Puerto del Carmen: Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Tour with Swim

The best part of this Puerto del Carmen boat trip is the chance to see dolphins where they belong, alongside a low, fast boat that lets you look across the water instead of down from a tall deck. On good days, pods race beside the Biosfera Jet, and lucky groups have also seen pilot whales, Bryde’s whales, turtles, and even dolphins with young.

I like the reasonable $41 price and the way the crew works hard to find animals without treating them like a staged attraction. I also like the swim from the back of the boat, a simple but memorable finish. The catch is clear: wild animals follow their own timetable, so you may spend the whole 1.5 hours with fine sea views but no dolphins.

Key points to know

• Low boat, close views: The Biosfera Jet sits close to the water, making it easier to spot dolphins swimming beside the hull.
• More than dolphins: Sightings have included pilot whales, Bryde’s whales, turtles, and other Atlantic sea life.
• Fast and lively ride: The boat ride itself can be bouncy and refreshing, especially on the return to Puerto del Carmen.
• Swim stop included: You can jump into clear Atlantic water, though the stop can be shortened or skipped when animals are nearby.
• Good family option: Children have been given binoculars, and guides have helped young passengers get a better view.
• Bring your own swim gear: Towels, swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and warm clothing are not supplied.

Setting out from Puerto del Carmen marina

You meet Lanzarote Sea Tours at its office beside the petrol station and roundabout. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point and arrive ready to identify the Biosfera Jet.

The trip begins with a short safety briefing. This matters on a small, fast boat, where seating, movement, and sea conditions affect your comfort. Listen closely, especially if you are bringing children or are not used to open-water boat rides.

The southeast coast of Lanzarote gives you a useful bonus before the animal search begins. As the boat leaves Puerto del Carmen, you get broad views back toward the island and a fresh angle on the coast. This is not a slow sightseeing cruise, so the view comes in quick bursts between stretches of speed.

The ride can be lively. Some passengers especially enjoy the bouncing waves on the way back, while others may prefer to sit in a steadier spot and use the available shade. If you burn easily, apply sunscreen before boarding and sit under cover when possible. The open sea reflects plenty of sunlight, even when the air feels mild.

Searching the Atlantic for dolphins and whales

Once offshore, the crew begins scanning for movement. Binoculars are used to pick out distant animals, and the guide points passengers toward the action. On a good run, the process changes quickly from waiting to watching dolphins pop up around the boat.

This is where the low design of the boat helps. You are closer to the water than you would be on a large excursion vessel, and dolphins can appear at eye level as they swim beside the boat. Several particularly strong sightings have included large pods staying with the boat for around 20 minutes, groups of dozens of animals, and even hundreds of dolphins on an exceptionally lucky outing.

You should keep your eyes moving. A guide may spot a single fin or splash before anyone else, then turn the boat so more people can see. Turtles can be much harder to notice than dolphins, but the crew has managed to point them out as well. Whales are possible too, including pilot whales and Bryde’s whales. The latter is pronounced Broodess, a useful bit of information if you want to identify what you have seen afterward.

The crew adds live commentary in English, Spanish, and French. The information covers the species you may encounter, along with technical and historic details about the area and the boat. Some guides are playful as well as informative. Carlos has been noted for speaking several languages, while Teddy and Elsa are names associated with warm, entertaining guiding. The exact guide depends on the departure, but the style is generally informal rather than lecture-heavy.

The strongest part of this activity is its natural setting. No enclosure, feeding session, or guaranteed animal performance is involved. That also creates the main risk. You can be attentive, the crew can search carefully, and the sea can still remain empty.

What happens when dolphins do not appear

You should book this as a sea outing with a chance of dolphins, not as a guaranteed dolphin appointment. Some departures have produced no marine life at all. Others have found dolphins quickly, then added turtles or whales to the day.

That unpredictability does not make the trip pointless. You still get an hour and a half on the Atlantic, fast coastal views, commentary, and the chance to swim. Several accounts describe the boat ride itself as worth the price even without a sighting, especially when the weather is warm and the sea is calm enough for a comfortable stop.

Your expectations matter. If seeing dolphins is the only reason you would book, you may find the result disappointing. If you enjoy being on the water and regard the animals as a welcome bonus, the outing offers better value.

The crew may also make a practical decision based on what is happening at sea. One departure skipped the swim because a large group of dolphins was close by. That is a sensible trade: most people would rather have extra time with a pod than leave it to jump into the water for a few minutes.

The swim from the back of the boat

When conditions allow, the Biosfera Jet stops for a swim. You can enter the water from the back of the boat, making this more exciting than a simple look over the rail.

The Atlantic can feel cool, but many people find the swim refreshing after sitting in the sun. The water is described as clear, and you may see fish around you. Snorkelling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to look beneath the surface. The stated activity is swimming, not a guided snorkelling session.

Take the sea seriously. One account warns that the current can be strong, so stay close to the boat and follow the crew’s instructions. This is especially important for children and weaker swimmers. The swim is optional in practical terms, but the activity is not designed for wheelchair users.

The water stop is also subject to the day’s timing. If dolphins are found late in the outing, the crew may spend longer with them and reduce or skip the swim. That can be a disappointment if you booked mainly for the water, but it also shows that the tour is responding to real sea conditions rather than forcing a rigid script.

A good choice for families, with a few cautions

This tour works well for families who want a short activity rather than a full-day cruise. The 1.5-hour length is manageable, and children have been handed binoculars to help with the search. Guides have also helped younger passengers move toward a better viewing position when dolphins appear.

The speed and waves add fun for many children. Coming back into port can feel like a small amusement ride when the boat bounces over the water. That same motion may not suit anyone prone to seasickness, though the provided information does not specify motion-sickness support, so plan cautiously if this is a concern.

The boat has shade, but you should not assume every seat offers the same view. One passenger was moved to a makeshift seat at the back because a side wall blocked the original view. If seeing the water is your priority, ask the crew where you can get the clearest sightline while still remaining safely seated.

Bring warm clothing even on a sunny day. Speed creates wind, and the open sea can feel cooler than the marina. Comfortable footwear is also advised, along with a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. Food and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand or make your own plans around the short departure.

Is $41 good value?

At $41 per person, this is a fair price for a short boat trip that combines three things: a fast coastal ride, an organized search for cetaceans, and a possible Atlantic swim. You are not paying only for a guaranteed sighting, because no responsible operator can promise one in open water.

The value improves sharply when you see dolphins close to the boat. Large pods, animals swimming alongside the hull, and whales feeding in the area can turn the trip into a memorable highlight of a Lanzarote stay. At the other end of the scale, no sightings still leave you with the boat ride, views, commentary, and swim.

Compared with longer marine excursions, the short duration keeps both the cost and time commitment down. That makes it easier to fit around a beach day, a visit to Puerto del Carmen, or another Lanzarote activity. The trade-off is that there is less time to search if the first part of the outing produces nothing.

The current overall score is 3.7 out of 5 from 1,807 ratings. I read that as a useful warning about expectations rather than a reason to dismiss the tour. The most common source of disappointment is not poor service. It is the simple fact that dolphins may not appear.

Meeting point, languages, and flexible booking

The meeting point is the Lanzarote Sea Tours office next to the petrol station and roundabout. Hotel transportation is not included, so check your route to Puerto del Carmen before booking. The activity returns to the same operator location.

Guiding is available in Spanish, English, and French. The commentary is live rather than prerecorded, and the crew can explain the animals and point out sightings as they happen.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available, which helps if your Lanzarote plans may shift. A rescheduling story from one passenger suggests the operator can be accommodating in difficult situations, but you should still contact the company directly rather than assume every change will be accepted.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. The supplied information does not give a group size, boat capacity, or exact departure times, so check availability for the date you want and ask the operator if those details matter to you.

What to pack for the Biosfera Jet

Keep your bag simple and secure. You should bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Warm, weather-appropriate clothing
• Comfortable footwear
• Your own snorkelling gear if you want it
• Water or other drinks, since refreshments are not included

Avoid bringing anything you would hate to lose overboard. The boat is fast, the sea can be choppy, and you may move around when animals are spotted. Follow crew instructions instead of trying to get closer to the rail for a photograph.

A camera or phone can capture the coast, but dolphin photographs are difficult. I would watch first and photograph second. The best moments may last only a few seconds, and the low boat gives you a better chance of seeing them directly rather than through a screen.

Who should book this outing?

I would choose this for a first dolphin-watching experience, a family looking for a short sea adventure, or anyone who wants a fast ride with a chance of seeing wild animals. It suits people who enjoy a little uncertainty and will still appreciate the ocean if the search comes up empty.

I would think twice if you need guaranteed wildlife, dislike bouncy boats, cannot swim and do not want to sit through a possible swim stop, or require wheelchair access. The boat ride is part of the attraction, not just transport to the animals.

The strongest reason to book is the possibility of a close, natural encounter. Large pods have been seen racing beside the boat, and the crew appears willing to spend time searching rather than giving up quickly. The strongest reason to hold back is equally simple: you may see nothing.

Should you book the Puerto del Carmen dolphin tour?

Book it if you can accept the gamble. For $41, you get a lively 1.5-hour trip, good coastal views, multilingual commentary, and a swim when conditions permit. You may also see dolphins, whales, turtles, or other sea life in the open Atlantic.

I would schedule it early enough in your holiday that a missed sighting does not ruin your only chance. Pack sunscreen and warm clothing, keep close to the boat during the swim, and treat the wildlife as a gift rather than a promise. That is the right way to approach this outing, and on a lucky day, it can give you one of Lanzarote’s most memorable moments.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto del Carmen dolphin-watching tour?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours, including the boat cruise, wildlife search, commentary, and time to swim when conditions allow.

Where does the boat tour begin?

It begins at Lanzarote Sea Tours in Puerto del Carmen. The office is next to the petrol station and the roundabout.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the meeting point yourself.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. Dolphins and other sea life live in their natural environment, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What other animals might you see?

Possible sightings include whales, pilot whales, Bryde’s whales, turtles, dolphins, and other marine species.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The activity includes time to swim from the boat, although the stop may change or be skipped if wildlife is found or sea conditions require a different plan.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

No. Snorkelling gear is not included. Bring your own if you want to use it.

Which languages are available?

Live guiding is available in Spanish, English, and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.