Book your dolphin-watching catamaran trip in Lanzarote and enjoy an unforgettable encounter with whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, with an English-speaking crew.
On board a 100% electric catamaran, with no noise and zero CO2 emissions, enjoy eco-friendly dolphin and whale watching in a small group (max. 12 people).
Find all the options, 2026 prices and our expert tips for a great day at sea below!
Join “La Santa María”, a 14-metre catamaran with no noise and no emissions, to explore and listen to a variety of whale and dolphin species, such as bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins and Bryde’s whales:
My aim is to be 100% transparent with you: not to push an activity on you at any cost, but to make sure you have a great time and don’t come away disappointed. It takes two minutes to read and saves you any nasty surprises. Here’s everything you need to know before you book.
Wild, free animals (not a zoo): That’s the magic, and also the downside, of watching wildlife in its natural environment: the dolphins decide! If they feel like keeping a low profile, or they’re just not in the area, it’s bad luck. But when they do show up, it’s an absolutely magical moment. On average, expect a 60 to 70% chance of a sighting.
No chasing or harassing here: Unlike some companies that use big motorboats to race towards the dolphins, surround them and box them in (which stresses them out, wears them out and eventually drives them away from the island), you’ll be heading out with marine biologists and enthusiasts. On board the electric catamaran, wildlife comes first. The team does its very best without ever harassing the animals.
Beware of the binoculars “show”: In some countries or on some boats, the crew spend 2 hours putting on a show with binoculars pointed at the horizon, shouting “Hang on, I think I can see something!” just to make you believe they’re searching flat out… Here, the professionals are well organised, the boats keep in touch with each other, and nobody puts on an act to fill time if the whales and dolphins aren’t around.
Is this trip REALLY right for you? If your one and only goal is to see dolphins and you’d be really gutted if you didn’t, you might be better off with the shared catamaran trip to the Papagayo beaches. At least you’re guaranteed a great swim stop, a tasty bite to eat and some proper downtime, and if dolphins happen to cross your path, that’s the icing on the cake!
What you need to know about seasons and weather:
September to December: This is an ideal time! The wind drops and the ocean is calmer (fewer waves), which makes spotting dolphins in the distance much easier.
Spring: It’s breeding season, a very good time for sightings.
Summer: This is usually the windiest time of year, but the climate is changing (with phenomena such as El Niño). The result: some summers are very calm, with excellent viewing conditions.
What happens if the weather is bad? If the wind is too strong and conditions would make the trip uncomfortable or sightings unlikely, the trip is rescheduled or cancelled. The operators would rather not go out than have you spend money on a wasted day at sea. If you’re available and there’s space, the trip is moved to another day; if not, it’s simply cancelled.
As a boat moves forward, it pushes water ahead and creates an underwater wave, which dolphins use to surf and move along with less effort. But that’s not all: several scientists have studied how dolphins behave when they follow a boat (all kinds of jumps, swimming on their side, sudden U-turns, etc.). So what do you think it’s all for? Simply to play, because our dolphin friends are just like kids when they spot a boat, and can’t resist joining in and going wild!
💡 The prices shown are the operator’s standard public rates.
🥤 Drinks and snacks on board: water, organic soft drinks, local juices, beer, snacks and fresh fruit
🎧 A hydrophone to listen to the dolphins underwater when they’re nearby
🗣️ A crew who speak English, Spanish and French
The boat heads back before it gets completely dark: sailing after nightfall has little to offer and isn’t ideal from a safety point of view. Also worth knowing: the sun sets behind the volcanoes, not over the sea.
Not sure about something, or have a question before you book? I’m easy to reach, so feel free to ask me directly here. 👇
The 4-hour morning trip gives more time to find them, sometimes with the chance of spotting a whale (rarer). On the other hand, if you’re very prone to seasickness, it’s not the option I’d recommend first: the boat doesn’t move much, but it’s still 4 hours at sea.
Not sure about something, or have a question before you book? I’m easy to reach, so feel free to ask me directly here. 👇
Whales and dolphins are found off the Canary Islands all year round, whether it’s bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins or the big migratory species. What really makes the difference isn’t the month on the calendar, but sea and wind conditions. To maximise your chances and enjoy calm seas, find out the best time to see dolphins in Lanzarote, along with when each species tends to be around.
Whale and dolphin watching should be done ethically and responsibly. On board, we follow a strict approach code: a parallel course, reduced speed, no getting in the water, and the combustion engine switched off when close by so the groups aren’t stressed. To find out more about our commitments and the navigation code, read the rules for approaching dolphins by catamaran.
Passenger safety and comfort come first. If the trade winds are blowing hard or leftover swell would make sailing uncomfortable, the trip is rescheduled or cancelled at no cost to you. That’s why we recommend booking your trip in the first few days of your stay. To learn more about how the decision is made and our refund policy, check out our guide to weather, wind and catamaran cancellations in Lanzarote.
Catamarans are very stable on the water, but swell can sometimes cause some discomfort. To keep nausea at bay, have a light meal before you set off, sit in the middle of the boat in the fresh air and keep your eyes on the horizon. Find all our crew’s advice and natural remedies to prevent and deal with seasickness on a catamaran.
Yes, catamaran trips are ideal for families and accessible under certain conditions. We provide life jackets suitable for children (we recommend a baby carrier rather than a pushchair on board). For people with reduced mobility, boarding involves managing a few steps with help from the crew. Check out all the practical details and tips on welcoming children and people with reduced mobility on a catamaran.
Yes. The trip is run in English: the crew and the guide on board speak English (and Spanish), and they will tell you about the dolphins and the marine life you see along the way.
We’re here to share real experiences, unfiltered, among people who love authentic travel.
Been on the dolphin-watching catamaran trip? Want to see what other travellers thought, swap your best tips or share your own photos?
Join our Facebook group. Come and ask your questions, tell us how the activity went and help future travellers plan their trip to the Canary Islands!
