Fast waves, real wildlife, and a small boat ride. This Lanzarote dolphin watching trip takes you out from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen on a RIB-style speedboat with an expert crew, aiming to spot dolphins along with turtles and seabirds. I also like the tight group setup (about 12 people), which makes the boat feel more personal than big-boat tours.

One thing to keep your expectations in check: dolphin sightings are not guaranteed. Add in the speed and spray, and it’s not a “sit still and cruise” kind of outing.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small-group RIB (about 12 people) for a more personal ride
• Expert crew spotting birds, turtles, and dolphin chances as you move around the water
• Waverider tour option built for families and friends wanting wildlife time
• Speedboat fun with changing speeds when conditions get choppy
• Simple inclusions: boat, captain, life jacket, water, and transport (food not included)

Speedboat dolphin watching: how this Lanzarote RIB experience really plays

If you like the idea of seeing marine life without spending half the day on a slow boat, this dolphin watching trip fits that mood. It runs from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen, and you’ll be out on a RIB-style speedboat with a crew that knows the local waters. The focus is straightforward: look for dolphins and other sea creatures while enjoying the ride and the views from the water.

The “small boat” part matters more than you might think. With a group of about 12 people, you’re not stuck behind a wall of strangers. You’re also more likely to hear the captain’s calls and follow what’s happening around the boat. And because the crew is actively searching for activity, the trip doesn’t feel like it’s just waiting for something to happen.

The tradeoff is that this is a speedboat. The ride can be exciting, and it moves fast enough to make splash and wind feel real. If you get motion sick easily, you’ll want to plan for that up front.

Where you start: Old Port of Puerto del Carmen and what to do before you board

Your departure point is the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen, so you’re starting from the main hub area rather than a remote harbor. That’s convenient for timing, and it also means it’s easy to pair this with an afternoon or evening in town.

Pickup is listed as included, but there’s an important detail: you should wait 15 minutes in front of the lobby at the pickup time. That “wait” instruction is specific, and it can save you stress if you’re not sitting right at the door with your phone ready.

One extra wrinkle I think you should ask about before you go: if you’re staying outside the Puerto del Carmen area, you might run into additional transfer costs. Some passengers have reported extra per-person fees for pickup from Costa Teguise. If you’re coming from elsewhere on the island, it’s worth confirming what your pickup includes so you’re not surprised at the start.

Your ride: life jackets, Waverider options, and small-group comfort

The experience is run on a RIB boat, and the tour description highlights a 12-person setup for an “exclusive” feel. You’ll get a life jacket, and the crew handles safety and the boat operation. Water is included, which is a big deal in Lanzarote sun, especially if you’re heading out during warmer parts of the day.

Two tour styles are mentioned, and one of the named options is the Waverider. The Waverider is described as an outing where you’ll have opportunities to observe birds, turtles, dolphins, and other sea creatures. That matters because even if dolphins don’t show up, the trip still has a “marine safari” plan: you’re out there scanning for multiple types of wildlife.

The boat also has practical storage. In real-world use, footwear and bags are handled in an organized way (for example, shoes in a box on the jetty and bags placed in a covered spot on the boat). That helps keep the deck area usable so you can focus on watching the sea instead of playing shuffle with your belongings.

What happens on the water: a realistic wildlife-search rhythm

The tour timing is 2 to 2.5 hours, and in that window the crew is looking for signs of life while you’re cruising. The key idea is that this isn’t a single “set route and forget it” approach. The captain adjusts the pace and where you go based on what they spot.

When conditions are choppy, you’ll feel it. Some captains change speeds, and you’ll likely notice quicker bursts followed by slower moments while the crew watches closely. That’s part of why a smaller boat can feel better: you’re more involved, and you’re closer to the action.

If you get lucky, you’ll see dolphins. If you don’t, you can still see other wildlife. Realistically, the most common backup-plan sightings are sea birds flying and dipping around the boat, with the possibility of turtles if conditions line up. In short: dolphin luck drives the headline, but the experience isn’t only about one species.

A tip that can save your trip: protect anything you wear

Because the boat is fast and the ride is windy, small items can escape. One practical note from past journeys: glasses and even hats can become loose if you don’t secure them. If you wear glasses, consider a tight strap or plan to take them off during motion. If you wear a cap, tether it or skip it and use sunglasses with good grips.

Also bring sun protection. Even during a 2-hour ride, you can still end up with sunburn days later if you ignore sunscreen and shade.

How the captain helps you find what you came for

A big part of the value here is the crew’s eye. The description emphasizes an expert crew familiar with the marine ecosystem, and that shows in how they search. Expect the captain to scan constantly and make small changes when something looks promising.

When conditions are rough, a good captain also makes the ride feel controlled. People have noted different speeds on choppy water and the crew taking quick, accurate maneuvers when needed. That includes handling unexpected moments like a hat going airborne and then being recovered safely. It’s a tiny detail, but it’s a sign of an operator paying attention.

Price and value: is $77 worth it?

At around $77 per person for a 2 to 2.5 hour speedboat wildlife outing, you’re paying for three things: access to the boat and crew time, the chance at dolphin sightings, and the speedboat thrill itself. You’re not paying for an all-day cruise or a big ship with a long lineup of passengers.

What helps the value: the essentials are included. Your ticket covers the boat, captain, life jacket, water, and transportation (with that pickup timing detail). Food is not included, so you’re not tempted into a costly meal onboard.

Where the value can wobble is on the transfer side. If your pickup requires an extra per-person charge from your specific area, that can change the math. Still, many people find it comparable to paying for a taxi one-way plus dealing with timing stress.

My practical take: if you’re already spending time in Puerto del Carmen and you want the best odds of a fun, boat-on-the-water experience during a short window, this price is fairly aligned with what you get. If you’re staying far away, confirm pickup costs before you decide.

What to bring (and what to skip) for a smoother ride

Since the tour includes life jackets and water, you’re mainly responsible for comfort and sun. Bring:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen (wind + speed can trick you into thinking you’re not baking)
• A hat only if you can secure it, or swap to something you won’t mind losing to the sea if it goes rogue
• Water shoes or secure footwear (the deck can get slick)
• Light layers if you get cold from wind
• If you wear glasses, plan for a strap or removable eyewear while the boat is moving

Skip alcohol. The activity notes alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed, and that’s a good rule for a speedboat day.

Food isn’t included, so if you’re going to be hungry afterward, plan a meal before or after. The tour length is short enough that you can handle it with snacks if you like, but don’t count on an onboard meal.

Dolphins aren’t guaranteed, so what should you do if you miss them?

This is the part I want you to think about before you book. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, and multiple encounters can depend on conditions you can’t control. That uncertainty is normal for wildlife tours anywhere.

The comfort is that this trip isn’t only a dolphin lottery. You’re also set up to watch birds and turtles, and the crew will keep scanning as you go. If dolphins don’t show, you can still get a memorable mix of ocean views, bird activity, and the sheer fun of a RIB ride.

Also, it helps to choose the timing that matches your energy. There’s mention of an evening slot working well for people, and the general idea is that any start time with good weather and solid visibility will improve your odds of spotting wildlife.

Who this Lanzarote dolphin watching speedboat is best for

This fits best if you want a lively water experience and you’re okay with motion and sun.

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 2
• Pregnant women

And it may feel less ideal if you:

• Hate speedboats or feel motion sick easily
• Expect a guaranteed dolphin encounter like a theme park

Where it shines:

• Families and friends who want shared time on the water
• People staying near Puerto del Carmen who want an efficient, short outing
• Anyone who likes being on the water and watching what the crew is spotting in real time

Quick comparison: dolphin watching vs. just sitting and sightseeing

On land, Lanzarote is all about views, coast roads, and stops with quick photo angles. This experience adds something different: you’re on the water with a moving search pattern and a chance to see wildlife close to the boat. Even if the headline species varies day to day, the ride itself gives you a sense of Lanzarote’s marine world you can’t get from shore.

Think of it as a mix of thrill and wildlife watching, not a calm nature stroll.

Should you book? My honest decision guide

Book this tour if:

• You’re staying near Puerto del Carmen and want a short, high-energy outing
• You’re excited about speedboat time and you’re willing to be flexible on wildlife outcomes
• You care about a smaller group size (about 12 people) and active crew spotting

Skip or rethink if:

• You need a guaranteed dolphin sighting
• You’re sensitive to choppy water or strong wind
• You fall into the non-suitable groups listed (kids under 2 or pregnancy)

If you’re on the fence, the easiest decision rule is this: if the idea of a 2 to 2.5 hour RIB ride on Lanzarote’s coast sounds like your kind of day, this is a strong way to spend it. If you’re only booking for dolphins no matter what, you’ll want to mentally plan for the possibility of sea birds and turtles instead.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the dolphin watching trip?

It runs for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where does the speedboat tour depart from?

The tour departs from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen.

Is dolphin spotting guaranteed?

No. Sightings of dolphins or other sea creatures are not guaranteed.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience is described as an exclusive boat ride for 12 people.

What’s included in the ticket price?

You get transportation, the boat, a life jacket, the captain, and water. Food is not included.

What pickup timing should I plan for?

If pickup is included, you should wait 15 minutes before the time in front of the lobby.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Who can’t join this tour?

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 2 years old and pregnant women.

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