Lanzarote: Sea Safari Experience

Dolphins can turn a boat ride into a memory. This three-hour Lanzarote sea safari takes you along the island’s volcanic coast aboard a small motorized trimaran, with a skipper and marine guide watching for dolphins, whales, turtles, and other sea life. I like the small group of up to 10 people, which gives you a better view than a crowded excursion boat. I also like the onboard hydrophone, a rare touch that lets you listen for cetaceans below the surface.

The main caution is the boat itself. The 8.6-metre trimaran is nimble and gets you close to the water, but it can move sharply in choppy conditions. One unhappy passenger found it uncomfortable and became seasick, while others had calm water and close dolphin encounters. There is also no stated toilet or food service, so plan this as a short, focused wildlife trip rather than a fully equipped cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• Small boat, maximum 10 participants: You get more personal space and a clearer view than on a large sightseeing vessel, but you will feel the motion of the sea more.
• Dolphin sightings can be excellent: Recent outings included groups of dolphins close to the boat, and one distant whale sighting, but wildlife is never guaranteed.
• Volcanic coast views are part of the experience: Sheer cliffs and dormant volcano formations give you a fresh view of Lanzarote from the Atlantic.
• A marine and cetacean expert joins the skipper: You receive more than simple sightseeing, with explanations about the animals and help locating them.
• The vessel is built for a small coastal safari: It is an 8.6-metre OLBAP TR8 motor trimaran with a Mercury Verado 250 horsepower outboard engine, autopilot, chartplotter, two VHF DSC radios, and a hydrophone.
• Bring comfort, not luggage: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, skip high heels, and arrive 15 minutes early at the sea safaris board above pontoon H.

Setting out from pontoon H

Your meeting point is at the top of pontoon H. Look for the sea safaris board and arrive 15 minutes before departure. That extra time matters because this is a small operation, not a large boat with a long boarding process and spare room for late arrivals.

The tour is operated by Sea Safaris Lanzarote S.L., a family-owned local company with more than 20 years of sailing experience around Lanzarote. That local focus is useful on a wildlife trip. The crew knows these coastal waters and can adjust the route in search of marine life rather than simply following a fixed sightseeing loop.

The boat is licensed to carry 15 people, but this experience limits the group to 10 participants. That difference is worth noting. You may have room to move your head and shoulders for a better view, and you should be able to hear the guide without a speaker blasting over the engine.

The vessel is an OLBAP TR8 motor trimaran, 8.6 metres long, powered by a 250 horsepower Mercury Verado four-stroke outboard. It is equipped with an autopilot, electronic chartplotter, two VHF DSC radios, and a hydrophone. Those details may sound technical, but they point to a boat designed for coastal operation and wildlife searching, not just a casual harbour ride.

Reading Lanzarote from the Atlantic

The coastline is one of the strongest parts of the outing, even when the animals stay out of sight. Lanzarote’s volcanic origin shows clearly from the water, with stark cliffs, dark rock, and unusual forms created by old volcanic activity. Looking back toward the island gives you a view that roads and resort promenades cannot provide.

The boat’s route is shaped by sea conditions and the location of wildlife, so you should not expect a set list of named stops. The real itinerary is the open water, the coastline, and the search for moving animals. Some people love that freedom. Others may prefer a cruise with guaranteed landmarks and a fixed schedule.

I would treat the coastal scenery as an important part of the trip, not a consolation prize. Even on a quiet wildlife day, you still get three hours around Lanzarote’s volcanic cliffs and dormant volcano formations. The open setting also gives you a sense of how exposed and dramatic the island can look from offshore.

The downside is that the ocean is not a viewing platform. The boat rises and falls with the waves, and your view can change from a clear horizon to a spray-covered one in seconds. If you are sensitive to motion, the smaller vessel deserves serious thought.

Searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles

The crew’s main job is to find marine life, but no safari can promise a sighting. Wildlife moves freely, and the sea can produce a very different outing from one morning to the next. One recent trip had only distant sea life, while other outings included dozens of dolphins close to the boat and a whale visible farther away.

Dolphins are the species most likely to create the memorable moments described by passengers. They may travel in groups, pass beneath the boat, or approach very closely. On a successful trip, you might see them repeatedly during the cruise rather than getting one quick glimpse and heading straight back.

The skipper’s ability to spot animals is important. A good lookout can notice movement at a distance and steer the boat toward it before the moment disappears. The crew member named Jorge received particular praise for his eye for dolphins, while Maria was praised for her energy and humor. Another outing also received strong comments for the work of Maria and Jorge together.

Whales are possible but less predictable. One recent trip produced a distant whale sighting, which is thrilling but very different from a close dolphin encounter. You should book this for the chance to see wild animals, not because you expect a whale to appear on schedule.

Turtles and other marine life may also enter the search. One poor outing produced only two turtles seen at a distance, showing the honest limit of the experience. That can feel disappointing at 71 dollars, but it is also the nature of a genuine wildlife trip. The crew can search. It cannot direct wild animals into position.

The hydrophone adds a different kind of encounter

The onboard hydrophone is one of the more unusual features. It is designed for listening to cetaceans underwater, so the experience is not limited to watching the surface. When visibility is poor or animals are just out of sight, underwater sound can give you another way to connect with the marine environment.

The guide and skipper can also explain what you are seeing and hearing. The tour is offered in Spanish, English, and German, which makes it easier to follow the natural-history side of the trip. You are not left to guess whether a distant splash is a dolphin, a wave, or another boat.

