Puerto del Carmen’s speedboat tour turns the coast into a live action search game. You cruise fast along Lanzarote’s southeast shoreline, then hop in for a swim in clear Atlantic water, all while the crew scans with binoculars for dolphins, whales, and other marine life.

Two things I really like: the boat setup makes it easy to spot animals up close, and the live guide chat adds meaning to what you’re seeing (not just random spotting). A small drawback to plan for: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so you’ll want to go for the whole experience, not only the dolphin moment.

Key points before you go

• Fast boat, close viewing: a low profile helps you spot dolphins without feeling stuck behind tall rails.
• Crew-led wildlife search: binoculars and a running hunt plan guide where you look.
• Real open-water swim: you jump in from the back of the boat, not from a calm dock.
• Live commentary with species context: you learn what cetaceans you might encounter and why they act the way they do.
• Family-friendly pacing: clear safety briefing, and kids often get extra help for spotting.
• Sometimes you trade the swim for wildlife: on dolphin-heavy days, the schedule can shift.

On the Water Fast: Biosfera Jet and Lanzarote’s Southeast Coast

This tour is based out of Puerto del Carmen, and the experience starts the second you step onto the Biosfera Jet fast boat. It’s a proper speedboat mini-cruise, not a long, slow sightseeing day. You get a quick briefing about safety and how things work on the water, then you head out along the southeast coast of Lanzarote.

What makes the ride worthwhile even before animals appear is the sheer change of perspective. From the marina you can see the coast, but from the boat you get the real “shape” of the shoreline—headlands, open sea views, and the feeling that you’re actually out in the Atlantic, not just near it. Several guides have a knack for keeping the mood up (some are funny, and you’ll hear lots of talk during the run).

Also, the boat is designed so you can move and look. In particular, I like that guides have been known to bring kids forward for better dolphin spotting. If you’re traveling with younger kids, that matters: they often get restless when every sight is above eye level.

How Dolphin and Whale Watching Actually Works Here

The heart of the tour is a wildlife search. The crew scans for dolphins, whales, and other marine species while the guide provides live commentary. You’ll typically follow where the captain and crew are seeing activity, so your attention stays on the water surface rather than waiting around.

Here’s the key practical truth: this is wild animal watching. The tour can’t force sightings. That’s why I love that the crew’s job isn’t just calling things out after the fact. They work to locate animals, and you’ll often see them using binoculars to pick out what the group can’t spot yet.

In terms of what you might see, the range can be wide. One day it’s a large pod that hangs close. Another day it’s a different species passing through, like pilot whales or Bryde’s whales. Turtles have shown up too. And if you get unlucky on dolphins, you still may end up with an animal sighting, or at minimum a great open-water cruise and the swim stop.

A note on animal behavior: you’re not watching performances. You’re watching creatures that choose whether to come close. Some guides are careful about not harassing wildlife, which is one of the reasons this feels more respectful than certain animal tours elsewhere. The best sessions are when dolphins voluntarily approach the boat and you get that “they’re right here” sense.

The Swim Stop in Clear Atlantic Water (and How Not to Get Caught Off Guard)

After the search, you relax with a swim in the Atlantic. The tour is built around this rhythm: cruise, scan, then cool off with an open-water swim when conditions allow. The water can look calm from the surface, but it’s still the ocean, and current can be strong.

What to expect:

• You’ll swim from the boat (jump in from the back).
• You’ll want to stay close to the boat. The crew’s guidance matters here.
• You may swim longer or shorter depending on what the day brings.

One useful heads-up from real tour experiences: on days with lots of dolphins, the crew sometimes skips the swim stop so they can keep searching and stay with the animals longer. That’s not a problem, but it changes what you planned. So I’d mentally treat the swim as a bonus that can vary by day, not a guaranteed uninterrupted 30-minute ocean party.

Comfort tip: bring a towel you’ll actually want to use right after your swim, plus sunscreen even if you think it will be cloudy. In Lanzarote, sun has a way of showing up right when you stop paying attention.

Also, snorkelling gear isn’t included. You can swim without it, but if you like to look underwater for fish, plan to bring your own equipment or adjust your expectations.

The On-Board Guide Experience: Species Talk, Binoculars, and Friendly Energy

The tour isn’t silent. You’ll get live commentary on the boat in Spanish, English, or French, depending on the sailing. The guide’s role is both practical and educational: they help you locate animals and explain what you’re seeing.

A few guide details stand out from how this operation runs:

• Some guides are very hands-on with spotting support. One theme is giving kids binoculars or finding ways so kids can actually see what adults see.
• Guides have been described as funny and energetic, which helps when you’re on a fast boat and the ocean mood changes.
• You may hear extra species context, like what to expect when you see different kinds of whales or cetaceans.

