Lanzarote Boat Trips

Living here, I never tire of the sea that surrounds our shores. Lanzarote waters are among the richest in the Canaries, and heading out on a boat is a wonderful way to see the island’s volcanic coastline from a fresh angle. You might find yourself watching dolphins and whales in the strait between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, trying your luck at deep-sea fishing for marlin and tuna, or simply relaxing as you drift along the Papagayo coast with a glass of cava at sunset. There really is a boat trip for everyone, whatever your mood or budget.

Most excursions set off from Puerto Calero, our main marina, but you’ll also find boats leaving from the old harbour in Puerto del Carmen and the ferry port in Playa Blanca. I’ve put together this guide to help you choose the right trip and make the most of your time on the water.

The stretch of sea between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, which we call the Bocaina Strait, is a real treasure for anyone hoping to spot dolphins or whales. Thanks to the deep channel between the islands, rich ocean currents bring plenty of food, so there is always a good chance of seeing both resident and visiting species throughout the year.

Bottlenose dolphins are the regulars here, and you can see them at any time of year. They usually travel together in groups and are well known for their playful nature, often coming right up to the boats to ride the waves. In the warmer months, we also see plenty of Atlantic spotted dolphins. These are smaller and easy to recognise by the spots that appear as they grow older, and sometimes you might see a whole crowd of them swimming together.

For many people, the highlight is seeing the short-finned pilot whales. Even though they are called whales, they are actually the biggest members of the dolphin family, and there is a resident group living in the deep waters between the islands. You might spot them resting at the surface in small groups before they dive down in search of squid. Every so often, especially from late spring to early autumn, Bryde's whales also pass through on their travels, and catching a glimpse of one is rare and always a special moment.

Most dolphin and whale watching trips set off from Puerto Calero and last a couple of hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the sea and the views back to Lanzarote. Whale Watch Lanzarote is one of the main operators, and their catamaran even lets you listen to the dolphins underwater. Prices are usually between 35 and 55 euros for adults. The local operators here are careful to respect the wildlife, following the rules to keep a safe distance and make sure the animals are not disturbed.

Lanzarote is well known among keen anglers, and it is easy to see why. The deep Atlantic waters just beyond our volcanic coastline provide the perfect setting for big game fishing, and the island often welcomes international fishing tournaments to its shores.

Barracuda are a regular catch here throughout the year, and they certainly know how to give anglers a run for their money. From spring into autumn, you will often find Atlantic bonito and skipjack tuna, while the larger yellowfin tuna tend to arrive with the summer warmth. Wahoo, which locals call peto, are especially sought after between July and November. For many, though, the real thrill is the chance to hook a blue marlin as they pass through Canarian waters from June to October. White marlin and Atlantic sailfish do make an appearance now and then, adding to the excitement.

Most fishing trips set out from Puerto Calero, Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca, with options ranging from a relaxed half-day on the water to a full day’s adventure. Prices for a small group start at around 350 euros for a half-day, which includes all your tackle, bait and a simple drinks cooler. If you are keen to spend longer at sea, full-day charters are available from about 600 euros, depending on the boat and group size. Many local skippers practise tag-and-release for marlin and other billfish, helping to keep our waters healthy for future generations.

There are several well-established operators to choose from, including Lanzarote Fishing Club and a number of friendly independent skippers based at Puerto Calero. Visitors do not need a fishing licence when joining a licensed charter, which makes things nice and easy. If you are not used to the open Atlantic, it is worth taking a little care, as the sea can be lively at times.

If you are curious about Lanzarote’s underwater world but prefer to stay dry, a glass-bottom boat trip is a wonderful way to explore. These boats have large clear panels in the hull, so you can sit back and watch colourful fish, graceful rays and the island’s unique volcanic rock formations glide by beneath your feet.

Most trips set off from the old harbour in Puerto del Carmen or from Playa Blanca, and usually last about an hour. Prices are reasonable, with adults paying between 15 and 25 euros and children often going for half price. The boats move gently along the coastline, giving you plenty of time to spot parrotfish, trumpetfish, ornate wrasse and damselfish through the glass panels. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an angel shark resting quietly on the sandy seabed. The crew are always happy to point out the different species and share a bit about the marine life that calls Lanzarote home.

In Puerto del Carmen, you’ll find a rather special adventure with Submarine Safaris. Their bright yellow submarine takes you gently down to about 30 metres below the surface, offering a true deep dive in a fully certified vessel. It’s not a semi-submarine, but the real thing, and the views of Lanzarote’s volcanic underwater world are unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere on the island.

While it does cost a little more than a glass-bottom boat trip, usually between 55 and 65 euros per adult, it’s a truly unique experience. In fact, there are only a few tourist submarines like this in all of Europe, making it a real treat for anyone looking to see Lanzarote from a different perspective.