That educational element matters most if you want more than a quick photo. A marine expert and cetacean expert are on board, so you can learn about the species that use these waters and the conditions that affect sightings. The tone may vary by departure, but Maria’s humor and energy have been singled out as part of the fun.

What the small trimaran feels like at sea

The trimaran gives you a close-to-the-water experience. That is its appeal. You are not sealed inside a large cabin, and the boat’s modest size makes the coastline and wildlife feel more immediate.

It also creates the tour’s biggest comfort issue. A small boat responds quickly to each wave, especially when the sea is not calm. One passenger found the movement severe and recommended a larger catamaran instead. If you often get seasick, this is not a minor footnote.

Conditions can change the entire character of the trip. A morning with calm water, no wind, and strong sunshine can feel smooth and relaxed. Another departure may involve a constant roll that makes it hard to watch the horizon or take photographs. I would choose a calm-looking weather window if your schedule allows, though the supplied information does not promise a particular sea condition at any departure time.

Wear comfortable shoes and comfortable clothing. High heels are not allowed, and smoking and vaping are prohibited. Food and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand and bring only what the operator permits. The supplied details do not state that a toilet is available, and one passenger specifically complained about the lack of one during the three-hour ride. Plan accordingly.

Children under two and pregnant women should not take this activity. The motion, open boat design, and limited facilities make that restriction practical rather than surprising.

Is 71 dollars good value?

At 71 dollars per person, this is not the cheapest way to look at Lanzarote from the sea. The price makes more sense if you value a small group, an experienced local operator, expert guidance, and a real chance of seeing dolphins in the open Atlantic.

You are paying for the search as much as the sighting. That distinction is crucial. On a good day, close dolphins can make the price feel fair, especially when the animals stay with the boat and appear in several groups. A whale sighting would add another memorable layer.

On a quiet day, the value is harder to defend. You could spend three hours seeing mostly sea, cliffs, and passing boats, with only distant turtles or no notable animals. The scenic ride still has worth, but anyone booking only for guaranteed wildlife may feel let down.

The small group helps protect the value. Ten people is a much more manageable number than a full-size excursion boat. You should have a better chance of seeing over other passengers and asking the guide questions. The trimaran’s safety equipment and navigation systems also add reassurance, though they do not make it a stable floating lounge.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make it easier to fit the trip around your holiday plans. Check the available starting times before booking, since the activity lasts three hours and sea conditions may influence which departure feels most comfortable.

Who will enjoy this sea safari most?

I would recommend it to adults and older children who enjoy wildlife, open water, and a little boat movement. It suits people who would rather spend three hours actively looking for dolphins than sitting on a large vessel with a fixed sightseeing route.

It is also a good match for photographers, though you should be ready for quick, unpredictable action. Dolphins do not pose, and a moving boat does not provide a steady platform. The best moments may happen beneath you or several metres away, so keep your attention wider than your camera screen.

The tour works well for visitors who want a different view of Lanzarote. The volcanic cliffs and dormant volcano formations look distinctive from offshore, and the setting gives you a stronger sense of the island’s Atlantic edge.

I would be cautious if you are prone to seasickness, need a toilet on longer boat trips, or expect guaranteed animals. A larger catamaran may be more comfortable for you, but this particular experience is built around a smaller, more direct connection with the water.

Practical tips for a better three hours

• Arrive at pontoon H 15 minutes early. Look for the sea safaris board at the top of the pontoon.
• Wear flat, comfortable shoes and clothing that allows easy movement.
• Avoid booking if you are pregnant or bringing a child under two.
• Eat before departure because food and drinks are not included.
• If you are sensitive to motion, consider taking your usual precautions and choose the calmest suitable time available.
• Keep your eyes on the water, not only the horizon. Dolphins may appear beside or beneath the trimaran.
• Give yourself realistic expectations. The crew can search hard, but wild sightings are never guaranteed.
• Use the guide. Spanish, English, and German are available, and the marine explanations are a major part of the value.
• Remember that the boat is licensed for 15 but the tour group is limited to 10, which helps keep the outing personal.
• Check cancellation terms before booking. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

Final call: should you book it?

Book this sea safari if you want a small, local wildlife outing and you accept that nature sets the timetable. The best departures can bring you dozens of dolphins close to the boat, a distant whale, strong coastal views, and a lively crew such as Maria and Jorge. The hydrophone and marine guidance give the trip more substance than a simple pleasure cruise.

Skip it if comfort is your top concern. The trimaran moves more than a large catamaran, there is no stated onboard food service, and the lack of a toilet may matter during three hours at sea. At 71 dollars, the outing is good value when the wildlife cooperates, but it is a gamble on quiet days.

My practical verdict: choose it for the close-to-the-water experience, not a guaranteed animal checklist. If calm seas, small groups, and expert searching appeal to you, this is a strong Lanzarote option. If you need a smooth ride, choose a larger boat instead.

FAQ

How long does the Lanzarote sea safari last?

The activity lasts three hours. The detailed description also refers to a two to three hour outing, so check the confirmed departure information when booking.

How much does the sea safari cost?

The listed price is 71 dollars per person.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the sea safaris board at the top of pontoon H.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, and German.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

What animals might I see?

The safari searches for whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life in Lanzarote’s coastal waters. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes. High-heeled shoes are not allowed.

Who should not take this activity?

Children under two years old and pregnant women should not take the tour. Smoking and vaping are also not allowed on the activity.