Puerto del Carmen: Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Tour with Swim

Wild dolphins make this short cruise memorable. I like the low, fast Biosfera Jet, which gives you a close view of the water and Lanzarote’s southeast coast, and I like the friendly crew, who use binoculars and live commentary to help you spot wildlife. The main drawback is simple: dolphins and whales are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed.

At $41 per person, this is a fairly priced way to get out on the Atlantic without giving up half a day. I also appreciate that the trip includes a swim stop, so even a quiet wildlife outing still gives you a brisk boat ride, sea views, and a chance to jump into clear water. Just remember that the boat ride can be lively, the sun is strong, and there is no hotel pickup.

Key points before you book

• Wildlife is never promised: You may see dolphins, whales, turtles, or no animals at all.
• The boat is part of the fun: The Biosfera Jet is fast, low to the water, and especially exciting when the waves pick up.
• Dolphins can come close: Large pods have been seen swimming beside the boat for long stretches.
• The swim stop adds real value: You can jump from the boat into the Atlantic, though currents may be strong.
• The crew gets high marks: Guides such as Teddy, Carlos, Elsa, and others are praised for humor, care, and clear commentary.
• Bring your own basics: Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, warm clothing, and comfortable footwear. Snorkeling equipment is not supplied.

Leaving Puerto del Carmen on the Biosfera Jet

You meet Lanzarote Sea Tours near the petrol station and roundabout, close to Puerto del Carmen’s marina area. The exact meeting point matters because hotel transportation is not included, so you need to make your own way there and allow enough time to find the office and boat.

Before departure, the crew gives a short safety briefing. That is useful on a fast open boat, especially if you are traveling with children or have never taken a speedboat trip. The activity is considered suitable for families, and several children have enjoyed the ride and the wildlife search.

The Biosfera Jet is not a slow sightseeing vessel. It moves quickly along Lanzarote’s southeast coast, and the trip can feel more like a brisk sea ride than a quiet cruise. When the sea is lively, waves may splash over the sides. Some people love that cooling spray, while others will want a seat under cover and a waterproof layer.

I would choose practical clothing over anything smart. Wear a swimsuit beneath comfortable clothes, use sunscreen before boarding, and bring a towel. A light warm layer is also sensible because the boat’s speed can make the air feel cool, even on a hot Lanzarote day.

Searching for dolphins and whales in open water

The central part of the outing is a search, not a staged animal show. The captain and guide scan the sea with binoculars, then adjust the route when they spot signs of dolphins, whales, or other sea life.

That distinction matters. Some departures have found large groups of dolphins quickly. Others have spent the trip searching without seeing a single animal. A few outings have produced special sightings such as pilot whales, Bryde’s whales, turtles, and Atlantic spotted dolphins.

The best dolphin encounters can be remarkable. Pods have been seen racing beside the boat, appearing close to the hull, and moving around the vessel for 20 minutes or more. Some groups have included young dolphins, and lucky departures have encountered dozens or even hundreds of animals.

You should also keep your expectations in check. Several enjoyable trips produced no dolphins at all, yet the boat ride, views, and swim still made the outing worthwhile for those passengers. That is the honest trade-off with wildlife in the open sea. You are paying for the search and the experience on the water, not a guaranteed animal performance.

I like that the crew’s role is more than simply pointing at a fin. Guides explain the species you may encounter and add technical and local information during the trip. The commentary is available in Spanish, English, and French, which makes the activity easier for mixed-language groups.

The crew’s attitude is one of the strongest points here. Guides are often described as funny, welcoming, and helpful. Teddy has been singled out for his warm manner and humor, while Carlos has been praised for making passengers from different countries feel comfortable. Elsa has also been remembered for being kind and attentive.

The captain’s skill matters too. A good captain has to spot movement, turn the boat safely, and give people a fair chance to see what is happening. On successful trips, the crew has helped children move toward the front or changed positions so passengers with poor sightlines could see the dolphins.

Seeing Lanzarote from the southeast coast

Even without wildlife, the ride gives you a different view of Lanzarote. From the water, you see the coast from a low, open angle rather than from a road or beach. The changing distance from shore, the wind, and the boat’s speed keep the trip active.

The coast is not simply filler between dolphin sightings. It gives the outing a clear sense of place and makes the experience useful for anyone who wants a short introduction to Lanzarote from offshore. You get broad coastal views while the crew scans the sea.

The boat’s low design is particularly helpful when animals appear nearby. You are closer to the water than you would be on a tall sightseeing boat, so dolphins can be easier to see at eye level. The crew also tries to share good viewing spots, including the front of the boat when conditions allow.

Still, seating position can affect your view. One passenger found that a side wall blocked the original seat’s sightline and was moved to a better spot at the back. If you care strongly about seeing wildlife, listen to the crew and be ready to shift position when they direct people around the boat.

