If dolphins are on your wish list, this is a fun bet.

This 1.5-hour dolphin and whale mini cruise runs along Lanzarote’s west coast from Puerto del Carmen, with a fast boat and an expert crew scanning for cetaceans. You’re also promised a chance to swim and snorkel, plus onboard facts that make the ride feel like more than just a boat trip.

What I like most is the mix of effort and access: you’re out far enough to have a real wildlife chance, and you get live commentary while the crew looks with binoculars. I also like that the boat trip is short—about 90 minutes—so it fits easily into a day without hijacking your schedule.

Here’s the catch: dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, and on some days the ride can feel more like “beautiful coast cruise” than “everyone sees dolphins.” That swim/snorkel time is included, but it depends on the conditions and where the crew can safely stop.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Wildlife-first route: The crew searches actively for dolphins, whales, and other marine life using binoculars.
• Fast, close-to-the-action views: You’ll see Lanzarote’s coastline from a vantage point most people never reach.
• Swim and snorkel included: You get time in the water, usually the highlight if conditions cooperate.
• Live expert onboard commentary: Expect species info and other technical and historic context while you’re out there.
• Small-ish group size: Maximum 47 travelers, so it doesn’t feel like a cattle boat.
• English offered: The experience is offered in English, and you may also hear a multi-lingual guide.

From Puerto del Carmen Marina to the Open Sea

This mini cruise is built for a simple idea: get you offshore quickly, then spend most of the time watching. You board the fast boat Biosfera Jet and head along Lanzarote’s west coast, starting from Puerto del Carmen Marina.

The timing matters. Starting at 12:00 pm and running about 1.5 hours means you’re not committing your whole afternoon. It’s a good choice if you want marine wildlife, but you also want flexibility to do other things if the sea is calm or your mood changes.

Also, don’t be surprised by the location confusion in your planning. Even if a “Playa del Carmen” search pulls you in, this specific tour runs in Lanzarote, Spain, meeting at Av. del Varadero, S/N, 35510 Puerto del Carmen.

Getting On Board: What to Expect With Biosfera Jet

You’ll meet at Lanzarote Sea Tours at Av. del Varadero, S/N, and then the crew gets the show moving with a safety briefing before the dolphin search starts. The boat itself is a key part of why this feels like a “mini cruise” rather than a long slog—fast transit, then time scanning the water.

Plan on being on your own for getting there. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, but it’s described as near public transportation, so it’s usually manageable to reach from town.

One more practical note: food and drinks aren’t included, and binoculars aren’t provided. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. But it does mean you should bring the basics you need for comfort during the ride.

The Dolphin and Whale Search: How You Might Spend Your Time

The core of the experience is the hunt. After departure, the crew searches for dolphins and whales, along with other marine wildlife, using experienced eyes and binoculars.

When things go right, you’ll catch dolphins near the boat, and the crew’s guidance helps you understand what you’re seeing instead of just guessing. The onboard team also shares information about cetacean species you may encounter, plus technical and historic context so the sightings feel meaningful.

When things don’t go right, it’s still a real possibility you’ll come back without cetacean sightings. And since the tour is wildlife-based, that’s not a “failure” of the operator—it’s nature. Still, you should book with that mindset: this is a chance to spot marine life, not a guaranteed encounter.

Lanzarote’s Coastline From Sea Level: The Bonus You Don’t Want to Miss

Even if dolphins don’t show up, the route along Lanzarote’s west coast can still be the payoff. From a fast boat, you get a changing view every few minutes—cliffs, shoreline shapes, and long stretches of coast that are hard to appreciate from the road.

This is one of those tours where the “scenery during the search” is not filler. It’s part of why the trip works as an afternoon reset. If you’re the type who likes to look out the window and feel like you’re getting somewhere, this fits.

Swim and Snorkel Time: How the Included Water Moment Works

The tour includes a swim and snorkel experience, and the idea is that you’ll get into Lanzarote’s clear water for a short break from watching the surface.

A few important realities:

• There’s no promise of exact timing or location for your water time.
• Your chances improve when conditions are cooperative and the crew finds a suitable spot.

