Speed, salt, and maybe dolphins. This Lanzarote dolphin watching trip is built around a small RIB speedboat ride where the crew actively hunts for marine life. It’s a fast, hands-on marine safari from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen, with an energetic onboard feel and plenty of ocean time.

Two things I really like are the small group size and the crew’s real focus on spotting wildlife. The boat is limited to 12 people, so you’re not stuck watching through a crowd, and the guide is there to help you read what you’re seeing—birds, turtles, dolphins, and other sea creatures.

One drawback to plan for: dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed. If dolphins don’t show up, you’ll still be out on the water with plenty to watch, but it’s smart to go with flexible expectations.

Key points before you go

• Small-group RIB (12 people): more personal than big catamaran-style tours.
• Waverider route options: choose from two boat tours, both guided in English, French, and Spanish.
• Wildlife beyond dolphins: birds and turtles are common targets, even when dolphins don’t appear.
• Fast motion means gear matters: strap glasses or secure them; hats can go airborne.
• Water included, no food: plan snacks or timing around your ride.

From Puerto del Carmen: a speedboat that actually feels personal

This dolphin watching tour is based out of the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen, and you’ll head out on a RIB-style speedboat (the Waverider is one of the vessels used). The payoff here is the feeling that you’re not just sitting on a large boat. With a group capped at 12 people, you get better sightlines, and it’s easier to follow what the captain and crew are doing when they change course to check a likely spot.

You’ll be on the water for about 2 to 2.5 hours, which is a sweet spot. Long enough to feel like a real marine safari, but not so long that everyone is exhausted from sun, wind, and spray.

The company running this experience is WAVERIDER RIB EXPERIENCE SL, and the focus is clearly marine life spotting paired with an adrenaline-friendly ride. If you like active travel—ocean air, quick turns, and watching from close range—this format fits.

Where the tour starts

Check-in and departure are from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen. Pickup is listed as included, and you’re advised to wait 15 minutes in front of your lobby. In practice, I suggest you double-check your pickup location because some people have reported extra transport charges from areas outside the main pickup zone (for example, Costa Teguise has come up with added fees).

Your 2–2.5 hour plan: what the captain is really doing out there

Your day is built around time on the water plus guided searching. While the exact route depends on conditions and sightings, you can expect a pattern that makes sense for dolphin spotting in Lanzarote waters.

First comes the gear and safety basics. You’ll get a life jacket before you head out, and you’ll have water onboard. Then the boat starts moving fast—this is a speedboat, so you’ll feel it in your body. The captain can also adjust speed when the sea gets choppy, which helps the ride feel less punishing and keeps everyone balanced while scanning the water.

Next is the wildlife scanning stage. The crew looks for multiple types of marine life, not only dolphins. Expect birds (often the easiest sign that something’s going on), and you might spot turtles if conditions and timing line up. When dolphins are present, the crew’s job becomes spotting them quickly, then positioning the boat for the best chance to see them clearly.

A key detail: dolphin and other sea creature sightings are not guaranteed. That means the experience is really about the hunt and the ride as much as any one animal.

Getting the most out of the ride

If you want the best chance of good sightings, do the simple stuff:

• Keep your attention on the horizon and the water surface, not just your phone screen.
• Rotate your focus when the captain signals a direction.
• Be ready for quick changes—this boat doesn’t idle for long.

It also helps to dress for spray and glare. The sun in Lanzarote can hit hard, even when the ocean breeze feels cooling.

Dolphins in Lanzarote: worth hoping for, but don’t bet everything on it

Dolphins are the headline, but the tour is designed so you’re not completely left with nothing if the dolphins don’t show. The experience is framed as dolphin watching plus a marine safari, and that shows in how the crew searches.

Here’s the honest truth: you’re paying for a guided opportunity to see wildlife, not a guaranteed dolphin guarantee. Some outings produce beautiful dolphin moments, while others are still enjoyable with birds and other marine activity. If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, this might be harder than a museum or a fixed-time attraction.

But if you can enjoy the ride and the fact that the crew is actively searching, you’ll likely feel satisfied even on a no-dolphin day. The sea is dynamic. Currents, wind, and animal behavior change hour to hour.

