Puerto del Carmen goes wild on a fast speedboat. I love the chance to hunt for dolphins and whales in their natural habitat from the Biosfera Jet, and I also like that you get a real swim time in clear Atlantic water. The main catch is the biggest one with wildlife tours, sightings are never guaranteed.

You sail out from the marina area on a 90-minute outing with live commentary, then you pause for swimming when conditions and the day’s sightings allow it. If you want a straightforward, no-nonsense way to spend a chunk of your holiday at sea, this one fits.

Key things to know before you go

• Biosfera Jet speedboat keeps things exciting, with a big focus on searching quickly
• Binocular spotting helps the crew find dolphins and whales in the open water
• Swim stop can be flexible, sometimes shortened or skipped if marine life stays very active
• Live guide commentary covers cetaceans plus technical and historic context
• Kids often get involved with binocular time and a front-row feel on board
• Bring your own swim essentials, snorkeling gear is not provided

Dolphin-Watching on the Biosfera Jet: What the 90 Minutes Feels Like

This is a compact, action-heavy tour, which is great if you do not want half a day eaten up by logistics. You meet at the Lanzarote Sea Tours office next to a petrol station and roundabout, then you head straight to the speedboat experience. Right away, the tone is practical: a quick briefing, then off you go.

The feel of the ride is part of the value. A lot of people come for dolphins, but the day still works even if you end up with turtles instead, or only a whale sighting. You’re moving along the southeast coast of Lanzarote with panoramic views, and you get that cool-off effect when the sea spray hits. On a hot day, that splashy wind can feel like a free air-conditioner.

Also, note the rhythm. It is not a slow drift. The crew is scanning constantly and repositioning fast. That matters because the Atlantic can change quickly. Dolphins can be close one minute and gone the next.

Getting On Board in Puerto del Carmen, Safety, and Comfort Tips

The tour boards the Biosfera Jet at the Puerto del Carmen marina, so you start right by the water. You’ll get a briefing about safety issues before setting off, which is exactly what you want for an outing that includes both speed and open-water swimming.

From what I see in the experience style, it’s set up for people to actually enjoy themselves, not just sit still. Seats are present, but some guides make a point of getting children and families better viewing angles, including time at the front of the boat to spot marine life. One review even described people moving around safely during the trip, so you’re not trapped behind one viewpoint.

A few practical tips so you feel comfortable:

• Wear comfortable footwear you can stand in while the boat rocks.
• Dress for wind and spray. Even on warm days, it can feel cooler at sea.
• If you get seasick easily, think about whether a fast boat is your thing. You will be on a speedboat, not a calm ferry.

And for swimming, plan like you’re jumping into the ocean in active conditions. The tour is organized for it, but you still need a little personal readiness.

How the Dolphin and Whale Search Works (and Why the Crew Gets You Closer)

This part is the heart of the tour. The crew actively looks for dolphins and whales with help from binoculars, and they share live information about the different cetaceans you might encounter. The goal is simple: spot life, then position the boat so you can observe responsibly.

One thing I really like about this model is that it relies on real searching, not on any promise. There’s an important truth baked into the experience: wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. That’s not a sales trick, it’s how the ocean works.

That said, the crew’s effort seems to pay off often. People report:

• Lots of dolphins, sometimes in big pods
• Pilot whales appearing during the search
• Bryde’s whale sightings
• Sea turtles showing up when dolphins do not

If dolphins are active near the boat, you can get that close-up feeling people rave about. Several accounts describe dolphins swimming alongside the speedboat and staying near long enough for a real moment, not just a fleeting glimpse.

There’s also a common theme: the crew responds fast once a sighting is confirmed. In practical terms, that’s why the boat is a speedboat. You are not wasting the whole hour waiting; you’re moving through likely waters.

The Swim Stop: Clear Water, Ocean Timing, and Current Reality

You get time to swim in the Atlantic, and that is one of the biggest reasons this tour feels worth doing, not just watching from above. The “jump off the back of the boat” style is exactly what most people want from a swim stop, and it also explains why the swim can be a family favorite.

But swimming here comes with one key consideration: conditions can include strong currents. You’ll hear safety notes, and you should treat them seriously. Stay close to the boat and follow the crew’s instructions so you’re not fighting the water.

What also stands out is how flexible the swim stop can be. On days with extremely active dolphins, some groups report the swim was skipped to keep focus on the wildlife. That’s a trade-off you should understand ahead of time. If your priority is swimming, you might still get it, but if dolphins are everywhere, the crew may optimize for the main event.

What to bring so you can actually enjoy the water:

• Swimwear (you will likely change after meeting)
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• A warm layer or weather-appropriate clothing for after
• Comfortable footwear for moving on and off the boat

Snorkeling gear is not included, so if you were imagining a full snorkel setup, you’ll want to plan without it.

