Lanzarote: Lobos Island Half-Day Dolphin Watching Trip

Imagine bobbing along in a speedboat, with the Atlantic breeze in your hair, searching for playful dolphins. This half-day trip from Lanzarote to Lobos Island offers that thrill—plus the chance to wander a charming fishing village and snorkel in pristine waters. It’s a well-priced excursion at around $82 per person, running for about 5.5 hours with a mix of wildlife spotting, scenic views, and leisure time.

We love the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural habitat — a rare, special moment that many reviewers highlight as the trip’s highlight. Plus, the scenery of Lobos Island itself, with its volcanic trails and unspoiled beaches, makes this tour more than just a wildlife chase.

A potential consideration is the boat ride’s speed—it can be quite bumpy, especially on the return leg—so it’s not ideal if you’re sensitive to rough seas. Also, wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, which is worth keeping in mind if seeing dolphins is your top priority. However, if you’re eager to combine marine life encounters with exploring a beautifully preserved island, this tour could be a perfect fit.

This experience tends to suit families, nature lovers, and first-time visitors who enjoy boat excursions and scenic walking. People who appreciate a good mix of activity and relaxation, along with insider tips from multilingual guides, will find it especially rewarding.

Key Points

• Wildlife Viewing: Dolphins, whales, and flying fish are often spotted, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.
• Scenic Journey: The boat ride offers panoramic views of Lanzarote’s coast and Lobos Island’s volcanic landscape.
• Authentic Experience: Free time on Lobos allows you to explore at your own pace—whether hiking, swimming, or just soaking up the scenery.
• Value for Money: Includes transport, boat trips, a picnic lunch, and guided commentary—making it a comprehensive day out.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off, with flexible cancellation options.
• Potential Bumps: The boat can be choppy, and the early morning pick-up might require some patience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transfer

The adventure begins with hotel pickup (from various locations like Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, Arrecife, and Puerto del Carmen), often starting as early as 8:30 AM. The bus ride to the port is comfortable and air-conditioned, lasting around 30 minutes. Knowing your pickup time helps you plan your morning and sets the tone for a smooth day.

The Boat Ride to Lobos Island

Once at Varadero Puerto del Carmen, you board a speed boat for a roughly 1.5-hour cruise across the Atlantic. The highlight here is the chance to see dolphins and other marine mammals following the boat’s route. Several reviews mention excellent guides, like Raquel, who are skilled at spotting wildlife and providing detailed, engaging commentary in multiple languages.

It’s worth noting that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the crew’s enthusiasm and experience boost your odds. For instance, one traveler marveled at seeing a pod of dolphins that stayed with the boat for over ten minutes, turning an ordinary boat ride into a memorable wildlife encounter. Others, however, appreciated the journey regardless of sightings, simply enjoying the beautiful scenery of the coastline and the thrill of being at sea.

Time on Lobos Island

Upon arrival, you get about 2.5 hours free to explore Lobos Island—an uninhabited natural park with volcanic landscapes, lagoons, and beaches. Many reviewers rave about the idyllic beaches and clear shallow waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. A common activity is hiking the volcanic trails or visiting the small fishing village, which features charming local restaurants and relaxed atmosphere.

One traveler mentioned that Lobos looks “post-apocalyptic,” with surreal volcanic terrain, but many find its rugged beauty captivating. The limited time means you’ll want to prioritize whether to relax on the beach, go for a swim, or hike. Keep in mind, shaded areas are scarce, so be sure to bring sun protection.

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Lunch & Leisure

The trip includes a picnic lunch with drinks, such as sandwiches, gazpacho, yogurt drinks, and water or beer. The reviews highlight the generous packed lunch as a surprisingly good value—many found it sufficient even for a full day. Some reviews note that the sandwiches are simple but tasty, and having drinks on hand is a relief in the warm weather.

Return Journey

After your time on Lobos, you hop back on the boat for a roughly one-hour return trip to Puerto del Carmen. The boat ride home can be a bit bumpy, especially if the seas are lively, which might not suit everyone. One reviewer mentioned the ride felt “like a rollercoaster,” so it’s worth considering if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer calmer waters.

Final Transfer & Drop-Off

The bus will be waiting to return you to your hotel, with a typical schedule allowing for drop-offs at around 4:00 PM, depending on pick-up locations. The tour covers over 40 different hotel stops, making it very convenient for travelers staying in Lanzarote.

The Real Value of the Tour

This trip offers much more than just dolphin watching. It’s a well-organized day that combines wildlife, scenic vistas, and free time in one package. For $82, you get multiple modes of transportation, a guided boat trip, a picnic, and ample time to explore Lobos—quite a good deal when you consider the logistics involved.

The guided commentary adds educational value, enriching your understanding of marine life and the island’s geology. Several reviews praise the knowledgeable guides who are attentive and enthusiastic, turning what might be a simple boat ride into an engaging experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Those eager to see dolphins and whales in the wild, and who enjoy a scenic boating adventure, will find this trip rewarding. Families with children who are comfortable on boats will appreciate the mix of wildlife and leisure. Nature lovers, or anyone wanting a taste of authentic Lanzarote, will enjoy the free time on Lobos Island to explore at their own pace.

Who Might Want to Prepare?

If you’re prone to seasickness, the boat’s choppy return might be a concern. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and water, as the sun can be intense with limited shade. Also, if you’re not a fan of early mornings or quick boat rides, consider your comfort level beforehand.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation, with the chance to spot dolphins, explore volcanic landscapes, and enjoy a tasty picnic. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for a full sensory experience—the sights, sounds, and even the flavors of a day at sea and on Lobos Island.

The reviews consistently praise the guides’ professionalism and friendly attitude, which enhances the overall experience. The natural beauty of Lobos Island, combined with the excitement of wildlife sightings, makes this a memorable outing for many travelers.

While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed and the boat can be bumpy, these are minor considerations compared to the chance to see dolphins in their natural environment and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Lobos. If you appreciate authentic, well-organized excursions that combine nature, scenic views, and leisure, this tour is well worth your time.

FAQ

Will we definitely see dolphins?
Sightings depend on wildlife activity, which can vary daily. Guides do their best to locate dolphins, but it’s not guaranteed.

How long do we spend on Lobos Island?
You’ll have approximately 2.5 hours free to explore, swim, hike, or relax at your own pace.

Is the boat ride comfortable?
The ride is fast and can be choppy, especially on the return. If you’re sensitive to motion or seasickness, bring appropriate remedies.

What’s included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, a 1.5-hour boat trip, guided commentary, a picnic lunch with drinks, and free time on Lobos Island.

Are there options for vegetarian or food allergies?
You should contact the provider at least a day before the trip for special dietary needs, although specific options aren’t detailed.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While generally family-friendly, it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues or very young children due to walking challenges and boat conditions.

This Lobos Island dolphin-watching trip strikes a nice balance between adventure, wildlife, and leisure. If your ideal day involves spotting marine mammals, soaking up volcanic scenery, and wandering an unspoiled island, it’s a great choice. Just be prepared for a bit of boat bumpiness and the unpredictable nature of wildlife sightings, and you’re set for a memorable Lanzarote outing.

You can check availability for your dates here: