Puerto del Carmen: Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Tour with Swim

The best part of this Puerto del Carmen trip is the chance to see dolphins in open water, sometimes close enough to watch them race beside the low-sided Biosfera Jet. The boat also gives you a quick, lively ride along Lanzarote’s southeast coast, followed by a swim straight from the stern.

I like the wildlife-first approach, since the animals are not kept for display, and I like the crew’s effort to involve everyone, especially children. Guides such as Teddy, Carlos, and Elsa have been praised for warm, funny commentary, though the names may change. The main drawback is simple: wild dolphins and whales follow their own timetable, so you may spend the whole 1.5 hours without a sighting.

Key points to know before booking

• A low fast boat gives you close views: Dolphins can appear beside the boat, not just far off on the horizon.
• The swim stop is a real part of the outing: You can jump into clear Atlantic water, but bring your own towel and swimwear.
• Sightings vary: Dolphins, pilot whales, Bryde’s whales, turtles, and other sea life have all been seen, but no animal encounter is promised.
• The crew adds a lot: Live commentary covers cetaceans, local facts, and boat safety in English, Spanish, or French.
• The $41 price is reasonable: You get a boat ride, wildlife search, commentary, and swim in 90 minutes.
• Sun and motion matter: Bring sunscreen, warm clothing, comfortable footwear, and prepare for spray and a bouncy ride.

Leaving Puerto del Carmen on the Biosfera Jet

You meet Lanzarote Sea Tours near the petrol station and roundabout, beside the company office. Hotel pickup is not included, so allow time to reach Puerto del Carmen marina on your own.

At the boat, you receive a short safety briefing before setting off. The ride begins with views of the southeast coast, and the fast boat quickly puts open water between you and the marina. This is not a slow sightseeing cruise with a long speech at the dock. You get moving early, which matters on a 90-minute trip.

The Biosfera Jet is a low boat, a useful feature when dolphins appear near the hull. A high-sided vessel can make small animals hard to see from a seated position. Here, the crew can help direct your attention, and children may be given binoculars to help with the search.

The trade-off is exposure. A low speedboat gives you a better view, but it also leaves you more open to sun, wind, and spray. If you burn easily, use sunscreen before boarding and take the shaded area when you need a break. Keep a light warm layer with you, even on a hot day.

Searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles

The wildlife search is the heart of the outing. The captain and crew scan the water with binoculars, looking for movement, splashes, and groups of animals. The crew also explains the species you may encounter and gives technical and local information as you go.

Dolphins are the most likely reason you book, but the possible sightings are wider than the name suggests. Past trips have included large groups of dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, pilot whales, Bryde’s whales, and turtles. One outing found a mother and baby dolphin. Another encountered a very large group that stayed with the boat for around 20 minutes.

You might see dolphins immediately, or you might wait while the crew searches. A successful encounter can be spectacular, with animals swimming beside the boat, moving in and out of the water, or crossing in front of the bow. But you need to treat that as luck, not a promise. Several trips have produced no dolphins or other marine life, while still offering a pleasant ride and good coastal views.

That uncertainty is worth considering before you pay. If your holiday plans depend on seeing a dolphin, this is not a guaranteed attraction. If you are happy to spend time at sea and accept the wildlife as a bonus, the trip makes more sense.

The crew’s attitude also matters. The best encounters described from this tour involve the captain slowing down and letting the dolphins approach instead of forcing a close pass. That is the right way to experience wild animals. You are watching them in their own setting, not attending a performance.

What the live commentary adds

The guide does more than point toward a fin. You hear information about cetacean species, their habits, and the natural setting around Lanzarote. The commentary is offered in English, Spanish, and French.

The tone appears informal and friendly. Guides named Teddy and Carlos have been praised for humor and clear help, while Elsa was remembered for being kind and attentive. Those names come from particular departures, so do not assume that one of them will lead your trip.

Children are part of the audience here. Crew members have helped younger passengers get a better position and, on some trips, handed them binoculars for the search. That can turn a long wait into a group activity instead of a quiet spell on a moving boat.

The crew has also been willing to adjust seating when a side wall blocked someone’s view. That kind of small practical help can make a difference on a compact boat, especially when everyone wants to see the same pod.

The Atlantic swim stop

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for a swim. You can enter the water directly from the boat, which gives the outing a refreshing finish and breaks up the time spent sitting or scanning the horizon.

The water is described as clear, and the swim is suitable for a quick dip rather than a full snorkeling session. Snorkeling gear is not included, so bring equipment only if you already have it and want to use it. The tour does not promise a guided snorkeling experience or a list of underwater species.

Pay attention to the sea conditions. A strong current has been noted at the swim stop, so stay close to the boat and follow the crew’s directions. If you are not a confident swimmer, you can simply remain on board. You should also remember that the Atlantic can feel cool even after a warm day in the sun.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and suitable footwear. A warm layer is sensible because the boat ride can feel cooler after you leave the sheltered marina. Food and drinks are not included, so eat and drink before the trip or plan accordingly.

Speed, comfort, and the view from the coast

This is both a wildlife trip and a speedboat ride. Several families have enjoyed the boat bouncing over waves, particularly on the return to shore. That motion is fun for some people and uncomfortable for others.

If you get seasick, the combination of speed, open water, and repeated scanning may be a concern. The tour details do not list seasickness support, so consider your own tolerance before booking. Young children have joined successfully, and one family with a three-year-old felt safe, but every child reacts differently to a fast, moving boat.

The coastal views are a useful backup when wildlife does not appear. You see Lanzarote from offshore, with a broad view of the coast that you cannot get from the marina or a road. Even a quiet wildlife day still gives you fresh air, open Atlantic views, and a chance to swim.

The return can be lively when the waves are up. Spray may come over the side, which some families count as part of the fun. Wear clothes that can handle a little salt water, and protect phones and cameras.

Is $41 good value for 90 minutes?

At $41 per person, this is a fairly priced short excursion. You are paying for a fast boat, a wildlife search, live guiding, and a swim stop. Comparable outings can cost more simply because they run longer or include hotel transport, neither of which is part of this package.

The value depends on how you measure success. If you see a large pod, a whale, or turtles, the price feels very strong. Several sightings have included dozens or even hundreds of dolphins, and some animals have stayed near the boat long enough for everyone to watch.

If no animals appear, the value is less certain. You still receive the boat ride, commentary, coastal views, and swim, but you will need to be comfortable paying for the chance rather than a guaranteed result. That is the honest price of searching for wild creatures.

The 1.5-hour length helps if you are fitting this into a busy Lanzarote day. It is short enough to combine with time in Puerto del Carmen, and it does not commit you to a full-day cruise. On the other hand, the limited duration means the crew cannot spend hours extending the search if animals are far away.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this for families, couples, and anyone who wants a compact sea outing with a real chance of wildlife. It works especially well for children who like speed, boats, and the excitement of watching for movement on the water.

It is also a good fit if you care about seeing animals in their natural habitat rather than visiting a marine show. The encounters are unpredictable, but that is part of what makes a successful sighting feel special.

You may want a different activity if you need guaranteed wildlife, a long relaxed cruise, included drinks, or a full snorkeling program. This is an active search on a fast boat, not a floating lounge.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and you must bring your own food, drinks, and snorkeling gear if wanted.

Practical details that make the day easier

Check the available departure time when booking, since the start times can vary. Arrive at the Lanzarote Sea Tours office by the petrol station and roundabout, and confirm where to queue before boarding.

Keep sunscreen handy, not buried in a bag. You may spend much of the search in direct sun, and the wind can make the heat feel less intense than it is. A towel, warm layer, comfortable clothing, and secure footwear cover the main needs.

Do not pack the day around a guaranteed dolphin photograph. Bring a camera if you like, but keep your attention on the water. The best moments can happen quickly, and the boat may turn as soon as the captain spots a pod.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options are useful when your Lanzarote plans are still moving around, especially since sea conditions and family schedules can change.

Should you book the Puerto del Carmen dolphin trip?

Book it if you want a short, fairly priced sea adventure with a serious chance of dolphins and a swim at the end. The strongest reason to choose it is the combination of a low boat, an active crew, and open-water encounters that can bring dolphins close beside you.

Skip it if a sighting is essential to your holiday or if fast boats and open water make you uneasy. Go in expecting a search, not a show. With that mindset, the coastline, ride, commentary, and swim provide a worthwhile outing even on a quiet wildlife day.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto del Carmen dolphin tour?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours, including the boat ride, wildlife search, commentary, and time to swim.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Lanzarote Sea Tours in Puerto del Carmen. The office is located next to the petrol station and the roundabout.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. Dolphins, whales, turtles, and other marine life live in the wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include dolphins, whales, pilot whales, Bryde’s whales, turtles, and other marine species. The animals you see will depend on conditions and their location that day.

Is swimming included?

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

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling gear is not included. Bring your own if you want to use it, along with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and weather-appropriate layers.

What languages are available, and is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Live guiding is available in Spanish, English, and French. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.