Lanzarote: Dolphin Watching by speedboat

Lanzarote’s Waverider turns dolphin watching into a fast, open-water ride. The small RIB carries up to 12 people, so you get a more intimate outing than you would on a large sightseeing boat, with the captain scanning the sea for dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other marine life.

I like the small group size and the crew’s active search for wildlife. I also like that the trip includes water, life jackets, transport, and a guide who speaks English, French, or Spanish. The main drawback is simple: wild animals set the schedule, and sightings are not guaranteed. Some departures see two dolphin species, while others find only seabirds.

Key points to know

• Small Waverider RIB: The boat carries up to 12 people, making this a fairly personal outing.
• Old Port departure: The trip leaves from Puerto del Carmen, with pickup available and a 15-minute waiting rule at your hotel lobby.
• Wildlife search: The crew looks for dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other sea creatures, but no sighting can be promised.
• Thrilling ride: The captain varies the speed and may take you along the shoreline or farther out to sea.
• Bring sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and a secure hat are useful, but loose hats and glasses can be lost in the wind.
• Best for active families and friends: Children under 2 and pregnant women cannot take part.

A small RIB and a big Atlantic horizon

This is not a slow harbor cruise. The Waverider is a rigid inflatable boat built for speed, and the ride itself is a major part of the experience. You leave Puerto del Carmen’s Old Port and head out with the crew watching the water around you.

The boat holds 12 people, an important detail if you prefer a quieter outing. A small craft also lets the captain adjust the route more easily than a large vessel. The search may include open water, the shoreline, or several passes through an area where wildlife has been spotted.

You should think of the tour as two activities joined together. One part is a marine safari, with the crew looking for movement, fins, birds, and other signs of life. The other part is a lively speedboat trip across the Atlantic. Even if the animals stay out of sight, the ride and the views still give you a worthwhile couple of hours on the water.

The crew speaks English, French, and Spanish. That matters when the captain points out a bird, explains what you are seeing, or answers questions about the sea around Lanzarote.

Leaving Puerto del Carmen’s Old Port

The tour starts at the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen, one of the most convenient bases for getting onto the water in Lanzarote. If you arrange pickup, you are asked to wait in front of your hotel lobby for 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Pickup is included in the activity details, but some people have paid an additional fee when coming from places such as Costa Teguise. Confirm the exact pickup cost and area coverage before you finalize your booking.

At the port, expect a practical setup rather than a polished cruise terminal. One departure stored footwear in a box on the jetty and placed bags in a covered box on the boat. That is useful, but it also tells you to pack lightly. Keep your phone, glasses, and other small items secure.

You will receive a life jacket before setting out. Water is included, but food is not, so eat beforehand if you need more than a drink during the 2 to 2.5-hour outing.

What the Waverider ride feels like

Once the boat gets moving, the pace can change. The captain may run at different speeds, depending on sea conditions and the search for wildlife. On a calm stretch, the ride can feel smooth and quick. In choppier water, expect more bouncing and spray.

That speed is fun, but it affects what you bring. A loose hat can blow away. One passenger lost a hat, and the captain was able to turn back and retrieve it. That is a kind gesture, but you should not count on recovering every item that flies overboard.

Glasses need special care. If you wear them, use a tight strap or remove them while the boat is moving. Sunglasses are useful in strong sunlight, yet they are easy to lose if they are not secured.

The open boat leaves you exposed to the sun for much of the trip. Apply sunscreen before departure, and bring more if you have it. One person reported sunburn that lasted for days, so do not underestimate Lanzarote’s heat, even when the wind makes the ride feel cool.

Searching for dolphins, turtles, and seabirds

The wildlife search is handled by the crew, who know the area and watch for signs of marine life. The boat may travel farther out, circle back, follow the shoreline, or slow down while the crew checks the water. This active approach gives you a better chance than simply sitting on a fixed route, but it cannot control nature.

Dolphins are the main attraction. Some outings have seen two species, and the crew’s ability to spot them can make the difference between a distant glimpse and a memorable sighting. If dolphins appear, you will need to watch carefully and be ready. The boat is moving, the animals are wild, and sightings may be brief.

Turtles and sea birds are also part of the search. Birds can be easier to spot because they are above the water, and one outing without dolphins still produced plenty of different sea birds. You might also see other creatures, but the exact mix depends on the day.

The honest point is that no animal sighting is guaranteed. That is not a flaw unique to this trip. It is the basic bargain of any wild dolphin outing. You are paying for time on the ocean and an informed search, not a staged animal show.

The best and hardest part: wildlife is unpredictable

I like that the crew keeps looking when the first search area produces nothing. The captain may go back around, move farther offshore, or try along the coast. That effort gives the trip purpose and shows that dolphin watching is not just a quick pass through one spot.

