Lanzarote: Dolphin Watching by speedboat

The best part of this Lanzarote outing is the mix of fast RIB-boat action and patient wildlife watching. The Waverider carries only 12 people, so you get a closer view of the sea than on a large sightseeing boat, and the crew actively scans for dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other marine life.

I like the compact group size, and I like that the crew does more than simply race offshore. The captain may change speed, circle back, follow the coast, or head farther out while searching. The main drawback is simple: no dolphin sighting is guaranteed, so you need to value the boat ride and ocean views even if the animals stay out of sight.

Key points to know before you book

• The Waverider carries up to 12 people, giving the trip a small-group feel.
• The ride itself is a major part of the fun, with quick runs across the water and changing speeds.
• Dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other sea life are possible sightings, but wildlife follows its own timetable.
• The trip leaves from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen and lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Bring sunscreen, water, and secure eyewear, since the sun can be intense and the boat moves quickly.
• Pickup charges may apply, especially from areas such as Costa Teguise, so confirm the transport cost before paying.

A small RIB gives you more sea time, not just a dolphin hunt

This is not a slow harbor cruise with a guaranteed animal show. You board the Waverider, a rigid inflatable boat used for marine safaris, and head out from Puerto del Carmen’s Old Port with a qualified captain and crew.

The boat holds just 12 people. That matters in two ways. First, you avoid the feeling of being one face in a large crowd. Second, the crew can answer questions and point out wildlife without having to shout across a packed deck.

I also like the balance between speed and observation. The Waverider can move quickly over the water, but the captain does not simply charge in one direction and call it a day. The route may include open water, stretches along the shoreline, and turns back through areas where the crew has spotted movement.

That makes the outing feel more like a search than a fixed sightseeing route. You are not promised a particular animal at a particular location. Instead, the crew uses its familiarity with Lanzarote’s marine waters to look for signs of life.

Leaving Puerto del Carmen’s Old Port

The starting point is Puerto del Carmen’s Old Port, a useful base for a sea trip on the island’s southeast coast. If you use the pickup option, the instructions say to wait in front of your accommodation lobby 15 minutes before the agreed time.

Pickup details deserve a little care. Transport is listed as included, but some passengers paid an additional €5 or €10 per person for transfers, including rides from Costa Teguise. One person found the private-style transfer good value compared with a taxi, while another felt the extra charge was not clear when booking.

My advice is to confirm the pickup price and collection area before you finalize the reservation. If you are already staying near Puerto del Carmen, reaching the Old Port yourself may keep things simpler.

Before departure, life jackets are provided. Footwear may be placed in a box on the jetty, and bags can be stored in a covered container on the boat. Keep your small essentials together, since the fastest part of the outing is not the time to search through loose belongings.

What the 2 to 2.5 hours feel like on the water

The advertised duration is about two to two and a half hours, including the boat outing and wildlife search. That is long enough to get beyond a quick harbor spin, but short enough to fit into a morning or afternoon on Lanzarote.

The opening section is about getting out onto the water and feeling the speed of the RIB. Several people particularly enjoyed the captain’s changes of pace and the lively ride over the waves. If you enjoy a little motion, this part may be the highlight.

The sea can be choppy. One passenger described the ride as exhilarating, while another noted that the captain adjusted speed to the conditions. That is a good sign for comfort, but you should still expect movement. This is not the right choice if you need a completely smooth boat trip.

Once the boat reaches suitable viewing areas, the pace becomes less predictable. The captain may slow down, turn, circle, follow the coast, or travel farther offshore while looking for animals. Your attention will shift from the wake to the water around you.

The crew may identify seabirds, turtles, dolphins, and other marine creatures. The available information does not promise a set route or a fixed number of stops, so think of this as one continuous search at sea rather than a tour with named landings.

Dolphin sightings are possible, not promised

Dolphins are the main draw, and several trips have produced memorable sightings. One outing saw two species of dolphins, while another included a close and beautiful dolphin encounter. Those are strong reasons to hope for a successful search.

Still, other trips found no dolphins or other sea creatures. The crew continued looking, including by circling back, traveling farther out, and running along the shoreline, but the animals did not appear. That is not a failure of the boat or captain. Wildlife watching always depends on location, conditions, and luck.

I suggest setting your expectations before boarding. If seeing dolphins is your only reason for booking, you may feel disappointed. If you would enjoy a high-energy boat ride, sea air, coastal views, and the chance to see wildlife, the outing offers fairer value.

The crew’s role matters here. A guide who watches the water carefully can make a real difference, since dolphins can surface briefly and disappear just as fast. The crew is also available to answer questions about marine life in English, French, or Spanish.

The Waverider ride is part of the attraction

The speedboat element gives this outing a different mood from a standard wildlife cruise. You feel the boat accelerate across the water, then settle or turn as the captain searches. That change of pace keeps the trip active.

A hat can be a problem during the fast sections. One captain stopped, turned back, and recovered a hat that had blown into the water, but you should not count on a rescue for your own belongings. Secure hats, glasses, phones, and loose items before the boat picks up speed.

