Wild dolphins on a fast boat sound simple. In Lanzarote, it turns into a busy, high-energy hunt plus a real open-sea swim. The key appeal here is the mix: binocular-led wildlife spotting and then cool-off time in clear Atlantic water.

I also like the way the crew keeps things moving. You get live on-board commentary while you cruise along the southeast coast, with extra species info that helps you understand what you’re seeing (or not seeing). One catch: wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed in the wild, so build in flexibility.

Quick hits before you go

• Low, fast boat feel that helps you see dolphins close when you’re lucky
• Crew scanning with binoculars to improve your odds for dolphins, whales, and turtles
• Live commentary that adds context beyond just spotting wildlife
• A swim stop from the boat in clear Atlantic water, with current awareness
• Family-friendly pacing, including kids getting binocular time from the crew
• Value for $41-ish pricing because you’re paying for a short cruise plus swim time

The fast-boat vibe leaving Puerto del Carmen

Your day starts at Lanzarote Sea Tours (their office is next to a petrol station and a roundabout). From there, you head to the marina area and step aboard the Biosfera Jet, a fast boat designed for quick runs offshore and coastal cruising.

Once you’re onboard, you’ll get a brief safety talk before the captain pushes off. Expect it to be practical: where to stand, how to move safely, and basic swim-stop rules since you’ll be jumping in open water later. This is a short outing—about 1.5 hours total—so the energy stays high.

A detail I like for families and first-timers: the boat experience isn’t just sitting. People often talk about the crew getting kids and adults into better viewing positions, including time up at the front when dolphins show up.

How the crew searches for dolphins and whales

The main event is the wildlife hunt, and the operation is built around active searching. You’ll cruise along the southeast coast of Lanzarote, then stop to scan using binoculars while the guide and captain look for surfacing patterns.

When dolphins appear, the crew typically steers you toward the action quickly. In multiple accounts, the captain finds a pod fast and then you get sustained viewing as animals pop up, travel, and sometimes swim alongside the boat. You may see Atlantic spotted dolphins, pilot whales, or Bryde’s whale sightings depending on conditions.

Even when sightings aren’t perfect, the hunt itself is part of the value. The commentary helps you identify what’s happening—like the difference between cetacean types—so you’re not just staring at water hoping for a fin.

One practical note for your expectations: wildlife is wild. Some days you’ll get a large group with babies; other days you might leave with turtles or no large cetaceans at all. The tour can’t control nature, but it can work hard on the search, and that effort shows up in the guide style and quick steering.

The panoramic ride along Lanzarote’s coast

Between wildlife checks, you’re treated to coastal views from the water. The boat’s speed matters here. It keeps the ride from feeling long or flat, and you get that sense of seeing the coastline from a different angle than you’d get on land.

Because this is a mini-cruise rather than a full-day expedition, you’ll feel the pacing as “hit the water, scan, then scan again.” On good days, it’s thrilling—dolphins popping up around the boat. On tougher days, you still come away with a fast ocean outing and a memorable perspective of Lanzarote’s coast.

If you burn easily, this is also the kind of trip where you’ll want to pay attention to shade. Some people prefer staying under cover when the sun is strong, while others are happy to be out in it for the best sightlines.

Swim stop: crystal water, real current, no gear provided

The tour includes time to swim from the boat, which is one of the biggest “this is more than a sightseeing cruise” reasons to book. You’ll jump in from the end of the vessel, so it’s not a long walk or a beach setup. It’s straightforward: towel in hand, swimwear on, and then you’re in open Atlantic water.

Here’s what to plan for. The current can be strong, and the safest approach is to stay close to the boat. Crew members generally keep an eye on swimmers, and people often describe the swim as refreshing even when they expected to just watch from the rail.

No snorkelling gear is included, so don’t count on fins, mask, or a full snorkel setup. If you want to snorkel properly, you’d need to bring your own. If you’re mostly there for a quick swim and a look at fish close to the surface, the lack of gear isn’t a deal-breaker—just come prepared.

Also pack warm thinking. Even if it’s sunny onshore, water can feel cooler once you’re out there. Bringing weather-appropriate clothing for after the swim is a smart move.

Guides, boats, and the little touches that matter

The biggest difference between a good wildlife tour and a frustrating one is how the crew handles people once they’re on the water. In this case, the commentary style and the captain’s driving show up repeatedly in positive notes.

