Dolphins and birds, in a mountainside park. I love how Palmitos Park pairs a true dolphin show with the big spectacle of the birds of prey program, all set in a zoo-botanical setting that feels more like a living garden than a bare animal enclosure. One ticket also pulls in the rest of the lineup, from aquarium and butterfly house stops to up-close animal viewing.

The main consideration is physical: the park sits high up, and there’s a lot of steep walking uphill. If you’re not comfortable with hills, plan your route around show times and ask about mobility options on-site, since scooters are available for a cost.

Key highlights you shouldn’t miss

• Dolphinarium show at the new dolphinarium with dolphin and trainer routines
• Birds of prey show plus an exotic birds show, with frequent big-flying moments
• Parrot show as a separate event (so schedule it, don’t wing it)
• Komodo dragon from the first generation raised in captivity in Europe
• Caiman Lake with spectacled caimans and other reptiles nearby
• Free car parking included, which makes a self-drive day easier

Palmitos Park near Maspalomas: what your one-day ticket really covers

Palmitos Park is a zoological botanical park about 10 kilometers from the Maspalomas Lighthouse, and it’s basically built around animals plus plants from all over the world. Your one-day ticket includes entry plus all shows (dolphins, parrots, birds of prey, and exotic birds), so you’re not hunting for add-ons once you arrive.

I like this setup because it turns a random day trip into a planned loop: see an event, walk to the next area, repeat. It also helps if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who needs “something scheduled” to keep energy up.

Price-wise, the ticket is $44 per person and that can feel steep until you remember the shows are bundled. The real extra costs tend to show up inside the park for food, drinks, and souvenirs, not for the core entertainment.

Dolphin show at the new dolphinarium: the big moment

The dolphin show is the headliner, and the park leans hard into it. Expect a full show in the dolphinarium, with dolphins and handlers doing coordinated routines that keep you watching from start to finish.

Here’s how I’d tackle it: go earlier than you think, find your seat, and settle your brain before the program starts. Then don’t rush out—hang around a bit after, because you’ll likely want time to look for other dolphin-related displays or just soak in the park’s atmosphere before your next walking climb.

A couple practical tips from experience with places like this:

• Bring water and be ready for sun, even if some areas feel shaded.
• If you’re sensitive to heat, plan your day so the long walks happen between events rather than while you’re waiting.

Birds of prey and exotic birds shows: where the views help the show

The birds shows are where Palmitos Park turns into a real spectacle. The birds of prey show is a must-see, and the exotic birds show and parrot show keep the momentum going so the day doesn’t feel repetitive.

One reason I think this works so well: the shows are staged in a way that makes the flying moments the focus. When you’re watching birds of prey in action, you get a sense of scale that you just don’t get from casual viewing in smaller enclosures.

The setting also helps. The park is up in the hills, so you often get mountain-style scenery around the performance areas, which makes photos easier and makes the seating sections feel less like a generic arena.

If you hate scrambling, don’t. The show times are spaced out enough that you can move around the park without feeling like you’re constantly sprinting to catch the next program.

Reptiles and Caiman Lake: the Komodo factor

If dolphins and birds do the emotional work, the reptiles do the “how is this real?” work. In the reptiles section, you’ll find a Komodo dragon described as part of the first generation raised in captivity in Europe. The park lists it as reaching up to about 3 meters and roughly 90 kilograms—so yes, it’s a big presence.

Next to that, you’ll find more of the park’s reptile world. The Caiman Lake area is a key stop, with spectacled caimans and Californian turtles, plus the Gran Canaria giant lizard in the same zone.

What I like about pairing this with the shows: it gives your brain a reset. Watching a show with sound and motion is one kind of experience. Then you hit a calmer section where you can slowly look, compare species, and just absorb the details of how animals are kept and displayed.

Primates, meerkats, aardvarks, and wallabies: small-area wildlife energy

The Island of Primates is called out as a must-see, and it makes sense. This area gathers a collection of animals that feels more “world tour” than one-species focus.

