The waters of the island of Lanzarote are one of the favourite places for marine mammals.
During winter and spring, when the migratory period occurs, whales and dolphins can be spotted on the coasts of the area.
Some of the most common species that can be seen are pilot whales, sei whales, bottlenose dolphins and fin whales.
Where to see dolphins and whales in Lanzarote?
The island of Lanzarote has become one of the most popular tourist destinations to enjoy dolphin and whale watching, thanks to the pods that have settled permanently in the waters that surround it.
There are several tour companies that offer boat trips to see these marine mammals.
Some of the most common areas to spot them are the waters near Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca.
How to see marine fauna in Lanzarote?
To see dolphins in Lanzarote, one of the best options is to take a boat tour from Puerto del Carmen or Puerto Calero, as these places are located on the south coast of Lanzarote, where these animals are more common.
During the tour, it is possible to see dolphins playing in the waters near the boat, jumping and swimming alongside the boat.
Another option is to opt for a dolphin and whale safari, a boat tour of the Atlantic Ocean with the aim of experiencing these incredible animals in their natural environment.
These types of tours are not like the typical excursions or entertainment tours with lots of people, drinks and music.
The goal is to find dolphins and whales and approach them carefully.
The island of Lobos
Just an hour and a half by boat from Lanzarote is the Island of Lobos.
Upon arrival, you will find a small village and beaches with pristine waters.
During the tour, an expert guide will provide you with detailed information about the marine fauna and flora of the area, as well as best practices to ensure the well-being of whales and other marine animals.
Whale watching on Lobos Island is a highly regulated activity and boats are required to respect a minimum distance of 60 meters so as not to disturb the natural behavior of the animals.
When is the best time to see dolphins and whales in Lanzarote?
The whale watching season in Lanzarote is generally from March to October, although this can vary depending on weather conditions and the presence of the animals in the area.
During this period, you can observe different species such as dolphins, pilot whales and fin whales, among others.
While there are some transient dolphins and whales in this area, there are also many pods that frequent the waters around the island.
However, keep in mind that these are wild animals and it is impossible to predict their movements with 100% accuracy, so you have to be open to the possibility of not being so lucky on some tours.
That said, the chances of seeing dolphins in Lanzarote are much higher compared to the chances of seeing whales, as the former are usually much more sociable and are not afraid to approach the boats.
How much do the excursions cost?
The cost of dolphin and whale watching in Lanzarote can vary depending on the provider and the type of tour chosen.
In general, prices range between 25 and 60 euros per person, although there are cheaper options as well as more luxurious ones that are somewhat more expensive.
It is important to note that the price of the excursion may include different services such as transportation, snorkeling equipment, snacks, guides, and other additional activities.
