Small Group Dolphin Sunset Tour on Electric Catamaran Lanzarote

Sunsets are better from the sea. This small-group electric catamaran trip leaves Puerto Calero with no more than 12 people, pairing dolphin watching with views of Playa Quemada, the Femés mountains, drinks, snacks, and a sunset over Lanzarote. I especially like the roomy 108-square-meter deck and the calm, low-noise boat. The main catch is simple: dolphins and whales are wild animals, not scheduled performers.

I also like the tour’s clear conservation focus. The crew, including guides such as Gonzalo and Silvia, has been praised for explaining cetaceans and giving animals space when other boats crowd them. At $90.70 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride, but the small group, electric vessel, refreshments, and roughly two and a half hours on the water make it a fair choice for a special evening.

The key points at a glance

• A maximum of 12 people means more open deck space and easier contact with the crew.
• The electric catamaran La Santa Maria provides a quiet ride that suits wildlife watching and sunset photography.
• Dolphin sightings are possible, never guaranteed, and some trips also spot whales, turtles, or several dolphin species.
• Puerto Calero’s Dock F22 is the departure point, with the boat returning to the same place.
• Beer, local white wine, soft drinks, snacks, and blankets are part of the experience, though one passenger reported receiving very little food and no drinks.
• The tour supports marine conservation, with the crew aiming to avoid crowding animals and promoting ocean-friendly products.

Setting out from Puerto Calero on La Santa Maria

You meet WeWhale at C. Pantalanes in Puerto Calero, specifically Dock F22. The meeting point is designed to be easy to find, and the boat returns there at the end, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point.

The vessel is an electric catamaran named La Santa Maria. That matters more than it may sound. A quieter motor gives you a better chance of hearing the water, the crew, and perhaps dolphins communicating nearby. One particularly strong part of the experience is the feeling of space: with only 12 people, the 108-square-meter deck should not feel like a packed sightseeing boat.

The catamaran also gives you several ways to spend the ride. You can sit, move around to look for marine life, photograph the coast, or find a good angle for the sunset. This is a much better setup than being confined to one narrow row of seats.

The trip operates all year, but the feel of the ride will change with the season. The evening air can turn cool once the sun drops, and one passenger needed a jacket near the end. Bring a warm layer. Blankets may be available, but your own sweater is the safer plan.

Watching for dolphins along Lanzarote’s coast

The main purpose is to look for dolphins and other cetaceans in an area where dolphins are known to gather for evening feeding. That gives the ride a real purpose beyond simply cruising along the shore. You are not just sitting on a boat waiting for the sun to set. You are scanning the water, learning what to look for, and hoping for movement in the waves.

Some outings have produced sightings of several dolphin species, including spotted dolphins. A few have also included whales, while other trips have seen sea turtles. One memorable evening included dolphins communicating and using echolocation near the boat. Those encounters can be thrilling, especially from a quiet catamaran that does not add much engine noise.

Still, you should book this as a wildlife search, not a guaranteed dolphin show. Choppy water can make spotting animals difficult, and some departures see no dolphins or whales at all. That is the central risk of the tour. The good news is that the scenery, sunset, and boat ride still give the outing value when nature does not cooperate.

The crew’s approach to wildlife is another reason to choose this trip. On one outing, other commercial boats began circling animals. The WeWhale crew stayed away because the animals appeared frightened and boxed in. Once the other boats left, the catamaran had a calmer encounter. That choice may mean you get fewer close-up moments, but it reflects a more respectful way to watch wild animals.

Why the small group makes a difference

A 12-person limit changes the mood. You have a better chance of speaking with the crew, asking about cetaceans, and finding an unobstructed view. Families can keep an eye on children more easily, and couples can enjoy a quieter evening than they would on a large excursion boat.

The small group also helps during a wildlife sighting. If a dolphin appears off one side, you are not trying to push through a crowd to see it. The crew can point out movement and explain what is happening without shouting across a full deck.

The quality of the commentary can vary. Several passengers praised Gonzalo, Silvia, Patricia, and other crew members for their care, marine knowledge, and patience with questions. Children have received explanations in languages including English, French, and German on particular departures. Yet one critical account described very little interaction until a short talk near the end.

That criticism is worth keeping in mind. The tour is strongest when the crew shares information throughout the ride, rather than waiting until the last few minutes. If the commentary matters to you, ask questions early and let the crew know what you would like to learn.

The coastline from Playa Quemada to the Femés mountains

Even without dolphins, the route gives you a fresh view of Lanzarote. From the water, you see the coast around Playa Quemada and the mountains of Femés rising inland. The island’s volcanic forms look especially striking as the light drops and the shore darkens.

