins and leave.

The strongest value comes from variety. You are paying for a dolphinarium, birds of prey, exotic birds, parrots, aquarium, butterfly house, reptiles, primates, and botanical displays in one place. The mountain setting also gives the visit something beyond a standard zoo layout.

Families should calculate the full cost. Add food, drinks, transport if you are not driving, and optional photos. Free parking helps if you have a rental car, but hotel transfers are not included.

The park also appears to work well for repeat visits. The mix of gardens, animals, and shows means you can spend more time in different sections on a return visit. For a single holiday visit, though, arrive early enough to make the admission worthwhile.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend Palmitos Park to families, animal lovers, and anyone who enjoys a full day with several different attractions. Children are likely to remember the dolphins and birds, while adults may appreciate the gardens, unusual reptiles, and mountain views.

It suits people who are comfortable walking on uneven or steep routes. If your group includes someone with limited mobility, contact the park or ask at the entrance about the available walkers and mobility scooters before setting out.

You should also book if you want a break from the beaches and resort streets around Maspalomas. The park provides a different setting, with hills, plants, and open-air animal displays.

I would skip it if your budget is tight, you dislike animal performances, or you want a flat, low-effort outing. The food and optional extras can add up, and the hills are a real part of the day.

Should you book Palmitos Park?

Yes, if you want a substantial family day out and plan to see the dolphin and bird shows along with the animal areas. The strongest reasons to go are the excellent variety, the mountain setting, the butterfly and orchid displays, and the chance to see birds flying in open space.

Before booking, make sure everyone in your group can manage steep walking, or budget for mobility equipment. Bring sun protection, plan for expensive refreshments, check the show timetable on arrival, and avoid arriving near the 5:00 PM last entry.

At $44, this is not an impulse attraction for a quick visit. It is a full outing. Give it four or five hours, use the included shows, and the price becomes easier to defend.

FAQ

Where is Palmitos Park?

Palmitos Park is in the Canary Islands, Spain, about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse. You should go directly to the park entrance.

How much does admission cost?

The listed price is $44 per person. Entry to the park and all listed shows are included.

What shows are included?

Your ticket includes the dolphin show, parrots show, birds of prey show, and exotic bird show.

Is parking included?

Yes. Free car parking is included with the visit.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to Palmitos Park.

What time is the last entry?

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

Is Palmitos Park wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the park is listed as wheelchair accessible. However, the grounds include steep hills. Walkers and mobility scooters may be available at an additional cost.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. Refreshments inside the park can be expensive, so plan your spending accordingly.