Lanzarote: Dolphin Watching by speedboat

The ocean ride is half the adventure. From Puerto del Carmen’s Old Port, this small-group Waverider trip combines a fast RIB boat ride with a search for dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other wildlife around Lanzarote. I like the 12-person boat, which keeps the outing more personal than a large sightseeing vessel, and I like that the crew actively scans the water rather than simply taking you offshore and hoping for the best.

The two-hour to two-and-a-half-hour trip also gives you plenty of time for open-water views and quick bursts of speed. The main drawback is simple: dolphin sightings are not guaranteed. Some departures find two dolphin species, while others see only seabirds. You need to be happy with the boat ride itself, not just the promise of a close animal encounter.

Key points at a glance

• Small Waverider RIB: The boat carries up to 12 people, giving you a better view and a less crowded feel.
• Departing from Puerto del Carmen: The trip begins at the Old Port, a convenient base for exploring Lanzarote’s waters.
• Wildlife search: The crew looks for dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other marine life, but sightings depend on nature.
• Fast, lively ride: The captain varies the speed and may circle, head farther offshore, or follow the shoreline.
• Useful practical tip: Secure glasses, hats, and loose items. One hat flew off during a trip, and the captain had to turn back for it.
• Good value for a small group: At $77 per person, the price is reasonable if you value the boat ride and personal attention as much as the animals.

Setting off from Puerto del Carmen’s Old Port

Your outing begins at the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen, one of Lanzarote’s main boating areas. The location matters because you are not spending the whole tour getting to the water. Once aboard the RIB, the focus shifts quickly to the coast, the open sea, and the search for movement on the surface.

The listed duration is two to two-and-a-half hours. That is a useful length for a wildlife trip. You have enough time to travel beyond the immediate harbor area, scan different stretches of water, and enjoy the ride without giving up an entire day.

Transportation is included in the activity details, and pickup is available. Still, check the final price carefully if you need a transfer from outside Puerto del Carmen. A pickup from Costa Teguise cost one person an extra €5, while another report mentioned an extra €5 or €10 per person. The fee may depend on the location, so confirm it before booking rather than assuming every transfer is covered.

If you are staying nearby, getting to the Old Port yourself may be the clearer option. The pickup instruction says to wait in front of your hotel lobby 15 minutes before the scheduled time. That is useful, but you should still allow time to find the meeting point and get settled before departure.

What the 12-person Waverider feels like

The Waverider is a rigid inflatable boat, commonly called a RIB. It is built for speed and maneuvering rather than quiet luxury. You sit close to the water, and the boat can move quickly across the surface, which gives the trip a clear sense of excitement even during a quiet wildlife period.

The 12-person limit is one of the strongest features here. A small boat gives the captain a better chance to respond when something appears, and you are less likely to find your view blocked by rows of passengers. It also makes it easier to ask questions about what you see. The crew speaks English, French, and Spanish.

Expect the captain to vary the pace. On some outings, the boat runs quickly over the waves. At other moments, it slows down or circles while the crew checks the water. The captain may travel farther out, follow the shoreline, or return to an area where wildlife was spotted.

That changing rhythm is important. This is not a simple high-speed loop. It is part boat ride and part search, with the crew adjusting the route as conditions and sightings allow. One report described an exhilarating ride in choppy water, while another praised the captain for using different speeds. If you want calm sightseeing from a stable deck, this may feel too lively. If you enjoy the physical motion of a speedboat, the ride itself could be the highlight.

Searching for dolphins, turtles, and seabirds

The central purpose is to find dolphins and other marine life in the waters around Lanzarote. The crew watches for dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other sea creatures, then guides your attention toward anything nearby.

You may see dolphins traveling or surfacing near the boat, but there is no fixed wildlife route and no guarantee of a sighting. One outing found two species of dolphins, while another saw no dolphins but did have plenty of seabirds around the boat. A separate trip found no dolphins or other sea creatures despite the captain searching along the shore, heading farther out, and circling back.

That uncertainty is not a flaw in the tour. It is part of any wild-animal trip. The right way to judge this activity is to ask yourself whether you would still enjoy two hours on the ocean if the dolphins stayed away. If the answer is yes, you have a sound reason to book. If the animals are the only thing that matters, you may find the risk disappointing.

I like that the crew does more than point vaguely at the horizon. The captain is described as active in spotting wildlife and willing to alter the route. The guides also answer questions about marine life, so you can get more from the outing than a quick photo if something appears.

Keep your eyes moving. Dolphins may surface briefly, and seabirds may be easier to spot than larger animals. Turtles and other creatures can also be hard to see from a moving boat. Bring patience, and do not measure the value of the trip only by the number of photographs you take.

The ride can be the main event

The Waverider is not just transport to a dolphin sighting. It is an energetic ocean ride in its own right. The boat’s speed, turns, and changing pace create a more physical outing than a standard harbor cruise.

That also means conditions matter. The water can be choppy, and the motion may feel strong when the captain increases speed. One person loved the excitement, while another noted that the boat was fast enough to send a hat into the sea. The captain turned back and recovered it, but your loose belongings may not be so lucky.

