Puerto del Carmen: Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Tour with Swim

Dolphins can show up fast here. I like the speedboat ride along Lanzarote’s coast and how the crew actively searches for marine life with binoculars instead of just doing a slow cruise. The possible drawback is also real: wildlife sightings are never 100% guaranteed in the wild, so you may end up with an amazing boat trip and views, even without dolphins.

I also really like the added open-sea swim in clear Atlantic water, which gives the tour more than just sightseeing. Guides often bring the whole group into the action, like getting kids binoculars, and turning it into a lively experience. The consideration for planning is that sea conditions and currents can matter for the swim, so you will want to follow staff instructions and stay close to the boat.

Key Points at a Glance

• Fast boat, low viewing height, so you can spot dolphins alongside you more easily than on higher boats
• Active wildlife search with binoculars and crew guidance, not a passive sightseeing route
• Live multilingual commentary in Spanish, English, and French, plus species facts and local info
• Swim time is built in, though timing can shift if dolphins are close by
• Good family fit, including little “dolphin watch” moments for kids with binoculars
• Not wheelchair accessible, since it is a boat tour with steps and movement on board

Entering the Biosfera Jet: What the Start Feels Like

You start from the Lanzarote Sea Tours office near a petrol station and roundabout, right by Puerto del Carmen’s marina area. After you find the right meeting spot, you’ll get onboard the Biosfera Jet, a fast boat built for quick runs and close sea viewing.

Once you’re seated, there is a brief run-through focused on safety and how the trip works at sea. Then the real rhythm starts. You cruise along the southeast coast of Lanzarote, and the speed is part of the fun, especially when the waves toss a little water over the sides and cool everyone down.

This matters because the tour is short, about 1.5 hours total, so the early momentum helps you get value fast. You are not spending the day waiting around, and you are already moving when the crew starts watching for signs.

The Wildlife Hunt: How Dolphins and Whales Are Actually Found

The whole point is the search, and the crew treats it like a hunt. You cruise out and then slow or change course when something looks promising. Dolphins are spotted with help from crew eyes and binoculars, and the guide adds context as you go.

What makes this feel different is the way the crew keeps working. In many cases, you get lucky quickly with a pod that sticks around, and sometimes you get a slower start before a captain spots one. Either way, you are actively in the search process, not stuck doing the same view for the full time.

You might see different marine animals, too. The experience is described as dolphin and whale watching, and in the field you could come across things like pilot whales and Bryde’s whales, plus other sea life such as turtles. The key takeaway for your planning is simple: these are wild animals, and sightings are unpredictable.

One detail that stood out in real experiences is that if dolphins are right there, the crew may adjust the schedule. For example, there are days when the swim portion gets shortened or skipped because everyone is focused on staying with a pod. That is not bad service, it is them prioritizing what is happening in front of you.

The Commentary That Makes It Worth More Than a Trip Around the Bay

You are not just watching, you are learning while you watch. The boat has live commentary and a guide who speaks Spanish, English, and French, so you can usually follow along without stress. The guide explains the cetacean species you might encounter and adds technical and historical information that helps you make sense of what you’re seeing.

This is where the tour becomes more than a thrill ride. When dolphins are feeding, traveling, or surfacing repeatedly, knowing what to look for makes the moment feel sharper and more meaningful. You also tend to remember the trip better because it has facts attached to the action, not just pictures.

The vibe can be light, too. Some guides are known for being funny and enthusiastic, and the captain’s style can affect how inclusive the experience feels. In a few accounts, crew members even helped passengers move around for better viewing, like taking families to a spot up front when dolphins were active.

That kind of on-the-spot attention matters on a boat. It can turn a fleeting glance into a sustained viewing session.

The Swim Stop in Atlantic Water: Refreshing, But Treat It Seriously

The swim is part of what you are paying for, not an afterthought. You get time to swim in the ocean after the wildlife search, and the water is described as crystal clear, so you can see fish below when conditions are right.