Views Along Lanzarote’s Southeast Coast You’ll Remember

Even when the wildlife is quiet, the ride has its own payoff. You’re traveling along the southeast coast of Lanzarote from the marina, and you get panoramic coastal views from a moving viewpoint. That matters on Lanzarote because the island has a lot of visual character, and being on the water changes the perspective fast.

Some people describe the trip as enjoyable enough even without dolphins, thanks to the views, the energy of the boat, and the simple fact of being out on the sea. And even when sightings miss your target animals, you might still get surprises like turtles, or even a whale passing through.

Think of this tour as two experiences packed together:

1) a guided wildlife search at speed

2) a short but memorable swim in open water

When both land well, the outing feels like a complete “ocean day,” not just a dolphin hunt with a quick exit.

Guides and Captains: Why the Humor and Sharing Matters

The crew is repeatedly mentioned as a big part of the experience. Live commentary is on board, and guides add humor and clear explanations. That sounds like small stuff, but it changes how you feel the time. When you understand what you are looking at, dolphins become more than a generic “there they are.”

Names that show up in people’s accounts include guides like Teddy and Elsa, and crew members such as Carlos. You’ll likely have a different guide on your day, but the common thread is the same: friendly, animated interaction, and a strong focus on helping everyone see.

One very practical detail that comes up often: families and kids get attention, including binocular time. That is not just cute. It improves the odds that the whole group actually spots anything worth watching because everyone is actively scanning, not just waiting to be told.

There’s also a strong safety-minded tone around swimming. People specifically mention the instruction to stay close to the boat due to conditions. That’s what you want from an operator running a speedboat outing with water time.

Price and Value: Is About $41 Worth It?

At around $41 per person for about 1.5 hours, this tour lands in the “good value” category for two reasons.

First, it includes the core elements that are hard to piece together yourself: a real boat ride, live guided searching, and a swim stop. You are not just buying a ticket to sit on a dock and hope for dolphins.

Second, you’re paying for effort. The crew uses binoculars, searches dynamically, and repositions to chase sightings. In wildlife terms, that’s what raises your odds and your overall experience quality.

Of course, the ocean can be stingy. Some people go home without dolphins and still rate the outing highly because the ride and views were enjoyable, and the swim still happened. That is the right mindset to have with this kind of trip.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Consider Alternatives)

This is a family-friendly outing, and that’s clear from how the experience is described. Kids tend to get binocular time and viewing opportunities, and the swim stop is often a highlight for younger visitors who are ready for open water.

You’ll probably love it if you:

• want a shorter tour that still feels like an event
• enjoy fast, boat-based wildlife spotting
• are comfortable with the idea that sightings are not guaranteed
• like the idea of swimming right off the boat

You might want to skip it if:

• you use a wheelchair. This tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.
• you strongly dislike speedboats or open-water swimming. Even with safety procedures, you are on the Atlantic.

Also, keep your expectations realistic. The “dolphins everywhere” days happen, but they are not guaranteed. If you treat this as a guided sea outing with a good chance at wildlife, you’re set up to have a great time.

Practical Stuff You Need to Plan for

This tour has fewer moving parts than many excursions, which is a plus. Still, a few details matter:

• No hotel pickup: you’re meeting at Lanzarote Sea Tours, next to the petrol station and roundabout. Plan to arrive a bit early and find it calmly.
• What to bring: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and comfortable footwear.
• Snorkeling gear isn’t included: if you want snorkel equipment, bring it yourself.
• Watch the water and conditions: current can be strong. Stay close to the boat during the swim.

And one more mindset tip. If dolphins are showing up, the crew may adjust the plan, including sometimes skipping the swim to keep you with the wildlife. If you go in flexible, you’ll feel in control rather than disappointed.

Should You Book This Puerto del Carmen Dolphin Tour With Swim?

Book it if you want a fast, guided Atlantic experience that mixes wildlife searching with an actual swim stop. At about $41 for 1.5 hours, the value is strongest when you want both parts of the day, boat time and water time, without overpaying for a longer excursion.

I would especially recommend it if you’re traveling with kids who can enjoy binocular spotting and if you are comfortable with the ocean part, including possible current notes during the swim.

Skip or consider another option if you need guaranteed marine sightings, or if a speedboat plus open-water swimming is not your comfort zone.

If you do book, go in expecting the ocean to set the schedule. When the dolphins cooperate, you get the kind of close, memorable moments people talk about. When they do not, you still get a fun sea ride, solid guiding, and a swim in clear water.

FAQ

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

The tour duration is 1.5 hours, including time for dolphin and whale watching and time to swim.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is the Lanzarote Sea Tours office next to the petrol station and the roundabout.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the 1.5-hour dolphin and whale watching tour, live commentary on board, and time to swim.

What should I bring for the swim?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. Comfortable footwear is also recommended.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

No. Snorkelling gear is not included.

Will I definitely see dolphins or whales?

No. When dealing with wildlife in its natural habitat, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.