Specific guide names have shown up in tour accounts: Teddy, Elsa, and Carlos. I can’t promise who you’ll get on your exact date, but I can promise this style of guiding: lots of interaction, real-world spotting advice, and talk that makes the sightings feel less random.

Itinerary, Timing, and What You’ll Feel During Each Phase

This is a 1.5-hour experience, so it moves quickly. Here’s the flow you should expect, and what it means for your decisions.

1) Meeting and boarding at Lanzarote Sea Tours

You meet at the operator’s office next to the petrol station and the roundabout. From there, you’ll get directed to the boat at Puerto del Carmen marina area. Because there’s no hotel pickup, you’ll want to arrive on time and keep your plans simple.

Why this matters: when you’re on a fast schedule, being late hurts more than it does on a slow day tour.

2) Safety briefing, then the cruise out

Before you go, you get a briefing on safety. Then you set off along the southeast coast. The boat’s speed means you get those panoramic views quickly. You’ll also feel the motion. If you’re sensitive to waves, dress for comfort (see the packing tips section).

3) Dolphin and whale search with binoculars

This is the main segment. The crew hunts with binoculars, and the guide keeps you informed on what the animals are and what you might notice in behavior. Sometimes it’s quick: a pod shows up and you see them repeatedly. Other times, it takes longer, and you end up enjoying the ride while waiting.

Here’s the practical mindset that pays off: even when dolphins aren’t immediate, keep watching. The “first 10 minutes” can be quiet, then the captain spots something and the whole mood changes.

4) Swim with the Atlantic (when it fits the day)

At the end (or sometimes near the end), you get time to swim. You’ll go from boat to sea, then back up again. If there are dolphins in the area, the crew may adjust timing so you don’t lose the best sighting window.

5) Return to Lanzarote Sea Tours

You head back to the meeting area and wrap up. Since the tour is short, it’s easy to pair with a relaxed evening meal afterward.

Price Value: Is $41 Worth It for 90 Minutes?

At around $41 per person for about 1.5 hours, the value depends on what you expect from the day.

If your main goal is guaranteed dolphin sighting, no, you’re taking a risk with any wild-watching tour. Even with a great captain and a strong search effort, nature decides.

If your goal is a fun speedboat outing plus a real open-water swim, then the price starts to make sense fast. You’re paying for:

• A fast, scenic ride along Lanzarote’s coast
• A crew-run wildlife search with binoculars and live guidance
• Time in the Atlantic, jumping in from the boat

That’s a lot to fit into 90 minutes, and many people rate the experience highly even when dolphins are absent, because you still get the cruise, possible marine life like turtles or whales, plus that ocean swim moment.

My take: this is best value when you travel with flexible expectations. Think of it as an ocean adventure you hope gets topped with dolphins, not a ticket that guarantees a specific animal.

What to Bring and Wear for a Smooth Swim Day

You’ll have a better time if you show up ready. The essentials are simple and also easy to forget when you’re packing for a beach holiday.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes
• Weather-appropriate clothing (it can feel cooler on open water)
• Comfortable footwear

Smart extras if you have room:

• Dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
• A layer you can throw on after swimming

If you’re planning on the swim, treat it like a real water activity. Dry off quickly, keep your towel close, and don’t fight the wind when you’re wet.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This tour is described as great for families, and the boat setup supports that. Kids often get help with spotting (like binoculars), and the guide style tends to keep attention from drifting.

It’s also a good match for:

• People staying in Puerto del Carmen who want an active half-day plan
• Travelers who enjoy nature watching, even when sightings are unpredictable
• Anyone who wants a swim that feels like part of the adventure, not a scheduled, shallow pool stop

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users. If mobility is a concern, you’ll want a different activity with easier access.

Should You Book This Puerto del Carmen Dolphin Speedboat With Swim?

I’d book it if you’re the type of traveler who likes being on the water, can handle the idea that wildlife might not show up on cue, and you’ll still enjoy the ride and swim even without a dolphin pod.

Skip it (or switch tours) if:

• You need a guaranteed dolphin sighting (wild life watching can’t promise that)
• You strongly dislike boat motion or open-water swimming
• Accessibility needs make a boat-to-water swim unrealistic

If you do book, show up with the right gear, keep your expectations flexible, and remember the best “dolphin moments” often start with patient scanning. When dolphins are around, the crew can put you in the right place fast.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto del Carmen dolphin-watching speedboat tour?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, including dolphin and whale watching time plus time to swim.

Does the price include the swim?

Yes. The tour includes time to swim with marine life. Snorkelling gear is not included.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the operator’s office next to the petrol station and the roundabout.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed to be seen?

No. Because this is wildlife watching in its natural habitat, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What languages are offered on board?

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

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.