Fast boats, real dolphin odds. This Lanzarote dolphin watching by speedboat outing runs from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen and uses a RIB-style “marine safari” approach, not just a slow cruise. I like the small-group setup (up to 12 people), and you get a crew that actively looks for birds, turtles, and dolphins while you’re out on the water.

What also makes it feel worth it is the on-the-spot handling: you’ll have a life jacket, you’ll get water, and the captain and guide can answer questions in English, French, or Spanish. One thing to go in knowing: sightings of dolphins and other sea life are not guaranteed, so this is more “high-odds searching” than a promise.

Key things to know before you go

• Small on-board group (around 12 people) makes the spotting feel more active than mass-tours.
• RIB speedboat ride means you’ll feel the ocean (fast moments, sharp turns, and sometimes choppier water).
• Wildlife spotting is the main goal: look for birds and turtles too, even if dolphins don’t show.
• Two (or more) tour options let you pick the route style that fits your day, including evening slots.
• No alcohol or drugs on board, and you’ll wear a life jacket during the trip.
• Pack for sun and motion: bring water-friendly sun gear, and secure glasses if you wear them.

RIB dolphin watching starts in Puerto del Carmen

If you’re staying in Lanzarote and want ocean time that’s actually fun, this one has a simple pitch: get out on the water fast, then spend your time scanning for dolphins and other marine life. The meeting point is the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen, and the total ride is listed at 2 to 2.5 hours, so it fits neatly into a morning or afternoon.

I like that the whole experience is built around being close to the action. You’re not stuck watching from afar. When the crew spots activity, the boat adjusts and you get to focus on what matters: animals, birds, and those telltale breaks in the water that can mean something’s moving beneath the surface.

A small logistical note: there’s pickup included as part of the experience, but some people have reported extra transport costs depending on where they’re starting from (for example, an additional €5 or €10 per person from Costa Teguise). If you’re not near Puerto del Carmen, it’s smart to check your pickup details early so there are no surprises on the day.

The boat and crew: what the “12 people” setup changes

This excursion runs on a RIB, and the operator describes a boat for about 12 people. That size matters more than you might think. With fewer passengers, it’s easier for the captain to run patterns to search for wildlife, and it’s easier for you to stay oriented and spot things without constant shoulder-to-shoulder jostling.

The captain and crew are part of the value. I like that the experience is explicitly guided, with a live tour guide speaking English, French, and Spanish. On top of storytelling, this is practical: when you hear what to look for and when to watch, your chances of actually noticing dolphin behavior go up.

You also see how much they pay attention to safety and comfort in the small details. You’re given a life jacket, and there’s water provided. One review also mentioned how the boat crew handled rougher conditions by changing speeds when needed, which is exactly what you want from a captain who’s thinking about the sea—not just the schedule.

Wildlife spotting: what you should realistically expect to see

The headline is dolphins, but the experience is clearly designed as a wider marine safari. The listing and the trip experience both point you toward watching for multiple kinds of sea life:

• Dolphins (when sightings happen)
• Sea turtles
• Sea birds around the route
• Other marine creatures that may show up during the search

I find that knowing this upfront makes the outing more satisfying. If dolphins don’t appear, you’re still not just riding around. Birds and turtles can be real highlights, and even when you only get a few short dolphin moments, it still counts as a good return on time and money because the boat is built to react.

That said, you must plan with the dolphin rule clearly in mind: sightings aren’t guaranteed. The best way to think about it is like this—your best results come when you commit your attention fully. Wear eye protection, keep your eyes scanning, and don’t spend the whole time looking down at your phone.

How the 2 to 2.5 hour outing tends to run on the water

The operator doesn’t promise a fixed itinerary with named landmarks, and the ride length is short enough that it makes more sense to think in phases. Based on the experience patterns shared, here’s what you can expect in terms of how the time usually feels:

1) Boarding and safety rhythm

You’ll head out from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen and get set up on the RIB. You’ll wear the life jacket, and you’ll likely get quick guidance from the captain and guide so you know how the boat will behave and where to position yourself for watching.

This is the part where I’d treat your preparation as a mini-win. If you sort your sunglasses, secure your glasses, and get your sun protection sorted now, the rest of the trip is all about watching.

2) Leaving the harbor and starting the search

Once you’re out, the crew focuses on finding marine activity. Reviews describe the captain going further out, circling, and also running along the shoreline depending on what the crew is tracking. You may not see dolphins immediately, but the boat movement isn’t random—it’s part of the search approach.

This is also where you’ll feel the speed. One review called out how fast the boat can feel, and that’s normal for a RIB. If you’re sensitive to motion, it’s worth taking seriously rather than hoping you’ll be fine once you’re out there.

3) Speed changes when the water gets choppy

Lanzarote can throw waves at you, especially in windy stretches. One captain-specific detail that came up: different speeds during rougher water to keep it manageable. That’s not just comfort—it’s how you stay steady enough to spot wildlife.

If you’re wondering whether the ride will be intense, assume yes. If you like action, you’ll likely have a great time. If you hate being bounced around, you might want to consider a calmer option.

4) A real “watching window” before heading back

The final stretch is about scanning hard and making the most of what’s around you before the return. Some reviews mention the crew circling back and giving more time on the route when sightings were possible. Then it’s back toward the harbor and time wraps up.

The total duration is listed as 2 to 2.5 hours, so you’re not stuck out there for half a day. It’s long enough to feel like an experience, short enough to still have energy for lunch and an evening stroll afterward.

Price and value: is $77 a fair deal?

The listing price shown is about $77 per person, for a trip lasting 2 to 2.5 hours. On paper, that sounds like a “tour for dolphins” price tag. In reality, your value comes from three things:

1) You’re getting a small-boat experience rather than a huge crowd.

2) You’re paying for an active search (not just sitting still).

3) You’re included on basic essentials: life jacket and water, plus the captain and boat.

Food isn’t included, so plan a meal separately. If you’re combining this with a day around Puerto del Carmen, budget for snacks or lunch before or after.

Also, don’t ignore the possible transport add-on. One review mentioned extra payment for transportation from Costa Teguise (about €5 or €10 per person). That doesn’t automatically mean the tour is overpriced. It just means the final cost depends on where you’re coming from.

My practical takeaway: if dolphins show, the experience feels easy to justify. If dolphins don’t show, I’d still look at it as a fast RIB ride with wildlife potential and a crew that does real spotting work. But if dolphins are your one and only must-see, set expectations accordingly.

What to wear and bring for a RIB speedboat ride

This is one of those tours where your comfort can make or break your photos and your memories. I strongly recommend you pack for sun and motion, because Lanzarote heat plus speed is no joke.

Here are the most useful tips pulled from the real experience of the ride:

• Bring sunscreen and expect sunburn even if you’re moving.
• Wear sunglasses, but make them secure. One person nearly lost their glasses because they weren’t strapped down, and the boat motion can shake things loose.
• Bring a hat, and consider how you’ll keep it on. One story described a hat flying off during the run, and the captain stopping and retrieving it. That’s hilarious if it happens to someone else; less fun if you’re the one without a hat later.
• Wear water-appropriate footwear. One review noted that footwear is stored in a box on the jetty and bags go into a covered box on the boat, so you’ll want shoes you can manage without needing them on your hands.

Also note the rules: no alcohol or drugs are allowed. If you’re planning to party on the water, this isn’t that kind of outing.

If you’re sensitive to choppy water, consider a motion-sickness plan. The tour can get exhilarating, and that’s the point—just don’t pretend your stomach isn’t part of the equation.

Timing: morning vs evening can change the feel

The tour description doesn’t pin every detail to one time slot, but one review specifically mentioned choosing the evening departure and loving the timing. Evening can be a great way to avoid the hardest sun while still getting a full ocean experience.

If your day is packed—beach time, lunch, shopping—this kind of timing matters because it keeps the tour from feeling like an extra chore. I’d also choose the time you’re most alert. Wildlife spotting takes attention, and a tired brain misses the moments that matter.

Who this is best for (and who should skip)

This activity is a good fit if you want speed, you like being on the water, and you enjoy looking for animals rather than just taking photos. The small-group size helps, and the active crew spotting makes it more than a passive cruise.

It’s also a solid option for families and friends who want shared excitement, especially since the experience is marketed with observation of birds and turtles as part of the package. If you’re a water-lover, you’ll likely have a blast.

But it’s not for everyone. It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 2 years
• Pregnant women

And because dolphins aren’t guaranteed, I wouldn’t book this as a last-ditch “only chance” if dolphins are the sole reason you came to the island. It’s a great chance, not a promise.

Should you book this Lanzarote speedboat dolphin watching?

Book it if you want a high-energy RIB ride with a real chance to see dolphins, plus backup wildlife like birds and turtles. The $77 price feels more reasonable when you consider the small boat size, the active search approach, and the included essentials like water and life jackets.

Skip it or choose a calmer alternative if you strongly dislike speed or rougher water, or if you need a guaranteed wildlife sighting. This trip is about going out, searching, and reacting fast when the sea shows something good.

If you do book, set yourself up for success: secure glasses, protect from sun, and stay present with your eyes up. That’s how you turn a short 2 to 2.5 hours into a story you’ll keep retelling.

FAQ

How long is the Lanzarote dolphin watching trip?

The duration is listed as 2 to 2.5 hours. You can check availability to see the starting times.

Where does the boat depart from?

The departure point is the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included are transportation, the boat, life jacket, the captain, and water. Food is not included.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

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 available and are there any restrictions?

Pickup is included, and you should wait 15 minutes in front of the lobby at the pickup time. The trip also has restrictions: alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and it’s not suitable for children under 2 years or pregnant women.

If you want, tell me where you’re staying (Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, etc.) and what month you’re going, and I’ll help you choose the best departure window and pack smart for that specific day.

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