What you can realistically watch for

Based on what this tour targets, you should keep an eye out for:

• Dolphins (when conditions and timing align)
• Sea birds circling, diving, or flying in ways that hint at feeding activity
• Turtles when the crew finds the right area

And even when dolphins aren’t visible, the motion of the boat often brings you to the next likely zone faster than slower boats.

Speedboat comfort checklist: glasses, hats, and sun protection

This is where people can have the best time—or a slightly annoying time—so plan ahead.

The ride is fast and can be rough when conditions are choppy. You’ll get through it fine if you stay balanced, but you should protect small items. If you wear glasses, a tight strap or taking them off during the fastest sections is a smart move. The boat’s motion and spray are enough that loose items can shift or fall.

Hats are another risk. When speed kicks up, hats can lift in the wind. The good news is that the captain and crew are experienced at keeping everyone safe while also dealing with lost items when they happen.

What to bring (and what to wear)

Food isn’t included, but water is, so you still want to bring your own basics for comfort:

• Sunglasses that stay put
• Sunscreen
• A hat (or something tied down)
• Comfortable sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting a little wet

One practical tip: you may be storing footwear and personal items in covered areas. For example, some people have described shoes stored in a box at the jetty and bags placed in a covered box on the boat. So don’t bring anything fragile or that can’t handle a quick scramble if it gets wet.

Price and value: what $77 buys you in real time

The listed price is $77 per person, for 2 to 2.5 hours with a small boat, a captain, a life jacket, and onboard water. That may sound steep compared with a slower sightseeing cruise, but the value comes from the format.

You’re not paying only for a seat. You’re paying for:

• A RIB speedboat experience (which costs more to operate)
• A crew that actively searches and repositions
• A small group size, which improves the chance you’ll actually see what’s happening

If you’re doing this as a group of friends or family, the “only 12 people” factor often makes the price feel more reasonable. If you’re solo, it can still be worth it if you genuinely want the adrenaline + marine spotting combo.

The one price complication to watch: pickup. Pickup is stated as included, but some people have reported extra transport fees depending on where they’re picked up (for example, added costs from Costa Teguise). My advice is to confirm your pickup point and any extra charges before you go, so you’re not surprised at the dock.

Who should book this Lanzarote RIB dolphin watching tour?

This trip tends to fit best when your priorities match the experience style.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You want an active boat ride, not a slow cruise
• You’re okay with some uncertainty about dolphin sightings
• You’d like a small-group ocean experience (12 people)
• You appreciate a guide who helps you spot wildlife and understands what to look for

It’s not a great fit if:

• You’re under age 2
• You’re pregnant
• You want food included on the water (it’s not)
• You rely on alcohol as part of the experience (alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed)

Also, since the tour is fast and outdoors, pack for sun and spray. If you’re sensitive to motion, sit in a stable area of the boat as directed by the crew.

Should you book the dolphin watching speedboat in Lanzarote?

Book it if you want a lively, close-to-the-water dolphin watching Lanzarote experience with a small group and an expert crew that hunts for multiple types of marine life. The cost feels easier to justify when you factor in the ride type, the guided searching, and the small boat size.

Skip it or reconsider if dolphin sightings are your one non-negotiable goal, because dolphins aren’t guaranteed. In that case, you might prefer a different activity where you know exactly what you’ll see.

My final practical suggestion: check your pickup details, come sun-ready, and treat this as a marine hunt at speed. If dolphins show up, it’s a standout. Even without them, you’re still spending real time in Lanzarote’s ocean with wildlife and an enjoyable RIB ride.

FAQ

How long is the dolphin watching speedboat tour in Lanzarote?

The duration is about 2 to 2.5 hours. Starting times vary, so it’s worth checking availability for the time slot you want.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from the Old Port of Puerto del Carmen.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

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

What is included in the price?

Included items are transportation, the boat, a life jacket, the captain, and water.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included.

Is pickup included, and how does it work?

Pickup is included, and you’re instructed to wait 15 minutes in front of the lobby. Be sure to confirm your exact pickup location when you book, since additional transport charges have come up for some areas.

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