Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran

Reviewed · CATAMARAN & SUNSET SAILING CRUISES

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran

4.7 · 88 reviews 4 hours From $112 Operated by WeWhale Lanzarote · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Silent catamarans make whale watching better. This 4-hour outing from Puerto Calero pairs fully electric sailing with hydrophone listening so you can hear what’s going on under the surface. I especially like the animal-first approach that keeps disturbance low, though one fair drawback is that whales and dolphins aren’t guaranteed if the weather or sea conditions don’t cooperate.

You also get a calm, no-diesel-feeling ride that feels close to the water. Add onboard local snacks plus fresh fruit and you’ve got a tour that’s not just about spotting animals, it’s about understanding them. Keep in mind it’s not wheelchair friendly, and you’ll want sun protection since you’re out on the Atlantic.

Quick takeaways

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - Quick takeaways

  • Fully electric catamaran: silent, emission-free cruising that fits marine-life rules
  • Hydrophone onboard: listen to whale and dolphin communication underwater
  • Expert-led, bilingual experience: live commentary in French, Spanish, and English
  • Animal-friendly viewing: the crew focuses on observing without pressing animals
  • Snacks and local bites: included soda/pop, fresh fruit, and simple onboard refreshments
  • Puerto Calero dock setup: meet at Marina Puerto Calero, Dock F22 with nearby parking options

Puerto Calero Dock F22: how the day starts

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - Puerto Calero Dock F22: how the day starts
Your trip begins in Puerto Calero, at Marina Puerto Calero, Pontoon/Dock F22. This is one of those practical meeting points where you can actually plan your arrival: there’s parking available, and you can also get there by taxi or bus, which matters if you’re staying elsewhere on the island.

The most important prep is what you bring for the sea. Pack a hat and sunscreen. Even when it looks less bright than midsummer, Atlantic sun can sneak up on you once you’re out on the water. Also, wear something you can move in. You’ll want to shift your stance a lot as the crew calls out where to look.

One more note: this experience has clear rules onboard. No smoking, and no alcohol or drugs. That’s not just for compliance. It also helps keep the vibe calm while you’re scanning for blows, backs, and sudden fin movements.

The real draw: a fully electric, low-impact way to watch

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - The real draw: a fully electric, low-impact way to watch
I love that this is the Canary Islands’ first fully electric catamaran. The selling point is simple: silent, emission-free sailing. When an engine is quiet, the whole experience feels different. You spend less energy bracing for noise and more energy watching for small, quick changes on the water.

Why does that matter? Because whales and dolphins live on sound and movement as much as on sight. If your boat is loud and disruptive, animals may change their behavior and leave sooner. An electric ride reduces that push, and the crew’s job is then to keep the observation respectful and controlled.

On this trip, the aim is not a thrill ride. It’s undisturbed viewing, meaning the crew focuses on watching how animals behave naturally. That’s exactly what you want when you’re trying to understand them, not just check a box.

A final bonus: fewer emissions often means a more pleasant ride for you, too. Less diesel smell, less exhaust presence, more fresh-air sailing.

How whales and dolphins are found: crew-led spotting + hydrophone magic

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - How whales and dolphins are found: crew-led spotting + hydrophone magic
You’re not left alone with a pair of binoculars and guesswork. The tour is live guided with commentary available in French, Spanish, and English, and the crew talks through what you’re likely seeing and why it’s happening.

Here’s the part that changes the whole experience: the onboard hydrophone. Instead of only watching for surface activity, you get to listen. The guide uses it to help you understand whale and dolphin communication underwater—like getting a second sense during the same outing. It’s also a great equalizer on days when the action is subtle. You might not see big splashes every minute, but you can still feel like you’re part of the conversation.

In terms of what you can expect to spot, the general pattern from recent trips is strong for dolphins. Depending on conditions and the animals’ movements that day, you may also encounter whales and other marine life such as a turtle. Wildlife viewing is always weather- and season-dependent, but the combination of electric sailing, careful distance, and trained eyes improves your odds.

A key viewing style: watch without pressuring

One of the most praised aspects of this outing is how the crew watches animals without crowding them. That matters because dolphins can be curious, but they also need space. If you push them, they’ll leave. If you give them room, you’re more likely to see natural behavior—pod movements, quick turns, and those playful bursts that feel like nature’s own choreography.

So when the crew says something like hold your position and keep calm, take it seriously. It’s not just etiquette. It’s the method.

More dolphin spotting and sea safaris

Along Lanzarote’s coastline: the calm ride and included refreshments

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - Along Lanzarote’s coastline: the calm ride and included refreshments
During the cruise you’ll take in panoramic views of Lanzarote’s coastline. This is one of those tours where the scenery isn’t the main event, but it absolutely makes the trip feel complete. You’re not just waiting for animals—you’re enjoying the Atlantic crossing and the island lines.