This is not a fast sightseeing run. One passenger felt the catamaran moved slowly in open water, around 4 knots. That may frustrate you if you expect an energetic boat ride, but the slower pace is also useful for wildlife watching, photography, and enjoying the quiet.

The cruise is best understood as an evening on the water rather than a transport service. You will spend much of the time looking, waiting, and taking in the view. People who enjoy a calm ride will appreciate that pace. If you need constant action, a speedboat outing may suit you better.

As the sun nears the horizon, the view becomes the second main event. You may get a clear sunset, a cloud-filtered one, or only part of the sun before the mountains block it. The crew cannot control the weather or the terrain, but the changing colors over the coast can still make the final stretch special.

Drinks, snacks, and the practical comfort level

The price includes drinks and light food. The usual offering is described as OceanBeer, local white wine, soft drinks, and snacks such as peanuts or corn. One particularly appealing touch is that some soft drinks come from sustainable producers, with part of the revenue supporting a whale association.

This is not a dinner cruise. Think of the food as a small bite while you watch the water, not a meal. It is enough to make the outing more comfortable, especially around sunset, but you should eat beforehand if you need something substantial.

There is one inconsistency in the feedback. Most accounts describe drinks, snacks, blankets, and attentive service. One passenger received only a small shared portion of corn and no drinks. I would treat the refreshments as a pleasant inclusion rather than the reason to book. If a promised drink or snack does not appear, ask the crew during the trip.

The boat itself appears to be comfortable and well kept. The wide deck, limited passenger count, and electric motor are the main comfort advantages. Bring a jacket, protect your phone from spray, and consider a camera strap if you plan to photograph dolphins from the rail.

Is $90.70 a fair price?

At $90.70 per person, this tour sits in the special-occasion category. You are paying for about two and a half hours, a maximum group of 12, an electric catamaran, crew commentary, drinks, snacks, and the possibility of seeing dolphins or whales.

The value is strongest when you care about the full experience rather than a guaranteed sighting. A dolphin encounter can make the price feel easy to justify. Even without one, you still receive a sunset cruise along a striking coast on a quiet vessel, with a conservation-minded crew and a small group.

The price is less attractive if you want a quick, high-speed ride or if dolphin sightings are your only goal. Nature may give you a wonderful evening, or it may give you beautiful water and no animals. There is no honest way to remove that uncertainty.

The tour is booked, on average, about 21 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early for a particular holiday date or sunset time. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.

Who will enjoy this Lanzarote boat trip most?

I would recommend it most to people who enjoy quiet nature outings, photography, family activities, and small-group tours. Children may find the search exciting, especially when the crew explains dolphins, whales, and echolocation in a clear way.

It also suits couples looking for a relaxed evening with a memorable setting. The sunset, drinks, and open deck give the trip a gentle date-night feel without turning it into a formal dinner experience.

This may not be the right choice for you if you get seasick, dislike waiting, or need guaranteed wildlife. The sea can be choppy, and the ride is deliberately slow. You should also avoid treating the tour as a party boat. Its strengths are calm observation, scenery, and respect for marine life.

The tour is offered in English, and individual crew members have also provided explanations in French and German. If language support is important, check what will be available on your specific departure.

Seven useful questions before you book

FAQ

Where does the dolphin sunset tour leave from?

It departs from WeWhale Lanzarote at C. Pantalanes, Puerto Calero, Las Palmas, Spain. The specific departure point is Dock F22.

How long does the tour last?

The sunset experience lasts approximately two and a half hours and returns to the original meeting point.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The maximum group size is 12 people. This gives you more deck space and closer contact with the crew than a large boat excursion.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. The experience includes beer, local white wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks. The refreshments are light rather than a full meal.

Will I definitely see dolphins or whales?

No. Dolphins and whales are wild, so sightings are not guaranteed. Some departures see dolphins, whales, turtles, or several species, while others see no wildlife.

Is the boat electric?

Yes. The tour uses an electric catamaran called La Santa Maria. The quieter ride is useful for enjoying the sea and watching for animals.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. Poor-weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this sunset catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a peaceful, well-supported wildlife outing and understand that nature sets the schedule. The quiet electric catamaran, 12-person limit, wide deck, coastal views, and conservation-minded approach give it more character than a standard sunset cruise.

I would be especially happy to choose it for an evening when the sunset matters as much as the dolphins. You may see a pod, a whale, or a turtle, but even an animal-free trip can still deliver a beautiful ride from Puerto Calero. Bring warm clothing, keep your expectations realistic, and treat the wildlife search as part of the adventure rather than a promise.