Puerto del Carmen: Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Tour with Swim

In this review, I’m focusing on what actually makes this Puerto del Carmen dolphin-watching speedboat worth your time: the quick 1.5-hour format, the fast Biosfera Jet ride along Lanzarote’s southeast coast, and the hands-on swim stop in open water.

I really like two things about it. First, you get live commentary that goes beyond basic spotting, with the crew using binoculars to help find marine life and explain what you’re seeing. Second, the views from a small fast boat are a big part of the payoff, even on days when wildlife is quieter.

The main consideration is simple: wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, and if dolphins are actively feeding right nearby, the crew may adjust the plan to maximize your time with them (including how the swim stop works).

Key Points at a Glance

• Biosfera Jet speedboat: built for quick searching and close-up viewing
• Live guide commentary in Spanish, English, and French
• Binocular-assisted spotting helps locate dolphins, whales, turtles, and more
• Swim with marine life in clear Atlantic water (snorkel gear not included)
• Good value for a 1.5-hour guided marine experience from Puerto del Carmen
• Not wheelchair friendly, and there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off

You can check availability for your dates here:

Step Aboard Biosfera Jet: The Ride That Shapes the Whole Experience

This tour is short on purpose, and that’s a plus. You’re on a fast boat from the marina side of Puerto del Carmen, and the speed matters because it helps the crew cover ground when the animals are moving.

What you’ll likely notice right away is the low, open feel compared to bigger boats. Multiple reviewers mention how dolphins felt close, including seeing groups near the surface and even swimming alongside at times. That closeness changes the vibe. It’s not a distant look from far away. It’s more like you’re out in the same space as the wildlife.

Also, the ride itself is part of the fun. Reviews mention the waves cooling everyone down when they come over the side, and the overall atmosphere tends to feel upbeat and playful rather than stiff and formal. If you’re the type who enjoys being out on the water as much as spotting animals, you’ll get value even if the sea decides to keep its secrets.

Getting There Smoothly: Lanzarote Sea Tours and No Pickup

This one is straightforward. The meeting point is at the Lanzarote Sea Tours office next to the petrol station and the roundabout. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to plan your transport to arrive early and unhurried.

If you’re staying in Puerto del Carmen, that’s usually manageable with local transport or a short ride. If you’re farther out, give yourself buffer time because missing a departure can ruin the day. One review shared that a bus delay turned into a rebooked trip, but that’s the exception, not the plan.

The First Minutes: Briefing, Safety, and How the Crew Works

Before you set off, you get a quick briefing covering safety and what to expect. This matters because you’re not just watching from a seat. You’re going to be in motion, sometimes with spray, and then you’ll swim in open water.

What stands out in the reviews is the crew’s effort to keep everyone involved. Several travelers mention kids being handed binoculars and being encouraged to watch from the best vantage points. You’ll also hear live commentary as the boat heads out—so even if you’re not a marine-life expert, you’re not stuck with silence and guessing.

Searching Off the Southeast Coast: Dolphins, Whales, and Other Sea Life

The core experience is the search. You sail along Lanzarote’s southeast coast from Puerto del Carmen marina, and the crew works to locate dolphins and whales (plus other wildlife when they’re present).

Binoculars are a big theme in the feedback. Travelers frequently mention that the guide spotted a pod quickly after checking the water, and then dolphins appeared around the boat in groups. That pattern tells me the spotting isn’t luck-only. It’s skill plus timing plus the animals being where they feel like being.

In real terms, you can also expect “variety days.” Reviewers reported sightings ranging from dolphins to pilot whales, Bryde’s whale, turtles, and more. And when marine life does show up, the crew tends to reposition the boat to keep passengers viewing comfortably.

More Great Tours Nearby

When the Animals Arrive Close: What Reviews Say to Expect

Wildlife days can swing wildly, so it’s smart to set expectations for both outcomes. The best-case scenario is memorable: dolphins in big pods, visible feeding behavior, and long stretches of close viewing.

Several reviews describe dolphins coming up alongside the boat, diving and resurfacing often, and even staying around for stretches like 15–20 minutes. One traveler mentioned hundreds of dolphins during a return encounter, which sounds like the kind of luck you remember for years.

But the “not guaranteed” reality matters too. Plenty of reviews mention days without dolphins, yet the tour still felt worthwhile because the ride, commentary, and views were enjoyable, and the swim stop still happened.

Either way, the value is in how the crew runs the experience. Reviews praise captains and guides for staying careful around wildlife, with at least one traveler specifically noting dolphins weren’t harassed by the boat.

The Swim Stop in Atlantic Water: Cool Off, Then Watch Your Step

The tour includes time to swim, and it’s one of the reasons many people book. You jump in directly from the boat and swim in crystal-clear Atlantic water, which is a different experience than snorkeling in a reef tank or a calm lagoon.

Bring a towel and swimwear, because you’ll want to dry off afterward. Sunscreen is also essential in Lanzarote—reviews repeatedly advise sun protection, and at least one traveler noted waves and sun exposure both play a role in how the day feels.

One key caution from reviews: current can be strong. People specifically recommend staying close to the boat. That’s practical advice for open water, and it fits the tour’s setup: you’re not in a guided snorkel track with ropes. You’re in the ocean, so keep it sensible.

