Dolphins are never guaranteed, but the hunt is half the fun. This mini cruise on the fast Biosfera Jet pairs a smooth coast ride from Puerto del Carmen with a snorkel stop and a genuine shot at seeing dolphins in the wild. I especially like the friendly crew energy and the simple, no-nonsense pace of a 1.5-hour outing.

The biggest thing to consider is also the biggest reason this tour stays honest: dolphin sightings are not 100% guaranteed, and the water time for snorkeling can feel brief depending on conditions and the day’s plan.

Quick Highlights Before You Go

Here’s what makes this trip worth your attention, plus what you should watch for when you’re choosing your afternoon.

1) Friendly, upbeat crew on the water

2) Short ride time that fits a tight Lanzarote day

3) Dolphin sighting is possible, not promised

4) Snorkeling is built in, but time in the water may be short

5) Max group size of 48 means you’re not lost in the crowd

6) Bring a towel and plan for getting wet and changing back on board

Biosfera Jet Boarding: Fast, Brief, and Purpose-Built

You start in Puerto del Carmen at Lanzarote Sea Tours, at Av. del Varadero, S/N. The tour begins at 12:00 pm, and you’ll climb aboard the Biosfera Jet, a fast boat built for short, active outings. There’s a quick briefing and safety talk before you set off—nothing long and lecture-y, just the basics so you can focus on what’s outside the window.

What I like about this format is the rhythm. You’re not spending the whole day commuting, waiting, or doing a slow sightseeing crawl. You’re getting out on the water and making the most of the time you paid for. Several people also note the crew stays light, friendly, and ready to help when seas feel rough.

One practical note: fast boats mean you should dress for movement. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring your own remedy and keep that mind-set. And since the tour ends back at the meeting point, you’re not left guessing about where to go next.

Dolphin Watching in Freedom: How to Think About the Odds

This is the heart of the experience: a chance to see dolphins in freedom. But the tour is upfront that sightings aren’t guaranteed. That uncertainty can be frustrating if you’re booking with a must-see attitude—one person summed it up as a tour that felt a bit too random when dolphins didn’t show.

Still, this is dolphin watching, not a theme-park guarantee. The best way to enjoy it is to treat dolphins as the bonus and the boat ride as the core product. Even when dolphins don’t appear, you’re still out along Lanzarote’s west coast where the marine action can be real and the scenery changes fast as the boat turns and runs.

From the experiences shared, the days that deliver tend to feel like a true reward: people describe dolphins as a magnificent spectacle, with the animals showing up clearly in the open water. If you go in expecting a search, you’ll feel better even on a day without the sighting.

My advice:

• Keep your eyes moving; don’t stare at one spot too long.
• Pay attention when the crew scans the water; they know where to look.
• If you spot seabirds or sudden surface activity, that often helps you track the action.
• Mentally plan for the possibility of no dolphins, and you’ll enjoy the time more either way.

Snorkeling on This Cruise: What You’ll Actually Get

The name says snorkeling, and you do get a chance to get in the water. Reviews describe the snorkeling as fun, and others say the water felt cold enough to need a bit of confidence, especially depending on the day.

Here’s the part to manage expectations around: the snorkeling time can feel short on some departures. One account notes that after snorkeling you were back on board quickly and still had to sort out changing right away while wet. That lines up with the mini-cruise style: you’re out for about 1.5 hours total, so the day has less room for long water sessions.

So how should you approach it?

• Treat it as a quick swim moment, not a long underwater outing.
• Pack for comfort: swimsuit on, towel ready, sunscreen applied before you’re fully soaked.
• If you’re hoping for extended snorkeling, you may be happier with a longer format, because this one is designed around short, active windows.

Also, the sea state matters. One review mentioned rough seas, yet people still called the overall trip excellent. That’s a good sign the crew handles conditions well, but it’s still worth wearing comfortable shoes and using care when moving around on deck.

The Route and Views: Puerto del Carmen to the Open Water

The itinerary is simple: you leave Puerto del Carmen marina, then sail along the west coast of Lanzarote. The goal is marine spotting and a swim break, not a long list of ports. That simplicity is part of the appeal.

In the feedback you’ll see repeated praise for views—especially beautiful sights of Fuerteventura from the water. On some outings, people also connect the trip with a stop near Los Lobos, describing it as gorgeous and worth getting in the water near. The time there can be short, though; one comment suggests they wanted more time on Los Lobos rather than spending time heading to a port area with less to see.

So think of the experience like this: you’re buying time on the sea. The coast scenery and the chance to swim in good marine areas are what you’re paying for, not hours of shore sightseeing.

If you’re the type who likes to do a lot on land, you may feel the balance is more sea-focused than “walk-and-explore” focused. Pair it with a good food plan back in Puerto del Carmen, and you’ll feel like your day had range.

