Dolphins are never guaranteed, but this one tries hard. On Lanzarote, a fast speedboat tour from Puerto del Carmen gives you sweeping sea views while the crew hunts for whales and dolphins with binoculars.

I really like two parts: the up-close search experience on the Biosfera Jet (with live commentary in multiple languages), and the refreshingly straightforward open-water swim afterward. The only real catch is the obvious one—wildlife sightings can go quiet, so you’ll want to be comfortable with a bit of uncertainty.

Quick hits for this Lanzarote speedboat tour

• Biosfera Jet speedboat: low profile for better sightlines and a more hands-on feeling around the marine wildlife.
• Crew spotting with binoculars: you’re not just riding—you’re actively scanning.
• Live onboard commentary: Spanish, English, and French guidance keep the trip from feeling like guesswork.
• Swim stop in clear Atlantic water: jump in from the boat’s back, then get back aboard fast.
• Wildcard wildlife: dolphins, whales (including Bryde’s/pilot whale mentions), turtles—yet no promises.

Entering Puerto del Carmen by sea: what the Biosfera Jet ride feels like

The whole experience starts in Puerto del Carmen, right at the Lanzarote Sea Tours office next to the petrol station and roundabout. From there, you head out on the Biosfera Jet fast boat, and the mood shifts quickly from “waiting around” to “out on the water.”

This is not a slow sightseeing boat. The speed matters because it helps the captain cover more water during the short 1.5-hour outing, and it also makes the coastline feel closer as you move along Lanzarote’s southeast side. Expect a lively ride—some people even note waves splashing over the side, which can cool you down on hot days.

One more thing I like: the setup is family-friendly, and the crew tends to keep everyone engaged. That includes small touches like helping kids spot marine life with binoculars when they’re available.

The cruise along Lanzarote’s southeast coast: views you get even if wildlife is quiet

Even if the sea life doesn’t show up, this trip still works as a mini coastal cruise. You’ll get panoramic looks along Lanzarote’s shoreline, with big horizons and lots of open water around you. On a clear day, the sensation of being “out there” is the payoff.

Because the tour is short, you don’t waste time with long stretches of straight, aimless motoring. The captain and crew are actively searching, and the coastline views keep coming as the boat changes position. You also get that classic speedboat rhythm: fast repositioning, scanning, then another push when something catches their eye.

A practical note: the ride can feel cooler in the wind, and when conditions are choppy, the boat bounces. Bring warm clothing even if it feels warm on land, especially if you’re the type who gets chilly easily on open water.

Dolphin and whale spotting: how the hunt works (and what to watch for)

Here’s where the tour earns its keep. You’re not just hoping—there’s an actual system: the crew looks for signs of dolphins and whales, uses binoculars, and gives live, on-board information about the cetaceans you might encounter.

People’s favorite moments on this kind of trip are usually the “sudden reveal” scenes: a pod appears near the boat, dolphins surface close, and you realize you’re watching animals in motion, not a distant silhouette. In reported experiences, sightings range from lots of dolphins and pods that stick around for a while, to whale sightings like Bryde’s and pilot whales, plus occasional surprises like turtles.

But I want you to understand the core reality: wildlife is wild. The operator explicitly warns that sightings can’t be guaranteed. That’s not a marketing line—it’s the honest deal. If you go in expecting an all-or-nothing outcome, you’ll feel disappointed when the sea is quiet. If you go in ready for the ride and the chance, you’ll probably rate it higher.

Also, pay attention to how the crew handles positioning. Some reports highlight that the captain is careful and that dolphins appear to come voluntarily rather than being chased. That matters because it changes the vibe from chaotic to respectful and gives you a better chance of seeing natural behavior.

The swim stop in the open Atlantic: what you’ll do and how to stay safe

After the spotting portion, you’ll relax with a swim in clear Atlantic water. This is one of the more memorable elements because it turns a “watching” trip into a “feeling it” experience.

The swim is done from the boat, so you’re not dealing with beach transfers or long walks. You jump in from the back of the speedboat, then swim or float for as long as the stop allows, and you get back aboard when it’s time.

A couple of real-world considerations matter here:

• Current can be strong, so stay close to the boat and follow the crew’s instructions.
• The water can feel cooler than you expect, especially with wind and speedboat spray.
• Snorkelling gear isn’t included, so treat it as a swim, not a full snorkel session.

If you’re traveling with kids, this part can be a hit—but only if the child is comfortable in open water. Some families note the experience felt safe with the crew’s guidance, and others mention that everyone seemed to be watched closely during boarding and swimming.

And yes, sometimes the crew adjusts the plan based on wildlife. One report mentions skipping the swim stop because there were so many dolphins around. That’s a sign the crew prioritizes what’s happening in the water rather than forcing a rigid schedule.

What $41 buys you: value, not just a ticket price

At around $41 per person for a 1.5-hour tour, you’re paying for two things: speed and a structured dolphin/whale search. Longer premium cruises can cost more, but they often trade away the “active search” feeling. Here, the short duration is part of the value: you get the key ingredients without a half-day commitment.

Live commentary adds value too. Even when you’re just scanning the horizon, it helps to know what you’re looking for and why the crew is driving to a specific area. The tour provides guidance in Spanish, English, and French, which is a big deal if you’re traveling with people who don’t all speak the same language.

One more value angle: this tends to be good for families because the experience has multiple engagement points—binocular spotting, the chance to see marine life close, and the swim. You’re not just sitting and waiting through one long block of ocean time.

The only reason the value could disappoint you is if you come away with zero sightings. The boat ride itself still has appeal, but if your sole goal is guaranteed dolphins, no wildlife tour can promise that.

Crew energy and how they make it work for kids and first-timers

The “feel” of this tour is heavily influenced by the guides and captain. In reports, people repeatedly bring up friendly, funny guides and a captain who seems to know where to look quickly. Names that show up include Teddy, Carlos, and Elsa—different people, same theme: keep the mood up and help you see.

You’ll also notice the crew trying to bring people into the best viewing spots. Some reports mention kids getting binoculars and being taken up near the front of the boat when dolphins appear. That kind of attention matters because it turns the experience from passive to participatory.

If you’re a first-timer, I think that’s the big advantage here. You’re less likely to feel lost or unsure what’s happening because the crew is actively narrating and directing attention. And if you’re traveling with someone who’s hesitant about animal tours, it helps that multiple reports describe careful handling and non-harassing behavior.

Weather, seasickness, and packing for a fast boat swim

This is a speedboat plus open-water swim combo, so packing smart can make or break the comfort level.

Bring:

• Swimwear (you’ll want it ready)
• A towel
• Sunscreen (it’s easy to get burned with wind and sun glare off the water)
• Comfortable clothes for the ride
• Weather-appropriate and possibly warm layers for after the swim or during cooler wind

Footwear matters more than you’d think. You’ll be moving around the boat, and you don’t want slippery shoes or anything that ties up poorly.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, this kind of ride can be rougher than a calm ferry. You might consider a basic seasickness strategy (like taking medication ahead of time if it works for you). The ride includes bouncing, and even splashy waves can add to that.

Finally, plan your expectations: if it’s windy or choppy, the swim can feel more challenging. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen—but you’ll want to be honest about your comfort level.

Who should book this dolphin-watching swim tour?

I’d recommend this tour if you want a mix of animal spotting + action in a short time window. It’s especially appealing for families because it’s structured, interactive, and includes a swim that many kids and adults remember longer than a “see from the boat”-only tour.

It’s also a great fit if you care about getting close without turning the trip into something performative. The best moments people report involve dolphins and whales showing up around the boat naturally, with the captain staying careful and the crew staying focused.

If you’re more of a “lie back and relax” traveler, you might find the speed and scanning less relaxing than you want. And if you’re someone who can’t swim in open water, the swim portion should be approached cautiously. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Should you book the Puerto del Carmen dolphin tour with swim?

If your goal is a quick, active sea experience with a serious chance of dolphins (and a real chance of whales, turtles, or other marine life), this is a strong bet. The price-to-time ratio is friendly, the live commentary makes the scanning more meaningful, and the swim stop adds a memorable personal touch.

I’d only skip if you truly need guaranteed wildlife sightings. This tour is built on wild animals showing up, so the right mindset is: go for the ocean day, celebrate what you see, and treat dolphins or whales as the bonus.

If you’re ready to pack for wind and water, stay close to the boat during the swim, and enjoy the ride even with a quiet horizon, you’ll likely feel like the $41 was money well spent.

FAQ

How long is the dolphin-watching speedboat tour with swim?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours.

Where does the tour start in Puerto del Carmen?

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

What’s included in the price?

It includes the 1.5-hour dolphin and whale watching tour, live commentary on board, and time to swim.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included.

What should I bring for the swim?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable footwear. You should also bring warm or weather-appropriate clothing.

Is snorkelling gear included?

No. Snorkelling gear isn’t included.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. Sightings in the natural habitat can’t be guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

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