Puerto del Carmen: Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Tour with Swim

The best part of this Puerto del Carmen boat trip is the chance to see dolphins in the wild, close to a low, fast boat rather than in a show pool. The crew searches the southeast coast with binoculars, then explains the species and local sea life as you ride.

I like two things here: the short 1.5-hour format, which fits neatly into a holiday day, and the swim stop, which gives the trip a purpose even when the animals keep their distance. The main catch is simple: no wildlife sighting is guaranteed, and some departures return without seeing dolphins.

Key points to know before you book

• Dolphins are the main prize: Some trips find large pods, with animals swimming beside the boat, while others spot whales, turtles, or no marine life at all.
• The boat is fast and low: You get a lively ride and, when dolphins appear, a good view close to the water.
• The swim is from the boat: Bring swimwear and a towel, but bring your own snorkelling gear if you want it.
• Guides add real value: The crew uses binoculars, shares information about cetaceans, and speaks Spanish, English, and French.
• The tour suits families: Children have been welcomed aboard, and crew members have helped young passengers see the animals.
• The price is fair for a short outing: At $41 per person, you are paying for a boat ride, guided wildlife search, coastal views, and swimming time.

Leaving Puerto del Carmen on the Biosfera Jet

You meet at the Lanzarote Sea Tours office near the petrol station and roundabout beside Puerto del Carmen marina. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so allow time to reach the meeting point yourself and confirm where to queue before departure.

The boat used for this outing is the Biosfera Jet, a fast craft built for a lively ride rather than a slow sightseeing cruise. Before setting off, the crew gives a short briefing covering the trip and basic safety points. That matters on a small, speedy boat, especially if you are bringing children or are not used to open-water excursions.

Once clear of the marina, the boat follows Lanzarote’s southeast coast. You get broad views from the water, and the ride itself becomes part of the attraction. Several people have enjoyed the return journey when the waves made the boat bounce, but that same movement may not suit anyone prone to seasickness.

The boat is low enough for useful views over the side. That becomes especially important when dolphins appear. Instead of watching from far above the water, you may see them at close range as they pass beside the hull or swim near the boat.

Searching the Atlantic for dolphins and whales

The wildlife search takes up the main part of the trip. The crew scans the water with binoculars and helps you look for dolphins, whales, and other marine life. Guides also explain the different cetacean species, along with technical and historical information connected with the sea and the boat trip.

The crew’s ability to spot animals is a major part of the experience. In several especially lucky outings, the captain found dolphins quickly or located a large pod after a patient search. When a group appears, the boat may stay near the action for a while, allowing you to watch animals swimming alongside, surfacing, or leaping.

Sightings can be impressive. Past trips have included large groups of dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, pilot whales, and Bryde’s whales. Turtles have also appeared. One excursion found a mother and young dolphin, while another encountered a whale after failing to locate dolphins.

But you need to set your expectations correctly. This is not an aquarium visit, and the crew cannot call the animals to the boat. Some outings have seen no marine life at all. That does not mean the trip has failed, since you still get the boat ride, sea views, commentary, and swim, but dolphin watching should be treated as a possibility rather than a promise.

The natural setting is also the point. The animals are not being kept for display, and sightings depend on weather, sea conditions, and where the animals happen to be feeding or moving that day. If seeing dolphins is your only reason for booking, you should be comfortable with that uncertainty.

What happens when dolphins appear

When the crew spots animals, expect a burst of activity on board. People shift their attention to one side of the boat, and the guides help passengers get a view. On some trips, children have been given binoculars, and crew members have helped young passengers move toward a better viewing position.

The low boat helps here. Dolphins can appear surprisingly close, sometimes passing beside the hull or racing across the water. You may see only a dorsal fin at first, followed by several animals surfacing together. A large pod can turn an ordinary ride into the highlight of your Lanzarote holiday.

The captain’s handling also matters. One of the strongest parts of the experience is seeing wildlife without the boat aggressively chasing it. The dolphins may approach voluntarily, and the crew can reposition carefully so more people get a chance to watch.

Your seat may affect your view. If the side wall blocks your sightline, ask the crew if there is a better safe position available. The crew has been willing to help people find a clearer view, but you should follow all safety instructions and avoid moving around while the boat is moving quickly.

The swim stop in clear Atlantic water

After the wildlife search, the boat pauses so you can swim from the back. You step or jump into the Atlantic, then climb back aboard after your swim. The clear water and open setting make this more memorable than a quick stop at a crowded beach.

The swim is valuable insurance against a quiet wildlife day. Even if dolphins stay away, you still get time in the sea and the fun of entering directly from the boat. Families have particularly enjoyed this part, and children may find the jump from the stern more exciting than the sightseeing.

Take the current seriously. A strong current was noted during one swim, so stay close to the boat and follow the crew’s instructions. This is not a supervised pool, and anyone who is not a confident swimmer should be cautious.

Snorkelling equipment is not included. Bring your own gear if you want to look beneath the surface, but the activity itself promises swimming time, not a guided snorkelling session. Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and a light warm layer. The sea breeze can feel cool even on a hot Lanzarote day, and sun exposure is easy to underestimate on the water.

Guides, languages, and the feel on board

The crew is one of the most consistently praised parts of this outing. Guides have been described as funny, welcoming, helpful, and good at keeping the mood relaxed. Names mentioned on different trips include Teddy, Carlos, and Elsa, though the guide on your departure may be different.

Carlos has been noted for making passengers from different countries feel comfortable and for speaking several languages. Teddy has been praised for combining humor with useful information. Elsa has also been remembered as kind and helpful. The official languages are Spanish, English, and French.

That mix of commentary and humor keeps the search from becoming a silent wait. You learn about the animals while scanning the water, and the crew works to involve children as well as adults. On one outing, sea shanties added a playful touch to the ride.

The atmosphere is informal rather than polished or formal. That suits the fast boat and short format. If you want a quiet, luxury cruise with a meal and plenty of room, this is not that. If you want a lively sea trip with a friendly crew and a chance to swim, it fits better.

How much value do you get for $41?

At $41 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to get onto the Atlantic for 90 minutes. The cost includes the dolphin and whale search, live commentary, the boat ride, coastal views, and time to swim. Food, drinks, hotel transport, and snorkelling equipment cost extra or must be arranged separately.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you see a large dolphin pod, the price feels very fair. Several outings have produced close encounters, sometimes with dozens or even hundreds of dolphins. A whale or turtle sighting can also make the trip special.

Even without wildlife, the price still covers a proper boat outing rather than a short transfer. You get open-water views, a fast ride, a guide, and a swim stop. The risk is that your departure may find nothing, so you should not book it as a guaranteed dolphin encounter.

The 1.5-hour length works well for families and for anyone fitting several activities into one day. It is long enough to reach open water and search properly, but short enough that a quiet sea day does not consume your whole schedule.

Families, comfort, and practical limits

This activity is suitable for families, and children have enjoyed both the boat ride and the swim. The crew has helped younger passengers get a better view of dolphins and has made people feel safe on board. Still, the fast boat, bouncing waves, bright sun, and open-water swim mean parents should judge the outing for their own children.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. No hotel pickup is included, and food and drinks are not provided. Bring what you need before arriving, especially water, sunscreen, a towel, and an extra layer.

Wear comfortable clothes and footwear that work on a boat. Sunscreen is essential, even when the air feels cool. A hat may be useful, but keep loose items secure because the boat moves at speed.

If you are sensitive to motion, think carefully before booking. The ride can be bouncy, particularly when returning through waves. The fast pace is fun for many people, but it is not the same as a calm glass-bottom cruise.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans change: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately, subject to the booking terms shown at the time you reserve.

Should you book this Puerto del Carmen boat trip?

Book it if you want a short, affordable outing that combines wildlife watching, a fast boat ride, and an Atlantic swim. It is especially appealing to families, first-time dolphin watchers, and anyone who prefers seeing animals in their natural setting rather than at a marine park.

Go in with realistic expectations. The crew may find a huge pod, a whale, turtles, or nothing at all. You are paying for the search and the whole sea experience, not a guaranteed sighting.

My advice is to book this when you would still enjoy the trip without dolphins. If the boat ride, Lanzarote views, friendly guide, and swim sound worthwhile on their own, the wildlife becomes a wonderful bonus. At $41 for 1.5 hours, that is a sensible bet.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at the Lanzarote Sea Tours office near the petrol station and roundabout by Puerto del Carmen marina.

How long is the activity?

The boat trip lasts 1.5 hours, including the wildlife search, cruise, commentary, and swimming time.

What boat is used?

The excursion uses the Biosfera Jet fast boat.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. Dolphins and whales live in the wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. The crew may also spot turtles, pilot whales, Bryde’s whales, or other sea life.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes time to swim from the boat in the Atlantic Ocean.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

No. Snorkelling gear is not included, so bring your own if you want to use it.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, comfortable footwear, and warm or weather-appropriate clothing.

What languages are available?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point, as hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.