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Animal Encounters Gran Canaria: Traveller Reviews

Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain
0034 666 124 776
Ranked #1 of 2 tours in Maspalomas
4.5 of 5 stars 32 Reviews
Type: Educational Sites, Water Sports
Owner description: Animal Encounters is a fun and exciting way for the whole family to get up close and personal with animals in a fun and safe environments. With us...... more » Owner description: Animal Encounters is a fun and exciting way for the whole family to get up close and personal with animals in a fun and safe environments. With us you'll have the opportunity to learn about and play with dolphins, sealions, horses, camels, buffalo, snakes, crocodiles, donkeys, monkeys etc. The Gran Canaria´s Animal Encounters offers families, groups and couples a chance to discover the wonders of wildlife together and it's was created to give people an inside look into the lives and hearts of the amazing creatures we share this earth with. Some of the animals used for our programs have an amazing story that they carry with them. . Book a Animal Encounter today! swim with sealions, horseback Riding & Ride with Camels Include FREE TRANSFERS FROM & TO YOUR HOTEL « less
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32 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    27
    3
    1
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    1
Date Rating
KLou89
UK
Reviewer
3 reviews
2 helpful votes
“Absolutely amazing thanks to Busby and Helio!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 October 2009
1
person found this review helpful

As we were staying in Maspalomas, it was only a short transfer for us which was an added bonus and the whole experience was amazing.
As advertised, group numbers are kept to minimum and with there being only 8 of us it was perfect.

It begins with Tina talking to you about her sealions and how she trains them etc, whilst they both playfully show off and display their intelligence.
You then go into the pool with Tina's husband who introduces Busby and Helio close up, so you can stroke them and get ready to swim with them.
We each swam on Busby's back and took turns in training them in different ways e.g. I had both sealions following my hands as I went round in circles and another participant held a hoop as one jumped through it.
After that it's time to be hugged and kissed by them and throughout the experience lots of photos are being taken and after getting out of the pool and drying off, you are shown the photos on a slideshow and have the chance to buy them.

I would much rather go to these types of attractions and have my money go towards the welfare of these amazing mammals who are in the very best care and clearly love their job.

Me and my boyfriend loved it!

P.S If you get Charlie as your transfer driver - he's a legend!

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NDRT
Essex
Senior Contributor
23 reviews
35 helpful votes
“fantastic time, would recommend to anyone”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 October 2009
1
person found this review helpful

I agree with all the comments made, this was a fantastic once in a life opportunity. The sea lion trainer clearly loves her animals and the animals are in good condition. I really enjoyed my session, there was only 3 people in my swim session which was good and we were able to do lots of things with the animals in the water.

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msc3
London England
1 review
2 helpful votes
“An absolutely amazing experience”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 September 2009
2
people found this review helpful

I cannot disagree with any of the other comments left about this experience. This is a must while staying in Gran Caneria. Tina the trainer is absolutely fantastic and gives you a real good insight into the life of sealions before taken you into the water to meet her "boys". It is clear to see that she really loves and idolises her sealions. Tina speaks several languages and explaines everything in your own language so that you understand.
Once in the water you will receive a ride from one of the sealions, a sealion hug and a big sealion kiss as well as much more which all makes for a wonderful and enjoyable experience.

Drinks were provided to enjoy after the swim, whilst you look at the photographs that were taken of you in the water and decide how many you will buy (if any there is no obligation). The photos really are good quality and a great reminder of a truly memorable day.

Transport to and from the site is also provided.

Please if you go to Gran Caneria check these people out. You wont regret it.

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Hadleyholic
Gran Canaria
2 reviews
4 helpful votes
“Unforgettable”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 September 2009
1
person found this review helpful

I'd recommend this to anyone and everyone. I had a permanent smile on my face during the whole hour the experience lasted, both in and out of water. Sea lions are clever, beautiful creatures... Their trainer and owner, a Dutch man, could speak fluent English, German, Dutch, Spanish and Norwegian and he had a sense of humour too! You can see he loves his sea lions. I must admit, though, that the pool they're kept in I found quite sad and inadequate, it's rather small and nothing to do with what I've seen in good zoos. I just hope and pray that it's temporary.
If you're stressed out, it's a perfect way to relax. If you love animals, you won't want to get out of the pool. For adults, young and old, and children alike, it's an unforgettable experience.

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Aodh53
Paisley, Scotland
1 review
1 helpful vote
“A day to remember!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 July 2009
1
person found this review helpful

John and Tina run a very sleek show high in the hills in Maspalomas!
Busby and Helios (the sealions), are such marvellous creatures.
Tina is charming and her affection for the sealions is clear to see.
John is an absolute comedian - 'walrus swims with sealion'.
'black and white photographs available for those without suntans'.
Well worth a visit - photography (by Marcello) is also very good.
Michael runs the website and provides the transport.
We don't normally do trips - but this was well worthwhile!

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