Dolphin Watching Cruise to Lobos Island

Exploring Lanzarote’s Marine Marvels: A Review of the Dolphin Watching Cruise to Lobos Island

If you’re looking for a half-day adventure that combines the thrill of speedboat rides with the chance to glimpse playful dolphins and soak up some stunning Canary Islands scenery, the Dolphin Watching Cruise to Lobos Island might catch your eye. This tour, offered from Lanzarote, promises an exciting jaunt on a Bisfera Jet boat, a visit to a charming fishing village, and a laid-back picnic on the beach—all wrapped in about five and a half hours.

What I really like about this experience is how it offers a good balance of activity and relaxation. The jet boat rides are a highlight, giving you a lively way to explore the coast and get a closer look at Lobos Island’s beaches and coves. Plus, the possibility of spotting dolphins or even whales makes it more than just a scenic cruise; it’s a gamble with nature that can pay off beautifully, as some travelers have happily reported.

However, a key consideration is that dolphin sightings are not guaranteed—they are wild animals, after all. Some guests, like one reviewer who “unfortunately didn’t see any dolphins,” noted that weather conditions, such as heatwaves, can make sightings trickier. Plus, the tour doesn’t include disembarkation on Lobos Island itself, which might disappoint those hoping for a landing or long exploration time on the islet. Still, the included lunch, hotel pickup, and round-trip transport offer good value, especially given the experience’s mix of adventure and comfort.

Key points / Takeaways

• Wildlife spotting is unpredictable, but the experienced guides aim to maximize your chances.
• Jet boat rides around Lobos Island provide a lively, scenic way to see the coast’s hidden beaches and lagoons.
• The tour includes hotel pickup from several popular resorts, making logistics easier.
• A delicious picnic lunch—featuring Spanish omelette, gazpacho, sandwiches, and drinks—adds value and keeps you fueled without extra cost.
• No disembarkation on Lobos Island is a regulatory restriction, but the views are still rewarding.
• Guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the trip more engaging.

Setting Sail: What the Tour Looks Like in Practice

The experience begins with a pick-up from your hotel, usually in Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, or Puerto Calero, which means you avoid the hassle of organizing transportation. Once you meet the friendly crew at Lanzarote Sea Tours in Puerto del Carmen, the excitement builds. The tour departs around 10:00 a.m., giving you plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed morning.

The first highlight is the jet boat ride. With a top speed that makes your stomach flip in a good way, it’s a lively way to begin the cruise. What makes this part memorable is the chance to see Lobos Island from the water, a small yet striking islet famous for its history of monk seals and sea wolves. The boat’s speed and agility let you zoom past rocky coves and sandy beaches, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos or just enjoy the splash of salt spray.

Most reviews agree that the boat provides a comfortable ride. Naomi R. mentioned that the “speed boat was comfortable” and that the guide, whose name isn’t specified, was “lovely and very friendly,” especially to children. This personal touch can make a big difference, especially if you’re traveling with family.

Visiting Lobos Island: Restrictions and Realities

While the tour includes a visit to Lobos Island, you won’t be disembarking. Government regulations prohibit travelers from stepping ashore, but the boat anchors in a beautiful cove where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on deck. This arrangement keeps the experience relaxed and manageable for the guides, who do a good job of making sure everyone gets a chance to enjoy the water.

The island itself is worth hearing about. Declared a Natural Park in 1982, Lobos is protected from development, preserving its rugged beauty and natural wildlife. The reviews highlight that it’s a unique spot, especially for those interested in birdwatching or simply enjoying unspoiled scenery. However, some find that there’s not much to do or see once you’re there, so if you’re expecting a full exploration, this might not be the trip for that.

The Lunch and Overall Value

One of the tour’s standout features is its included picnic lunch. As described, it’s a straightforward but tasty selection of Spanish omelette, sandwiches, gazpacho, and drinks, which many reviewers say is “good” and “well-organized.” Lucy N. praised the lunch, and Nynke G. appreciated the “good care” taken with the sandwiches and cold soup. The fact that drinks are free throughout the trip adds another layer of value.

The entire experience lasts around 5.5 hours, including transport, which feels just right—long enough to enjoy the scenery and wildlife without dragging on. For the price of approximately $88 per person, many find this tour offers solid value—it combines transportation, guided commentary, a fun boat ride, and a decent meal.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits nature lovers and families who want a relaxed, scenic cruise with a splash of adventure. If you’re eager to see dolphins or whales, keep in mind that sightings depend on the animals’ mood and weather conditions—some guests have been fortunate, others less so. The knowledgeable guides, often praised for their friendliness, help make the trip memorable even if wildlife viewing isn’t guaranteed.

Also, it’s perfect for those who appreciate easy logistics and don’t want to worry about organizing transport—since pickup is included. The tour’s small group size (max 45 travelers) ensures it doesn’t feel crowded.

Price, Logistics, and Practical Tips

The tour costs $87.98 per person, which is reasonable considering the inclusions. Keep in mind, the price is based on booking about 51 days in advance, so plan ahead. The main meeting point is Lanzarote Sea Tours in Puerto del Carmen, with a start time of 10:00 a.m., giving you a leisurely start to your day.

Remember to bring sunscreen, a towel, swimsuit, and comfortable shoes—the weather can be warm, and you’ll likely spend time in the water. Since the boat ride is the core activity, being prepared for splashes and sun exposure helps.

If you’re staying outside the pickup zones, you might need to organize your own transfer, which isn’t included. Weather can also impact the trip; if conditions are poor, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, with full refunds available if that happens.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Tour for You?

The Dolphin Watching Cruise to Lobos Island offers a lively, scenic outing with the promise of wildlife sightings, a fun boat ride, and a tasty picnic. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy being on the water, appreciate the chance to see dolphins (even if not guaranteed), and want a well-organized, value-packed half-day trip.

While the lack of disembarkation on Lobos might disappoint those craving a land-based exploration, most guests find the views and water activities more than compensate. The guides are often praised for their friendly manner and local knowledge, which enhances the experience.

If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable outing with a mix of adventure, nature, and comfort, this tour fits the bill. Just remember that wildlife sightings can be hit or miss, and it’s all part of the unpredictable charm of nature excursions.

FAQs

Are hotel pickups included? Yes, pickups are available from Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, and Puerto Calero, making it easy to join the tour without extra hassle.

Is dolphin or whale sighting guaranteed? No. While many reviews report seeing dolphins, since they are wild animals, sightings depend on weather and their behaviour on the day.

What should I bring? Bring sunscreen, a towel, swimsuit, and comfortable shoes. It’s also a good idea to wear something light and layer if needed for wind during the boat ride.

Can I disembark on Lobos Island? No, government regulations prohibit disembarking. However, you’ll have time to swim and snorkel from the boat.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including transport, boat rides, and lunch.

What is the value for money like? Given the inclusions of transport, a scenic boat ride, wildlife watching chances, and a picnic, many consider the tour a good value, especially knowing guides are often highly praised.

This cruise is a solid choice for those seeking a memorable water adventure with a relaxed pace and the chance to see some of Lanzarote’s marine wildlife. If you’re looking for a mix of scenery, fun, and comfort, it’s worth considering—and a good way to spend part of your Lanzarote holiday.