On-Board Comfort and Food: What to Expect Beyond the Swim

Some people love the food side of the trip, with reviews describing lunch on board as delicious and even typical of the Canary Islands. Others felt there should have been more snacks or that the onboard timing didn’t match what they hoped for.

Here’s what you can safely plan with based on the info you have:

• Bring a towel and be ready for wet deck time.
• Expect the schedule to be tight. With a mini cruise format, there’s less “hang around” time for changing, eating, and relaxing.
• If food is a big factor for you, don’t assume a snack-heavy setup. It may vary by day.

Comfort tips that help in real life:

• Wear something you can put on quickly after the water time.
• Use sunscreen before you’re out in the sun. Boat glare is no joke.
• Comfortable shoes matter more than you’d think with saltwater and moving surfaces.

And yes, the crew often gets praised for going the extra mile to make the experience feel special—so if you’re polite and prepared, you’ll usually get good service back.

Price and Value: Is $48.19 for 1.5 Hours Fair?

At about $48.19 per person for roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, this is not a long-duration excursion. But it can still be good value if you want three things:

1) a fast, scenic boat ride,

2) a chance to see dolphins,

3) a snorkel swim break in the itinerary.

The value math changes depending on what you most want.

• If you want a dolphin encounter no matter what, the price will feel steep on a no-sighting day.
• If you’re happy with the boat outing and the marine vibe, the cost feels more reasonable because you’re paying for time on the water rather than a long list of stops.

Also, group size max 48 helps keep the experience from feeling chaotic. You’re not packed in a tiny space, and the crew can still communicate and help.

The best way to judge value for your trip style: look at what you can’t easily recreate on your own. You can’t easily guarantee dolphin sightings. You also can’t just decide last minute to run out on a fast boat with a crew, safety briefing, and a snorkel moment planned.

So for many people, the price buys access and timing more than it buys certainty.

Timing, Weather, and What to Pack for a 12:00 Departure

This tour requires good weather. That means wind, sea state, and visibility can affect whether it runs as scheduled. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you should expect options for a new date or a full refund.

Because you’re leaving at 12:00 pm, you’ll want to think about sun and heat. Pack for midday:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes

One more detail from the feedback pattern: people who got wet and then had to change quickly wanted more time or a different flow. That doesn’t mean it’s always like that, but it’s a clue. If you hate rushing while damp, plan your clothing so the change-back stage is easy for you.

Finally, there’s no transfer included. So make sure you’re already positioned near Puerto del Carmen. Late booking can lead to you doing more of the legwork yourself—so lock in transport plans early.

Who Should Book This Dolphin and Snorkel Mini Cruise?

This fits best if you want a short, sea-centered outing with a real chance at dolphins.

You’ll probably like it if:

• you’re on a tight schedule and want something that starts at noon,
• you enjoy boats and open-water time more than long shore tours,
• you want snorkeling as an add-on, not your entire day,
• you’re okay with the idea that dolphins might not show up.

It’s less ideal if:

• dolphins are your one and only priority and you need certainty,
• you’re hoping for a long snorkeling session with lots of water time,
• you dislike the idea of getting wet and changing quickly back on board.

This is also a good pick for couples and friends who want an experience with a bit of energy. Several people describe the crew as funny and friendly, which matters when you’re spending time on a moving boat.

Should You Book It?

I’d book this if you’re flexible and you like the idea of chasing dolphins without paying for a guarantee. The strong points—friendly crew, solid time on the water, and a genuine dolphin opportunity—are the reasons people sound happy even when the day gets bumpy. And when dolphins do appear, the experience is clearly a highlight.

Skip it (or consider a longer option) if snorkeling time length is your top requirement, or if you’re the type who will stew all afternoon over a no-dolphin outcome. With this style of cruise, the sea is the stage, and the crew can’t control the animals.

If you want a mini adventure from Lanzarote that keeps moving and still gives you a marine swim moment, this is a reasonable bet for the price—just go in with the right mindset: enjoy the ride first, hope for dolphins second.

FAQ

How long is the Dolphin Watching Mini Cruise and Snorkeling?

The tour is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including the boat ride.

Where is the meeting point in Lanzarote?

You meet at Lanzarote Sea Tours, Av. del Varadero, S/N, 35510 Puerto del Carmen, Las Palmas, Spain.

What time does the tour start?

The start time listed is 12:00 pm.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $48.19 per person.

Are dolphins guaranteed on this tour?

No. The dolphin sighting is not guaranteed 100%.

Is snorkeling included?

The experience is specifically described as including snorkeling, and there is a snorkel swim opportunity as part of the outing.

Is a transfer from your hotel included?

No, transfer is not included.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.