2hrs Dolphins Sunset Sailing Cruise With Drink

Sunset, sea air, and a chance of dolphins. This two-hour catamaran cruise from Puerto del Carmen combines a relaxed evening on the water with a welcome mojito, snacks, and drinks, all for about $61.27 per person. I like the easy hotel pickup from selected resorts and the friendly crew, who often work hard to help passengers spot dolphins when they appear.

I also like that you get open views of Lanzarote from the sea rather than from a crowded viewpoint. The main caution is simple: dolphins are wild, and some sailings see none. Wind, clouds, and the exact time of sunset can also affect the experience.

Key points before you book

• Board at Puerto del Carmen’s Varadero harbour: The boat leaves from Avenida del Varadero, in the old fishing village and marina area.
• Two hours on a catamaran: You get time to sail, eat, take photographs, and watch the coastline and open water.
• Dolphin sightings are possible, not promised: Some sailings have seen large groups, whales, and dolphins close to the boat. Others have seen nothing.
• Drinks are a major part of the outing: You receive a welcome mojito if you are 18 or older, with further drinks offered onboard according to the operating setup.
• Sunset timing changes through the year: The departure time may be adjusted, and the boat may return close to sunset rather than after the sun has fully disappeared.
• Take a jacket and flat shoes: The sea breeze can feel cool after sunset, and the deck may become choppy.

Setting out from Puerto del Carmen’s Varadero harbour

The cruise begins at Avenida del Varadero in Puerto del Carmen. This is a useful starting point because Varadero is tied to the town’s fishing and marina life, rather than being an isolated excursion dock. You meet the boat in the harbour, board, and return to the same place at the end.

The actual boarding process is usually quick. A welcome mojito is offered to passengers aged 18 and over, which gets the evening started in a suitably holiday-like fashion. The crew then provides basic information, sometimes in several languages. German and Italian guidance can be arranged in advance, and the guide may be multilingual.

One practical warning deserves attention. The walk from the harbour meeting point to the boat can be longer than expected. One passenger described spending about ten minutes searching for the correct place, while another found the walk difficult for someone with mobility problems. The crew has helped with a mobility scooter, but you should contact the operator ahead of time if you need assistance.

The boat can carry up to 80 people. That is not an intimate sailing with only a handful of passengers, but the catamaran is described as having plenty of seating, including padded areas and net seating. You can usually move around to find a good view, though the most popular spots may fill quickly.

What the two-hour sailing feels like

Once clear of the harbour, the catamaran heads out along Lanzarote’s coast and toward the setting sun. This is not a formal sightseeing tour packed with historic commentary. It is mainly a social evening cruise, with music, drinks, sea views, and the possibility of wildlife.

That relaxed format suits you if you want a simple holiday activity rather than a demanding excursion. You can sit back with a drink, watch the water, and take photographs as the light changes. The sea may be smooth, but wind is common around Lanzarote, and several passengers found that the boat became choppy once it left the shelter of the harbour.

If you are prone to seasickness, prepare carefully. The supplied information advises comfortable shoes and a jacket, but a seasickness remedy may also be worth considering if you know you react badly on boats. One particularly negative experience involved strong wind, considerable rocking, and nausea for the full two hours. The operator says excursions can change because of weather, though a sailing may still operate in conditions that feel uncomfortable to some people.

The catamaran provides a good platform for photographs. You can look back toward Puerto del Carmen, watch the coast recede, and photograph the changing sky from the front or side of the boat. If the sea is unsettled, keep one hand free and choose flat, secure footwear rather than sandals with slippery soles.

Food, mojitos, and the onboard bar

The advertised food is assorted canapés and snacks, not a full dinner. The published inclusions also specify one complimentary drink, along with the welcome mojito. In practice, the onboard service described by passengers has included a more generous spread, with sandwiches, Spanish tortilla, croquetas, fruit, bread, and drinks such as beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.

This is worth clarifying before you go because expectations vary widely. Some people found the food plentiful and enjoyed the fruit, especially the melon. Others thought the sandwiches were basic and felt that the food should be described as snacks rather than a buffet. One passenger also noted that the food spread could run low if people served themselves late.

I would treat the food as a pleasant extra, not the reason to book the cruise. You may receive more than the basic description suggests, but you should not plan on a substantial evening meal. If you have specific dietary requirements, take care. A gluten-free option cannot be guaranteed. Vegan choices have been available on at least some sailings, including vegan ham and salad sandwiches, but you should confirm this before departure.

The drinks are a stronger part of the value. The welcome mojito is a popular touch, and the bar may offer further mojitos, sangria, beer, soft drinks, and water. Some passengers described drinks as unlimited, but the official inclusion specifically guarantees one complimentary drink. I would confirm the current arrangement rather than assume an open bar.

The alcohol service makes this more of an adult evening outing, although families can attend. Children have enjoyed the cruise, and the crew has made an effort to help younger passengers see dolphins. If you are supervising children alone, remember that the boat can become lively and unsteady when the wind picks up.

Searching for dolphins in Lanzarote’s waters

The wildlife element gives the cruise its excitement, but it also creates the biggest risk of disappointment. Dolphins are wild animals. The crew can search known areas and point out sightings, but nobody can promise that they will appear.

The results vary dramatically. Some sailings have seen many dolphins, with one group reporting more than 20. Others have had only brief glimpses of two dolphins, while several have seen none. There have also been reports of whales passing the boat, though this is an unusual bonus rather than part of the promised experience.

The captain and crew appear to make an effort when dolphins are nearby. They have pointed animals out to children, spent time helping passengers get a clear view, and adjusted the boat’s position to improve the sighting. That effort matters because dolphins can surface quickly and disappear just as fast.

