You can see whales and dolphins all year round around Lanzarote. Your chances mainly depend on the wind, the swell and how clearly you can see the surface.
Here’s how to read the seasons for whale and dolphin watching on Lanzarote.
Book early in your stay to keep some leeway
My advice: pencil in a date early in your stay. If the sea is too rough, we can easily move it, depending on availability. That boosts your chances of getting a calmer window.
Present all year round
Residents vs migrants
We regularly come across bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins. Depending on the time of year and conditions, you may also see pilot whales, sperm whales, rorquals and, more rarely, orcas passing through. The big migrants are never guaranteed, but they do visit Canary Islands waters.
What makes the difference day to day
The key isn’t the date on the calendar but that day’s sea and wind window. A readable sea and little wind mean better spotting at a distance and a smoother ride.
Spring: a small bonus, but not a given
Why spring is popular with wildlife watchers
In spring, the ocean around the islands becomes more productive, prey is more active and some migrating species pass through. So there can be more chances of encounters – while remembering that nature is always unpredictable.
Autumn and winter: the sea is often easier to read
Comfortable watching
The trade winds are often gentler than in summer. The surface is flatter, spotting from a distance is easier and watching is nice and stable. You may see fewer very large migrants than at the spring peak, but the experience is often really enjoyable.
Summer: doable, as long as you pick the right window
Chances of a sighting
Even in summer, when we do go out, we aim for around a 70% chance of seeing whales or dolphins. No trip can guarantee it, but that average is realistic in a good sea and wind window.
A responsible call – never about profit
Summer often brings more wind and more boat traffic. If conditions don’t allow for comfort or effective spotting, we postpone or cancel. We don’t go out just to make money. Depending on the week, the risk of cancellation can go up to 40–50% when the trade winds pick up or there’s leftover swell.
Plan B: 100% fun
Want to make sure you get a great day at sea even if it’s rough on the day? Go for our small-group catamaran trip to Papagayo. Swimming, time at anchor and stunning scenery guaranteed.
Go to the page → click here
How to give yourself the best chance
Book early in your stay
Pencil in a date early in your holiday so you have 1 or 2 days’ leeway. We’ll pick the best sea and wind window together.
Flexibility and transparency
Small group, quality and safety. We don’t go out no matter what, the way the big boats sometimes do to make money. If the trip is cancelled, you don’t pay anything and we’ll offer you another date.
Related questions to explore next
Dolphin watching in Lanzarote: rules and ethics
A gentle approach, a parallel course, respectful observation.
Read more → Ethical rules for dolphin watching
Weather, wind and cancellations: what happens if the sea is rough?
Trade winds, swell, safety criteria, decisions on the day.
Read more → Weather and cancellations
Seasickness on a catamaran: how to prevent and handle it
Prevention, where to sit, hydration, what to do if you start feeling ill.
Read more → How to beat seasickness on a catamaran
Is it suitable for children and people with reduced mobility?
Life jackets, moving around on board, toilets, tips for families and reduced mobility.
Read more → Children and reduced mobility on the dolphin trip
What's next
- Check out the Dolphin catamaran page for info and prices, then message me on WhatsApp at +33676820702 to lock in your slot.
- Dolphin catamaran page → Click here
- Contact me on WhatsApp → Click here