So think of it as included, but not guaranteed in the same way a ticketed museum stop is guaranteed. If you’re hoping for a long snorkel session, manage expectations—this is a mini cruise, not an all-day water adventure.

If you’re bringing your own snorkel gear, keep it simple. If you don’t have gear, the tour doesn’t list it as something you bring; it only says snorkel time is included. You’ll want to confirm what’s provided on the day when you book, since the information here only guarantees the experience, not the equipment details.

The Onboard Guide: More Than Just Pointing at Water

The biggest difference between a plain boat ride and this cruise is the onboard commentary. You’ll get live, expert-style information while you’re searching, including details about the marine species you may see.

The guide also provides technical and historic information during the trip. In plain terms: it helps you connect the dots—what dolphins or whales might be, why they behave the way they do, and what you’re likely looking at when the sea suddenly gets active.

And since the tour is offered in English (with the possibility of a multi-lingual guide), you can usually keep up without relying on translations on your phone.

Price and Value: Does $42.05 Make Sense?

At $42.05 per person, the pricing is fairly reasonable for a 90-minute coastal boat trip with wildlife scanning and live onboard commentary, plus an included swim/snorkel component.

Where the value gets real is the combination:

• You’re paying for a structured outing, not just “rent a boat and hope.”
• The crew actively searches for cetaceans, so you’re using their time and expertise.
• The short duration keeps it from feeling like a big chunk of your day.

Where it can feel less worth it is when your priorities are very specific—like dolphins and long water time with lots of stops. Since sightings aren’t guaranteed, you should decide whether you’re okay with “beautiful coast + maybe marine life” versus “I must see dolphins.”

If your group is happy with nature, and you want a straightforward, low-commitment experience, this price can work well.

Who This Fits Best (And Who Might Feel Frustrated)

This is a strong match for:

• Families who want something short and lively.
• Couples doing a low-effort activity between bigger plans.
• Anyone who likes sea views and wants a real chance at wildlife sightings.
• Travelers who appreciate onboard explanations instead of just watching from the rail.

It’s less ideal if:

• Your top goal is guaranteed dolphin sightings.
• You want an extended swimming/snorkeling session with lots of time in the water.
• You’re the type who wants a very predictable schedule regardless of sea conditions.

One more detail that helps your planning: the maximum group size is 47 travelers. That’s big enough to feel social, but small enough that you’re less likely to feel lost in a mass.

When Weather Changes the Plan

This experience requires good weather, and the operator may cancel due to poor conditions or force majeure. If that happens, you should expect a replacement date or a refund, with the contact happening within a stated window ahead of time.

So if you’re booking on a tight schedule, keep a little flexibility. And if the forecast looks rough, it’s smarter to plan your day so you’re not emotionally married to the noon slot.

Should You Book This Dolphin Mini Cruise?

Book it if you want a short, guided boat outing with a real chance at cetaceans, plus a swim/snorkel window if conditions allow. At $42.05, it’s also a decent way to “try for dolphins” without spending a full day.

Skip it or rethink your expectations if you need guaranteed wildlife sightings or a long snorkeling stop. The experience is wildlife-based, and on some trips the ocean stays quiet.

My practical rule: treat this as a fun marine outing with upside. If you show up with curiosity instead of certainty, you’re much more likely to leave happy—whether dolphins make an appearance or the coastline does the convincing.

FAQ

How long is the Dolphin Mini Cruise?

It runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tour depart from?

You depart from Puerto del Carmen Marina, with the meeting point listed at Av. del Varadero, S/N, 35510 Puerto del Carmen.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time shown is 12:00 pm.

Are dolphin and whale sightings guaranteed?

No. Dolphin sightings are not 100% guaranteed since this is wildlife.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. A swim and snorkel experience is included.

What’s not included in the ticket price?

Binoculars, food and drinks, and hotel pickup/drop-off are not included.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The supplier may cancel due to poor weather or force majeure. If this happens, you’ll be offered a new alternative date or a full refund, and they contact you within 48 to 24 hours in advance.