Dolphin Watching Boat Safari Lanzarote: High-Speed Marine Tour

Chase dolphins across open water instead of watching from shore

A 2-hour dolphin-watching boat safari off Lanzarote departs from Puerto del Carmen aboard a high-speed rigid inflatable, with a live guide in English, Spanish, French or German. The crew searches the east coast for wild dolphins, seabirds and sea turtles; after spotting them, the boat stops at Papagayo Beach for a swim. Children from age 4 are welcome. Pickup is available for an extra fee; bring swimwear, a towel and sunscreen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin watching and beach visit

• Depart from Puerto Viejo port
• Ride high-speed boat along coast
• Spot dolphins, turtles, and birds
• Learn about marine life from crew
• Visit Playa de Papagayo for swim

The Experience

The boat leaves Puerto Viejo in Puerto del Carmen and heads straight out to open water. A high-speed rigid inflatable cuts across the sea fast enough that you'll feel the spray and hold on to the rail—this is not a leisurely cruise. The crew knows the marine ecosystem and watches for dolphins, seabirds, sea turtles and other wildlife along the east coast. When dolphins appear, the boat slows to let you watch them move through the water without disturbing them.

After time spent with the dolphins and learning what the crew can tell you about them, the route swings toward Papagayo Beach, which sits on the southern tip of the island. You get to swim here before heading back to port. Bottled water, a life jacket and a windbreaker are included; the crew speaks your language and answers questions as you go.

The whole outing runs 2.5 hours from start to finish. It suits families—children from age 4 can come—and anyone who wants to see dolphins without arranging a private boat or spending a full day at sea. Bring your own swimwear, towel and sunscreen. Pickup from your hotel costs extra and is arranged at checkout.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• life jacket.
• windbreaker.
• live guide in English, Spanish, French or German.
• swim stop at Papagayo Beach.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by H2O Sports Lanzarote - Buggy Experience Lanzarote

Is this one for you?The 2.5-hour timeframe fits a morning or afternoon slot without eating your whole day, leaving room for other activities in Lanzarote before or after. The high-speed boat and open-water search mean this is active and fast-paced—not a floating platform where you sit still—so it suits travelers who want movement and don't mind holding on tight.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How fast does the boat go and will I get wet?

The high-speed rigid inflatable is built for quick movement across open water, so you'll feel spray and wind. Wear clothes you don't mind getting damp and hold on to the rail during the ride out and back. A windbreaker is provided.

What are the chances of actually seeing dolphins?

The crew knows where dolphins are most likely to appear along the east coast and adjusts the route based on sightings that day. There's no guarantee, but the boat is designed and timed to search the waters where they feed. If dolphins don't show, you still see seabirds and sea turtles.

Is there time to swim at Papagayo Beach?

Yes. After the dolphin-watching portion, the boat stops at Papagayo Beach so you can swim. Bring swimwear and a towel. The beach is one of the most popular on the island and the swim is part of the 2.5-hour total time.

Can I bring my 5-year-old?

Children from age 4 are welcome on the boat safari. They need to wear a life jacket, which is provided. Bring swimwear for them too if they'll swim at Papagayo Beach.

Do I need to arrange pickup from my hotel?

Pickup is optional and costs extra per person—arrange it at checkout if you need it. The boat departs from Puerto Viejo in Puerto del Carmen, and public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to make your own way there.