Fast boat, big ocean energy.

This RIB speedboat dolphin safari in Lanzarote is built for quick thrills and serious spotting time, with an expert crew running a marine “search and scan” style trip out of Puerto del Carmen. You’ll also get an up-close view of seabirds and turtles while you’re out there.

What I like most is the small group feel (up to 12 people) and how hands-on it stays, from the captain’s guidance to the onboard safety gear like life jackets. Another win is the Waverider-style ride: it’s not just a slow boat tour, so you feel like you’re actually moving through the habitat.

The main thing to consider is that dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, and some trips end up being more about birds, turtles, and coastal scenery than dolphins. That said, even “no dolphins” trips still tend to be fun because the ride itself is the show.

Key highlights to know before you go

• RIB boat for up to 12 people keeps it feeling personal instead of crowded.
• Waverider route focuses on wildlife like birds, turtles, and dolphins if they’re active.
• Captain-led spotting includes faster runs and course changes when conditions allow.
• Safety basics included: life jacket, captain, and water on board.
• Weather makes a difference: it can get choppy, and the boat can move fast.

Speedboat Dolphin Watching in Lanzarote: What You’re Really Buying

If you’re picturing a laid-back sightseeing cruise, this isn’t it. This dolphin watching tour is a speedboat RIB experience where the boat design, the crew’s driving, and the scanning routine all matter. You’re paying for time on the water plus the crew’s ability to locate marine life in the Canary Islands’ marine ecosystem.

At about 2 to 2.5 hours, it’s a good length for people who want a real activity without losing half a day. And with a listed price around $77 per person, it’s usually priced like an excursion, not a casual boat rental—so you’ll want dolphins to be part of the payoff. The fair note is that wildlife sightings aren’t promised.

Leaving From Puerto del Carmen: The Launch Part Matters

Your departure point is the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen. That location is convenient because it’s a central, tourist-friendly start in Lanzarote, so you’re not wrestling with remote pickup points before you even get moving.

If you’re using pickup, the activity states that pickup is included and you should wait 15 minutes in front of the lobby at the pickup time. One practical caution from real-world experience: some travelers coming from Costa Teguise have reported a small extra transport fee (around €5 each, and in at least one case €5 or €10 each). So I’d plan for the possibility of a modest add-on if you’re starting from farther out, even though the main listing says pickup is included.

The Waverider RIB Experience: Small Boat, Serious Motion

The tour is run on a RIB boat (fast, stable for its type) with an expert crew. The experience is described as having an “exclusive” feel with 12 people on board, which you’ll notice right away. With fewer people, you can usually hear the guide better, and you spend less time staring at shoulders while trying to spot something offshore.

You’ll go out on the Waverider (specifically mentioned for the wildlife spotting format), and the captain’s job is part navigation, part search. When sea conditions change, you can expect the driving to change too. One practical tip that shows up again and again with this kind of boat: the ride can be bouncy and fast, so treat it like a boat ride first and a sightseeing cruise second.

Included basics that make a difference:

• Life jacket (you’ll want to wear it during motion)
• Water
• Captain
• Boat

Food isn’t included, so if you’ll be hungry afterward, plan a snack or meal on the shore. With a 2–2.5 hour duration, you don’t want to gamble on being fine on vibes alone.

Wildlife Spotting in the Canary Islands: What You Can Expect to See

The crew focuses on wildlife sightings—mainly birds, turtles, and dolphins. The big idea is that the captain and guide look for signs of where marine life is feeding or moving, and then they adjust the boat’s speed and direction to get you a better look.

Because dolphins are the headline, it’s worth repeating the reality: dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed. That doesn’t mean the tour is bad—it means your outcome depends on the water that day. When dolphins do show up, the experience can feel magical because they’re close, active, and moving quickly—so your eyes are constantly working.

If dolphins don’t appear, the trip can still be worthwhile because you’re not stuck staring at open water. Seabirds flying overhead and turtles surfacing can keep the trip interesting. Also, the crew typically continues searching: there have been examples of captains circling, going farther out, and running along the shoreline in their hunt patterns.

Captain and Guide: Why the On-Water Crew Changes Everything

This kind of tour rises or falls on communication and spotting skill. The tour includes a live guide (English, French, Spanish). In practice, that matters because you’re more likely to catch quick sightings when you know what to watch for and when the boat might change course.

One thing I really appreciate about this setup is the active, hands-on captain style. The boat isn’t just transporting you to a viewpoint. It’s a working platform. In choppier weather, you may notice different speeds used to keep things manageable while still maintaining the search.

And small “crew wins” are part of the experience. For example, one incident involved a hat going overboard while the boat was moving fast, and the captain responded quickly—stopping, turning, and retrieving it. That’s the kind of practical problem-solving you want to see when you’re on a high-speed watercraft.

Price and Value: Is $77 Worth It?

Here’s the honest value math. You’re paying roughly $77 per person for:

• 2 to 2.5 hours on a RIB
• up to 12 people (not a cattle-boat group)
• a live guide
• safety gear like a life jacket
• a captain actively searching for wildlife

If dolphins appear, it often feels like the price is justified instantly—because dolphins are the kind of sighting that’s hard to replicate on your own. If dolphins don’t appear, you’re still getting a thrilling speedboat ride and potentially birds and turtles, but it becomes more of a fun marine adventure than a guaranteed dolphin day.

So the best value comes if you’re flexible about outcomes and you’re the type who enjoys being out on the water even without the perfect wildlife highlight.

What the Boat Ride Feels Like: Choppy Water, Quick Turns, Big Fun

Speedboats are physical. Even with a RIB designed for stability, you’re dealing with wind, spray, and waves. Some trips will be smoother, some won’t. Expect that the crew may adjust speed when it’s choppy, and you’ll feel the boat’s acceleration.

Two practical takeaways:

• If you get seasick easily, prepare accordingly before you go. The information you were given doesn’t mention seasickness support onboard, so assume you’ll rely on your own precautions.
• If you wear glasses, be ready to secure them. One strong piece of real advice from the field: consider a tight strap or take them off when the boat is in motion. You don’t want to lose your glasses to an unexpected jolt.

Also, hats and loose items are risky on a fast ride. If you like a hat, make sure it has a firm grip (or consider something that ties on). The ocean version of “keep it attached” is the rule here.

Timing and Slots: Morning vs Evening Energy

You can check availability for start times, and you can often choose an evening option. One example of an experience that felt especially good: an evening slot described as perfect timing for the day’s pace.

Evening can work well if Lanzarote heat in the afternoon messes with your energy. Still, whatever time you choose, you should plan to be outside during the ride—so sunscreen and water matter.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a solid fit for:

• families and groups who want a fast, active marine outing
• people who like watching wildlife and don’t need dolphins to enjoy the day
• visitors staying around Puerto del Carmen who want a straightforward start

It’s not suitable for:

• children under 2 years
• pregnant women

Also note the rules: alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed, which is common on boats but worth knowing so you don’t get surprised on the day.

Quick Packing List That Actually Helps

The tour includes water, but it won’t provide comfort items beyond the life jacket. Based on what people experienced on the water, I’d pack like this:

• sunglasses with a strap or protection for quick motion
• sunscreen (sun can hit even when it looks breezy)
• hat that stays put (or skip it)
• waterproof or secured phone setup, since spray can happen
• light layers (wind can make the air feel cooler than you expect)

Footwear isn’t mentioned as provided, but you’ll be loading and unloading at the port area, so wear something you’re comfortable getting wet and moving in.

Should You Book This Dolphin Watching by Speedboat?

Book it if you want a high-energy Lanzarote ocean activity and you’re okay with the wildlife part being a real-life nature event. If dolphins show up, the payoff can be huge—and if they don’t, you’ll still likely enjoy a fast RIB ride, birds, turtles, and the thrill of being out there with an active crew.

Skip or reconsider if:

• you need a guaranteed dolphin sighting (the tour doesn’t promise it)
• you’re traveling with someone who can’t handle choppy, fast boat conditions
• you’re looking for a slow, relaxed cruise with minimal movement

My bottom line: for most people who like speedboats and wildlife watching, this is a good-value way to spend a couple of hours at sea in Lanzarote—especially because you get small-group attention and a captain who actively searches instead of doing a “drive-by and hope” routine.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the dolphin watching tour in Lanzarote?

The duration is listed as 2 to 2.5 hours.

Where does the speedboat tour depart from?

The boat departs from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed at $77 per person.

Is food included on the boat?

No. Food is not included.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Sightings of dolphins or other sea creatures are not guaranteed.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is listed as included, with instructions to wait 15 minutes before the pickup time in front of the lobby.

What languages are the onboard guide available in?

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