There is something truly special about watching the sun set from the deck of a boat along the Lanzarote coast. The volcanic outline of the island glows in the evening light, and on a clear day you can see the mountains of Fuerteventura rising across the water. It is the kind of memory that lingers long after your holiday ends.

From Puerto Calero and Playa Blanca, you will find a number of friendly operators offering sunset cruises that usually last two to three hours. Most trips include a chilled glass of cava or sangria and some light snacks to enjoy as you watch the coastline drift by. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, there are smaller yachts that take just ten or twelve guests, making for a more personal and relaxed evening on the water.

If you are looking for something a little more exclusive, private yacht charters are easy to arrange. Puerto Calero is the main hub for these, with a wide choice of boats from simple sailing yachts to luxurious motor yachts with full crew. You can set your own course, whether that means exploring the Papagayo coast, heading over to Fuerteventura, or even venturing north towards La Graciosa. Most companies are happy to organise catering, water sports, or a special itinerary to suit your plans.

For those who prefer excitement to relaxation, Puerto del Carmen offers jet boat rides that race along the coast at thrilling speeds. These trips are all about sharp turns and bouncing over the waves, and they last around half an hour. They are great fun if you enjoy a bit of adventure, but probably best avoided if you have back problems or would rather stay dry.

If you fancy a change of scenery, it is wonderfully easy to hop across to Fuerteventura from Playa Blanca. Regular ferries run between the two islands, with Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas offering a smooth crossing that takes just 25 minutes. Many locals and visitors alike enjoy making a day of it, exploring Corralejo’s sandy streets and beaches before returning home in the evening. Return tickets for foot passengers are usually between 20 and 30 euros, making it an accessible little adventure.

If you fancy a real escape, the ferry from Orzola is your gateway to La Graciosa, the peaceful little island just off Lanzarote’s northern tip. The journey itself is a pleasure, taking only about 25 minutes across the water with Líneas Marítimas Romero. Once you arrive, you’ll find a world without tarmac roads, just sandy tracks, a handful of friendly restaurants in Caleta de Sebo, and some of the quietest beaches you’ll ever come across in this part of the Atlantic. I always recommend catching the first ferry over and the last one back, so you can soak up every moment. Return tickets for foot passengers are usually around 20 euros.

If you’re staying in the south, do keep in mind that Orzola is about an hour’s drive from Puerto del Carmen. It’s well worth the journey, but it’s a good idea to set off early to make the most of your day on La Graciosa.

Los Lobos is a tiny, uninhabited island just a short ferry ride from Corralejo, on the northern tip of Fuerteventura. The crossing only takes about fifteen minutes and is usually calm and easy. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself surrounded by volcanic scenery, with just a lighthouse and a single little bar serving simple lunches. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for those who enjoy a sense of quiet escape.

There are a handful of walking trails to explore and some good snorkelling to be found around the rocky shoreline. If you’re already in the north of Lanzarote and planning a trip across to Fuerteventura, it makes for a lovely half-day adventure. I often suggest spending a relaxed morning in Corralejo before catching the boat over to Los Lobos.

Puerto Calero is where most boat trips set off from here on Lanzarote, and it’s a spot I’ve come to know well over the years. Tucked between Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca on the sheltered southeast coast, the marina has a peaceful, welcoming feel. You’ll find everything you need close at hand, from friendly restaurants to handy free parking and well-kept facilities. Most of the island’s whale watching, fishing and catamaran excursions start here, and getting to the marina is straightforward, whether you’re driving or hopping on the local bus from Puerto del Carmen.

Puerto del Carmen’s old town harbour, at the eastern end of the resort near Playa Grande, is a smaller and more intimate spot for setting out on the water. Here, you’ll often see glass-bottom boats, the submarine safari and the occasional jet boat ready to take visitors out for a bit of adventure. The harbour itself is a lovely place for a stroll, with a handful of restaurants where you can sit and watch the boats come and go.

Marina Rubicon in Playa Blanca, down at the southern tip of the island, is another favourite departure point. From here, you can catch the ferry to Fuerteventura, hop on a water taxi to Papagayo, or join a catamaran cruise. The marina is right in the heart of town, so it’s easy to wander along the promenade, browse the shops or enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants before or after your trip.

Accessibility can differ quite a bit depending on the boat and the company you choose. In general, the larger catamarans and specially designed excursion boats are the easiest to board, with wide, flat decks and, in some cases, ramp access straight from the pontoon. Here in Puerto Calero, a few operators have gone the extra mile to make boarding easier for wheelchair users, and the marina itself is thoughtfully laid out with level access along the pontoons.

