Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran

REVIEW · LANZAROTE

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran

  • 4.788 reviews
  • 4 hours
  • From $112
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Operated by WeWhale Lanzarote · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Silent boat, big ocean moments.

This eco whale and dolphin watching trip runs on a fully electric, emission-free catamaran, so the sea stays calm and you get closer to wildlife without the usual diesel funk. I also like the onboard hydrophone, which lets you hear whale and dolphin communication underwater—especially cool when the animals are just beneath the surface. One thing to plan for: sightings depend on the day and conditions, so you can’t treat it like a guaranteed whale show.

You start in Puerto Calero and spend the bulk of the time out on the Atlantic, while an expert crew explains what you’re seeing and how the marine ecosystem works. The experience has a “small-group” feel, which makes it easier to ask questions and actually pay attention. If you’re sensitive to cold, go ready for wind on the water—one trip can feel warm on land and chilly after you leave the dock.

Key things to know before you go

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - Key things to know before you go

  • Fully electric catamaran with silent, emission-free cruising
  • Hydrophone on board to listen to underwater whale and dolphin sounds
  • Expert-led explanations focused on the ecosystem you’re watching
  • Wildlife-friendly approach, designed to avoid disturbing dolphins and whales
  • Local snacks and drinks (plus fresh fruits) while you’re out at sea

Electric silence: why this format feels better

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - Electric silence: why this format feels better
On a regular boat, the ocean often feels like a background to the engine. Here, the point is the opposite. You’re on the Canary Islands’ first fully electric catamaran, built for silent, emission-free voyages, which changes how the whole watch feels.

You’ll notice it right away. There’s less vibration and less “industrial” noise, so when dolphins surface, it feels more like you’re witnessing nature—not competing with machinery. The crew also encourages a calm style of viewing, which matters because whales and dolphins respond to how you behave around them.

If you care about being a good guest in the animals’ space, this kind of low-impact touring is exactly what you want. It’s not just an eco headline; it affects your experience from sound levels to how smoothly the boat can hold position while animals pass nearby.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Lanzarote

Getting to Puerto Calero and Dock F22 without stress

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - Getting to Puerto Calero and Dock F22 without stress
You’ll meet in Puerto Calero, Dock F22, in Marina Puerto Calero. The good news: this area is designed for visitors, and there’s parking available. If you’d rather not deal with a car, you can also reach the marina by bus or taxi.

My practical advice: arrive early enough to park, walk the docks, and get settled before boarding. Even a 10–15 minute delay can throw off your comfort level once you’re out on the water and trying to get a good viewing spot.

Also, remember that this isn’t a casual “walk up when ready” setup. The tour runs on a set 4-hour slot, so being on time helps the crew keep a smooth route and pacing.

The 4 hours at sea: how the time usually plays

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - The 4 hours at sea: how the time usually plays
The total experience is 4 hours, and it’s structured for real watching time—not just a quick cruise and back. You’ll board, get underway, and then spend the day out on the Atlantic looking for whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

Because the catamaran is electric and silent, you tend to feel less rushed. You can stand comfortably while the boat moves slowly enough for spotting. When the animals show up, the crew’s job becomes focusing your attention: where to look, what behavior to notice, and how to react without crowding or chasing.

A realistic note: the ocean doesn’t read your calendar. There are trips where you get multiple dolphin sightings and other wildlife, and there are also days where weather and seasonal conditions reduce what you see. If you’re visiting in cooler, cloudier periods, you might have less luck finding whales at the surface. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad trip—it just means you should come with flexible expectations.

Hydrophone moment: turning silence into a listening experience

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - Hydrophone moment: turning silence into a listening experience
One of the most distinctive parts of this tour is the onboard hydrophone. When the crew brings it into the viewing routine, you’re not only watching for blows and fins—you’re also getting an earful of underwater communication.

Whales and dolphins use sound in complex ways, and hearing even a portion of that through the hydrophone is a “click” moment. It helps you understand that what you’re seeing is connected to a whole underwater world you normally wouldn’t notice.

You’ll also hear explanations from the crew in French, Spanish, and English, so you’re not left guessing about what species you’re seeing or what their behavior might mean. I like that the commentary is tied to the ecosystem, not just name-dropping.

Watching without stressing wildlife

This is one of those tours where the rules matter, because your behavior shapes the animals’ behavior. The crew is focused on observing marine life undisturbed, and that’s a big reason the experience feels “nature-first.”

