Wildlife spotting from a speedboat can be oddly addictive. This Puerto del Carmen tour mixes dolphin/whale watching with a real open-ocean swim. The one catch: you can’t guarantee sightings with wild animals.

I like that the crew doesn’t just point; they narrate what you’re seeing and help you scan with binoculars. I also like the practical pacing: quick briefing, then searching, then a swim if conditions and sightings allow. The possible drawback is that the sea can be choppy and you’ll get splashed, so it’s not a sit-and-stare calm cruise.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• A fast, low-to-the-water boat means better views when dolphins surface near you
• Binocular scanning with live commentary helps you spot whales and other marine life
• The swim is a highlight with clear Atlantic water, but it can be adjusted if wildlife is active
• Sightings aren’t guaranteed, so focus on the boat ride and scenery too
• Good family energy, with staff making it easy for kids to look out safely
• Snorkel gear isn’t included, so bring what you need if you plan to swim more than once

Entering The Biosfera Jet Experience from Puerto del Carmen

You’ll meet at the Lanzarote Sea Tours office next to the petrol station and roundabout, then head to the marina area for the boarding process. Once you’re on the boat, the whole vibe is efficient: a quick briefing, then you’re out looking at the water instead of waiting around.

The boat itself, the Biosfera Jet, is built for speed and visibility. In practical terms, that matters because dolphins and whales often show up fast. When you’re on a quick craft, you can follow the action instead of watching it disappear in the distance.

From the start, expect a little spray and motion. A lot of people love that cooling hit, but if you’re prone to seasickness, consider that you’ll be on a moving speedboat for the full 1.5 hours.

How the Dolphin and Whale Search Actually Works

This tour is built around active searching, not a passive cruise. After you leave Puerto del Carmen Marina, the crew helps you scan for cetaceans using binoculars, and they’ll talk you through what to look for.

I like this approach because it turns random sightings into something you can recognize. The commentary includes info on the species you might encounter, plus technical and historical context so you’re not just reacting—you’re learning while you watch.

You may also hear different crew personalities in the way they guide. Some guide names that come up in people’s experiences include Teddy, Elsa, and Carlos, and the common thread is that they keep things fun while staying focused on the hunt.

What you might see can vary a lot. Sightings mentioned include Atlantic spotted dolphins, pilot whales, and Bryde’s whales (often pronounced that way by the guide). There are also stories of turtles showing up, which is a nice reminder that the ocean isn’t only about one animal.

The Swim Stop: Clear Water, Real Ocean Time, and One Important Safety Note

The swim is part of the core promise: you stop and jump in from the boat for time in the Atlantic. People describe the water as clear and refreshing, and it’s one of the easiest ways to turn a wildlife sighting into a full sensory memory.

Just be smart about conditions. Currents can be strong, so you’ll want to follow the crew’s guidance and stay close to the boat. Also, bring a towel—there’s no included gear for snorkeling, so plan on simply swimming and cooling off rather than doing a long swim session.

One detail to know: the plan can shift depending on wildlife activity. There’s at least one account of skipping the swim stop because so many dolphins were around. That’s not a bad sign—it means the boat found something worth staying with—but it does reinforce that the ocean sets the agenda.

If you’re swimming with kids, this is usually a good tour type because the crew helps people feel comfortable. Still, you should treat it like open water, not a pool, and keep your group close.

The Coastline and Coast-Scan Views You Still Get

Even on days when dolphins take their sweet time, you’re still getting a real sea ride along Lanzarote’s southeast coast. That panoramic time is more valuable than it sounds, because it keeps the trip from feeling like a long waiting game.

The speedboat format also changes how you experience the coastline. You’re moving quickly, so you see angles and stretches of shore that you’d never get from land. It’s also a good way to cool down—people often mention the waves and spray feeling great on hot days.

And if wildlife does show up, the views become part of the spotting game. Dolphins can surface right near the boat, and when that happens, you’re watching them from close range rather than scanning from far away.

