Small Group Dolphin Sunset Tour on Electric Catamaran Lanzarote

The best part of this Lanzarote outing is the mix of quiet electric sailing, open sea, and sunset light over the island’s volcanic coast. You cruise from Puerto Calero toward Playa Quemada and the mountains of Femés while keeping watch for dolphins and whales.

I like the small maximum group of 12, which gives you room on the 108-square-metre deck and a better chance to speak with the crew. I also like the care shown for marine life, including the choice not to crowd animals when other boats are already circling them.

The main catch is simple: wildlife is never promised. Rough seas can also make sightings less likely, and the boat can feel cool once the sun drops. At $90.70 per person, this is best for you if the boat, scenery, and conservation focus matter almost as much as seeing dolphins.

Key points before you book

• Quiet electric catamaran: La Santa Maria offers a calmer ride and avoids the engine noise of a standard sightseeing boat.
• Small group of up to 12: You get plenty of deck space and a more personal feel than on a large excursion vessel.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed: Dolphins, whales, and even sea turtles have been seen, but nature sets the schedule.
• Sunset route from Puerto Calero: Expect views toward Playa Quemada and the mountains of Femés as the light changes.
• Drinks and snacks included: You may receive OceanBeer, local white wine, soft drinks, blankets, and simple snacks such as peanuts or corn.
• Strong conservation message: The crew aims to watch marine life without chasing or surrounding it.

A quiet start from Puerto Calero

You meet the crew at Dock F22 in Puerto Calero, at the WeWhale Lanzarote meeting point on C. Pantalanes. The tour begins and ends here, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point after the boat ride.

The setting is practical rather than grand. Puerto Calero is a marina, and finding Dock F22 should be straightforward, but give yourself enough time to locate the correct pontoon. The operator sends booking confirmation at the time of reservation, which helps you check the meeting details before setting out.

The boat carries no more than 12 people. That number matters. You are not packed onto a large party vessel, and the broad 108-square-metre deck gives you room to shift around as the boat moves along the coast. You can watch from different sides, take photographs, or find a quieter place to sit.

La Santa Maria is electric, which changes the mood of the trip. You hear more of the sea and less of a diesel engine. That quieter setting is especially useful when the crew is pointing out dolphins or trying to hear their sounds in the water.

Sailing past Playa Quemada and Femés

The route follows the coast from Puerto Calero, with views toward Playa Quemada and the mountains of Femés. From the water, Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain takes on a different shape. You see the island as a long, dry coastline backed by dark ridges and slopes, rather than from a road or viewpoint.

The sunset is not a separate stop. It unfolds during the cruise, so the exact view depends on clouds, sea conditions, and the boat’s position. On clear evenings, the sun drops behind or near the island’s mountains, creating strong colours across the water. Even when clouds prevent a classic round-sun sunset, the changing light can still make the ride worthwhile.

The route is also part of the wildlife search. The crew takes you toward an area where dolphins are known to gather for evening feeding. This gives the outing a purpose beyond simply watching the sun go down, but it also means you should expect periods of slow sailing while everyone scans the water.

One point deserves clear attention: this is not a high-speed thrill ride. At least one passenger found the boat’s pace slow in open water. I see that as part of the design. A quieter, more careful boat is better suited to observation than rushing from one sighting to the next, but anyone expecting a fast cruise should adjust those expectations.

Looking for dolphins in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are home to several cetacean species, and the crew explains what you may see in these waters. The exact animals vary by outing. Dolphins have included more than one species, and some trips have also produced whale sightings and sea turtles.

The most exciting reports describe dolphins travelling beside and under the catamaran, sometimes in groups. You may also hear them communicating or using echolocation near the boat. Those moments are special because the electric vessel creates less mechanical noise than a conventional boat.

Still, the right mindset is essential. You might see dolphins, whales, or turtles, or you might see no large marine animals at all. Choppy seas can make spotting harder, and animals do not follow an itinerary. The crew cannot control that.

I appreciate that the conservation approach is not just a slogan. On one outing, the crew chose not to join several commercial boats that were circling wildlife. They explained that the animals appeared uncomfortable and could feel trapped. Once those boats left, the small catamaran had a more respectful encounter. That choice may mean you get fewer close approaches, but it also shows that the operator puts animal welfare ahead of a guaranteed photograph.

The search itself can be enjoyable if you like the natural uncertainty of being at sea. You scan the water, watch for a fin or a blow, and learn why the crew is looking in a particular direction. If you need a guaranteed attraction every few minutes, this is not the right activity.

What the crew adds to the trip

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Gonzalo is repeatedly singled out for clear communication, warm hosting, and explanations about marine mammals. Silvia has also been praised for her interest in wildlife and conservation, while Patricia appears on some departures as part of the team. Sarah has provided information in German on at least one outing.

The advertised tour language is English. Some departures have included French or German explanations, but you should not count on that unless the operator confirms it for your date.

Good crew interaction makes a real difference on a wildlife trip. When there are no sightings, explanations about local cetaceans, feeding areas, boat behaviour, and conservation help keep the outing worthwhile. Several departures seem to have handled this very well, with the crew answering questions, pointing out animals, taking photographs, and helping people stay comfortable.

