Lanzarote: Dolphin Watching by speedboat
About This Experience
Waverider run the island's dolphin trips at the opposite end of the scale from the big catamarans: a rigid inflatable boat carrying a maximum of 12 people, out of the Old Cruise Port in Puerto del Carmen. Small group, fast hull, more water covered — and a considerably livelier ride.
There are two shared formats. The 2-hour marine safari is the dedicated wildlife run, working the deep water close to the south coast where the resident pods feed. The 2.5-hour morning sightseeing tour adds a swim stop at Papagayo to the same dolphin search. Which meeting point applies depends on which option you book, so read the voucher rather than assuming.
A RIB's advantage on a dolphin trip is reach. It can move between areas quickly when a sighting is reported and hold position quietly once there, and with twelve people aboard everyone gets a clear view over the side. Reviewers repeatedly single out the skippers as determined about finding animals, and mention sea turtles alongside the dolphins.
The trade-off is comfort. A RIB is a bouncy, wet, exposed ride by design — excellent if that appeals, wrong if you are prone to seasickness or travelling with very young children. The operator excludes under-2s and pregnant travellers outright.
Inclusions are deliberately minimal: boat, skipper, lifejacket and water. There is no lunch and no bar, and the listing notes an extra charge of €5 per person on top of the booking price — budget for it. As with every licensed boat in the Canaries, sightings of dolphins or other sea creatures are not guaranteed.
Highlights
- Enjoy an exclusive experience on our 12-people boat.
- Get ready for a close encounter with marine life like never before.
- Spot birds, turtles, dolphins, and other fascinating marine creatures.
- Experience the best dolphin tours in Lanzarote.
- Embark on an unforgettable journey immersed in the wonders of the sea
What's Included
- ✓ Boat
- ✓ Lifejacket
- ✓ Skipper
- ✓ Water
Not Included
- Tips
- Lunch
- EUR 5 extra per person
Good to Know & Caveats
- Sightings of dolphins or other sea creatures are not guaranteed — stated explicitly by the operator.
- An extra charge of €5 per person applies on top of the booking price.
- Maximum 12 passengers. There is no hotel pickup on the shared options — make your own way to the Old Cruise Port in Puerto del Carmen.
- The meeting point differs between the 2-hour marine safari and the 2.5-hour morning tour with the Papagayo swim stop; check which option you booked.
- This is a rigid inflatable boat: a fast, bouncy and exposed ride rather than a stable cruise. Not the pick if you are prone to motion sickness.
- Only boat, skipper, lifejacket and water are included. No lunch, no bar, and tips are not included.
- Alcohol and drugs are not permitted on board.
Not Suitable For
- Children under 2 years
- Pregnant women
- People prone to motion sickness
Meeting Point
Departures leave from the Old Cruise Port in Puerto del Carmen. The exact meeting point depends on the option you book — the 2.5-hour morning sightseeing tour with a swim at Papagayo and the 2-hour marine safari both run without hotel pickup, so make your own way to the port.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.4/5 by 131 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
This was such a great activity. We were picked up from hotel and was well organised. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see any dolphins but the speed boat was so much fun and we got to swim in the ocean. Very exhilarating! Would definitely book again. Great couple of hours and even the teenage son loved it!
— Charlie, August
Absolutely fantastic high speed experience! All the family loved it. We got to see plenty of dolphins and even a whale. Our guide was great with information and just making the whole experience unforgettable. Would highly recommend this activity.
— Tina, July 18
A 5* review! A very well organised activity with contact regarding pick ups, efficient transfers, good communication on arrival. The boat captain was so much fun, friendly and informed. We got really lucky with our marine life as well which obviously made it a fantastic trip. Seeing a pod of dolphins so close was such a privilege. Our kids loved Captain Coco as well, a dog living his best sailor life.
— Lesley, June 19
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are on the boat?
A maximum of 12. It is a rigid inflatable boat rather than a catamaran, which makes this the smallest-group dolphin trip compared on this site — everyone gets a clear view over the side, and the skipper can reposition quickly when a pod is spotted.
What is the difference between the two options?
The 2-hour marine safari is the dedicated wildlife run, working the deep water off the south coast. The 2.5-hour morning sightseeing tour covers the same dolphin search and adds a swim stop at Papagayo Beach. The meeting point differs between them, so check your voucher.
Is there hotel pickup?
Not on the shared options. Both the 2-hour safari and the 2.5-hour morning tour depart without pickup, so you make your own way to the Old Cruise Port in Puerto del Carmen. If transfers matter to you, the sunset catamaran cruise includes them from 17 points island-wide.
Are there any extra costs?
Yes — the listing states an extra charge of €5 per person on top of the booking price. Lunch and tips are also excluded; only the boat, skipper, lifejacket and water are included.
Is a RIB a rough ride?
Yes, by design. A rigid inflatable is fast, bouncy, exposed and usually wet — which is the appeal for many people and the problem for others. Children under 2 and pregnant travellers are excluded, and it is not the right boat if you get motion sick. Take a catamaran instead.
