How to explore Gran Canaria? Excursions

Independent Excursions vs Private Tours vs Organised Group Excursions

Gran Canaria offers countless places to discover and explore. You can explore the island on your own, hire a private tour, or book an organised excursion. Below, we provide a detailed comparison to help you decide which option best suits your preferences and needs.

Independent Excursions

Advantages:

• Flexibility: You can plan your itinerary as you please and change it on the go.
• Cost: It tends to be the most economical option.
• Autonomy: You are not bound by group schedules or a guide.
• Local Experience: You can discover less touristy spots for a more authentic experience.
• Start and End Points: You begin and end the excursion when and where you choose.

Disadvantages:

• Logistics: Requires more advance planning, including car rental, bookings, and routes.
• Less Information: Unless you do thorough research, you might miss out on valuable insights into the history and culture of the places you visit.
• Languages: If you don’t speak Spanish, communication and asking for directions might be more challenging.
• Safety: You need to be aware of terrain conditions and routes on your own.
• Comfort: You need to manage your own transportation and meals.
• Time: It may be slower due to the need for parking, accessing sites, and the risk of getting lost.

Private Tours (for your group only)

Advantages:

• Customisation: The itinerary is tailored to your specific interests and needs.
• Comfort: The guide focuses solely on your group, providing a more personalised service.
• Information: You have access to an expert guide who provides detailed information and answers all your questions.
• Safety: Professional guides have knowledge of route safety and can provide first aid if necessary.
• Comfort: Comfortable transport and services tailored to your needs.
• Time: Optimised to maximise your experience, although you should consider the time needed for parking, travelling, and any queues at points of interest.
• Flexibility: During the excursion, you can decide to make changes if you find it interesting and OkGranCanaria agrees.
• Start and End Points: You set the pick-up and drop-off points, which can be anywhere on the island.
• Expert Guides: The guides you tour with are official or extremely knowledgeable about the island.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: It’s usually the most expensive option due to the exclusivity of the service.
• Availability: You need to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Group Size: You need a minimum group size for the per-person excursion price to be reduced.

Organised Group Excursions

Advantages:

• Simplicity: Everything is organised by the company, so you only need to worry about enjoying yourself.
• Moderate Cost: It’s cheaper than private tours but more expensive than going on your own.
• Socialisation: Opportunity to meet other people and share the experience.
• Expert Guides: Access to information and explanations from a professional guide.
• Safety: Professional guides ensure a safe trip and are prepared for emergencies.
• Comfort: You don’t have to plan the excursion; the guide provides information on the spot, and the pick-up service is usually at your accommodation or nearby.
• Time: The itinerary is optimised so you don’t waste time on organisation, parking, and access to sites.

Disadvantages:

• Less Flexibility: You have to follow the itinerary and schedules set by the organisation.
• Group Size: It may be less intimate and more hectic, especially with large groups.
• Mandatory Stops: You may visit places that are less interesting to you due to the fixed itinerary.
• Pick-up and Drop-off Points: Each excursion has its pick-up areas. If you’re outside these zones, you’ll have to travel on your own to the nearest pick-up point.