How you swim matters. You typically jump in from the boat, and one important practical note is current strength. There are real warnings about staying close to the boat and following the crew’s guidance. Even on a day that feels calm from the shore, open water can move you.

Also, remember what is not included. Snorkelling gear is not provided, so if you want to see underwater longer, you’ll need your own mask or goggles. The tour still delivers a swim moment without snorkel equipment, but gear affects how much you get out of the water.

Timing can also vary. If dolphins are active close to the route, the crew might keep you out and shift the swim stop. That can be frustrating if you planned your day around swimming, but if dolphins are in front of you, it usually feels worth it.

If you want the best experience, go in ready. Bring a towel, wear sunscreen, and do the swim when the crew signals it, not when you feel rushed or pressured.

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

At around $41 per person for a 1.5-hour tour, you are paying for three things at once: a fast boat ride, active dolphin and whale searching, and live guide commentary, plus swim time. In other words, your money is buying “time on the water” with a guided focus, not just transport.

This can be good value if you care about marine life but also want an experience that feels efficient. Puerto del Carmen is set up for day trips, so a short tour is helpful if you have limited time or want to avoid stacking multiple long activities.

Your main “value risk” is the same as with all wildlife experiences. You cannot lock in guaranteed dolphins. But the boat ride itself is part of the payoff, and many people still leave satisfied because the views along Lanzarote’s coast, the speed, and the open-water swim create a complete outing.

A good mindset is this: you are not only buying dolphins. You are buying a guided day at sea with a swim, where dolphins are the bonus if the ocean cooperates.

Practical Tips: What to Pack, What to Wear, and What to Expect on Board

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Comfortable clothes help because you might be in and out of sun, and warm layering can matter depending on wind and sea temperature. Comfortable footwear is important because you will be walking around on a boat deck.

Since snorkelling gear is not included, plan your water time accordingly. If your goal is underwater viewing for longer stretches, pack a mask or goggles you like. If your goal is simply to swim and cool off, you can keep it simple.

For viewing, do what the crew suggests. If dolphins show up, you may be encouraged to move to spots with better angles. In some experiences, kids received binoculars and became the “dolphin spotters,” which is a fun way to keep younger travelers engaged during the search.

Sea conditions can also affect comfort. There are accounts of waves bouncing the boat and water splashing over the sides, which is part fun, part reality. If you are prone to seasickness, consider planning accordingly before you arrive.

Who Should Book This Dolphin Speedboat Tour From Puerto del Carmen

This tour fits best if you want:

• Close-up wildlife watching and an active search with binoculars
• A short, energetic outing that includes a swim stop
• A family-friendly boat experience where guides can include kids in the action

It is also a solid pick if you like speed and open water more than slow cruises. The low viewing style of the boat can make dolphins feel closer, especially when pods swim near the surface.

It may not be ideal if you need accessibility support. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the experience involves movement around the boat.

If your main goal is guaranteed dolphin sightings, no dolphin tour can promise that. But if your goal is a well-run guided sea outing with strong odds of seeing marine life, this one is designed for exactly that.

Should You Book This Tour?

I think you should book it if you can handle the natural uncertainty of wildlife and you genuinely want to spend time on a fast boat plus an Atlantic swim. The strongest reason to go is the combination: active dolphin and whale searching with live commentary, then a swim that turns the trip from sightseeing into a real sea experience.

Skip it only if you know you will be disappointed by the chance of seeing little or nothing. Also be honest about the swim part. Current and open water mean you should follow instructions and stay close to the boat.

If you want a high-energy, guided outing from Puerto del Carmen that aims for dolphins and builds in a swim, this is a very reasonable way to spend 1.5 hours at sea.

FAQ

How long is the dolphin-watching speedboat tour?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour in Puerto del Carmen?

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

Is swimming included?

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

What should I bring with me?

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

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed to be seen?

No. Sightings cannot be guaranteed when dealing with wildlife in its natural habitat.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What languages are the guides?

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

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.