What the 1.5 Hours Feels Like in Real Time

This is a short trip, so you’re not committing an entire day. The structure tends to be: meet, board, a briefing, then searching for marine life with live narration. After that, you either swim during the stop or you might end up with more time in pursuit if sightings are active.

Because everything is condensed, your best strategy is to arrive ready. Don’t plan on grabbing supplies at the last second. Have your swimwear on under your clothes if you can, and keep sunscreen accessible.

Also, be aware that the crew may adjust where people sit or how they move around the boat to maximize views. Some experiences mention kids getting binoculars and even being able to go where they can see best. If you want a top view, ask where to stand for dolphin spotting when the crew calls it.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)

This experience is family-friendly. You’ll see it in how the crew runs the scanning and in the number of accounts where kids loved the chance to look for dolphins with binoculars.

It’s also a strong choice if you’re in the mood for nature that feels real. People appreciate that the tour is about watching animals in the wild rather than visiting a staged setting.

The one clear mismatch: it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. If mobility is an issue, you’ll need a different style of tour with better accessibility.

If you’re someone who hates any boat motion, this may be stressful because it’s a fast boat and waves can bounce you around. But if you’re okay with getting a little wet and moving fast, it’s an exciting way to do wildlife watching.

What to Pack: Swimwear, Towel, Sunscreen, and Warm Layers

What to bring is pretty straightforward, but you’ll thank yourself for packing smart.

• Swimwear (you’ll likely get in the water)
• A towel (there’s swim time, but no towel is listed as included)
• Sunscreen (sun plus ocean time adds up fast)
• Comfortable clothes and weather-appropriate layers
• Comfortable footwear for moving around the boat

Bring warm clothing even if the forecast looks good. People don’t always expect how quickly wind and sea spray can make you feel chilled after you’ve been in the sun.

If you plan to do more than just a quick swim, remember that snorkeling gear isn’t included. You might find you don’t need it, but at least know what you’re signing up for: open-water swimming, from a boat, with your own basics.

Price and Value: Is $41 Worth It?

At about $41 per person for roughly 1.5 hours, this tour sits in the “value sweet spot” for activity-level ocean time. You’re not paying only for animal sightings—you’re paying for speed, live narration, binocular scanning, and the swim stop.

The key detail is the tradeoff. Dolphins and whales are wild and unpredictable, and even very capable crews can come up empty. Still, the day-to-day pattern described here shows that many people do see dolphins or other marine life, and even when they don’t, they often feel the boat ride and scenery were worth it.

So how do you decide if it’s for you? If you want a short, active excursion that can deliver a close dolphin moment and a refreshing swim, this price level makes sense. If you need a guaranteed dolphin encounter at any cost, you might feel disappointed on the wrong day—because this is wildlife watching, not a show.

Final Call: Should You Book This Dolphin Tour from Puerto del Carmen?

I’d book it if you want a practical wildlife experience with real ocean time. The combination of live commentary, fast searching, and an optional swim makes it more than just a boat ride, and the duration fits well when you don’t want to lose half your day.

I would think twice if you get seasick easily or you’re uncomfortable with open-water swimming in changing conditions. Also, go in with flexible expectations about sightings. The tour works best when you treat it like a chance to see wildlife and a chance to enjoy the sea—because that part is always happening.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is one of the more kid-friendly wildlife formats around, especially when the crew hands out binocular time and helps everyone look safely.

FAQ

How long is the dolphin-watching speedboat tour?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Lanzarote Sea Tours office, located next to the petrol station and the roundabout.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes the 1.5-hour dolphin and whale watching tour, live commentary on board, and time to swim.

Is snorkelling gear provided?

No. Snorkelling gear is not included.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes, there is time to swim, with people typically jumping in from the boat during the stop.

Are dolphin or whale sightings guaranteed?

No. When dealing with wildlife in their natural habitat, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What languages will the guide speak?

The live tour guide provides commentary in Spanish, English, and French.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.