Dolphins and a fast RIB ride. This Lanzarote dolphin watching and marine safari runs 2 to 2.5 hours from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen, with wildlife-spotting by an expert crew in a small boat setting. The catch, though: sightings of dolphins (and other sea creatures) are not guaranteed, so you’re going out on a wildlife hunt.

You’ll board a RIB speedboat (including the Waverider option) with a life jacket on and water provided. Pickup is included, and you should be ready 15 minutes early at the lobby, but if you’re coming from farther out—Costa Teguise has been flagged as an example—you may see a small extra transport fee.

Key things to know before you go

• Small 12-person boat experience: less waiting around, more time out on the water.
• Multiple wildlife species, not just dolphins: you can also spot birds and turtles during the search.
• Crew-led scanning and searching: the captain adjusts the run based on what’s happening at sea.
• Fast RIB pace: the trip is thrilling, but it means you should secure anything that can fly.
• No food included: plan around that for a full 2–2.5 hours at sea.

Speedboat Dolphin Watching from Puerto del Carmen: how the 2–2.5 hours really feel

This is a practical, time-efficient Lanzarote outing: a short trip on the water that focuses on one goal—finding marine life—without turning into a full day schedule. The departure point is the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen, so it’s easy to build around your morning or afternoon plans.

What makes it feel worth it is the mix of speed and attention. You’re on a RIB, so the ride has that quick, buoyant, spray-in-your-face energy (great if you like boats; less great if you hate motion or choppy water). Then the crew is actively working the area for wildlife—looking, adjusting speed, and repositioning—so the hour doesn’t feel like dead time.

The duration matters because it sets expectations. You’re not on the water all day trying to get lucky. Instead, you’re doing a focused run where the captain and guide try hard to put the boat where sightings are most likely. And if dolphins do show up, it’s usually when the captain is already in motion and the crew is locked in on scanning.

Meeting up and boarding: Waverider-style logistics you can handle fast

Plan to show up early. Pickup is included, but you’re told to wait 15 minutes before the listed time in front of your lobby. That matters because on a small-group boat trip, a late arrival can throw off everyone’s timing.

Once you get to the port, expect a straightforward boarding flow:

• You’ll get your life jacket.
• You’ll board the RIB for the dolphin and marine safari.
• You’ll have water available during the outing.

One detail worth your attention: if you carry bags and items, the handling is practical rather than fancy. On similar RIB-style trips from Lanzarote, people tend to store footwear in a box on the jetty and keep bags in a covered area on the boat. If that’s your first time on a speedboat, treat it like a weather-and-splash day: keep valuables secured, and don’t rely on anything loose staying put.

Also note the on-boat safety rules. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. And the tour isn’t suitable for children under 2 or for pregnant women. If you’re traveling with a toddler or someone with medical constraints, this one may not fit your group.

What you’ll actually see: birds, turtles, dolphins, and the crew’s search pattern

This tour is built around a marine safari concept, not a guarantee. You’re told to look for dolphins and other sea creatures, and in practice that often means a broader cast of wildlife sightings: seabirds out on the water, turtles when conditions align, and dolphins when the search hits the right zone.

The Waverider option is specifically described as a chance to observe birds, turtles, dolphins, and other sea creatures. Even when dolphins don’t show up, the trip can still feel like a real marine experience because you’re moving along a stretch of coast and out toward where wildlife tends to surface and feed.

Here’s what I think you should take from that: your best chance comes from paying attention when the captain slows or changes direction. Wildlife spotting isn’t like watching from a fixed beach. When dolphins are in the area, the boat usually does some repositioning so everyone can see.

The captain also appears to vary the ride style depending on sea conditions. There’s mention of different speeds when the water gets choppy, and circling behavior when the search continues. That’s not just for thrill; it’s part of making sure the crew can keep eyes on the right spots and everyone gets a view from a good angle.

If you’re watching for dolphins specifically, keep this in mind: your day can turn on quick moments. A dorsal fin might appear, disappear, and reappear a short distance away. So don’t spend the whole trip staring only at the horizon far away. Use the full range of sight around the boat when the crew cues you.

Ride comfort and safety: fast waves, glasses, and hats that might fly

The vibe here is exciting. The RIB speedboat is meant to be thrilling, and you’ll likely feel the ocean in a more direct way than on a calm, large sightseeing vessel.

A few comfort-and-sanity tips based on what people have learned the hard way:

• If you wear glasses, use a tight strap or take them off while you’re moving fast.
• Secure your hat. Loose hats can become instant souvenirs for the sea.
• Wear sunglasses and sunscreen if you’re out in the sun. Heat in Lanzarote can be intense even when the breeze is doing its job.