Some guide names that come up: Teddy, Carlos, and Elsa. You can’t plan your day around which one you’ll get, but it tells you something about the team: they tend to be friendly, funny, and willing to explain what you’re looking at. There are also mentions of fun touches like playing sea shanties, which adds an easygoing rhythm while the crew scans for wildlife.

Another small win: people describe being able to use binoculars, and sometimes kids are handed binoculars to help them spot what the adults miss. That’s not just cute. It makes the viewing experience more interactive, and it often changes how long everyone stays engaged.

If you’re picky about seating, keep your eye on vantage points. One recurring tip is that people who ended up sitting farther back sometimes found their view better with a makeshift setup, especially if certain boat walls blocked sightlines. In other words: move if you can. Don’t freeze in the first spot.

Price and value: what $41 buys you in real terms

At around $41 per person for a 1.5-hour trip, you’re paying for three things:

1. A fast boat ride along the coast
2. Staff-led wildlife searching with live commentary
3. An actual swim stop from the boat

Many tours out of tourist areas are basically “ride and hope,” where the boat mostly serves as transport. Here, you’re not just paying to look—you’re paying for scanning and interpretation, plus a swim component that adds time in the water.

You should also factor in the nature uncertainty. If dolphins show up, the value feels easy because you’re seeing wildlife close and you get that “we’re in the action” feeling. If you don’t see dolphins, you’re still out at sea with great views and a swim, and you’re not just stuck doing another long harbor loop.

Bottom line: I’d call it good value if you want a short, energetic ocean experience that includes water time. If you only care about dolphins as the single outcome, you might feel disappointed on a low-sighting day.

What to pack (and what to skip)

Use this as your packing checklist:

Bring

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes for the ride
• Weather-appropriate layers for after you swim
• Comfortable footwear (you’ll move on and around the boat)

Don’t rely on

• Snorkelling gear (it’s not included)

One more practical tip: if you’re prone to cold, plan for it. The swim happens in open Atlantic water, and you’ll want something to stay comfortable afterward. Think quick-dry layers over heavy cotton.

Also, keep your phone and valuables secure. You’re on a fast boat near open water, so treat your belongings like they’ll get splashed.

Who this tour is for, and who should reconsider

This experience is a strong pick for:

• First-time dolphin watchers who want a guide-led search
• Families, since it’s generally described as safe and fun for kids
• Travelers who like short, active outings instead of all-day cruises
• People who want both wildlife viewing and a swim stop

It’s less ideal for:

• Anyone who needs wheelchair access. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users based on the tour info provided.
• People who only want swimming if they have snorkelling gear, since nothing is provided.

If you’re traveling with mixed ages, this tour tends to work because the ride is interesting even when sightings vary. Dolphins and whales are the headline, but the coast views and ocean swim help keep the experience rewarding.

Should you book this dolphin-watching speedboat tour?

I’d book it if you want a short, high-energy ocean trip that includes a swim and isn’t just passive sightseeing. The live commentary, the crew’s active scanning, and the repeated reports of close dolphin encounters make it a solid match for dolphin lovers who can handle wild-animal uncertainty.

I’d skip or adjust expectations if dolphins are your only acceptable outcome. The tour makes it clear that wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, and some days the best you might get is turtles, great views, and a swim.

If you’re flexible, you’ll likely feel the value fast. You’re paying for a real experience at sea: speed, searching, interpretation, and time in the Atlantic.

FAQ

How long is the dolphin-watching speedboat tour?

The tour duration is 1.5 hours.

Where does the tour start from?

The meeting point is at Lanzarote Sea Tours, next to a petrol station and a roundabout.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes time to swim from the boat.

Do I get snorkelling gear with the tour?

No. Snorkelling gear is not included.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. When dealing with wildlife in its natural habitat, sightings cannot be 100% guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and weather-appropriate clothing. Comfortable footwear is also recommended.

What languages are the live guides?

Live commentary and guiding are available in Spanish, English, and French.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is offered, with a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

You Might Also Enjoy

Dubai Marina: 1-Hour Luxury Sightseeing Speedboat TourAbu Dhabi: 60-Minute Corniche Speed Boat Sightseeing TourPhu Quoc: 4 Islands By Speedboat & Cable Car TripCairns Jet Boat Ride