Eyewear deserves special attention. If you wear glasses, use a tight strap or remove them while the boat is moving quickly. Sunglasses are useful in the bright Lanzarote sun, but they need to stay on your face.

Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat that fits securely. One passenger reported getting badly sunburned despite enjoying the trip. The open boat gives you little shade, and the reflection from the sea adds to the heat.

The boat provides water, but food is not included. I would eat before departure and bring only what you can store safely and comfortably. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Wildlife beyond dolphins

Dolphins may get top billing, but they are not the only reason to watch the water. The trip can include seabirds, turtles, and other sea creatures connected to the Canary Islands’ marine environment.

Birds are especially useful when dolphin sightings do not happen. One trip produced no dolphins but offered plenty of seabirds flying around the boat. That kind of wildlife can keep the outing interesting, particularly if you enjoy observing movement and natural behavior rather than collecting a single photo.

Turtles and other marine animals are possible rather than guaranteed. The crew can answer questions, but the supplied information does not promise a naturalist lecture or a formal educational program. You should expect practical commentary from the crew, not a long classroom talk.

Take time to look in every direction. The attraction is not only the water directly beside the boat. You might notice birds overhead, a changing shoreline, or movement farther away before anyone else does.

How much value do you get for $77?

At $77 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Lanzarote. The value depends on what you want from the outing.

You are paying for a two to two and a half hour boat trip, a small group of up to 12 people, a captain, crew support, life jacket, water, and a serious attempt to find marine life. You are also paying for the RIB ride itself, which many people found exciting even when no dolphins appeared.

For me, the small capacity helps justify the price. A 12-person boat gives the crew a better chance to interact with you, and it avoids the packed feeling common on larger marine excursions. The trip also offers more physical excitement than a calm sightseeing cruise.

The value drops if you require a guaranteed dolphin encounter. No wildlife operator can promise that honestly, and this tour clearly warns that sightings are not guaranteed. If you would be unhappy with a fast boat ride and seabirds as the main reward, save your money.

The optional transfer cost also affects the final price. Confirm whether transportation from your accommodation is included in your booking and whether an extra €5 or €10 per person applies.

Who will enjoy this speedboat trip?

This outing suits families with older children, couples, friends, and anyone who likes being on the ocean. The small boat and lively pace make it a good match for people who want more than a passive cruise.

It is not suitable for children under 2 or for pregnant women. The ride can be choppy, and the boat’s movement may be uncomfortable if you are sensitive to motion.

I would also think carefully if you have limited mobility or dislike climbing into a small boat. The available details do not describe an accessibility arrangement, so ask the operator before booking if you need specific assistance.

The trip works well for photographers, but only if you protect your equipment. Wildlife appears without warning, and the boat can move quickly. A camera or phone should be secured rather than held loosely during the ride.

An evening departure may suit you if you want softer light and cooler conditions. One evening trip produced dolphin sightings and was considered especially enjoyable. The exact start times depend on availability, so check the schedule for your date.

Languages, cancellation, and useful planning details

The live guide is available in English, French, and Spanish. Some booking content may appear in its original language, so contact the provider if you need a specific detail clarified.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which can help when your Lanzarote schedule is still changing.

Plan to arrive ready for the sea rather than dressed for a town walk. Wear secure footwear for the port area, protect your skin, and keep loose belongings in a safe place. Ask about shoe and bag storage when you arrive.

Most important, leave room in your expectations. The crew can search hard and still find nothing. The best approach is to treat dolphins as a welcome bonus, not as the only measure of a successful day.

Should you book the Lanzarote dolphin speedboat?

Book it if you want a small-group ocean trip with real speed, coastal views, and a genuine chance to see dolphins, turtles, or seabirds. The crew’s willingness to vary the route and keep searching adds value, and the RIB ride remains enjoyable even when nature refuses to cooperate.

Skip it if you need a calm, guaranteed wildlife encounter or if choppy water is likely to make you uncomfortable. At $77, the trip makes the most sense for someone who values the whole sea outing, not just a dolphin photograph.

For the best chance of enjoying it, secure your glasses and hat, bring sunscreen and water, confirm any pickup fee, and board ready for both outcomes: dolphins at the surface, or a fast ride through Lanzarote’s open water with seabirds for company.

FAQ

Where does the dolphin-watching trip depart from?

The boat departs from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote.

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $77 per person.

How many people can ride on the boat?

The Waverider is an exclusive RIB boat for up to 12 people.

Which animals might I see?

You may see dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other marine creatures. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. The operator states that sightings of dolphins and other sea creatures cannot be guaranteed.

Which languages are available?

The live guide is available in English, French, and Spanish.

What is included in the price?

Transportation, the boat trip, a life jacket, the captain, and water are included. Food is not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is included according to the activity details, but extra charges of €5 or €10 per person have applied for some collection areas. Confirm the cost before booking.

Who cannot take this activity?

The trip is not suitable for children under 2 or pregnant women. Alcohol and drugs are also not allowed.