The return journey may be one of the most exciting parts for children. When waves make the boat bounce, the ride turns into a small natural roller coaster. That is fun for some families, but you should be prepared for a fast, splashy trip rather than a smooth ferry crossing.

The Atlantic swim stop

After the wildlife search and coastal cruise, the boat stops for swimming. You can jump directly from the back of the vessel into the Atlantic, which gives the short trip a clear second activity instead of ending as soon as the wildlife search is over.

The water is described as clear and refreshing. On warm days, the swim is a welcome break from the sun and spray. It can also make the tour worthwhile when the sea stays quiet and no animals appear.

This is not presented as a full snorkeling excursion. Snorkeling gear is not included, so bring your own equipment if you want it, though the key feature is swimming rather than an organized underwater session. The boat provides the setting, but you should bring your own towel and swimwear.

Take the current seriously. One swimmer noted that the water could pull strongly and advised staying close to the boat. You should follow the crew’s instructions, avoid drifting away, and only enter the water if you feel comfortable in open sea conditions.

The swim stop may be skipped when wildlife sightings run long. One particularly successful outing spent so much time with dolphins that the planned swim did not happen. That is a fair exchange if your main goal is wildlife, but it is worth knowing if you are booking mainly for the water stop.

Is $41 good value for 90 minutes?

At $41, the tour costs about $27 per hour. That is not the cheapest way to spend time in Puerto del Carmen, but it is reasonable for a guided speedboat outing that combines wildlife watching, coastal views, commentary, and swimming.

The value depends on what you want from the trip. If you see a large dolphin pod or a whale, the price can feel excellent. Several outings have produced close encounters, and some passengers saw more than one species in the same trip.

If no animals appear, the value is more personal. You still receive a 1.5-hour boat ride, the coastal scenery, a live guide, and a swim stop when conditions and timing allow. The boat itself is a genuine part of the experience, especially for children and anyone who enjoys speed and waves.

Food and drinks are not included, but the short duration means you do not need a full meal service on board. Bring water if you need it, and plan a snack before or after the activity rather than expecting refreshments during the cruise.

The overall rating of 3.7 from more than 1,800 ratings suggests a mixed but generally favorable experience. That score makes sense: the crew and boat are consistently well received, but wildlife sightings can vary from spectacular to nonexistent.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend this tour to families, couples, and solo visitors who want a short active outing from Puerto del Carmen. It works well when you want to fit a sea excursion between beach time, meals, or other Lanzarote plans.

Children appear to enjoy the speed, splashes, and chance to look through binoculars. The crew has made an effort to help younger passengers see dolphins, and the swimming stop adds another clear highlight for families.

It is also a good fit if you prefer seeing animals in the wild rather than at a marine park. The dolphins and whales are not trained performers, and the boat searches for them in their own environment. That makes the sighting feel more meaningful when it happens.

I would be more cautious if you need a guaranteed attraction, dislike rough movement, or are uncomfortable swimming in open water. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users, and no hotel pickup is provided.

If you are prone to motion sickness, this fast boat and open sea may be demanding. The information does not specify onboard medical arrangements or seasickness support, so bring anything you normally use and consider your own comfort before booking.

Practical tips for a better outing

• Arrive at the Lanzarote Sea Tours office by the petrol station and roundabout with time to spare.
• Apply sunscreen before you board, then bring it along if possible.
• Wear swimwear under comfortable clothing so you are ready for the water.
• Pack a towel, warm layer, and comfortable shoes.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to look underwater, since it is not included.
• Keep children close during the wildlife search and swim stop.
• Follow instructions carefully if the current is strong.
• Expect splashes, especially when the boat returns through larger waves.
• Treat dolphins and whales as a bonus, not a promise.
• If dolphins appear, be ready to move when the crew opens a better viewing position.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans change: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for the day you want.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto del Carmen dolphin-watching tour?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours, including the boat ride, wildlife search, commentary, and time to swim.

Where does the tour meet?

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

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. The animals live in the wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. You may see dolphins, whales, turtles, other sea life, or no animals during the outing.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes time to swim from the boat in the Atlantic Ocean. The swim may be shortened or skipped if the wildlife search runs long.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, comfortable footwear, and clothing suitable for the weather. Warm clothing is also recommended.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. Live commentary is available in Spanish, English, and French.

Should you book the Biosfera Jet tour?

I would book this if you want a short, good-value sea adventure and can accept uncertain wildlife results. The crew receives strong praise for humor, care, and effort, while the low fast boat gives you a close view of the water and a lively ride along Lanzarote’s coast.

Book it for the whole package: boat, scenery, expert searching, and swimming. Do not book it only because you expect dolphins to appear on cue. If a large pod turns up, you may get one of your most memorable moments in Lanzarote. If the sea stays empty, you can still come away with a refreshing swim and a fast, entertaining hour and a half on the Atlantic.