Still, you should set your expectations before boarding. A child who has been promised dolphins may be upset if the sea stays empty. One family had that exact problem when no dolphins appeared. If seeing dolphins is the only reason you want to go, this is a gamble.

If you can enjoy the ocean, the boat, seabirds, and views as well as dolphins, the outing makes more sense. The speedboat ride can be exhilarating on its own, and the crew may still point out wildlife you would not notice from land.

The rating of 4.4 from 73 reviews reflects that balance. The most praised features are the excitement of the RIB, the captain’s effort, the scenery, and successful dolphin sightings. The main complaint is also consistent: some departures see no animals at all.

Is $77 a fair price?

At $77 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Lanzarote. It can still offer fair value if you want a small-group trip rather than a large boat excursion.

The price covers the boat, captain, life jacket, water, transportation, and a live guide. The 12-person limit is important. You are paying for a more personal boat experience, not just a seat on a crowded vessel. For a family or group of friends, that small capacity may justify the cost.

The value depends heavily on your priorities. If the sight of dolphins is essential, the lack of a guarantee makes $77 a risk. If you want an active outing with a real chance of seeing wildlife, plus a fast ride and coastal views, the price is easier to defend.

Check pickup charges carefully. A few people have paid an extra €5 or €10 per person for transfers, especially from Costa Teguise. One person found the additional €5 worthwhile because it provided a near-private transfer and cost less than a taxi. That can be good value, but you should know the final transport price before booking.

Sun, spray, and what to bring

Pack for exposure and motion. I would bring:

• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A secure strap for prescription glasses
• A small amount of water, although water is supplied
• A swimsuit or clothing you do not mind getting splashed in
• A light layer if you are sensitive to wind
• A small bag that can be placed in the covered storage box

A hat can help with the sun, but choose one that fits tightly. A loose cap may not survive the ride. The same goes for phones and cameras. Keep them secure, especially when the RIB picks up speed.

Do not plan on eating onboard. Food is not included, and the supplied information does not describe a meal stop. Eat before departure if you are prone to motion sickness or need steady energy.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The boat’s speed, wind, and changing sea conditions make clear-headed behavior especially important.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend the Waverider to families with older children, couples, and friends who like active outings. It suits people who want more motion than a standard sightseeing boat and who can enjoy the ride even if the wildlife search comes up empty.

It is less suitable for anyone who needs a guaranteed result. The captain can search carefully, but nobody can order dolphins to appear. It is also not suitable for children under 2 or pregnant women.

Consider the sea conditions before booking if you dislike bouncing or spray. The ride has been described as exhilarating, but it can also be choppy. If you have a poor tolerance for fast boat trips, ask yourself if the chance of seeing wildlife is worth the motion.

Families should prepare children honestly. Tell them the crew will search for dolphins, not that dolphins will definitely appear. That small change in wording can prevent a disappointing day.

Timing, languages, and flexibility

The activity lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, with starting times depending on availability. An evening departure can be especially appealing if you want a different quality of light and a cooler feel than the hottest part of the day. One evening outing produced two dolphin species and was described as a particularly good choice.

You can select from available boat tour options, though the Waverider RIB is the vessel described for this marine safari. The operator also offers other boat tours in Lanzarote, so check the exact option shown at booking.

The crew provides live guidance in English, French, and Spanish. That makes the trip accessible to a broad range of visitors, and you can ask questions about the animals and the local marine environment during the search.

Plans remain fairly flexible because cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later. Check the current starting time and pickup details before you leave your hotel.

Should you book the Waverider?

Book it if you want a high-energy ocean outing with a genuine chance of seeing dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. The small 12-person boat, active search pattern, multilingual crew, and lively ride give this trip more character than a basic boat transfer.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed dolphin sighting, dislike fast boats, or want a relaxed meal-and-scenery cruise. The sea may offer dolphins, or it may offer birds and open water. Go in ready for the ride first and the wildlife second, and the $77 price has a fair chance of feeling worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the dolphin tour depart from?

The Waverider departs from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote.

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people fit on the boat?

The Waverider is an exclusive RIB experience for up to 12 people.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. Dolphins and other sea creatures are wild, so sightings are not guaranteed. The crew also searches for turtles, seabirds, and other marine life.

What languages does the guide speak?

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

Is transportation included?

Transportation is included, and pickup is available. You should wait 15 minutes before the scheduled time in front of your hotel lobby. Some pickup areas may involve an extra fee, so confirm the cost when booking.

Who cannot take part in the activity?

Children under 2 years old and pregnant women cannot take part. Alcohol and drugs are also not allowed.