Lanzarote: Sea Safari Experience

Thinking about adding a boat trip to your Lanzarote itinerary? The Sea Safari Experience offers a chance to see whales, dolphins, and the island’s rugged coast from the water. We’ve looked into it, and here’s the scoop to help you decide if this trip suits your travel style.

One thing we love about it is the combination of marine wildlife viewing with stunning scenery. The chance to see playful dolphins or even whales in their natural habitat is enough to get anyone excited. Plus, the guides are described as friendly and knowledgeable, which makes the whole outing feel more authentic and engaging.

A potential consideration is the uncertainty of wildlife sightings — as with any nature-based tour, you might not always see animals, and the experience depends on luck and conditions. It’s also a relatively short trip, just 2-3 hours, so if you’re craving a longer cruise or more extensive sightseeing, this might feel a bit limited.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who want an interactive, educational experience on the water. It’s great for those who appreciate expert guides, scenic coastlines, and the thrill of spotting marine creatures in the wild.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: The tour features marine biologists and cetacean specialists, making the experience both educational and trustworthy.
• Stunning Coastline Views: You’ll cruise past volcanic cliffs and dormant volcanoes, offering excellent photo opportunities.
• Wildlife Sightings: While sightings depend on luck, many guests have enjoyed seeing dolphins and whales.
• Family-Friendly: Not suitable for children under 2 or pregnant women, so check if it fits your group.
• Value for Money: At $63, it’s a reasonably priced way to combine scenery, education, and wildlife spotting.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, keeping the tour intimate and more personalized.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Sea Safari

The Itinerary and Setting

When you arrive at the meeting point — look for the “Sea Safaris” sign at the top of Pontoon H — you’ll be greeted by a modern, 8.6-meter-long motorized trimaran named OLBAP TR8. This boat is well-equipped, powered by a 250 HP Mercury Verado engine, and features modern navigational tools like autopilot and electronic chartplotter, plus a hydrophone for listening to cetaceans underwater.

The tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife without feeling rushed. The start time varies depending on availability, so it’s smart to check in advance.

The Coastline and Scenery

You’ll spend most of the time cruising along Lanzarote’s dramatic coast, famous for its volcanic cliffs and topography. The landscape is unlike anything else in the Canary Islands, with dormant volcanoes and rugged coastlines creating a surreal backdrop. The views are what make this trip stand out — perfect if you’re into photography or just love seeing wild, untouched nature from the water.

Wildlife Encounters

The real highlight? The chance to spot whales and dolphins in their natural environment. Some guests have noted that sightings can be unpredictable, which is typical with marine excursions. Yet, many reports mention successful encounters, including dolphins “dancing” alongside the boat or whales making brief appearances.

One reviewer shared, “The whole experience was amazing, dolphins didn’t show up, but the whales did — brilliant.” Another highlighted the guides’ expertise, noting that the crew was “engaging and enthusiastic,” making the sightings even more enjoyable.

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Guides and Expertise

Having a marine biologist on board makes a noticeable difference. They’re there not only to assist with spotting animals but also to share fascinating insights about the species, their behaviors, and the marine environment. Several reviews emphasize the guides’ friendly and knowledgeable approach, which adds a layer of trust and education to the adventure.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides life jackets and the boat safari itself — a straightforward setup that simplifies the experience. However, it doesn’t include food or drinks, so consider bringing water or snacks if you think you’ll need them during the trip.

Practical Details and Tips

• Meeting Point: Please arrive 15 minutes early at the top of Pontoon H.
• What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for the weather. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also a good idea, as you’ll be out in the sun.
• Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 2 or pregnant women, mainly for safety reasons.
• Language: The tour is offered in English, French, and Spanish, making it accessible to many travelers.

Price and Value

At $63 per person, this experience offers a balanced price point considering the small group size, expert guidance, and scenic journey. The inclusion of natural wildlife sightings amplifies the value, but remember, nature doesn’t guarantee sightings — patience and luck are part of the game.

Real Experiences from Travelers

Many reviews highlight how engaging and well-led the tour is. Fay raved about the guides, “Sandra and Jorge are fantastic. Sandra is friendly and informative, Jorge is skilled with the boat. The sea life sightings are wonderful and exciting.” She also humorously advised to “remember to take sickness tablets,” indicating the boat ride can get a little bumpy.

Renee shared, “Dolphins didn’t show up, but the whales did — brilliant,” emphasizing how unpredictable marine life can be but also how rewarding the experience can turn out.

Chiara described the guides as “engaging and enthusiastic,” and appreciated the “breathtaking scenery,” which makes the unknowns of wildlife sightings a little easier to accept.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re someone who loves the idea of spotting marine animals in their natural habitat against a backdrop of volcanic cliffs and rugged coastlines, this Sea Safari is a solid choice. The guides’ expertise and the small group size create an intimate, informative outing that’s suitable for curious travelers of all ages (except very young children and pregnant women).

The experience offers a good mix of scenery, wildlife, and educational value — not to mention the chance to escape the tourist crowds and enjoy Lanzarote from a different perspective. It’s ideal for those who appreciate nature, enjoy boat trips, and are comfortable with the unpredictability of wildlife sightings.

However, if you’re after a guaranteed animal encounter or a longer cruise, this may fall short. The short duration means you should go in with realistic expectations and a flexible attitude about what you might see.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 2 years old or pregnant women, mainly for safety reasons. If you’re traveling with older kids who are comfortable on boats, it could be a fun, educational trip.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, along with sunscreen and sunglasses. Since food and drinks aren’t included, consider bringing water or snacks if you think you’ll need them.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts between 2 and 3 hours, depending on availability and conditions. It’s a manageable length for most travelers.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No, sightings depend on the day’s conditions and luck. Many guests do see dolphins or whales, but it’s not guaranteed every time.

What kind of boat is used?
The trip is on the OLBAP TR8, a modern, 8.6-meter motor trimaran with a powerful engine and modern navigational tools, including a hydrophone for listening underwater.

What languages are available?
Tours are conducted in English, French, and Spanish, making it accessible for a range of travelers.

To sum it up, Lanzarote’s Sea Safari offers an engaging, scenic, and educational adventure that’s perfect for those wanting to experience the island from the water. The guides’ expertise and the chance to see marine life in their natural environment make it worthwhile, especially if you’re a nature lover or just curious about the Atlantic’s wildlife. Keep your expectations realistic, arrive prepared, and you might just have one of those memorable trips that leave you wanting to come back for more.

You can check availability for your dates here: