Dolphins at speed: that is the pitch. This is a fast, fun RIB speedboat ride out of Puerto del Carmen, built around spotting dolphins and other wildlife while the captain keeps things lively at sea. I also like that the crew pays attention to more than one species, so you’re not only waiting around for one big moment.

One thing to plan for: dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed. If the ocean is quiet for marine life that day, you may still come back with birds and a great boat ride—but you’ll want to match your expectations.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Small-group feel (about 12 people) on board, so the ride doesn’t feel like a cattle truck.
• Waverider RIB style: quick pace, quick turns, and sea-breeze excitement.
• Wildlife spotting focus includes dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other sea creatures you can’t see from shore.
• English/French/Spanish live guide to help you understand what you’re watching.
• Dolphins are not promised, so the tour is best as a marine adventure, not a guaranteed dolphin show.

Dolphin Watching Lanzarote on the RIB: What You Really Get

For $77 per person (check your exact total at checkout), you’re buying two things: a high-speed ride on a small RIB boat and a crew that actively looks for marine life. The boat is only for around 12 people, which matters because you’ll spend the whole experience facing outward—not stuck behind strangers trying to see over heads.

The duration is about 2 to 2.5 hours, with starting times that depend on availability. That’s a sweet spot on Lanzarote: long enough to get offshore and search properly, short enough that you’re not losing your whole day.

You also get the practical basics that make a difference at sea: life jacket and water are included, and you’re not expected to bring your own safety gear. Food isn’t included, so plan to eat before you go (or after you return).

Puerto del Carmen Meeting Point and Timing That Works

This tour departs from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen. If you’re using pickup, you’ll wait 15 minutes in front of your lobby for the driver. That small detail can save you stress, especially if you’re staying somewhere with multiple entrances.

One extra timing note from real-world experience: if you’re picked up from outside Puerto del Carmen (for example, people connecting from Costa Teguise), there can be an additional transport fee. The amounts reported are around €5 or €10 per person, depending on where you’re starting—so it’s worth checking your confirmation message closely before you assume pickup is fully free.

Waverider and the Other Boat Option: How the Ride Feels

You’ll choose between two different boat tours. The clearest details are for the Waverider, the RIB boat used for wildlife spotting. Expect a ride that’s sporty by design—speed plus chop equals a wet, bracing kind of fun.

A key part of the experience is how the captain varies the ride. When conditions get choppy, you may feel stronger rocking and faster changes in pace. That’s not a flaw; it’s the way these boats handle the sea while positioning for sightings.

If you’re imagining a calm, glassy-water cruise, this probably won’t be it. This is more like a guided ocean hunt, with the boat maneuvering to keep eyes on the water and increase your odds.

What You’ll Spot: Dolphins, Turtles, and Seabirds

Let’s be honest: you’re paying for a chance at dolphins, but your day at sea can include a lot more. The crew is set up to watch for birds, turtles, dolphins, and other marine wildlife that show themselves when the conditions line up.

Here’s the practical mindset to have: the captain and crew will scan repeatedly—alongshore, farther out, then back again—so your odds aren’t just one long wait. When people don’t get dolphins, they often still report lots of seabirds around the boat, which can still make the trip feel like a true marine safari instead of a disappointment.

Important reality check: sightings aren’t guaranteed. That isn’t just legal wording—it’s how wildlife viewing works anywhere in the ocean. If your goal is to see dolphins no matter what, no tour can promise that. If your goal is to have a great time on the water while searching hard, this one fits.

Captain Skills and Why the Small Stuff Matters

On these RIB excursions, the captain’s job is twofold: safety and positioning. A big part of what makes the experience feel worth it is the crew’s attention to where the action is and how they respond quickly when something happens.

You’ll also notice how hands-on it gets in moments that go beyond wildlife. For example, one captain stopped the boat accurately to help recover a hat that flew off during the ride. That kind of action tells you the crew isn’t just driving—they’re actively managing the experience minute to minute.

Also, you’re going to feel the speed. If you wear glasses, take extra care. One very practical tip from past riders: use a tight strap or take the glasses off when the boat is moving. If you don’t, you risk losing them, because RIB speed + wind can be surprisingly dramatic.

Safety, Rules, and the Stuff You Must Follow

This is a guided boat trip, and the rules are straightforward. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed, so keep the day focused on the ride and the marine life.

You’ll be given a life jacket, and you should treat it as part of your standard gear—especially on choppy water. You’re not signing up for a deck stroll. You’re on a moving boat where balance and comfort matter.

Not suitable for:

• Children under 2 years
• Pregnant women

If either applies, skip this one and look for a gentler alternative designed for your comfort needs.

What to Pack: Sun, Water, and Your Personal Comfort Plan

Even with water included, you should plan for full sun. The boat is on open water under Lanzarote’s strong light, and you’ll likely be outside for most of the trip. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and something to cover your head if you’re sensitive to sun.

In terms of comfort:

• Wear quick-dry gear if you don’t want to spend the rest of your day feeling soaked.
• Bring water-resistant footwear if you have it.
• If you use a hat, secure it. The boat’s speed and wind are real.

Also consider your tolerance for motion. The ride can be exhilarating, especially in rougher conditions. If you get seasick easily, I’d treat this as a “prepare for it” tour, not a last-minute impulse buy.

Logistics on Board: Bags, Footwear, and How to Avoid Friction

You’ll want to think about what happens to your items during the ride. People have noted that footwear is stored in a box on the jetty, and bags go into a covered area on the boat. That’s good to know because it changes what you should bring up front.

Keep valuables minimal. You don’t want to carry extra stuff that either gets wet or becomes a distraction while you’re trying to watch the water.

Also, since the experience is centered on spotting wildlife, don’t plan on using your phone for long periods while tracking movement. A better approach is to watch first, then capture if you get a clear moment.

Price and Value: Is $77 a Fair Deal?

For a 2–2.5 hour RIB dolphin watching tour, $77 per person is in the realm of what you’d expect for a guided small-boat ocean experience in the Canary Islands. The value comes from the combination of:

• the small group size (about 12 people)
• the active crew search for dolphins and other wildlife
• included essentials like life jacket and water
• a departure from a convenient home base, the Old Port in Puerto del Carmen

You’re also getting flexibility built into the booking approach. There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, which helps if you’re coordinating with weather or other parts of your day.

One more value note: the experience can still feel worth it even without dolphin sightings, as long as you enjoy fast boat rides and bird action. If dolphins are your only goal, your odds are still a chance—just like any wildlife viewing.

Who This Tour Suits (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a great fit if you:

• want a lively RIB ride instead of a slow cruise
• enjoy watching wildlife with a guide scanning constantly
• travel with friends or family who want shared excitement in a small group

It’s also a strong choice for people who like the idea of being out at sea without giving up a whole day. The timing works well for pairing with dinner plans in Puerto del Carmen afterward.

Skip it if:

• you need a calm, gentle boat experience
• you’re uncomfortable with speed and motion
• you fall into the restrictions: under 2, or pregnant

Should You Book This Dolphin Watching Speedboat in Lanzarote?

I’d book it if you treat it as a marine adventure with a shot at dolphins, not as a guaranteed dolphin ticket. The small group size, the Waverider RIB format, and the crew’s active spotting make it a fun use of a couple hours.

I would think twice if you’re very sensitive to wind, sun, or motion—or if losing glasses would be a real problem (solve that with a strap or plan ahead). And if your vacation is built around a must-see dolphin photo, remember: sightings can be absent.

If you’re open-minded, bring sun protection, secure your eyewear, and embrace the fast ride, you’ll have a genuinely satisfying Lanzarote ocean experience.

FAQ

How long is the dolphin watching tour?

It lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the starting time.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience is listed as an exclusive boat for around 12 people.

What’s included in the price?

Included are transportation, the boat, life jacket, the captain, and water.

Is food included?

No, food is not included.

Do dolphins get guaranteed sightings?

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

What languages is the live guide available in?

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

Is pickup included, and when should I wait?

Pickup is included, and you should wait 15 minutes before the scheduled time in front of your lobby.

Are there any restrictions on what you can bring?

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Who should not book this activity?

It’s not suitable for children under 2 years old and for pregnant women.