Lanzarote: Lobos Island Half-Day Dolphin Watching Trip
About This Experience
The longest dolphin trip on this site, and the only one that puts you ashore on an island. Lanzarote Sea Tours run it as a half day: a fast-boat crossing north-east along the dolphin route to Isla de Lobos, the tiny uninhabited volcanic island in the strait between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, then free time there before the return.
The crossing itself is the wildlife leg — roughly 1.5 hours following the route the resident pods work, with live commentary from the crew. Reviewers report pilot whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins, common dolphins and flying fish on good days. As always, nothing is promised: the operator states that when dealing with wildlife, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Lobos is the reason to choose this trip over a shorter cruise. You get about 2.5 hours to explore a protected islet with no cars and almost no buildings — a handful of fishermen's houses, natural lagoons, volcanic walking trails, and clear shallow water for swimming and snorkelling. It is genuinely quiet in a way little else on Lanzarote's south coast is.
A picnic lunch is included and served on the island: sandwiches, water, beer or juice, gazpacho and drinking yoghurt. Vegetarian meals and allergy requirements need at least a day's notice to the provider, so arrange that when you book rather than on the pier.
One practical warning the operator makes explicitly: boarding, disembarking and moving around Lobos are difficult for anyone with reduced mobility. There is no pier infrastructure to speak of and the island's paths are volcanic gravel.
Highlights
- Visit the stunning island of Lobos on a half-day boat trip
- Look for dolphins and other marine mammals in their natural habitat
- Get breathtaking views of the coast of Lanzarote
- Benefit from some free time to explore Lobos at your own pace
What's Included
- ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off
- ✓ 1.5-hour fast boat trip to Lobos
- ✓ Return boat trip to Puerto del Carmen
- ✓ 2.5 hours free time on Lobos Island
- ✓ Live commentary on board
- ✓ Picnic lunch and drinks (sandwiches, water, beer/juice, gazpacho, drinking yoghurt)
Not Included
- Snorkeling gear
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Hat
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Beachwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Good to Know & Caveats
- Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed — the operator states this directly.
- Boarding, disembarking and walking on Lobos Island are challenging for people with reduced mobility; the terrain is volcanic gravel with no developed pier.
- Vegetarian meals and any food allergy or intolerance must be arranged with the provider at least one day before the trip.
- Snorkelling gear is not included — bring your own if you want to use the lagoons properly.
- Total time is about 5.5 hours: roughly 1.5 hours at sea each way and 2.5 hours free on the island, plus hotel transfers either side.
- Lobos is a protected natural area — bring water, sun cover and whatever you carry out, as facilities on the island are minimal.
Not Suitable For
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
Meeting Point
Morning hotel pickup by air-conditioned coach to El Varadero in Puerto del Carmen, where the fast boat departs. Return drop-off to your accommodation is included.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.2/5 by 654 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
What a fab day! Picked up from our resort and taken to Puerto del Carmen where we boarded the speedboat. Teddy our guide was funny and friendly and explained the itinerary to us in Spanish, English and French. I was resigned ti not seeing anything, but with 20 mins to go until we reached Los Lobos dolphins were spotted! They turned the engines off on the boat and we spent about 20ish minutes watching the dolphins playing around the boat which was such a great experience! Los Lobos is a beautifully barren island with tiny fishing area with natural lagoons, and a beautiful beach with safe shallow waters to swim in. More adventurous folks can take a walk up to the volcano, but we didn’t want to risk it as I walk VERY slowly in the heat! The lunch bag was a nice touch and sufficient to jeep us going (a can of beer is always welcome!) The boat ride back was hilarious - we were at at the back right of the boat and got absolutely soaked in the waves - definitely an experience!!!
— Pamela, August
Was a great day from start to finish would highly recommend
— Jane, May 29,
Great day out on the sea so beautifully blue and clear. Then the island of Lobos is so idillic such lovely beaches. All the staff were great. We also were lucky enough to see some dolphins and flying fish on the way to the island
— John, May 10,
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do you get on Lobos Island?
About 2.5 hours of free time to explore at your own pace — enough for the volcanic walking trails, the natural lagoons, the small fishermen's settlement, and a swim. The boat crossing is roughly 1.5 hours in each direction, making 5.5 hours in total.
What are the chances of seeing dolphins on the crossing?
The crossing deliberately follows the route the resident pods work, and reviewers report pilot whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins, common dolphins and flying fish. But the operator is explicit that sightings cannot be guaranteed when dealing with wildlife. Island-wide, crews report finding cetaceans on roughly 60–65% of trips.
Is lunch included?
Yes — a picnic lunch served on the island, with sandwiches, water, beer or juice, gazpacho and drinking yoghurt. Vegetarian options and allergy accommodations need at least one day's notice to the provider.
Can you swim and snorkel at Lobos?
Yes. The island has shallow natural lagoons and clear water, and swimming is part of what the free time is for. Snorkelling gear is not provided, so bring your own mask. Pack beachwear, a towel and a hat — there is very little shade.
Is this trip accessible for wheelchair users?
No. The operator lists wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments as not suitable, and specifically warns that boarding, disembarking and walking around Lobos are challenging — the island has no developed pier and volcanic gravel paths.
