Dolphin Watching Mini Cruise and Snorkeling from Lanzarote

Dolphin Watching Mini Cruise and Snorkeling from Lanzarote: An Honest Look

If you’re wandering through Lanzarote and craving a taste of the ocean and its wildlife, a dolphin watching and snorkeling tour might catch your eye. While reviews are mixed about dolphins always making an appearance, this experience offers a solid mix of scenic views, marine encounters, and relaxed fun on the water. It’s a popular choice, with bookings often made 14 days ahead, which suggests many travelers find it worth the effort.

What really stands out about this tour are the panoramic coast views of Lanzarote from the water and the chance to see dolphins, whales, and other marine mammals in their natural environment. Plus, the opportunity to swim in the clear Atlantic waters adds a nice touch of adventure. On the flip side, a couple of reviews mention the sighting of dolphins is not guaranteed—which is just part of the unpredictability when dealing with wildlife. This tour tends to suit those who are happy to enjoy the scenery and the boat ride, even if the stars of the show don’t always appear.

If you’re someone who appreciates a laid-back, scenic cruise combined with some marine wildlife spotting, this could be a good pick. But keep in mind, if you’re set on guaranteed dolphin sightings or longer snorkeling sessions, you might want to consider other options. Overall, it’s a flexible, reasonably priced experience that balances nature, views, and a bit of adventure for a diverse range of travelers.

Key Points

• Scenic Coastal Views: The tour offers stunning vistas of Lanzarote’s coast from the water, making it a visual treat.
• Wildlife Spotting: While dolphins are the goal, sightings are not guaranteed—be prepared for the possibility of just enjoying the boat ride.
• Relaxing Snorkeling: The opportunity to swim in clear waters adds a refreshing element, even if snorkeling time is brief.
• Value for Price: At around $48.71, it’s an affordable way to spend a few hours on the water with some wildlife and scenic highlights.
• Family-Friendly (if you’re comfortable with boat trips): The tour’s duration and activity level suit most travelers, though it’s not specifically marketed as family-focused.
• Weather-Dependent: The experience requires good weather; if canceled, you’ll be rebooked or refunded.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

What to Expect at the Start

The tour kicks off from the Puerto del Carmen marina, with a quick briefing on safety and what to expect. This sets the tone—informative but informal—and helps everyone settle in before the boat departs. The boat used, called the Biosfera Jet, is a fast vessel that can cover the coast quickly, giving you more time to enjoy the views and wildlife.

The Itinerary

The main activity involves sailing along Lanzarote’s west coast, with the chance to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine mammals. As the boat glides through the Atlantic, your crew will help you with binoculars and share detailed info about the cetaceans you might see. Several reviews mention the crew being friendly and knowledgeable, which makes a difference when you’re trying to catch fleeting glimpses of wildlife.

One of the highlights appears to be the views of the coast and the ocean, which many travelers find breathtaking. The boat also makes a stop to allow passengers to swim and snorkel in the waters near Los Lobos, a tiny, beautiful island just off Lanzarote. Here, the water isn’t too warm but clear enough to enjoy a good swim, and the experience of floating in open water with Lanzarote’s rugged coastline in the background is genuinely memorable.

Snorkeling and Swimming

The snorkeling segment, though typically short, adds a nice break from the boat ride. You’re encouraged to bring a towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen—essentials that will make your time in the water more comfortable. Several reviews mention that the snorkeling takes place relatively early in the trip, so you’re still wet and ready for more when you return to the boat.

Wildlife Sightings: The Big Question

While the primary goal is to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine mammals, the reviews show that sighting is not guaranteed. Some travelers, like one reviewer, pointed out that they didn’t see any dolphins despite the trip, which can be disappointing. On the flip side, many guests still rated the trip highly because of the beautiful views and the enjoyable boat ride. One person mentioned, “Super, c’était génial nous avons vus un spectacle magnifique, les dauphins en liberté étaient géniaux,” highlighting how some people do get lucky.

