Dolphin Watching Cruise to Lobos Island

If you’re considering a day out on the water in Lanzarote, the Dolphin Watching Cruise to Lobos Island might catch your eye. This tour promises a relaxed boat trip with chances to see dolphins, explore a tiny natural park, and enjoy a picnic on the beach—all in about five and a half hours. It sounds like a good mix, especially if you’re after some scenic views and wildlife spotting, but it’s worth knowing what to expect before booking.

What stands out about this experience are a couple of key aspects. First, it offers hotel pickup and round-trip transport, which makes logistics pretty straightforward, especially if you’re staying in Lanzarote’s main resorts. Second, the lunch included is a definite plus—who doesn’t enjoy a picnic on a sunny beach? However, there’s a little caveat: sightings of dolphins or whales aren’t guaranteed, so if animal spotting is your main goal, keep expectations realistic.

This tour is best suited for anyone looking for a relaxed, scenic day on the water that mixes wildlife with beautiful island scenery. It’s good for couples, groups, or anyone who values comfort and convenience over a high-adrenaline adventure. But if you’re after a more rigorous or longer cruise, this might not satisfy that craving.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup and round-trip transport, simplifying your day.
• Wildlife sightings, including dolphins, are possible but not guaranteed.
• A picnic lunch on the beach adds a relaxed touch to your day.
• Boat ride on a Bisfera Jet boat offers a fun way to explore Lobos Island’s beaches, bays, and lagoons.
• The tour duration of approximately 5.5 hours balances sightseeing and relaxation.
• Booking well in advance, around 51 days, is common, indicating good popularity.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The Itinerary: Exploring Lobos Island and Beyond

This tour begins with a pickup from your hotel or meeting point in Lanzarote, typically around 10:00 a.m., giving you a relaxed start to the day. The journey kicks off with a scenic boat ride on a Bisfera Jet boat, which is a lively and modern way to explore the waters around Lobos Island. The boat’s speed and maneuverability make for an exhilarating experience, especially if you enjoy a bit of boat fun on your trips.

Once you arrive at Lobos Island, there’s technically no disembarking due to government regulations, but the boat will anchor at a few select coves where you can take a swim, snorkel, or simply lounge in the sun. The views of beaches, bays, and lagoons are striking, and you can expect to see the coastlines of Fuerteventura across the water.

Wildlife Watching: Spotting Dolphins and Whales

One of the main highlights, of course, is the chance to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Several reviews mention sightings, with one traveler noting they saw dolphins twice on the trip, both on the way out and the return. Others, however, acknowledge that animal sightings are not guaranteed, as these are wild creatures and their presence depends on the day’s conditions. The guides are well-informed and friendly, often explaining the wildlife behavior and environment, which adds a layer of education to the experience.

The Beach Picnic: Simple but Satisfying

The included picnic lunch is straightforward but offers some decent options—sandwiches, a small baguette, gazpacho, yogurt, water, and a choice of beer or juice. Reviewers say the lunch is well-packed and satisfying, especially after a morning of splashing around or relaxing on the boat. It’s not gourmet, but it’s enough to keep you energized for the voyage back.

Additional Considerations: Comfort and Group Size

The tour is capped at 45 travelers, so the experience feels fairly intimate without being crowded. The pickup service covers several key locations like Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, and Puerto Calero, which is a big plus for convenience. The journey from these spots to the harbor is smooth, and most travelers find the entire process well organized.

The Value of This Experience

At around $88 per person, the tour offers a lot in terms of convenience and scenery. The round-trip transport, lunch, and wildlife spotting opportunities make it competitive compared to other water-based excursions. While the price may seem steep for some, reviews suggest it’s good value for the overall experience, especially when you factor in the included amenities and the ease of pickup.

What’s Not Included and What to Keep in Mind

If you’re staying outside the specified pickup areas, you’ll need to arrange your own transfer—something to keep in mind if you prefer a door-to-door service. Also, since sightings of dolphins and whales are unpredictable, this isn’t a tour solely for animal enthusiasts wanting guaranteed wildlife encounters. Weather can also impact the trip; it’s recommended to bring sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable shoes, but be prepared for the possibility of weather-related cancellations.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

Many who’ve taken this tour praise the guides for their friendliness and knowledge, with one describing the crew as “really lovely and very friendly, especially to children.” Others mention the beautiful scenery and the thrill of spotting dolphins, which makes for memorable moments. However, not everyone was thrilled; one reviewer called the experience “rubbish,” citing a lack of activities on Lobos Island and a poor lunch, which highlights that expectations can vary widely.

The Bottom Line on the Experience

If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic cruise with some wildlife spotting thrown in, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy the waters around Lanzarote and Lobos Island without a lot of hassle. The included lunch and transport are practical perks, and the boat rides are a lot of fun.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who value convenience and comfort and are happy to have a chance, though not a certainty, of seeing dolphins. It’s great for those wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing, wildlife, and relaxation on a relatively short time frame. If you’re traveling with children or prefer a more laid-back day on the water, it’s a solid choice. But if your main goal is guaranteed wildlife sightings or a more rugged adventure, you might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a guarantee I will see dolphins or whales?
No, sightings are not guaranteed since these are wild animals. Some travelers have seen dolphins, but others have not, so it’s best to view wildlife spotting as a bonus rather than a certainty.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes the excursion to Lobos Island, a picnic lunch with sandwiches, gazpacho, yogurt, water, and a drink of your choice, plus pickup from key locations in Lanzarote.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including pickup, boat ride, and time on the water.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and reviews specifically mention friendly guides who accommodate children, making it suitable for families.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Lanzarote Sea Tours, Av. del Varadero, in Puerto del Carmen, with pickups available in several resorts.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. The tour is mostly outdoors, so protection from the sun is important.

Is there a weather contingency?
Yes, if the weather is poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Dolphin Watching Cruise to Lobos Island offers a practical and enjoyable way to spend part of your day in Lanzarote. It balances scenic boat rides, wildlife chances, and a simple beach picnic, which many travelers appreciate. While the chance to see dolphins isn’t guaranteed, the overall experience is often described as beautiful and well-organized. It’s best suited for those seeking a laid-back, scenic day with the comfort of hotel pickup and a straightforward itinerary.

If you’re okay with the possibility of not seeing marine life but want an easy, enjoyable water adventure, this tour is worth considering. Just keep your expectations realistic about wildlife sightings and focus on relaxing and soaking in the views. And if you’re traveling with others who enjoy being on the water and exploring small islands, it could be just the right fit.