Dolphin Mini Cruise at Playa del Carmen

The Dolphin Mini Cruise at Playa del Carmen in Lanzarote offers a compact yet lively way to explore the island’s marine life. Priced at $41.50 per person and lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, this tour departs from Puerto del Carmen Marina, aboard the fast boat “Biosfera Jet.” It’s a popular choice, booked over five times last week, and stands out for its focus on wild dolphin and whale spotting along Lanzarote’s stunning coastline.

While dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, the tour emphasizes visiting areas where wild dolphins have previously been observed. It also includes a swim and snorkel experience, making it a good option for those who want more than just wildlife watching. The expert guides provide informative commentary about marine life, adding educational value to the scenic trip. However, potential visitors should be aware that food, drinks, and binoculars are not included, and weather conditions can lead to cancellations.

Key Points

• Duration: About 1 hour and 30 minutes of marine adventure.
• Cost: $41.50 per person, with an option for a swim and snorkel included.
• Departure Point: Puerto del Carmen Marina, Lanzarote.
• Wildlife Viewing: Focus on dolphins and whales, though sightings are not guaranteed.
• Expert Commentary: Guides offer detailed marine life information in multiple languages.
• Additional Activities: Opportunity to swim and snorkel in clear waters.

The Launch from Puerto del Carmen Marina

The tour begins at Lanzarote Sea Tours headquarters in Puerto del Carmen, starting at 12:00 pm. The “Biosfera Jet” takes off along the west coast of Lanzarote for approximately 90 minutes, heading toward the zones where dolphins and whales are known to swim. Before departure, the crew provides a quick safety briefing and explains the plan to search for marine wildlife using binoculars.

The boat’s fast, sleek design ensures a lively ride over the crystal-clear waters, with plenty of opportunity to view the coast and capture photos of Lanzarote’s rugged shoreline. The crew’s experience in spotting cetaceans enhances the chances of wildlife encounters, though no one can guarantee sightings due to the unpredictable nature of wild animals.

Navigating Lanzarote’s Coastline with Marine Wildlife in Mind

The boat travels along the west coast, where the chance of seeing dolphins and whales is higher. The crew actively searches using binoculars, scanning the horizon for movement or fins breaking the surface. Guides are knowledgeable, offering fascinating facts about the types of cetaceans, including details about species like the Common dolphin and Atlantic dolphin, based on sightings reported in positive reviews.

The scenery of Lanzarote’s coastline provides a captivating backdrop, with volcanic landscapes and rugged cliffs framing the trip. During the cruise, passengers can relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful waters and views.

Opportunities to Swim and Snorkel in Crystal Waters

A notable feature of this tour is the swim and snorkel experience included in the price. The crew arranges a spot where travelers can dive into the clear waters to observe marine life up close. Many reviews highlight how some guests are surprised to find they can snorkel at certain points, making the trip more interactive.

While snorkel gear is not explicitly listed as included, some travelers report enjoying a short swim and observing fish near the boat, which adds a fun element to the overall experience. This part of the tour is especially appealing to families with children and those eager to get into the water.

The Quality of Marine Life Sightings and Guide Commentary

Reviews reveal a mixed experience regarding dolphin sightings. Some report seeing pods of dolphins, including Common and Atlantic dolphins, which stir strong emotions. Others, however, mention that no dolphins or whales appear during their trip, emphasizing the unpredictability of wildlife encounters.

Despite this, guides are praised for their professionalism and multilingual commentary, making the experience informative regardless of sightings. They provide detailed explanations about the marine species and local ecosystem, enhancing the trip’s educational value.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Cancellation

The meeting point is Lanzarote Sea Tours at Av. del Varadero, S/N, Puerto del Carmen. The tour can accommodate up to 47 travelers, making it a reasonably sized group for a personal experience. The operation is weather-dependent, and poor conditions may lead to cancellation or rescheduling, with full refunds available if the trip is canceled.

Guests should note that food and drinks are not included, and binoculars are not provided, so bringing your own can enhance wildlife viewing. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so visitors need to travel to the meeting point independently.

Tour Experience: What Reviewers Say About Its Value

Many reviewers highlight that, even without guaranteed dolphin sightings, the trip remains enjoyable. Some praise the professional and friendly crew, the cleanliness of the boat, and the entertainment value provided by guides. The opportunity to swim and snorkel is frequently mentioned as a highlight.

A few reviewers address disappointments due to not seeing any marine mammals, but they appreciate the scenic ride and informative commentary. The tour is considered good value, especially for families or those seeking a relaxing marine excursion.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This dolphin mini cruise suits families, nature lovers, and anyone eager for a scenic boat ride with a chance of wildlife sightings. It offers a short, affordable adventure that combines marine wildlife watching with swimming and snorkeling. Travelers seeking guaranteed wildlife encounters should temper expectations, but those curious about Lanzarote’s coastal waters will find plenty to enjoy.

Final Thoughts on the Lanzarote Dolphin Mini Cruise

The Dolphin Mini Cruise is a compact, scenic, and educational way to explore Lanzarote’s marine environment. The price point of $41.50 offers good value for a 90-minute boat trip that includes wildlife spotting, commentary, and water activities.

While dolphin sightings are unpredictable, the professional guides, beautiful scenery, and possibility of swimming make this tour worth considering for those wanting a short marine adventure. It’s best suited for families or casual visitors who appreciate scenic views and marine education but are flexible about wildlife encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed on this tour?
No, sightings of dolphins and whales depend on the day’s conditions and animal activity, so they are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Snorkel gear is not listed as included, but some reviews mention enjoying a short swim with fish, so bringing your own equipment might be helpful.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour may be canceled due to weather conditions, with full refunds offered if that occurs. The provider will notify customers 24 to 48 hours in advance.

Can children participate?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families with children, especially since some reviews mention children enjoying the trip.

What should I bring?
Bring binoculars if you want better wildlife viewing, along with swimwear, towels, and sun protection. Food and drinks are not included.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is at Lanzarote Sea Tours in Puerto del Carmen, accessible by public transportation, but no hotel pickup is provided.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

What is the group size limit?
The tour can host up to 47 travelers, offering a moderate-sized group for a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No specific information is provided, so travelers with mobility concerns should consider the physical nature of a boat trip and swimming activities.

How long does the trip last?
The entire experience lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including travel and water activities.

This dolphin mini cruise in Lanzarote offers a relaxing, informative, and scenic way to enjoy the island’s marine environment, with the flexibility to swim and snorkel in beautiful waters. It’s a worthwhile option for travelers seeking affordable marine adventures, as long as they are comfortable with the unpredictability of wildlife sightings.