About this tour
When Jake from our team ran this marine safari off Lanzarote, he found himself clinging to a speedboat as it tore across open water hunting for dolphins. You're crammed into a 12-seater with other keen spotters, racing through the Atlantic in search of pods and whatever else surfaces — turtles, seabirds, the lot. The 2.5-hour blast is equal parts adrenaline and wildlife watching, with the boat's pace doing the heavy lifting. It's chaotic in the best way: your heart's hammering, salt spray's hitting your face, and then a dolphin breaches three metres away.
Highlights
- Speedboat pace keeps you alert and genuinely excited throughout
- Dolphins, turtles, and seabirds all spotted in one outing
- Small boat means you're close enough to see detail
- Windbreaker and life jacket included — practical kit sorted
- Coastal views of Lanzarote's volcanic landscape from the water
- Guide points out wildlife; not a silent experience
- Air-conditioned vehicle to/from departure point
What to expect
You'll meet your group at the launch point and get kitted with a life jacket and windbreaker — non-negotiable given the speed and spray. The boat motors out calmly at first, then the captain throttles up and you're flying across the Atlantic. The ride is bumpy; expect to grip the railings and feel every wave. Jake found the thrill genuine: the boat's fast enough that scanning the water becomes active sport, and when dolphins do surface, they're close and clear.
The guide points out sightings and navigates towards pods, so there's an edge of suspense to it. You're not passively drifting; you're hunting. Weather permitting, you'll clock birds, turtles, and usually at least one or two dolphin groups. The 2.5 hours vanishes quickly, partly because your focus is locked on the water, partly because the adrenaline makes time feel compressed.
What travellers say
- Adrenaline-fueled pace — actively searching, not passively drifting
- Compact boat keeps you close to sightings and other passengers
- Gear included: windbreaker, life jacket, water accounted for
- Genuine wildlife encounters — dolphins and turtles reliably spotted
- Guide adds context without commentary overload
- Hard bouncing — not for sensitive spines or pregnancy
- Seasickness risk is high; bring medication if prone
- Pickup fee and gratuity not included — budget accordingly
- Early departures and weather-dependent cancellations common
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Genuinely thrilling if you enjoy speed and action. The boat's small enough that you're not swallowed by crowds, and the pace means you cover more ocean and spot more wildlife than a sedate cruise would. Practical inclusions (windbreaker, water, life jacket) show the operator has thought through comfort. Suits anyone reasonably fit; no technical skill required.
Not suitable if you have spinal injuries or are pregnant — the boat bounces hard. Early starts are common, so expect a 7–8am departure. Seasickness is real; if you're prone, medication beforehand is wise. Pickup isn't included (5 euros extra per person), and tips aren't built in. Peak times (July–August) mean fuller boats and more crowds competing for sightings. Bring a waterproof bag or accept that salt spray will reach your camera. Weather cancellations happen; check the forecast.
Bring sunscreen and sunglasses (reflection off water burns fast). Wear clothes you don't mind getting damp. Public transport is nearby, or book the optional pickup. Group size caps around 12, which is good for intimacy but means booking ahead in summer.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.