A sunset cruise, with dolphins in mind. This 2-hour catamaran ride around Puerto del Carmen mixes a warm welcome drink and canapés with time on the water as the sky turns golden. You’ll also have the option of hotel pickup in select Lanzarote resort areas.

I like how the start feels simple: quick boarding and a complimentary mojito right away. I also like that the evening is built for comfort—relaxed sailing, snacks included, and a bar-style drink choice listed as part of the deal (with some departures offering more).

One drawback to plan for: dolphins are wild and sightings aren’t guaranteed, and the cruise timing depends on sunset and sea conditions, which can shift the feel of the final moments.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Welcome mojito at boarding to kick off the cruise fast
• Canapés included plus one complimentary drink of your choice
• Hotel pickup/drop-off in select zones, but with clear day-by-day limits
• Chance to see dolphins (and sometimes whales), not a sure thing
• Timing depends on sunset and weather, so the schedule can shift
• Bring a jacket and flat shoes because Lanzarote evenings can cool down and the water can get bumpy

Why This Sunset Catamaran Works in Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen is one of the best places on Lanzarote to watch the day soften, and that is exactly what this cruise is built around. The simple idea is: leave the harbor while the light is good, sail through open water, and look for dolphins along the way.

This isn’t a long, complicated outing. It’s a compact 2 hours that fits easily into an evening, especially when you want views without spending your whole day traveling.

And even when dolphins don’t show up, you still get a real sunset sailing experience. Some evenings are cloudy, and some are glassy calm. Either way, you’ll be out on the water for the golden hour.

What You Get for the Price: Mojitos, Canapés, and Pickup

At about $61.27 per person for 2 hours, the value comes from bundling three things: a boat ride, food and drinks, and (for many people) hotel pickup. That pickup matters because getting yourself to the harbor at the right time can be fiddly, especially on a tight sunset schedule.

Here’s what’s explicitly included: a welcome mojito (you’ll feel like you’ve started the party before you’ve even found your seat), assorted canapés/snacks, and one complimentary drink of your choice. It also lists bottled odds and ends like sandwiches/fruit as part of the snack offering, and some departures appear to serve a broader spread.

Now the honest part: a few reviews describe an open bar or a more buffet-like setup, while the core details emphasize snacks plus one included drink. So I’d treat the canapés as the dependable bit, and the drink situation as something to confirm with the crew on board.

Your 2-Hour Route: From Varadero Harbour Out to the Sunset

You’ll meet at Avenida del Varadero near the harbor in Puerto del Carmen (the Varadero area). The actual sailing time is short, so the timing is everything. You’ll board as a group, settle in, and then head out with the sunset as the target.

The cruise is designed around the changing sunset time through the year. That means the start time can shift, and you might dock back around the advertised end time even if you wish the sky had held a few extra minutes. It’s not a disaster—this is a safety-and-transport reality with boats—but it is worth knowing.

Weather can also change things. The route and timetable are subject to conditions, and Lanzarote can turn breezy fast. If the sea is choppy, the ride can feel more physical than you expect.

Dolphins Are Wild Here: How to Set Expectations (and Spot Them)

Let’s talk dolphins clearly: this is a chance, not a promise. The tour notes that sightings can’t be guaranteed because dolphins are wild animals.

In the best-case scenario, you can get a serious show—multiple dolphins, sometimes in groups close enough to feel like the boat has stumbled into a secret feeding route. There are also reviews that mention lots of sightings (including 20+ dolphins) and even a whale on one trip.

In the other scenario, you get nothing but sea and sunset. That sounds negative, but it’s actually the right mindset if you’re choosing a boat that runs in real ocean conditions.

What helps your odds is being ready to look, not half-captured by your screen. When dolphins show up, they can move quickly. If the crew points something out, spend a few seconds scanning the direction they indicate rather than waiting for someone else to confirm.

Sunsets, Music, and Commentary: What the Evening Feels Like

This cruise is a relaxed evening outing, not a party boat. Music is kept at a gentle volume, and some people liked that calm vibe. Others said the commentary or microphone volume was hard to hear during parts of the trip, so don’t rely on getting every spoken detail from anywhere on board.

Cloudy skies happen too. If the sunset is hidden, you’ll still be out sailing, and in some cases you might get the best perk—dolphins—without the full sky show.

Sea temperature also matters. Even in summer, the air can cool quickly once the sun drops. Reviews strongly suggest bringing something warm, like a hoodie or light jacket, especially for the ride back.