The Value Proposition

For around $48.71, the tour provides about an hour and a half on the water—focused on scenic cruising, wildlife, and swimming. The price is quite reasonable considering the shared experience and access to natural beauty. Keep in mind, transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, so you’ll need to organize that yourself, which is an extra consideration.

Reviews in Perspective

Several reviews praise the crew’s friendliness and the well-organized nature of the trip. As one reviewer stated, “Excellent service, people friendly ready to do the extra to make sure your experience was unique. The Captain did more than his best!!!” This suggests you’re likely to be well looked after.

Others mentioned the shortness of Los Lobos stay—many would have liked to linger longer at the island to explore its beaches and charming village. The cruise just scratches the surface, but that’s typical for a half-day trip.

Downsides to Consider

While most reviews are positive, a few travelers felt the experience was hit-or-miss when it came to dolphin sightings. One review simply said, “Pas vu un Dauphin 1 chance sur 2,” highlighting how unpredictable wildlife watching can be. If seeing dolphins is your main goal, be prepared for the possibility of disappointment.

Also, one reviewer noted that snorkeling occurs shortly after the start of the trip, which might not be enough for those who want more extensive underwater time. And for anyone who dislikes rough seas, the mention of “rough seas” didn’t seem to spoil the trip, but it’s worth noting if you’re prone to seasickness.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, are curious about marine life, and appreciate short excursions that combine nature, views, and a splash of adventure. It’s not ideal if you’re solely aiming for guaranteed dolphin sightings or long snorkeling sessions, but it’s perfect if you’re after a fun, reasonably priced way to spend a few hours on the water.

It’s also a flexible choice for those who want to explore Lanzarote’s coast from the sea and enjoy the chance to see Los Lobos, even if only briefly. If you’re traveling with family or friends who like boat trips and marine scenery, this will likely satisfy most.

Final Thoughts

This dolphin watching and snorkeling tour offers more than just wildlife spotting; it’s a chance to enjoy Lanzarote from a different perspective. The views are truly something special, and even if dolphins don’t appear, the boat ride itself is relaxing and offers plenty of opportunities for photos and quiet reflection on the water. The crew’s friendly attitude and the well-organized nature of the trip make it a solid choice for anyone looking to blend sightseeing with a touch of marine adventure.

While wildlife sightings can be unpredictable, the overall experience balances scenic beauty, a fun boat ride, and a quick splash in the Atlantic. It’s a good pick for those wanting a relaxed, reasonably priced way to explore Lanzarote’s rugged coast and nearby islands.

If dolphins are a must-see for your trip, just bear in mind that nature doesn’t always cooperate. But if you’re open to just enjoying the views, the sea breeze, and the chance to swim in clear waters, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Do we need to book in advance?
Yes, this tour is often booked about two weeks ahead, indicating it’s popular and worth planning early.

What’s included in the price?
You get about 1.5 hours of boat ride, the chance to see marine life, and the opportunity to swim in the Atlantic waters near Los Lobos.

Are there any additional costs?
Transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange that yourself. Food or drinks aren’t mentioned as part of the trip, so bring your own if needed.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for the trip.

Is the tour suitable for families?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but be aware that it involves boat travel and some water activity—so consider your comfort with those elements.

How long does the trip last?
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable half-day activity.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Will I definitely see dolphins?
Not necessarily. Sightings depend on luck and wildlife activity, which isn’t guaranteed.

Can I snorkel for a long time?
Snorkeling usually happens early in the trip and lasts about 10 minutes, so it’s short but refreshing.

What do travelers say about the crew?
Most reviews highlight friendly, knowledgeable staff who do their best to make the trip enjoyable.

This tour balances the thrill of potential wildlife encounters with the beauty of Lanzarote’s coast. Whether you’re after a relaxing day on the water or a quick adventure to Los Lobos, it’s a solid option in the Lanzarote lineup.