There has also been at least one weaker experience, where the educational talk came mostly at the end and lasted only a few minutes. That is useful to know. The quality of the commentary may depend on the crew and conditions that day. The operator itself acknowledged that the usual educational focus was not delivered well on that outing.

For the best experience, ask questions early. If you want to know why the boat is slowing, which species you are hoping to find, or how the animals are being approached, speak up. The small group makes that easier.

Drinks, snacks, and the feel of the deck

The price includes drinks and snacks. Options may include OceanBeer, local white wine, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic alternatives. Simple food such as peanuts or corn is served while you scan the water.

The offer is modest, not a full meal. One passenger felt that the portions were too small and that drinks were not provided as expected on that particular trip. Most of the feedback about the refreshments is positive, but I would not book this as a food-focused cruise.

The crew has also handed out blankets when the breeze picked up. That is a thoughtful touch, but you should still bring a warm layer. Several people felt cold as evening arrived, especially once the sun went down. A light jacket or fleece will take almost no room in your bag and can make the final half hour much more pleasant.

The deck is spacious, but this remains an open-water trip. If the sea becomes choppy, you may feel movement. Anyone prone to seasickness should consider that before booking, even though the supplied information does not state that medication or special arrangements are available.

The relaxed pace suits people who want to sit with a drink, watch the coast, and wait for wildlife. Families have enjoyed the trip, and children have benefited from the marine-life explanations. Couples and solo visitors may also like the quiet setting, especially if they prefer a small boat to a crowded sunset cruise.

Is $90.70 a fair price?

At $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest boat trip in Lanzarote. The value comes from several features working together: a maximum of 12 people, a large deck, an electric vessel, a sunset route, drinks and snacks, and a crew that places strong emphasis on responsible wildlife watching.

If your only goal is to see dolphins, the price carries a risk. You could spend two and a half hours at sea without a sighting. No operator can remove that risk, and this tour does not claim to do so.

If you value the full outing, the price is easier to justify. You are paying for a small-group boat ride, a quieter vessel, local coastal views, crew commentary, and the chance to see wildlife without the rush and crowding found on larger commercial trips. A few departures have produced dolphins and whales in the same evening, while others have delivered only scenery and a good sunset.

I would compare it with a standard group boat by asking one question: do you want the cheapest route to the water, or do you want a quieter and more careful wildlife search? If it is the second option, the cost is reasonable, though not a bargain.

Timing, weather, and practical comfort

The outing lasts about two and a half hours and operates throughout the year. Sunset time changes by season, so check the departure details carefully when booking. The experience requires suitable weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, so do not leave this decision until the last minute.

The tour is near public transportation, and most people can take part. Service animals are allowed. The supplied information does not describe wheelchair access, so contact the operator directly if you need specific mobility assistance.

Bring:

• A warm layer for the return ride
• Sun protection for the brighter part of the cruise
• A camera or phone for the coast and sunset
• Patience for periods when the boat is searching rather than sightseeing

The boat finishes at the same place where it begins, at Puerto Calero. That makes the evening easier to plan, especially if you want to remain in the marina area afterward.

Who will enjoy this electric catamaran most?

I would choose this tour for someone who sees wildlife watching as a shared natural experience, not a guaranteed show. You will get the most from it if you enjoy quiet time on the water, open views, short explanations about marine mammals, and the possibility of a memorable sighting.

It is especially well suited to:

• Couples wanting a calm sunset outing
• Families who like nature and small boats
• Visitors who prefer a maximum group of 12
• People interested in responsible whale and dolphin watching
• Anyone who likes the idea of an electric boat with less engine noise

I would hesitate if you need a fast ride, a substantial meal, or a certain dolphin encounter. I would also think twice if you dislike cool evening air or motion on the sea.

Should you book the Puerto Calero sunset tour?

Yes, if you want a thoughtful small-group cruise where the sunset and the sea are part of the reward, even without dolphins. The electric catamaran, broad deck, conservation-minded crew, and views toward Playa Quemada and Femés give the trip a clear sense of purpose.

Book it with realistic expectations. Wildlife may appear at the last minute, as it has on some departures, or not at all. Bring a warm layer, accept the slower pace, and judge the experience by the whole evening rather than by one animal sighting. For me, that makes the $90.70 price easier to defend, particularly for people who want a quieter and more respectful way to explore Lanzarote’s coast.

FAQ

Where does the Lanzarote dolphin sunset tour start?

The tour starts at WeWhale Lanzarote, C. Pantalanes, 35571 Puerto Calero, Las Palmas, Spain. The boat departs from Dock F22 and returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the electric catamaran tour last?

The experience lasts approximately two and a half hours and is available year-round.

What is included during the boat trip?

Included refreshments may include OceanBeer, local white wine, soft drinks, non-alcoholic alternatives, and snacks. Blankets have also been provided on some departures when the evening became cool.

Will I definitely see dolphins or whales?

No. Dolphins, whales, and sea turtles have been seen on some outings, but sightings depend on nature and sea conditions. Rough water can make wildlife harder to find.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.