So expect a viewing style built around patience:

  • You keep distance and hold your spot
  • You follow instructions about when to look and when to stay quiet
  • You don’t try to feed or attract animals (feeding is explicitly not allowed)

If you’ve ever been near wildlife where people crowd and rush, you know how uncomfortable it feels afterward. Here, the whole operation is set up to prevent that. That’s part of the value: you can feel good about what you’re doing and still get an up-close encounter.

Also, the boat’s calm nature helps. When the engine isn’t blasting, it’s easier for the crew to maintain a respectful approach while you watch.

Snacks, drinks, and coastline views you’ll actually remember

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - Snacks, drinks, and coastline views you’ll actually remember
This trip doesn’t make you trade comfort for nature. You get snacks, soda/pop, and fresh fruits during the 4 hours, plus what the crew calls local flavors.

What I find helpful about having food on board is timing. When you’re out at sea and focused on spotting animals, hunger can sneak up fast. Having small snacks and fruit keeps you steady, especially if you’re on the windier side of the deck.

You also get panoramic views of Lanzarote’s coastline from the water. Even when the animals are quiet, the coastline angle gives you a different understanding of the island—more open Atlantic than inland postcard.

And because the catamaran is electric, you don’t end up spending the trip smelling exhaust. That might sound like a small detail, but it noticeably improves the comfort of the whole ride.

Price and value: is $112 for 4 hours fair?

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - Price and value: is $112 for 4 hours fair?
At $112 per person for a 4-hour experience, you’re paying for a specific blend: electric boating, an expert guide, and a wildlife-first format.

Here’s how I judge value on trips like this:

  • You’re not only buying a sighting. You’re paying for a low-disturbance way to watch marine life plus onboard education.
  • The hydrophone adds real value. Listening to underwater communication turns the trip into a multi-sense experience.
  • The electric catamaran affects comfort and impact. The quiet ride changes what you notice and how the animals experience your presence.

Could it cost too much if you see nothing? Sure, that’s the gamble with any whale/dolphin trip. But the tour’s overall design—silent sailing, guided explanation, snacks, and wildlife-friendly viewing—means you’re not paying solely for a guarantee.

My advice: treat this as an ecosystem experience first, with marine sightings as the bonus. If you do that, the price feels much more reasonable.

Who should book this trip (and who might want a different day)

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - Who should book this trip (and who might want a different day)
This tour is a great fit if you:

  • Want quiet, low-impact wildlife watching
  • Care about education—hearing the ecosystem explained and using the hydrophone
  • Like the idea of getting out from Puerto Calero for real Atlantic time instead of a short loop

It may be less ideal if you:

  • Need wheelchair accessibility (this activity is not suitable for wheelchair users)
  • Get very cold easily on windy decks, since you’ll be on open water
  • Expect a perfect guarantee of whales. Some days are just less active.

If you’re traveling with kids, this can work well because the hydrophone and the wildlife behavior explanations make the time feel purposeful. If you’re a solo traveler, the smaller-group vibe can make it easier to connect with the crew and ask questions.

When to go: setting your expectations for sightings

Lanzarote: Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-Friendly Catamaran - When to go: setting your expectations for sightings
The best whale and dolphin watching days are usually the ones that give you good visibility and calmer conditions. Your location is right for Atlantic encounters, but nature keeps the schedule.

So I suggest you plan this as one of your “ocean moments” while you’re in Lanzarote—not the only thing that will define your trip. If you’re booking multiple activities, balance this one with something on land too. That way, even if whales don’t pop up that day, you still come home with a full itinerary.

Should you book the electric catamaran whale and dolphin trip?

If your goal is to watch whales and dolphins with less noise, less emissions, and more respect for wildlife, I’d book it. The electric catamaran concept isn’t just marketing; it supports what you came for: calmer viewing and a more comfortable, creature-focused experience.

I’d especially say yes if the hydrophone and guided education matter to you. And if you’re okay with the natural reality that sightings aren’t guaranteed, this becomes a very solid value for a 4-hour outing.

Only hold off if you’re counting on guaranteed whales in any weather, or if accessibility needs make this a poor match. Otherwise, this is one of the more thoughtful ways to do marine watching in Lanzarote.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The meeting point is Puerto Calero, Dock F22 in Marina Puerto Calero.

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts 4 hours.

What languages is the live guide available in?

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

What’s included during the trip?

It includes snacks, soda/pop, and fresh fruits.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat and sunscreen.

Are there rules about food, alcohol, or smoking?

Yes. Smoking is not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Also, littering and feeding animals are not allowed.

Can I change my plans if needed?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option to keep plans flexible.

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