Wear sunglasses only if you can secure them. A tight strap is a smart idea, and you may prefer to remove glasses during the fastest sections. Hold onto hats, scarves, and anything else that could catch the wind. The boat ride is not the place for loose accessories.

Sun protection matters too. The open water gives you little shade, and the sun can feel intense even when the breeze makes the air seem cooler. Take water, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A hat can help when it is secured properly, but avoid bringing one you would hate to lose.

Footwear may be stored in a box on the jetty, and bags are placed in a covered box on the boat. This keeps the seating area clear, but you should pack lightly and avoid carrying fragile items. Water is included, while food is not, so eat beforehand if you need more than a drink during the trip.

Is $77 a fair price?

At $77 per person, this sits in the mid-range for a short marine wildlife outing. The value comes from the small boat, the captain, the included life jacket, and the chance to cover several areas of water during two to two-and-a-half hours.

You are paying for two experiences at once: a fast RIB ride and a guided wildlife search. That combination makes the cost easier to justify than a short boat transfer with no interpretation. The 12-person capacity also helps, since you are not paying for a large, crowded vessel where the wildlife viewing may feel distant.

Still, the price does not buy a guaranteed dolphin show. If you see only seabirds, you have not received a lesser version of a promised performance. You have received a marine safari in the wild, but that distinction is worth understanding before you pay.

The value is strongest for people who enjoy the sea even when nature refuses to cooperate. Several outings were praised for the views, captain, and speed of the ride, including one that saw no dolphins. That is a good sign for the overall format. The trip can still work when the main animal does not appear.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend the Waverider to families with children old enough for a lively boat ride, groups of friends, couples, and anyone who prefers active sightseeing. The small boat gives the outing a social but not crowded feel, and the crew’s language options make it accessible to English, French, and Spanish speakers.

It is not suitable for children under two or for pregnant women. You should also think carefully about how you handle choppy water and sudden movement. The activity details do not describe a gentle cruise, and the speedboat format clearly favors excitement over stillness.

This is a good choice if you like:

• Fast boats and open-water views
• Small groups rather than large cruises
• Wildlife watching without a fixed sighting guarantee
• Short activities that fit neatly into a Lanzarote holiday
• Asking crew members about marine life
• A mix of scenery, sea air, and physical excitement

It may not suit you if you need a quiet, steady boat, dislike spray and motion, or would feel let down without dolphins. In that case, the uncertainty is more than a small detail. It is the central decision.

Simple ways to prepare

Wear practical clothes that can handle wind and sea spray. Bring sunscreen, drinking water if you want more than the included water, and sunglasses with a strap. Secure every loose item before the boat picks up speed.

Do not plan to bring alcohol or drugs. Food is not included, so have something to eat before departure if needed. Keep your bag small, since belongings are stored in a covered box rather than kept beside you.

If you are using hotel pickup, check the additional transport cost. The basic tour price and the transfer price may not be the same. Also check the available departure time when booking, since the trip runs at selected starting times.

The cancellation terms are friendly: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your Lanzarote plans are still shifting, especially when you want to keep the day flexible.

How the outing compares with a standard boat cruise

A normal sightseeing cruise usually gives you more room, a slower pace, and a steadier platform for taking photographs. The Waverider gives you the opposite: fewer people, quicker movement, and a closer connection to the sea surface.

You should choose based on the kind of memory you want. If you picture yourself scanning the horizon from a quiet deck, this may feel too active. If you picture the captain turning sharply toward a possible sighting, spray in the air, and everyone watching the same patch of water, the Waverider is a better match.

The crew’s willingness to search is another advantage. They may travel offshore, circle back, change speed, or follow the coast. Those adjustments make the trip feel responsive instead of mechanical, though they cannot control the animals.

The 4.4 rating from 73 reviews supports a generally strong experience, but the mixed wildlife results are important. The praise centers on the exciting ride, beautiful views, helpful captain, and successful dolphin sightings. The weaker moments come mainly when no animals appear or when the water is rough. That is a fair and useful pattern to understand.

Should you book the Lanzarote Waverider?

Book it if you want a small-group ocean adventure and will enjoy the speedboat even without dolphins. The price is fair for a two-to-two-and-a-half-hour trip with a 12-person limit, captain, life jacket, water, and active wildlife searching.

Before you commit, accept three facts: sightings are not guaranteed, the ride can be choppy, and hotel transfers may cost extra. Secure your glasses, leave the loose hat at home, and bring sunscreen.

My practical verdict is yes, especially for couples, families with older children, and friends who want more action than a standard cruise provides. Just book it for the sea, the views, and the chance of wildlife, not as a guaranteed dolphin appointment.

FAQ

How long does the dolphin watching tour last?

The activity lasts approximately two to two-and-a-half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does the boat leave from?

The tour departs from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. Dolphins and other sea creatures are wild, so sightings are not guaranteed. You may see seabirds, turtles, dolphins, or other marine life.

How many people can ride on the boat?

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

What is included in the price?

The package includes transportation, the boat trip, a life jacket, a captain, and water. Food is not included.

Is the activity suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for children under two or pregnant women. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The boat can move quickly and may be choppy, so consider your comfort with an active ride before booking.