Food and Drinks: Snacks vs. What You Might Expect

The core offering is assorted canapés/snacks plus a welcome drink and one complimentary drink of choice. You should also expect typical sailing snack staples—sandwiches, fruit, and other small bites.

A few reviews praise the food and describe it as plentiful. One standout detail: people mention items like melon that tasted better than what they usually find at home. Others say the snack spread can feel more limited for later arrivals, so if you’re hungry, don’t wait until the last half hour.

There’s also a small mismatch you should be aware of. One review argued the buffet should be called snacks, and another felt it wasn’t worth the price based on what was available. The best takeaway for you: arrive early on board, grab food promptly, and don’t build your expectations around a full dinner. Build them around a sunset sail with a snack-and-sip setup.

If you have dietary needs beyond standard canapés, plan carefully. Gluten-free is not guaranteed, and the official info says they cannot guarantee a gluten-free option. (Some reviews mention vegan options on certain departures, but you shouldn’t count on that as a certainty.)

Getting There: Pickup Rules and the Harbour Walk

Hotel pickup is a major plus, but it’s not universal. Pickup is offered in select resort areas: Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero, and Costa Teguise.

Two limits are worth double-checking before you pack your evening expectations:

• Pickup from Puerto Calero is only available on Thursdays.
• Pickup from Playa Blanca is not available on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays.

There’s also a cutoff. If you book within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed. In that case, you should go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point clarity can be a make-or-break moment. A couple of reviews said directions weren’t clear enough and they ended up wandering the harbor. Do yourself a favor: arrive a little early, use the meeting point reference you’re given, and confirm which boat area is marked.

One practical note: the walk from the meeting area to the boat can be long. That can be an issue for mobility. That said, at least one review describes crew help getting a mobility scooter on and off the catamaran, but the long walk may still be tough depending on your situation.

Sea Comfort Tips That Actually Matter

This is where you can improve your odds of having a smooth time. Several reviews mention a choppier ride on certain evenings. If you’re sensitive to motion sickness, you’ll want to plan ahead.

Practical prep based on what people experienced:

• Wear comfortable shoes with grip.
• Bring something warm, since the temperature can drop quickly after sunset.
• If it’s breezy or rough, be ready for the ride to feel more like a real sea outing than a calm lake cruise.

Even if you don’t get motion sick, rougher water can make it harder to enjoy food. So grab snacks early, hydrate, and settle in.

Who This Cruise Is Best For

This tour is best for people who want a simple evening plan: an easy sail, sunset views, snacks, and a real possibility of dolphin sightings.

It also works well for families, especially if kids are old enough to enjoy sitting out on the water and watching. Reviews mention children having a great time, and in at least one case the captain and crew seemed extra attentive in helping kids spot dolphins.

For adults, it’s a good choice when you want something romantic or relaxed but still active enough to feel like you did something special. The group size is capped at 80 travelers, so you shouldn’t feel like you’re stuck in a sardine situation.

Drinks are another consideration. The minimum drinking age is 18, so if you’re traveling with teens, plan on the food and soda side of things.

Should You Book This Dolphins Sunset Sail?

I’d book it if you want an affordable, low-effort sunset plan from Puerto del Carmen and you’re okay with dolphins being a bonus. The combination of mojito at boarding, included snacks, optional pickup, and the chance to see dolphins makes it a solid fit for most visitors.

I’d skip it or rethink timing if you:

• are strongly motion sickness prone,
• need a guaranteed gluten-free meal,
• or can’t handle the harbor-to-boat walk area.

If you do book, set your expectations like this: treat it as a sunset sailing cruise with snacks and a drink, and treat dolphins as the exciting extra. That mindset turns a no-dolphin evening into a beautiful boat ride instead of a disappointment.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the dolphins sunset sailing cruise?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?

You start at Avenida del Varadero (near the harbor) in Puerto del Carmen.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered in selected Lanzarote resort zones, and you can provide your hotel details to confirm the closest pickup point and time.

Are there days when pickup is not available?

Yes. Pickup from Playa Blanca is not available on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays. Pickup from Puerto Calero is only available on Thursdays.

If I book last minute, will I still get pickup?

If you book within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed. In that case, go directly to the meeting point.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a welcome mojito, assorted canapés/snacks, and one complimentary drink of your choice. Blankets are not included.

Is a dolphin sighting guaranteed?

No. Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What age do I need to be to drink alcohol?

The minimum drinking age is 18.

What should I wear or bring?

Jackets and comfortable shoes are advised. A jacket is especially useful because it can cool down quickly after sunset. Blankets are not included.

Can they accommodate a gluten-free diet?

Gluten-free options cannot be guaranteed.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.