Lanzarote: Lobos Island Half-Day Dolphin Watching Trip

Planning a trip to Lanzarote and looking for a combination of wildlife, scenic views, and a little bit of adventure? This Lobos Island Half-Day Dolphin Watching Trip offers just that. It’s a popular choice for travelers eager to see dolphins in their natural habitat, explore a stunning volcanic island, and enjoy a relaxed boat ride along the coast. With a solid average rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 483 reviews, it’s clear this tour hits many of the right notes, though like all experiences, it has its quirks.

What we love about this tour is the chance to see dolphins, whales, and flying fish—the thrill of spotting marine life in the wild is always a highlight. Plus, the trip includes a beautiful boat ride with panoramic views of Lanzarote’s coast and a free 2.5-hour window to explore Lobos, a charming fishing village with volcanic trails, unspoiled beaches, and lagoons that beckon for a swim.

One potential downside? Wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, and some travelers have noted delays or weather-related issues. If you’re particularly eager to see dolphins, it’s worth keeping expectations flexible, as sightings depend on the day’s conditions.

This trip is best suited for those who enjoy nature, are comfortable on boats, and want a mix of wildlife spotting and island exploration without the full-day commitment. It’s especially good for travelers who appreciate well-organized tours with friendly guides and a good value for the price.

Key Points

• Wildlife sightings are exciting but not guaranteed—patience and flexibility are key.
• Lobos Island offers diverse activities, from hiking volcanic trails to relaxing on quiet beaches.
• The boat ride lasts about 1.5 hours each way, so comfort during transit is important.
• A picnic lunch is included, making it cost-effective for a half-day outing.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, adding convenience.
• The experience is suitable for most travelers, but those with mobility issues should consider accessibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

The Booking and Arrival

Starting with a smooth pick-up from your hotel or a nearby location, the tour kicks off early in the morning. The exact pickup time varies depending on your hotel’s location—ranging from 8:30 AM in Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise to 9:10 AM in Puerto del Carmen—so planning ahead is essential. The bus ride to Varadero Puerto del Carmen is about 30 minutes, with comfortable air-conditioning and friendly chatter from guides, which helps set the tone for the day.

However, some reviews mention delays—such as waiting around 40 minutes in the hot sun before boarding. If you’re prone to sunburn or dislike waiting, bringing a hat or some sunscreen might make the wait more bearable. It’s also worth noting that the pickup service is quite organized, but a few travelers mentioned late notices, so a little patience goes a long way.

The Boat Journey and Wildlife Watching

Once on board the speedboat, you’ll enjoy a lively 1.5-hour cruise. The boat is described as fast and feeling a bit like a rollercoaster on the return leg, so if you’re nervous about bumpy rides, keep that in mind. The crew provides live commentary in multiple languages—Spanish, English, and French—focusing on the marine life and the area’s geography.

Sightings are the main highlight here. Many travelers report seeing dolphins, with some lucky enough to watch pods for over 10 minutes, including babies and family groups. One reviewer described it as “surreal,” and others noted that the crew carefully follow pods of dolphins, whales, and flying fishes to maximize viewing chances. But, it’s important to remember that wildlife is unpredictable; some days, dolphins might be shy or absent, especially if weather conditions aren’t ideal.

A few reviews, like Jade’s, mention not seeing dolphins due to fog, but still enjoying the trip’s scenic aspects and Lobos Island itself. This honesty helps keep expectations realistic—seeing wildlife is a bonus, not a guarantee.

The Stop at Lobos Island

Arriving at Lobos Island, you’re granted 2.5 hours of free time. During this window, you can stroll through the small fishing village, hike volcanic trails, or relax on the beaches. The island’s natural lagoons are perfect for a quick swim or some snorkelling, although the shallow waters and lack of shade mean you should come prepared with sun protection and water.