There’s also a planning wrinkle. If the crew finds dolphins very close and actively engaging, the swim stop might be adjusted or skipped. That doesn’t sound like a downside to most people—especially those who were already thrilled by dolphin sightings—but it’s worth knowing.

Guide Power: Live Commentary That Makes the Coast Feel Bigger

The most consistent praise is about the guides. People mention that the commentary is knowledgeable and often funny, and that guides explain what species you’re seeing and why. That interpretation turns a “boat trip” into something that feels like a guided marine encounter, not just transportation to water.

Reviewers name a few guides, which is a nice clue about the kind of people working this route:

• Elsa (mentioned as kind, funny, and helpful)
• Teddy (mentioned as knowledgeable and welcoming)
• Carlos (mentioned as dynamic and multilingual)

You shouldn’t assume you’ll get those exact people, but you can reasonably expect a crew that knows how to work a binocular search and keep passengers engaged while they wait.

Also, there’s attention to passenger comfort. Some reviews mention kids or less-confident watchers getting tips for where to stand or how to see best. If you’re bringing family, that kind of small handling matters.

Timing and Seas: How the 1.5 Hours Really Plays Out

At 1.5 hours, this is a mini cruise, not an all-day expedition. You’ll spend time sailing out, searching, getting commentary, and then using the swim window.

Because it’s fast and focused, you may feel like the trip moves quickly. That’s good for travelers who don’t want half a day eaten up by one activity. It’s also good for families: shorter time on the water tends to equal fewer bored kids and less complaining about waiting.

One reality check: waves can make the ride bouncy and spray can hit. That’s mentioned in reviews in a positive way (cooling), but if you’re prone to seasickness, plan accordingly. This is a speedboat experience, so it’s not the smooth ride of a large ferry.

Price and Value: Why $41 Feels Reasonable Here

The listed price is $41 per person for a 1.5-hour guided tour including live commentary and time to swim. That’s not a cheap “just watch from shore” activity. But for what you get, it often lands in the fair-value range.

Here’s why it can feel like good value:

• You’re paying for a boat that actively searches, not just a cruise with a single lookout moment
• You’re paying for expert spotting help (binoculars + crew guidance)
• You’re getting a swim stop, which many tours treat as optional or extra-cost

In reviews, people frequently say it’s worth the money, especially when they see a pod of dolphins or whale species close enough to feel real. And when they don’t see dolphins, many still call the experience worthwhile because the views and swim time didn’t vanish just because marine life didn’t show up.

What’s Not Included: Food, Drinks, and Snorkel Gear

This is a key planning point: food and drinks aren’t included. So if you want lunch or tapas, you’ll need to eat before or after, back in town.

Also, snorkelling gear isn’t included. Since the tour is described as swimming (not full snorkel gear setup), don’t expect equipment provided like you’d get with some snorkeling tours.

If you’re the type who likes being prepared, bring your own swim basics (and skip anything you don’t need). The tour gives you a chance to swim, but you’re responsible for comfort and safety.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

This experience is described as great for families, and the reviews back that up with frequent mentions of kids enjoying it. Reasons: you get a fast ride, live guide engagement, and a swim stop that feels like a big “wow” moment for many children.

It’s also a solid choice if you’re staying in or near Puerto del Carmen and want a focused marine activity without the time commitment of longer cruises.

Who should skip:

• Wheelchair users (not suitable per the activity notes)
• Travelers who strongly need a guaranteed dolphin sighting (wildlife is unpredictable)
• People who hate choppy speedboat rides (it’s a fast boat)

Smart Traveler Tips for a Better Day on the Water

Based on what keeps coming up in the reviews, here’s how you can make the most of your chances:

• Arrive a bit early so you’re not rushing at boarding time.
• Pack sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable footwear for moving around on board.
• Bring weather-appropriate clothing. Reviews suggest warm clothing can help since you’re in open water and moving fast.
• If you’re swimming, stay close to the boat because currents can be stronger than you expect.
• If dolphins show up quickly, be flexible. The crew may adjust the swim timing to prioritize wildlife viewing.

Also, if you’re someone who cares about animal interaction ethics, you may appreciate that some reviewers specifically mention the crew being careful and not harassing dolphins.

Should You Book This Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Tour?

Book it if you want:

• A short, active tour from Puerto del Carmen
• Live bilingual/multilingual guidance that helps you understand what you’re seeing
• A chance to swim in open Atlantic water
• A decent shot at real dolphin or whale encounters, plus enjoyable coastal views even on slower wildlife days

Skip it if your trip depends on a guaranteed dolphin sighting or if you’re not comfortable with speedboat conditions and open-water swimming.

If you’re on the fence, I’d use this rule: if you’d still enjoy the boat ride and views and you’re okay with wildlife being unpredictable, this is a strong value pick for Lanzarote.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Lanzarote Sea Tours office, located next to the petrol station and the roundabout.

How long is the dolphin-watching speedboat tour?

The total duration is 1.5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a 1.5-hour dolphin and whale watching tour, live commentary on board, and time to swim.

Is snorkelling gear included?

No. Snorkelling gear is not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are dolphins or whales guaranteed to be seen?

No. When dealing with wildlife in its natural habitat, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live guide commentary is available in Spanish, English, and French.

What should I bring for the swim stop?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, weather-appropriate clothing, and comfortable footwear.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here: