Dolphin Watching Mini Cruise and Snorkeling from Lanzarote

Dolphin Watching Mini Cruise and Snorkeling from Lanzarote offers a compact but engaging way to enjoy the island’s coast and marine life. For around $49 per person, you’ll hop aboard the Biosfera Jet fast boat at Puerto del Carmen marina and set out on a 1.5-hour adventure along Lanzarote’s west coast. This trip is mainly about spotting dolphins, whales, and other marine mammals in their natural environment, complemented by a quick snorkeling session in clear Atlantic waters.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines the thrill of marine wildlife watching with the scenic beauty of Lanzarote’s coastline — especially if you’re a fan of ocean vistas and seaside exploration. Plus, the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters adds a refreshing touch to the experience, making it more than just a boat ride. The crew’s detailed commentary about the various cetaceans you might encounter helps deepen your connection to the natural environment.

That said, one key consideration is that dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, which can disappoint if your main goal is to see these playful creatures. Some reviews mention that the sighting chance is about 50/50, so it’s worth keeping expectations realistic. Still, even if the dolphins decide to stay hidden, the scenic coast views and the snorkeling can make the trip worthwhile. This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy boat rides, marine wildlife, and scenic coastal explorations, particularly those who are flexible and open to surprises.

Key Points

• Marine Wildlife Watching: A good chance to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat, though not guaranteed.
• Scenic Coast Views: Panoramic vistas along Lanzarote’s rugged west coast.
• Snorkeling Opportunity: Swim in clear Atlantic waters, with some reviews praising the fun and freshness.
• Tour Duration & Size: 1.5 hours with a maximum of 48 travelers, offering a balance between intimacy and lively group energy.
• Value for Money: At approximately $49, it’s a reasonable price for a memorable marine experience.
• Mixed Reviews on Sightings & Experience: Some travelers loved it, others felt disappointed about dolphin sightings or the short stay at Los Lobos.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The Starting Point and Logistics

You’ll meet at Lanzarote Sea Tours on Avenida del Varadero in Puerto del Carmen. The tour kicks off around noon, giving you a chance to enjoy a late morning or early lunch before setting sail. Since transportation isn’t included, planning your arrival is crucial—many travelers note that late bookings mean they had to arrange their own transfer, which adds a small logistical step but is manageable with a little planning.

The group size is capped at 48 people, which strikes a good balance—large enough for lively camaraderie but still small enough to feel personal. The mobile ticket system makes the booking straightforward, and the process generally includes a brief safety briefing before departure.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For your ticket price of around $48, you’ll enjoy 1.5 hours on the water, which flies by when you’re gazing at the coastline or scanning for marine mammals. The tour includes a snorkeling session—which many reviewers highlight as a fun, refreshing break—though some found it a bit short and wish it was longer or more centrally timed in the trip.

You won’t get snacks or drinks included, though some reviews mention that bringing your own towels, swimsuits, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes makes the experience more comfortable. The crew is praised for their friendliness and informative commentary, which enhances the value of the trip beyond just the scenery.

The Itinerary in Detail

The trip begins with a brief safety and orientation talk, setting expectations for the marine wildlife hunt. Then, the boat departs from Puerto del Carmen and heads along Lanzarote’s west coast, a rugged and dramatic shoreline that offers striking views of volcanic formations and beaches.

The main highlight is the search for dolphins and whales, aided by binoculars and the crew’s detailed knowledge. Several travelers have commented on the crew’s enthusiasm and informative narration, describing it as engaging and educational. You might hear about the different species of cetaceans and their habits—adding depth to the often mesmerizing sighting.

While the dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, many reviews recount successful encounters. One traveler said, “We saw a magnificent display, dolphins in total freedom—they were amazing,” while others expressed disappointment with the unpredictability, such as a review stating, “Pas vu un Dauphin 1 chance sur 2, trop aléatoire, forcément déçu.”

After the wildlife hunt, the boat anchors in calmer waters for snorkeling. Many travelers find this part the most enjoyable, especially in the clear waters around Lobos Island. The scenery here is breathtaking—a quiet, unspoiled patch of nature that feels like stepping into a postcard.

The return journey offers spectacular views of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote’s coast, which everyone agrees is a high point, offering great photo opportunities. The trip concludes back at the marina, leaving you with a sense of having experienced a slice of Atlantic life, even if the dolphins stayed elusive.

The Beach and Lobos Island

A popular feature is the visit to Los Lobos, a small island just off Lanzarote’s coast. Many reviews describe it as “gorgeous” and “beautiful”, though some mention the short time spent there—about 20 minutes—feeling a bit rushed. The highlight seems to be the stunning vistas and the chance to swim or walk around, with some reviewers lamenting that they would’ve liked a longer visit.

The Food and Crew

While the tour doesn’t include meals, reviewers mention that the lunch offered on the boat is “delicious and typical of the Canaries,” providing a nice local touch. The crew consistently receives praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and enthusiasm, making the whole experience more enjoyable, especially if you’re new to boat trips or marine excursions.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy sea voyages and are flexible about dolphin sightings. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a short, scenic escape with the chance to see marine mammals in the wild and enjoy some refreshing snorkeling. If your priority is guaranteed wildlife viewing or more time on land, you might find this tour less satisfying, but for those seeking authentic ocean encounters and spectacular coastlines, it delivers well.

Travelers who’ve been on similar tours say it’s a “beautiful, memorable outing,” especially if you’re okay with the unpredictability of marine life sightings. Even those who didn’t see dolphins still enjoyed the stunning vistas and fun snorkel.

The Sum Up

This Dolphin Watching Mini Cruise and Snorkeling offers a reasonably priced peek into Lanzarote’s marine environment, combined with scenic views and a splash of adventure. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a short, activity-packed experience that combines wildlife, coastline scenery, and water fun. The chance to see dolphins in the wild adds a special element, though it’s not guaranteed—so keeping expectations flexible is wise.

The quality of the crew, the enjoyable snorkeling, and the impressive views make this tour a worthwhile choice for those staying close to Puerto del Carmen. It’s a good pick for families, couples, or solo adventurers eager to enjoy the Atlantic’s open waters without a long commitment or hefty expense.

If you love ocean vistas, wildlife in motion, and authentic sea experiences, this tour can be a memorable highlight of your Lanzarote trip. Just remember to bring your own towel and sunscreen, and perhaps pack a sense of adventure for those unexpected dolphin sightings.

FAQ

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to Lanzarote Sea Tours in Puerto del Carmen.

How long does the tour last?
The trip lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from departure to return.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
No, sightings are not guaranteed. Some reviews mention a 50/50 chance, so it’s best to be prepared for the possibility of not seeing dolphins.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes to enjoy the snorkeling and the boat ride comfortably.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, there’s a snorkeling session in the calm waters near Lobos Island, which most travelers find enjoyable.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 48 travelers, which offers a good balance between socializing and personal space.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start, and you’ll receive a full refund.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs about $48.71 per person, making it a pretty affordable option for a scenic ocean adventure.

What do reviews say about the crew?
The crew consistently receives praise for being friendly, informative, and helpful, enhancing the overall experience.

In the end, this cruise is a lively, scenic, and often rewarding way to spend part of your Lanzarote holiday. You’ll come away with great photos, stories of marine wildlife (even if the dolphins stay shy), and memories of stunning coastlines in the Atlantic. Perfect if you want an active, engaging, and picturesque excursion without the fuss of a long tour or high cost.