By the time the sun starts dropping into the Atlantic, most people in Puerto del Carmen are already sitting at a table along the Avenida de las Playas. There's another way to watch it happen: from the deck of a catamaran, mojito in hand, with the volcanic coastline of southern Lanzarote behind you and a decent chance of crossing paths with wild dolphins along the way.
The sunset cruise with dolphin watching sets sail from Puerto del Carmen at 6:30pm and lasts 2 hours. You're welcomed aboard with a cold mojito while the crew gets the sails ready, then the boat cruises the coast looking for dolphins. Since they're wild animals, the operator can't guarantee a sighting, though they're regular visitors to these waters. Canapés and a complimentary drink of your choice are served during the trip, with the sunset filling the horizon behind you. It's a relaxed, low-key way to end the day on the water rather than an adrenaline trip, which makes it a good fit for couples or anyone who'd rather sit back than paddle or dive.
It costs €49 per adult and €35 per child. The price covers the welcome mojito, one extra drink, the canapés and a return transfer from the meeting point closest to your accommodation. Guiding is available in Spanish, English, French and German, and vegetarian or coeliac diets can be catered for if you mention it when booking. The boat isn't wheelchair accessible, which is worth factoring in if you're travelling with reduced mobility.
The local operator contacts you after booking to arrange the meeting point nearest your accommodation, and you should be ready five minutes before the agreed time. Two exceptions worth knowing about: pickup in Puerto Calero only runs on Thursdays, and there's no pickup service in Playa Blanca on Sundays or Mondays. If you book less than 24 hours in advance, pickup isn't guaranteed and you'll need to head straight to the agreed meeting point instead.

Puerto del Carmen is also the departure point for two other sea trips leaving from the same marina: a self-drive jet ski tour and a full-day catamaran trip to the beaches of Papagayo, both covered with real prices in our village guide. If you're travelling with kids, Rancho Texas is just a few minutes away and pairs well as a morning plan before the evening cruise.
How much does the sunset cruise in Puerto del Carmen cost? €49 per adult and €35 per child, including a welcome mojito, one extra drink, canapés and transfer.
Is seeing dolphins guaranteed? No. They're wild animals and the operator can't guarantee a sighting, although they regularly frequent this coast.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible? No, the vessel isn't adapted for wheelchair users.
Planning more days in southern Lanzarote? Check out the jet ski and catamaran trips from Puerto del Carmen, visit Rancho Texas with the kids, or browse all our excursions in Lanzarote.

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