Many reviews highlight how beautiful Lobos is—its volcanic landscape, quiet beaches, and quaint village make it a worthwhile visit. Klaudia called it “great for a picnic,” while others loved the chance to explore at their own pace and take photos. The island is unspoiled and peaceful, though some travelers wish the free time was a little longer, especially if they want to explore more than just the main beach and village.

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Return Journey and Final Details

After soaking up Lobos, you’ll board a speedboat again for the return trip, which lasts about an hour. The ride back can be lively, and some mention it’s faster and bumpier, so again, if you’re sensitive about boat motion, pack some motion sickness remedies or brace yourself.

Once back in Puerto del Carmen, a coach will transfer you to your hotel, completing a well-organized day. The entire experience lasts about 5.5 hours, giving ample time for wildlife, scenery, and island exploration without feeling rushed.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price are hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat trips to and from Lobos, and a picnic lunch with water, beer or juice, gazpacho, and drinking yoghurt. The food is generally well-received, with many reviewers mentioning that the packed lunch was more than enough for a satisfying break. Keep in mind, snorkeling gear isn’t provided, so if you want to snorkel, bring your own.

Not included are additional activities like snorkeling gear or extra excursions, but the main focus on wildlife and the island itself makes this straightforward and simple.

The Logistics and Practical Tips

• Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, towel, and beachwear for lounging or swimming.
• Weather conditions can affect wildlife sightings, so be prepared for the possibility of no dolphin encounters.
• The tour is offered in multiple languages, which is helpful for international visitors.
• Accessibility might be limited, especially on Lobos Island, so travelers with mobility issues should consider this.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, with some calling the tour “well organized” and “very helpful.” One reviewer appreciated the “impressive packed lunch,” which included sandwiches, yogurt, and drinks—value that adds to the overall experience.

Sightings of dolphins, whales, and flying fish are often highlighted as the tour’s highlights, with some travelers describing their encounters as “surreal” or “fantastic.” Others, like Jade, appreciated the scenic beauty of Lobos even when wildlife sightings didn’t happen due to weather, emphasizing the island’s tranquility and natural beauty.

A few comments also note the bumps and fast ride back as a fun thrill, but if you prefer calmer trips, this is worth considering.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience is ideal if you’re excited about wildlife spotting and want to combine it with a scenic island visit. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy boat rides and don’t mind the possibility of weather-related surprises. If you’re looking for a relaxed and well-organized half-day adventure that combines wildlife, nature, and good food, this is a solid pick.

However, if you have mobility issues or if you’re very anxious about boat motion, you might want to weigh those factors. Also, don’t expect guaranteed dolphin sightings—although many do see them, some days may be quieter.

FAQs

Is wildlife sighting guaranteed?
No, wildlife sightings depend on weather and animal behavior. While many travelers see dolphins, whales, and flying fish, it’s not guaranteed every day.

How long do we spend on Lobos Island?
You get about 2.5 hours of free time on Lobos Island to explore, relax, or swim.

What’s included in the picnic lunch?
The lunch includes sandwiches, water, beer or juice, gazpacho, and drinking yoghurt—generous enough for a satisfactory break.

Are snorkeling gear provided?
No, snorkeling gear isn’t included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, towel, beachwear, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Generally, yes, but keep in mind that walking around Lobos and being on a boat might be challenging for some with mobility issues.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Spanish, English, and French.

How long does the whole tour last?
About 5.5 hours, including transportation, boat trips, and free time on Lobos.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but confirm your location to check the pickup time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a fun, wildlife-focused trip combined with a peaceful island escape, this Lobos Island dolphin tour offers a good balance of excitement and relaxation. The chance to see dolphins and whales in their natural environment, paired with free exploration of a beautiful volcanic island, makes it a memorable day out. The inclusion of a picnic lunch and hotel transfers also adds a lot of value for a half-day adventure.

Just remember, wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, so keeping expectations realistic will help you enjoy the scenic boat ride and the lovely island scenery no matter what. Perfect for nature lovers, curious travelers, and anyone looking to add a splash of marine life to their Lanzarote holiday.

You can check availability for your dates here: