Lanzarote: Dolphin Watching by speedboat

Lanzarote’s Waverider dolphin trip combines a fast RIB ride with a real search for dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other marine life. The small boat carries up to 12 people, so you get a closer view of the water than on a large sightseeing vessel. I like the skilled spotting and the chance to see two dolphin species, but remember that wild animals set the schedule, not the captain.

I also like the changing pace, with the crew slowing down to search and then opening the throttle across the waves. The main drawback is just as clear: some departures see no dolphins or other sea creatures at all. This is a good choice if you value the boat ride and ocean views even when nature does not put on a show.

Key points to know before booking

• Small 12-person Waverider: A limited group keeps the outing more personal than a large catamaran cruise.
• Fast, lively ride: The RIB can be exhilarating, especially when the sea is choppy.
• Wildlife is possible, not promised: Dolphins, turtles, birds, and other creatures may appear, but there is no guarantee.
• Departures from Puerto del Carmen: The trip leaves from the Old Port, with pickup available in some locations for an added fee.
• Useful packing tip: Secure glasses and hats, and bring sunscreen, water, and sunglasses.
• Best for active passengers: Children under 2 and pregnant women cannot join.

What the Puerto del Carmen departure is like

The trip starts at the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen, a practical base for getting onto the water. If you use the pickup service, wait in front of your hotel lobby 15 minutes before the stated time. Pickup may cost an extra €5 or €10 per person, and a transfer from Costa Teguise has been charged at €5 per person on some bookings.

That extra fee matters when you compare the total cost. A private taxi could cost more, so the transfer can still be useful, but check the amount before you commit. The advertised price is $77 per person, and transport charges may sit outside that figure.

At the port, the crew gets you ready for the RIB boat and provides a life jacket. Bags can be placed in a covered box on the boat, while footwear has been stored in a box on the jetty. That arrangement keeps loose items from sliding around, but you should still bring only what you need.

The Waverider holds up to 12 people. That is small enough for the captain and crew to keep an eye on the group and answer questions about marine life. It also means the boat can feel full if everyone brings bulky bags, so travel light.

The first run across Lanzarote’s water

Once clear of the port, the Waverider becomes the main attraction. This is not a quiet, slow cruise. The RIB moves quickly, rises over the waves, and gives you a lively ride along the coast and farther out to sea.

The captain varies the speed rather than running at full pace for the whole trip. That is helpful because sea conditions can change. One outing may feel smooth, while another can be quite choppy. The combination of speed and open water gives the trip its energy, but it also means you need to be comfortable with movement.

Secure your glasses before the boat gets moving. A tight strap is a smart idea, and taking glasses off during the fastest sections may be safer. Hats are another problem. One captain was able to turn back and retrieve a hat from the water, but that is a rescue you should not plan on receiving.

The ride also gives you a different view of Lanzarote. From the water, the shoreline becomes part of the outing rather than just a backdrop to a beach day. You may travel along the coast, circle back through promising areas, and head farther offshore while the crew searches.

Searching for dolphins, turtles, and seabirds

The wildlife portion is an active search, not a guaranteed performance. The crew watches the water, scans for movement, and uses its experience with the island’s marine area to decide where to look next.

Dolphins are the main target, and several departures have seen them, including one outing that spotted two species. That is the exciting possibility that makes the trip worth considering. You may see dolphins moving through the water near the boat, but the distance and length of the sighting will depend entirely on the animals.

Turtles are also part of the possible sightings, along with seabirds and other sea creatures. Birds may be the main wildlife you see. That is not a poor substitute, especially if you enjoy watching the crew read the water and explain what is around you, but it can disappoint a child who has come expecting dolphins.

The crew speaks English, French, and Spanish. You can ask questions about the animals and the sea around Lanzarote. The guide’s ability to spot movement is important here. A fast boat alone does not find dolphins. Good observation and patience matter just as much.

The crew may slow down, circle back, travel along the shore, or continue farther out. This searching pattern gives the trip a real sense of purpose. It also explains why the outing lasts around 2 to 2.5 hours rather than simply racing out and returning.

Why the small boat changes the experience

A 12-person RIB offers a more direct connection with the water than a large excursion boat. You are close to the surface, close to the sound of the engine, and more exposed to spray, sun, and wind.

That closeness is a major strength if you want excitement. The boat reacts to the waves, and the captain can change direction and speed quickly. You get an energetic marine safari rather than a passive ride.

The trade-off is comfort. A small speedboat has less shelter, and there is no promise of a smooth sea. One outing was described as quite choppy, although the captain adjusted the speed. If you suffer from motion sickness, think carefully before booking. The provided information does not promise special seating or a calmer route.

The heat is another factor. Bring drinking water, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The trip provides water, but food is not included. A hat can help with the sun, yet it must be secured well because the wind and speed can send it overboard.

How much value do you get for $77?

At $77 per person, this is not simply a short dolphin sighting. You are paying for a 2 to 2.5-hour outing, the RIB boat, a captain, life jacket, water, transport within the activity, and the chance to search a broad area of the sea.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If your main goal is a comfortable wildlife cruise with guaranteed dolphins, the price may feel high because no sightings are promised. If you enjoy speed, sea air, changing views, and the possibility of seeing wild animals, the package makes more sense.

The small group helps. A 12-person maximum gives the experience a more personal feel and allows the crew to speak with you directly. A large boat might carry more people at a lower price, but the Waverider offers a closer, more active ride.

Add the pickup cost if you are staying outside Puerto del Carmen. The extra €5 or €10 per person may still be reasonable for convenience, especially from Costa Teguise, but calculate the full price before booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Lanzarote plans are still shifting. Still, the important question is not only financial. Ask yourself if you would enjoy the trip when dolphins stay out of sight.

Sun, spray, and the right things to bring

This is a simple outing to pack for, but a few choices make a real difference. I would take:

• Water, even though some is provided
• High-factor sunscreen
• Sunglasses with a secure strap
• A hat only if you can fasten it firmly
• A light layer if you feel the wind
• Minimal luggage that fits in the boat’s storage

Do not bring alcohol or drugs. Food is not included, so plan around the timing if you need a meal before or after the trip.

Footwear may be stored on the jetty, and bags are placed in a covered box on the boat. Wear practical clothing that can handle spray and movement. The supplied information does not promise dry storage for every personal item, so keep electronics protected.

Sunburn is a real risk. One passenger still had a burn days later after an outing in strong heat. The speed of the boat can make the breeze feel cooling, but it does not reduce the sun’s strength.

Who will enjoy this most?

This trip suits adults, older children, couples, and friends who want an active few hours on the sea. It is especially good for people who see the boat ride itself as part of the fun. If you like speed, coastal views, and the thrill of scanning the horizon, you will have plenty to enjoy even on a quiet wildlife day.

Families should set expectations before boarding. A child who understands that dolphins might not appear can have a great time with the ride and seabirds. A child promised a guaranteed dolphin encounter could leave disappointed. Children under 2 cannot join, and pregnant women are not permitted on the activity.

It is less suitable if you want a gentle, highly sheltered cruise. The boat can move quickly and the sea can be rough. The crew does vary the speed, but this remains a RIB experience, not a floating lounge.

The trip also works well for visitors with limited time. At roughly half a day or less, it can fit around other Lanzarote plans. You get time offshore without giving up a full day of sightseeing.

What can go wrong?

The biggest risk is simple: you may not see dolphins. Some departures have seen nothing beyond seabirds, despite careful searching along the coast and farther offshore. That is not a failure of the crew. It is the normal uncertainty of watching wild animals.

The boat ride can also be more intense than expected. Choppy water, wind, spray, and sharp changes in speed may be thrilling for one person and uncomfortable for another. If your group has mixed preferences, discuss this before booking.

Small practical problems can also spoil an otherwise good day. Loose glasses may disappear, and an unsecured hat can fly into the sea. Bags are stored, but you should avoid packing anything fragile or valuable unless it is well protected.

Finally, pickup details deserve attention. The activity includes transportation, but some hotel transfers carry a separate fee. Confirm the charge and meeting point so the total cost does not surprise you.

The strongest reasons to book

I would choose this trip for three reasons. First, the Waverider is a genuinely active way to get onto the water, with a small group and a captain who can vary the pace. Second, the crew actively searches for wildlife rather than simply cruising past the coast. Third, the chance of seeing dolphins is real, and some outings have seen two species.

The experience also earns credit for the crew’s attitude. They can answer questions in English, French, or Spanish, and their ability to spot movement is central to the trip. A good captain can make a no-dolphin outing worthwhile by keeping the ride lively and looking carefully in several areas.

The strongest praise goes to the combination of speed, views, and wildlife. That mix explains the overall rating of 4.4 from 73 reviews. The lower scores are not about poor service. They mainly reflect the disappointment of seeing no dolphins or sea creatures, plus the extra pickup cost and rougher water.

Should you book the Lanzarote dolphin speedboat?

Book it if you want a fast, small-group sea trip and can accept that dolphins may not appear. The chance of seeing wild dolphins is excellent motivation, but the boat ride, views, seabirds, and crew are the parts you can count on.

Skip it if a dolphin sighting is the only reason you would be happy, or if you need a calm and sheltered boat. For everyone else, the Waverider offers good value at $77 when you treat it as a marine safari and speedboat outing, not a guaranteed animal show. Bring sunscreen, secure your glasses, leave the hat at home, and let the sea decide what you see.

FAQ

Where does the dolphin tour depart from?

The Waverider leaves from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

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 join the boat tour?

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

What languages does the crew speak?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is available, but some locations may require an extra fee of €5 or €10 per person. Wait 15 minutes before the scheduled time in front of your hotel lobby.