You should think of the wildlife as a bonus, not the core product. If seeing dolphins is the only reason you want to go, you may leave disappointed even after a perfectly well-run trip. If you would enjoy two hours on a catamaran regardless, a sighting can turn a pleasant cruise into a memorable one.

Music and commentary can affect this part of the trip. Some passengers found the music too faint, while others wanted it turned down when the boat reached dolphin territory. Commentary has also been difficult to hear on some sailings. The crew may make announcements, but do not expect a detailed marine biology presentation.

Sunset views and the timing problem

The sunset is the most dependable attraction, but even this depends on weather and timing. The departure time changes during the year because sunset occurs at different times. Cloud can block the sun entirely, though the sky may still produce good colour.

A practical issue is that the cruise may return around the advertised end time, which can be close to the official sunset. In late January and early February, for example, the boat may finish just before the strongest colours appear. Some passengers felt they had missed the best part because the catamaran was already heading back or docking.

You can improve your chances by asking about the exact departure and return times when you book. Once onboard, move around rather than staying in one place. The front, rear, and side decks offer different views, and the sun may be hidden from one section of the boat while visible from another.

Do not assume every sailing will produce a classic orange sun dropping into a clear sea. Clouds, haze, and wind can change the view. Still, the open-water setting gives you a better chance of seeing the evening sky than you might have from a built-up resort street. The cruise is particularly appealing if sunset photographs are important to you.

As soon as the sun goes down, the temperature can drop quickly. A sweatshirt or light jacket is one of the most repeated practical tips for this trip. Blankets are not included, so bring your own extra layer.

Pickup from Lanzarote’s resort areas

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available in selected parts of Lanzarote. The listed zones are Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero, and Costa Teguise. You must provide your accommodation details, after which the operator confirms the nearest pickup point and time.

The service can save you a taxi ride and makes the evening easier, especially if you are staying outside Puerto del Carmen. Pickup from Puerto Calero is available only on Thursdays. Pickup from Playa Blanca is not available on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays.

Do not leave this until the last minute. If you book within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed, and you may need to go directly to the harbour. Pickup times can also shift, and one passenger reported a coach arriving about 20 minutes late. The transport itself has been described as comfortable and air-conditioned, with some passengers praising the punctuality.

If you are staying in Puerto del Carmen, you may find it simpler to meet at the harbour yourself. That avoids waiting for a shared transfer and gives you more control over your arrival time. Just make sure you have clear directions to the boat, not merely to the general harbour.

Is $61.27 good value for two hours?

At about $61.27 per person, this is not the cheapest way to watch the sunset in Lanzarote. You are paying for the catamaran, crew, possible hotel transport, a welcome mojito, snacks, and at least one further drink. If the wider drink service and larger food spread are operating, the value improves.

I think the price is fair if you want a ready-made evening with transport and refreshments. You do not need to plan a route, find a viewpoint, or arrange separate drinks after the cruise. A dolphin sighting, particularly a large group or a whale, can make the price feel very reasonable.

The value is weaker if you are mainly seeking a serious wildlife trip or a gourmet meal. No dolphin sighting is guaranteed, and the food is simple. You may also find cheaper boat trips with a different format, especially if you do not need pickup or included refreshments.

The overall rating of 3.9 from 185 ratings reflects that split. The strongest praise goes to the crew, the relaxed atmosphere, the sunset, and the excitement of seeing dolphins. The main complaints concern rough water, unclear meeting instructions, food quality, music or commentary volume, and sunset timing.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants an easy evening on the sea. It is a good fit if you value a friendly crew, open seating, drinks, photographs, and a relaxed pace more than a tightly planned wildlife expedition.

Families should know that the boat can feel rocky, and two hours may be a little long for very young children. Older children have enjoyed the dolphin search, especially when crew members actively point animals out.

This is less suitable if you suffer from motion sickness, need completely calm water, or require a guaranteed sunset view. It also needs careful planning for anyone with limited mobility because of the walk from the meeting area to the catamaran. Contact the operator in advance rather than relying on help at the dock.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. Changes made inside that period are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of passengers is not reached.

Should you book the Puerto del Carmen sunset cruise?

Book it if you see the cruise as a pleasant evening at sea with wildlife as a bonus. The crew receives consistent praise for being friendly and helpful, and the best sailings combine dolphins, a glowing sky, good photographs, and plenty of drinks.

Skip it if you need certainty. The dolphins may stay away, clouds may hide the sun, and strong wind can make the crossing uncomfortable. Arrive prepared with flat shoes, warm clothing, realistic food expectations, and a flexible attitude. With those conditions in mind, this is a good-value Lanzarote outing for a relaxed sunset rather than a guaranteed dolphin encounter.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at Avenida del Varadero, 35518 Puerto del Carmen, Las Palmas, Spain, at the Varadero harbour.

Where does the cruise finish?

It finishes back at the same meeting point in Puerto del Carmen.

How long does the cruise last?

The sailing lasts approximately two hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off are available from selected areas of Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero, and Costa Teguise. You must provide your hotel or resort details so the operator can confirm the nearest pickup point and time.

Are there restrictions on pickup days?

Yes. Puerto Calero pickup is available only on Thursdays. Playa Blanca pickup is not available on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Some sailings see many dolphins, while others see none.

What food and drinks are included?

The published inclusions are assorted canapés, one complimentary drink, and a welcome mojito for passengers aged 18 and over. The onboard offering may also include sandwiches, Spanish tortilla, croquetas, fruit, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.

What should I bring?

Bring a jacket or sweatshirt and comfortable, flat shoes. Temperatures can drop after sunset, and the boat may become choppy. Blankets are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local departure time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted or refunded. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or insufficient numbers, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.