Lobos Island – The dolphin route

If you’re visiting Lanzarote and dreaming of wild dolphin sightings mixed with some time on a lesser-known island, the Lobos Island dolphin route could be just what you’re after. This tour combines a speedy boat ride, wildlife watching, and a relaxed exploration of Lobos, making it appealing to nature lovers and those wanting a taste of unspoiled surroundings.

We like the emphasis on wildlife—dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the guided element and the natural habitat focus promise an authentic experience. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and onboard lunch add to the overall value. However, if you’re hoping to see dolphins on every trip, be aware that nature can be unpredictable, and sightings depend on the day’s conditions.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy boat trips, are willing to accept some uncertainty in wildlife encounters, and want a mix of adventure and relaxation. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a straightforward, well-organized day out will find this tour fits the bill.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points:

• Wildlife sightings are probable but not guaranteed, emphasizing the natural aspect of the trip.
• The tour offers a quick, 1.5-hour speedboat ride with expert commentary, making it lively and informative.
• A generous lunch and drinks are included, providing good value for a half-day excursion.
• Time on Lobos Island allows for exploration, swimming, or just soaking up the scenery.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off streamline logistics, especially if you’re staying in Lanzarote.
• Group size is limited to 48, keeping the experience relatively intimate.

What the Tour Entails: From Lanzarote to Lobos

The adventure starts bright and early at 10:00 am, with a hotel pickup that takes you from your accommodation to the marina in Puerto del Carmen. The daily start time is convenient, giving you ample daylight for the activities ahead.

Once at the marina, you’ll board the “Biosfera Jet”, a fast boat designed to maximize your chances of dolphin sightings—and it does deliver a fun, adrenaline-pumping ride across the water. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, during which you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Lanzarote’s coast and expert commentary about the marine mammals you’ll be hunting for.

Wildlife Watching: What to Expect

The crew’s commentary is a highlight—it’s detailed and informative, helping you identify dolphins, whales, and other marine life in their natural environment. Several reviews mention seeing multiple dolphin species, with some travelers lucky enough to spot whales or flying fish. As one review notes, “We saw numerous Dolphins on our way to Lobos.”

However, it’s important to keep expectations realistic. Sightings can’t be guaranteed, as wildlife is unpredictable. As Corinne B mentions, “but no dolphins on the return trip—it’s nature.” So, patience and a little luck are key. Still, the crew does make an effort to hunt down the animals, and for many, just being out on the water looking for these creatures is exciting enough.

The Experience on Lobos Island

Upon arrival, you’ll have around two and a half hours to explore Lobos, an island known for its tranquillity and natural beauty. The island is perfect for a laid-back stroll, with opportunities for swimming or simply relaxing on the beaches. The reviews echo the peaceful charm of Lobos, with one traveler describing it as “a little paradise.”

Local life on the island is authentic, and some travelers enjoy wandering through the small village or taking a dip in the natural pool. The island’s unspoiled nature and scenic views make the time here feel like a genuine escape from the busy mainland.

Lunch and Drinks: A Nice Touch

One of the tour’s strong points is the included lunch and drinks—a packed meal that most reviews praise as more than adequate, with some mentioning it’s well worth the price. You’ll have bottled water, soft drinks, and alcohol available onboard, making the trip comfortable and relaxed. Keep in mind, though, that binoculars aren’t included, so if spotting distant wildlife is your priority, bringing your own could be beneficial.

Return Journey and Logistics

After your time on Lobos, the boat heads back to Lanzarote, and you are transported back to your hotel. The entire experience lasts about five hours, making it a well-paced day out that doesn’t overstay its welcome. The group size caps at 48, which keeps things manageable and allows for a friendly atmosphere.

The Value of the Tour: Is It Worth It?

At $77.48 per person, this tour is generally seen as good value—especially considering the hotel pickup, lunch, and expert commentary included. For wildlife enthusiasts, the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat makes this experience stand out. Plus, the flexibility of free time on Lobos and the scenic boat ride add to the experience’s appeal.

However, some reviews note the disappointment of not seeing dolphins on certain trips—an inherent risk with wildlife tours. The tour company emphasizes that sightings aren’t guaranteed, so if your main goal is dolphin spotting, temper expectations. Still, many travelers leave satisfied, especially those who enjoy the boat ride and the island atmosphere.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy nature and wildlife and are okay with a bit of uncertainty. It’s suitable for those seeking a straightforward, well-organized day that combines adventure, scenery, and relaxation. Families with older children might enjoy the boat ride and island exploration, while couples and solo travelers will find the pace pleasantly manageable.

If your main priority is guaranteed dolphin sightings, you might want to consider this a scenic trip that may include wildlife, rather than a wildlife guarantee. It’s about soaking up the environment, enjoying the boat ride, and relaxing on unspoiled terrain.

The Sum Up

This Lobos Island dolphin route offers a balanced, enjoyable experience for those wanting to combine wildlife watching with some downtime on a beautiful island. The speedboat ride is exciting, and the expert commentary helps you learn a lot about marine mammals. The lunch onboard adds value, and the small group size keeps things friendly and manageable.

It’s perfect for travelers who are flexible, curious about marine life, and eager for a scenic day out. While dolphin sightings can’t be promised, most reviews suggest that many do get to see some, and everyone leaves with a better appreciation of the natural environment.

For those wanting a hassle-free day on the water with a good chance of spotting wildlife and enjoying Lobos’ natural charm, this tour is a solid choice. Just remember to go with realistic expectations—nature is unpredictable, but the experience itself is often more than worth the price.

FAQ

Do I need binoculars for this tour?
Binoculars are not included, so if you want to improve your chances of seeing distant wildlife more clearly, bringing your own could be helpful.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour’s duration and boat ride make it suitable for families with older kids who enjoy boat trips and outdoor exploration.

What happens if I don’t see any dolphins?
Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed; wildlife can be unpredictable. The tour emphasizes natural encounters, so patience is key.

How long is the boat ride?
The fast boat trip to Lobos lasts approximately 1.5 hours each way.

What’s included in the price?
You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a 2.5-hour boat ride, live commentary, drinks, lunch, and bottled water.

Can I explore Lobos island freely?
Yes, you have about two and a half hours to explore the island, relax, or do some swimming.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour may be canceled due to weather conditions, in which case you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How many people are on the tour?
The maximum group size is 48 travelers, keeping the experience intimate and manageable.

How do I book this tour?
You can book in advance, usually about 11 days ahead, through platforms like Viator or directly via Lanzarote Sea Tours.

In summary, if you’re looking for a well-organized, fun boat trip with the chance to see dolphins and enjoy unspoiled scenery, this Lobos Island dolphin route offers a lot for the price. Just keep your expectations realistic, and you’ll likely come away with fond memories of a day well spent on Lanzarote’s waters and shores.