Smaller fishing boats, sailing yachts and RIBs are usually not suitable for wheelchair users, as getting on board often means stepping across a gap from the pontoon, and there simply isn’t enough space on deck for a wheelchair. If you have any concerns about mobility, it’s always best to speak directly with the operator before you book. Many are happy to help guests with limited mobility, but a little advance notice gives them time to make arrangements.

If you or someone in your group has a visual impairment, I’ve found that whale watching trips with hydrophone equipment can be especially memorable. Listening to the dolphins’ clicks and whistles brings the ocean to life, even when the animals are far away. Glass-bottom boats are less helpful for those with limited sight, but the submarine excursions do include a running commentary throughout the dive, which adds a lot to the experience.

For guests with hearing impairments, it’s worth knowing that most excursions offer spoken commentary, but some operators are happy to provide written briefing sheets if you ask ahead of time.

Most boat trips here in Lanzarote welcome guests of all ages, though it’s worth taking a moment to consider the needs of very young children or older family members before you book.

Whale and dolphin watching is always a favourite with families, and most children love the excitement of spotting these beautiful creatures out at sea. The trips usually last two to three hours, and while the thrill of a sighting is unforgettable, there are days when the dolphins and whales are a little shy. If you’re travelling with little ones under five, it’s good to know that their patience may be tested if the search takes a while. Most operators are happy to welcome infants and will provide child-sized life jackets to keep everyone safe.

Deep-sea fishing tends to appeal most to older children and teenagers. The adventure involves several hours out on the water, plenty of sunshine, and a bit of hard work with the fishing gear, so it’s not really suited to the youngest members of the family. Most local skippers recommend a minimum age of eight to ten for a half-day trip, just to make sure everyone enjoys the experience.

For families with younger children, glass-bottom boat trips and the submarine safari are always a hit. These outings are short and sweet, with stable boats and the magical experience of watching colourful fish glide by beneath your feet. The submarine welcomes little explorers from about two years old and up.

If you’re travelling with elderly relatives or anyone who prefers a steadier footing, larger boats are definitely the way to go. The catamarans here in Lanzarote are wonderfully stable, gliding smoothly even when the sea is a little lively. A sunset cruise on a calm evening is a lovely, gentle way to enjoy the water and take in the island’s beauty from a different perspective.

If you are heading out on the water here in Lanzarote, do not be fooled by the gentle Atlantic breeze. It often feels cooler than it really is, but the sun is strong all year round. We always recommend packing a good reef-safe sunscreen, a hat that will stay put in the wind, and sunglasses with a strap so they do not disappear overboard. A light, long-sleeved shirt is also handy, both for extra sun protection and for those moments when the sea sends a refreshing spray your way.

Even for those of us who have lived here for years, a choppy day at sea can sometimes catch you out. If you know you are prone to seasickness, it is wise to take something before you set off. The local pharmacies in the resorts have motion sickness tablets, and many visitors also swear by ginger sweets or acupressure bands. Sitting in the middle of the boat and keeping your eyes on the horizon can make a real difference, too.

Soft-soled shoes are the way to go on Lanzarote’s boats, as decks can get slippery, especially after a swim stop. Leave the flip-flops and heels behind for this one. If you are planning to swim or snorkel, a towel is always useful, and a waterproof case for your phone is a smart idea—especially if you are joining one of the faster boats where a bit of spray is all part of the fun.

During the busy summer months and school holidays, it is best to book your boat trip ahead of time, as the most popular excursions can fill up quickly. We have found that booking directly with the operator online is often better value than using the resort excursion desks, which tend to add a little extra to the price.

If you are thinking about heading out on the water here in Lanzarote, you will find there is something to suit every taste and budget. For a simple glass-bottom boat trip, prices usually start at about 15 euros for adults and 8 euros for children. If you fancy spotting whales and dolphins, expect to pay between 35 and 55 euros per adult. The ever-popular submarine safari is a little more, generally around 55 to 65 euros for adults and 30 to 35 euros for children.

Sunset cruises are a lovely way to end the day, and these usually cost between 40 and 65 euros per person, depending on what is included. If you are keen on deep-sea fishing, a half-day charter for your group will typically be between 350 and 500 euros. For something a bit more thrilling, jet boat rides are around 30 to 40 euros per person. And if you just want to hop over to Papagayo by water taxi, return tickets are usually 10 to 15 euros.

For those looking for something extra special, private yacht and catamaran charters are available too. Prices start at around 400 euros for a half day on a small sailing yacht, but can reach several thousand euros if you are after a luxury motor yacht with a full crew. Most trips include some drinks, though fishing excursions often just offer water and soft drinks. Tipping the crew is never expected, but always welcomed if you have enjoyed your time out on the water.