On a speedboat, small mishaps can happen quickly because the boat moves fast and water splashes up. The good news is that the crew can be very capable about handling surprises. One example from the kind of trip this is: a passenger’s hat flew off, and the captain stopped, swung the boat back with precision, and retrieved it.

If you’re sensitive to motion, consider how you handle boats at sea. This is not a slow cruise. It’s closer to a roller-coaster that happens to float. If you know you get sick easily, plan for it before you go.

Price and value: is $77 a good deal for Lanzarote dolphin watching?

$77 per person for 2 to 2.5 hours places this tour in the value-for-time category for Lanzarote. You’re paying for:

• A RIB speedboat ride (not a big passenger ferry)
• A life jacket and water
• A captain and crew focused on wildlife spotting
• A small-group experience (12 people)

That small group is a real part of the value. You don’t have that big-tour feeling where you’re far from the action and waiting your turn. With fewer people, the crew can manage viewing angles more effectively, and it’s easier to feel like you’re part of the search.

Food is not included, so if you’re planning a full half-day out, you’ll want to eat before you go or accept that you’ll leave hungry. The trade-off is that the tour stays short and high-energy.

Pickup is listed as included. Still, remember the practical note about possible extra transport fees from some locations such as Costa Teguise. If your hotel is outside central areas, it’s worth being ready for that possibility so you’re not surprised when you’re already dressed for the water.

Choosing your timing: why the evening slot can work

Your departure time can change the feel of the ocean. One option that gets mentioned positively is doing the evening slot, with people describing it as a great fit.

If you’re choosing between time slots, I’d use this simple rule:

• Morning or midday can mean brighter light for spotting, but also more sun.
• Evening can mean softer light and a more relaxed atmosphere while you’re still out on the water.

Either way, dolphins are not guaranteed. But choosing the slot that matches your energy level can make the whole experience feel better, even if the wildlife show is light.

Who should book this RIB dolphin safari, and who should skip it

This tour is a strong fit for you if:

• You want a short, high-energy ocean outing rather than a long day.
• You like speedboats and don’t mind a splashy ride.
• You’re traveling with friends or family and prefer a small group (12 people is a big part of the appeal).
• You care about marine life beyond dolphins, since birds and turtles are part of what you may see.

You should skip (or reconsider) if:

• You’re traveling with a child under 2.
• You’re pregnant.
• You’re not comfortable in choppy water or with fast movement at sea.

If your main goal is dolphins only, treat this as a wildlife search experience, not a dolphin delivery service. The crew is doing their job, but the ocean controls the final outcome.

The crew and guide: what the live commentary adds on the water

The tour includes a live guide on board, with English, French, and Spanish. That matters more than you might think. When you’re out on a moving boat, quick context helps you understand what you’re seeing—why a certain area might have birds working it, or why the captain changes course.

Even if you don’t know marine life beforehand, live interpretation keeps the trip from feeling like random driving. The guide can point you toward what to watch for right now, and when the crew speaks up, it usually lines up with activity on the water.

It also helps for families and mixed-language groups. With multiple language options, you’re more likely to understand the guidance without straining or relying on hand signals.

Should you book Lanzarote dolphin watching by speedboat?

Yes, if you want a compact Lanzarote marine adventure with a small-group feel and a crew that actively looks for wildlife. The price can make sense because you’re paying for more than a ride: you’re buying time on the water with dedicated searching, plus life jacket and water.

I’d say no (or at least reconsider) if dolphins are the only animal that would make the trip feel like a win. Since sightings aren’t guaranteed, the experience works best when you’re happy to enjoy seabirds, turtles, and the thrill of being on an RIB in real ocean conditions.

If you book, come prepared for speed and splash: secure glasses, lock down your hat, and treat clothing and personal items like you’re going boating, not strolling the promenade. When you do that, you’ll get the most out of what this tour does well.

FAQ

How long is the dolphin watching tour?

The duration is 2 to 2.5 hours.

Where does the tour depart in Lanzarote?

It departs from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience is described as an exclusive boat outing for up to 12 people.

What’s included with the ticket?

Transportation, the boat, a life jacket, the captain, and water are included.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included.

Is pickup included, and how early should I wait?

Pickup is included. You should wait 15 minutes in front of the lobby at the pickup time.

What languages does the live guide speak?

The live tour guide is available in English, French, and Spanish.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Sightings of dolphins or other sea creatures are not guaranteed.

Is alcohol allowed on the boat?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Can I cancel for free, and can I pay later?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.