You also get included food and drink onboard:

  • Fresh fruits
  • Soda/pop
  • Snacks (with local flavors)

I like that this is straightforward. You’re not stuck with a heavy meal that makes you feel slow in your seat. Instead, you get enough to keep your energy up while you’re scanning the water for fins or a spout.

Because the catamaran is electric and the experience is designed around careful viewing, the ride tends to feel smooth and quiet. That’s the ideal setup for long looks and sudden callouts from the crew.

The 4-hour structure: what you’ll actually do on the water

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - The 4-hour structure: what you’ll actually do on the water
The duration is 4 hours, and that’s a sweet spot. Long enough for real searching and repositioning, but not so long you lose focus.

Here’s how the time usually feels on board:

  • First stretch out on the water: you settle in, get the briefing vibe, and start scanning. This is where the hydrophone and the crew’s context start paying off.
  • Watching + listening phase: this is the core segment. The guide points out what to look for (surface cues, movement patterns), and the hydrophone helps you connect visible behavior to underwater communication.
  • Snack break moments: you’ll have a chance to take in the included fresh fruit and snacks without pulling you away from the viewing too much.
  • Return leg: by the end, the focus is on wrapping the experience with one more look, then heading back to Dock F22.

If you’re choosing your day, think about your weather appetite. On cloudier or cooler days, wildlife can be less active at the surface. That doesn’t mean the trip is wasted—just plan your expectations. You’re still going out on a genuinely eco-minded boat, and you’ll still have the interpretive part and the listening.

Price and value: is $112 worth it?

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - Price and value: is $112 worth it?
At $112 per person for 4 hours, the price lands in the mid-range for Lanzarote marine excursions. The real value isn’t only the animal spotting. It’s the whole package: electric catamaran, hydrophone, live multilingual guide, and included refreshments.

Here’s how I’d frame it for your decision:

  • If you care about sustainable operations, electric propulsion is a direct benefit you can feel every minute.
  • If you’re the type who likes meaning, not just sightings, the hydrophone and crew commentary add real substance.
  • If you dislike crowded boat experiences, the catamaran format tends to feel more personal than the big multi-boat setups. That matters because you get better access to where to look and what to listen for.

The one caution is the classic nature variable: sometimes you don’t get whales, and sometimes you don’t get much besides dolphins. Your money buys access and guidance, not a guaranteed animal show. Still, this is one of those tours where the onboard experience works even when wildlife is a bit shy.

Rules you’ll notice onboard (and why they’re there)

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - Rules you’ll notice onboard (and why they’re there)
This trip is pretty strict, and that’s a good thing. You won’t be allowed to:

  • Feed animals
  • Smoke
  • Litter
  • Bring alcohol or drugs

You’ll also want to avoid anything that could add sudden movement or noise. The goal is low disturbance, and your behavior helps the crew do their job. If you’re trying to photograph, keep it steady. If you’re talking, keep your voice reasonable so the crew can guide you clearly.

It’s also a reminder that the boat is designed around respectful wildlife watching—not churn-and-burn hunting.

Who this tour suits best

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - Who this tour suits best
This is a strong match if you:

  • Want whales and dolphins with a calmer, more responsible boat style
  • Like guided interpretation and not just scanning
  • Appreciate the added layer of underwater listening through the hydrophone
  • Prefer a smaller, more personal feel compared with huge excursion crowds

It’s less ideal if you rely on wheelchair access, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Seasonally, the boat works year-round, but in colder months the sea can be brisk and visibility can vary. If you’re going in the off-peak season, dress for it. You’ll enjoy the ride more.

Should you book the WeWhale Lanzarote electric catamaran tour?

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - Should you book the WeWhale Lanzarote electric catamaran tour?
I’d book this if your top priorities are eco-friendly cruising, animal-first viewing, and more than just a surface sighting. The hydrophone turns whale and dolphin watching into a richer experience, and the electric catamaran is genuinely different from the usual diesel-fueled day trips.

Skip it only if you know you’ll be deeply disappointed by the lack of guaranteed sightings. No marine tour can promise whales on demand. If you accept that nature sets the agenda and you show up ready to learn and watch, this one is a smart Lanzarote pick.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Puerto Calero, Marina Puerto Calero, Dock F22.

How long is the whale and dolphin watching tour?

The tour lasts 4 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $112 per person.

Is the catamaran fully electric?

Yes. It’s described as the Canary Islands’ first fully electric, emission-free catamaran.

Do you use a hydrophone during the trip?

Yes. The tour includes using an onboard hydrophone to listen to whales and dolphins underwater.

What’s included onboard?

You get snacks, soda/pop, and fresh fruits.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide speaks French, Spanish, and English.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat and sunscreen.

What is not allowed during the experience?

Smoking, alcohol and drugs, and littering are not allowed. Feeding animals is also not allowed.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Not quite right? More Lanzarote tours and day trips we have been out on