Among the species you may spot around the park are aardvarks, wallabies, meerkats, and talapoins. You may also find other animal areas grouped by theme, so you’re not stuck in a long straight line with no variation.

A practical way to enjoy these stops is to take them in between shows. Your legs will be working anyway, so use the animal viewing time as a pace-setter. If you’re visiting with kids, this is also the part that helps everyone burn off extra energy without needing another seated show right away.

Gardens, butterfly house, and aquarium: the good in-between breaks

Palmitos Park isn’t just animals and seats. You also get a butterfly house and an aquarium, plus botanical areas that help the whole place feel more alive.

I find these quieter sections do two things:

1) They let you slow down when the walking and show timing start to feel intense.

2) They add variety, so the day doesn’t feel like it’s only about big events.

If you get overheated, this is your chance to reset with indoor or partially sheltered areas like the butterfly house and aquarium.

And if you love photography, remember: some of the most satisfying shots are when you’re not rushing toward a show entrance. Use the calm zones to breathe, then hit the next event.

Walking plan and timing: how to survive the uphill stretches

Let’s be honest: the park is steep. Many people describe the day as a lot of uphill walking with steep hills at times, and the canyon-in-the-hills setting means you won’t trick your legs into having an easy day.

So here’s a simple game plan:

• Start with the show you most care about, first thing you can.
• Use the walk time between shows for slow viewing and breaks, not for trying to “finish everything” in one go.
• Put sun protection on early, even if you feel cooler in shade sections.

If mobility is an issue, the park is wheelchair accessible, and mobility scooters are available on-site for a cost. I’d treat this as part of your planning, not a last-minute fix—because once you’re committed to a steep route, going back can be a hassle.

Also, note the practical detail that some parts of the park are shaded more than others. The performance areas can be brighter, so plan for it with hats and water.

Food, drinks, and what costs extra inside

Food and drinks are not included with the ticket, and the on-site prices are a common complaint. In plain terms: you’ll probably pay more than you want for snacks once you’re inside.

My advice is boring but effective:

• Bring water and plan snacks if your budget matters.
• If you do buy food inside, treat it as a convenience cost, not a deal.

On the plus side, there is a restaurant, and people report it’s decent and not outrageously priced compared with some other theme-day expenses. Still, it’s smart to eat strategically so you don’t burn half your energy line in a queue.

Getting there, finding the entrance, and using your voucher

You’ll go directly to Palmitos Park and present your voucher at the gate for online tickets. There’s free car parking included, so self-driving is a straightforward option.

Timing matters because last entry into the park is 5:00 PM. If you arrive late, you’ll feel it fast—so try to plan an arrival that gives you real breathing room before the final cutoff.

One small navigation warning: addresses can be confusing in mapping apps. Make sure you’re using the correct Palmitos Park location before you set off, so you don’t waste precious daylight in the hills.

Is Palmitos Park worth booking? My take

If you want a one-day plan that mixes big shows with animal viewing across reptiles, primates, and tropical features, Palmitos Park is a strong pick. The dolphin show and the bird shows are the big reasons to go, and the ticket bundle helps you feel like your money is aimed at the day’s highlights rather than nickel-and-diming you for each event.

Book it if:

• You want dolphin and bird shows included in one package
• You like animal variety (not just one species or one theme)
• You’re traveling with kids or anyone who loves scheduled entertainment

Consider skipping or adjusting expectations if:

• You don’t handle steep walking well, since a lot of the park is uphill
• Your budget can’t stretch for paid-on-site food and drinks

Also, if your schedule is flexible, the booking options include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which takes some pressure off planning.

FAQ

How long is the Palmitos Park visit?

The ticket is valid for one day, so you can plan to spend the day at the park.

What is included in the ticket price?

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

Where do I go to use my online voucher?

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

What time is the last entry to the park?

Last entry is 5:00 PM.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included with the ticket.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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

Is the park wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the park is wheelchair accessible, and mobility scooters are available on-site for a cost.

Do I get hotel pickup or drop-off?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

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