Lanzarote: Dolphin Watching by speedboat

Speed over the sea, dolphins or not. That is the deal. On this Lanzarote dolphin watching trip on a RIB boat, you get a fast, close-to-the-water ride with crew actively scanning for marine life. I like the small group setup, and I like how the captain keeps you moving while the search is on. The one clear catch: dolphin sightings are not guaranteed.

What makes this outing more than just a boat ride is the format. You depart from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen, and the crew is there to spot birds, turtles, and dolphins while answering questions in English, French, and Spanish. You also get provided life jackets and time out on the water that feels hands-on, not like you are sitting far back.

One more heads-up before you go: this is a speedboat experience. If you are sensitive to choppy water, or you hate the feel of wind and spray, plan for that. The ride can also be rough enough that small personal items need attention, especially anything not strapped down.

Key moments worth booking this for

• Small RIB group size (12 people), which helps you stay part of the action rather than a spectator.
• Old Port of Puerto del Carmen departure, easy to find and centrally located.
• Crew-led scanning time for birds, turtles, dolphins, and other sea life, with answers in multiple languages.
• Provided life jacket and water, so you can travel lighter.
• You might change your sunglasses plan, because the boat motion can play games with loose items.

What You Get From the Waverider RIB Safari

This tour runs as a marine safari on a RIB boat, with the operator listing Waverider as the RIB option. Expect a lively, sea-level feel to the ride. You are not just watching from a deck with distance built in. The boat speed and the way the captain drives during the search is a big part of the fun.

The other key ingredient is the crew. They are described as expert and familiar with the island’s marine ecosystem, and they are available to answer questions during the trip. That matters because dolphin watching is partly luck. When you have a captain who is actively looking and adjusting the search pattern, you maximize your odds of seeing something worthwhile.

And yes, you should go in with realistic expectations. You are doing a dolphin watching and marine wildlife tour, not a guaranteed dolphin encounter. The activity explicitly says sightings are not guaranteed. In practice, that means your trip value comes from getting great time on the water, plus the chance to see dolphins and more.

Puerto del Carmen Departure, Pickup, and How the Timing Works

The departure point is the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen. If you are staying nearby, this is the kind of location that makes the whole day feel simpler. You do not need a long transfer before you even reach the sea.

Pickup is listed as included, with a specific waiting rule: you should wait 15 minutes in front of the lobby. The timing is also described as part of the planning picture, since duration is 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the boat tour and starting times. For many people, that window is perfect. You get a full experience, but you still keep the rest of the day free for Playa Grande, the marina area, or a relaxed meal back on land.

One practical note on transfers: some departure locations may involve an extra transport fee depending on where you are picked up. If you are coming from areas like Costa Teguise, it is smart to double-check what pickup includes for your exact accommodation. A small add-on can happen, even if pickup is shown as included.

On the Water: How the Crew Searches for Dolphins, Turtles, and Birds

The tour is built around active marine searching. The experience description highlights observing birds, turtles, dolphins, and other sea creatures during the ride. That fits the overall feel of a RIB safari: you are constantly moving, scanning, and repositioning while the captain keeps you in the right areas.

From the experience information, you can choose between different boat tour options. On the Waverider route, the operator specifically mentions birds and turtles alongside dolphins. That is a useful detail because it gives you something meaningful to look for even if the dolphins do not show up immediately.

In real-world terms, your best chance comes from how the captain runs the search. I like that the crew is expected to keep looking and answer questions, not just point vaguely in one direction. In choppy conditions, one captain approach reported in feedback is adjusting speeds and driving smartly when the water is rough, rather than treating it as a one-speed thrill ride all the time.

If dolphins do show up, you can expect that classic dolphin watching thrill of sudden movement at sea level. If they do not, the best version of this tour still gives you birds flying alongside, turtles spotted during the search, and a feeling of being right in the marine action.

Ride Comfort, Safety, and What to Bring for a Speedboat Day

You get a life jacket and water included, so you are not starting from zero. Still, it is smart to pack like you are going to be wet and windy for a couple of hours.

What I suggest bringing:

• Sunscreen and a hat, since the sun over water can hit harder than you expect.
• Water, but you are already getting it, so you can treat it as extra reassurance rather than your only source.
• Sunglasses with a plan. If you wear glasses, consider a tight strap. There are reports of near misses when eyewear was not secured.
• Non-slip footwear or sandals you can tolerate on a moving boat. People have stored footwear in a box on the jetty and kept bags in a covered area on the boat, so think ahead about where your stuff should go.

Also, expect a full-on speedboat feel. One piece of feedback described the captain driving in a way that whips over the waves. That is fun if you are into fast ocean motion. It is less fun if you have motion sickness. If you are on the sensitive side, plan accordingly before you get on.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That is standard safety logic on fast boats, and it keeps the ride focused. There are no food items included either, so if you want snacks, you will need to bring your own outside the tour. For many people, that is a good trade-off because it keeps the onboard experience lighter.

Price and Value: Is $77 a Good Deal?

The listed price is $77 per person, with a 2 to 2.5 hour duration. Whether that feels like value depends on what you compare it to.

If you are coming from a resort further from Puerto del Carmen, the overall value can improve if pickup brings you closer efficiently. Some people did report small extra transport fees for certain pickup areas, but the comparison point was simple: taxi costs can add up fast. If your pickup option matches your location well, the value tends to hold up.

What you are paying for is not only the chance to see dolphins. You are paying for:

• A small RIB format (12 people).
• Provided life jacket and water.
• A crew that actively looks and drives the search.

A dolphin tour can feel overpriced when it is a long ride with people far away. This format is the opposite of that. The boat size and how the captain runs the search tends to make the time feel more direct and more fun, even for families and friends who want a shared activity.

Remember the one line that matters most for value: dolphin sightings are not guaranteed. That means you should mentally rank your priorities like this:

1) You want great time on the sea.

2) You hope to see dolphins.

3) You would also enjoy birds and turtles if dolphins do not show.

If that matches your expectations, $77 makes more sense. If your whole trip hinges on guaranteed dolphin photos, you might want a backup plan for the same day.

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

This activity is a good match for people who like movement and quick ocean time. It is also a strong option for families and groups because the smaller group size helps keep the experience social, and the crew can answer questions in multiple languages.

It is also not a fit for everyone. It is not suitable for children under 2 years old and it is not suitable for pregnant women. If any of that applies to your group, skip this one and look for a different kind of marine tour.

If you are the type who wants calm water and a slow sightseeing pace, this RIB experience may feel too fast. If you love speedboats, windy views, and the thrill of being close to the sea surface, you are going to like the energy here.

One more fit factor: timing. One report highlighted an evening slot feeling perfect. If you prefer softer light and cooler air, that can be a nice way to structure your Lanzarote day, as long as you book the slot that matches the operator schedule you select.

Booking Smart: Questions to Ask Before You Pay

Before you book, you can save yourself some stress with a few quick checks:

• Confirm your exact pickup details and whether there are any extra transfer fees for your area.
• Check which language option your group prefers. Guides are listed as English, French, and Spanish.
• Decide if you are okay with the possibility of no dolphins. The tour states sightings are not guaranteed.
• Ask yourself how you handle choppy conditions, since this is a speedboat ride with changing speeds and real sea movement.

If you are traveling with kids, plan for motion and sun. Even though you are given a life jacket, you still need to manage hats, water, and staying seated when the boat is moving.

Should You Book This Lanzarote Dolphin Watching by Speedboat?

I would book this if you want a lively, small-group RIB outing from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen, and you are happy to look for birds and turtles too, not only dolphins. The crew format, provided safety gear, and the direct sea-level experience are the reasons this feels worth it.

Skip it if you are trying to guarantee a dolphin sighting, or if speed and choppy water are a hard no for your body. Also skip if any member of your group falls under the listed restrictions, children under 2 and pregnant women.

If your goal is a fun sea safari with real odds of spotting marine life, this is a solid choice in Lanzarote. Just go in with the right expectation: your reward is part wildlife and part speedboat joy.

FAQ

Where does the dolphin watching boat leave from in Lanzarote?

The tour departs from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen.

How long is the dolphin watching experience?

The duration is listed as 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the selected boat tour and starting time.

Is pickup included, and where do I meet the crew?

Pickup is included, and you should wait 15 minutes in front of the lobby.

What boat is used for the dolphin watching trip?

The Waverider RIB boat is one of the listed options for these Lanzarote marine safari excursions.

Is food included in the ticket price?

No, food is not included.

What is included with the tour?

The tour includes transportation, the boat, life jacket, captain, and water.

What languages are the live guides available in?

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

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Sightings of dolphins or other sea creatures are not guaranteed.

Is the tour suitable for all ages and for pregnant travelers?

It is not suitable for children under 2 years old, and it is not suitable for pregnant women.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.