Reviewed · SAILING
2hrs Dolphins Sunset Sailing Cruise With Drink
The best part of this Lanzarote outing is the chance to watch the island’s sunset from the water, with a drink in hand and the catamaran moving quietly offshore. Dolphins sometimes appear, and lucky sailings have also seen whales, but the sunset and sea views are the dependable attractions.
I like the simple two-hour format and the included refreshments. Hotel pickup from selected resort areas makes the evening easy, while the welcome mojito, canapés, and onboard drinks give the trip a festive touch without turning it into a full-day commitment.
The main caution is the sea. Wind can make the ride choppy, and the air cools quickly after sunset. You also need to keep your expectations sensible: dolphins are wild, and the boat cannot promise a sighting or a perfect sunset every time.
At a Glance: What Matters Most

- Sunset sailing from Puerto del Carmen: Board at the Varadero harbour and head out for roughly two hours on Lanzarote’s coastal waters.
- Dolphins are possible, not promised: The crew may help search, but wildlife sightings depend on nature and conditions.
- Welcome mojito and drinks included: Adults receive a mojito on boarding, with an additional complimentary drink and a selection of beverages available onboard.
- Canapés and buffet-style snacks: Expect small sandwiches, fruit, Spanish tortilla, croquetas, bread, and similar light fare rather than a full dinner.
- Pickup covers selected resorts: Transfers are available from Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero, and Costa Teguise, with day restrictions in some areas.
- Bring a warm layer and flat shoes: Wind, waves, and the cooler air after sunset make practical clothing more useful than smart holiday wear.
Setting Sail From Puerto del Carmen’s Varadero Harbour

The evening begins at Avenida del Varadero in Puerto del Carmen, a former fishing village that now serves as one of Lanzarote’s main resort harbours. The boat returns here at the end, so you do not need to arrange a second meeting point.
Boarding is meant to be quick. Once aboard, you receive a welcome mojito if you are at least 18, then find a seat on the catamaran. Seating has been described as plentiful, with padded areas and net seating available on the boat.
The harbour itself is not the difficult part. The trick is finding the exact boat and access point. One useful warning: the walk from the meeting area toward the boat may be longer than expected, and unclear directions have caused some people to spend time wandering around the harbour.
I would arrive early, keep the Google Maps location handy, and ask staff near the harbour if you are unsure. If you use a mobility scooter or have trouble walking, contact the operator before booking. Crew assistance with boarding has been provided, but the walk to the boat may still be a concern.
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A Two-Hour Cruise Built Around the Sunset
This is not a sightseeing cruise packed with stops. You board, move out from Puerto del Carmen, and spend the evening sailing along Lanzarote’s waters as the light changes.
That simple plan is part of the appeal. You have time to sit, chat, take pictures, and watch the coast without rushing from one attraction to another. It suits you if you want a calm break from resort streets, restaurants, and organized daytime tours.
The timing changes during the year because sunset does. The operator adjusts the start time to match the season, but the cruise still has to return to port on schedule. In winter, that can mean docking close to the official sunset time rather than staying out for the final afterglow.
That detail matters if sunset photography is your main reason for booking. The best view may depend on where you sit and how the boat turns. Move around when safe, and do not assume the front or one side will have the perfect view for the whole trip.
Clouds can also change the show. A cloudy evening may bring no visible sunset at all, while still offering a pleasant boat ride. If the sky is clear, the open-water position gives you a good chance for broad views and memorable photographs.
Finding Dolphins in Open Water

The dolphin search adds excitement, but it should not be the only reason you book. These are wild animals, and no sighting can be guaranteed.
Some sailings have seen many dolphins, with one particularly lucky trip reporting more than 20. Other outings have caught only brief glimpses of two dolphins, and some have seen none. A few fortunate departures have also spotted a whale.
The crew may spend extra time helping you find the animals and pointing them out, especially to children. That can make the search feel active rather than passive. Still, there is no aquarium-style certainty here. You might spend much of the cruise scanning the water and come away with only the sunset.
I consider that a fair trade if you treat wildlife as a bonus. You are paying for a sunset sail with food and drinks, not a guaranteed marine-animal encounter. If the product name makes dolphins sound like the main event, adjust your expectations before you board.
Music and commentary can affect the search. The boat may play music, and the guide may give information in several languages. On some trips, the commentary has been hard to hear. If you care about the nature information, sit near the guide or speaker when possible. If dolphins are spotted, quieter music would make it easier to hear directions and focus on the water.
What You Actually Eat and Drink Onboard

The food is best understood as light snacks, not dinner. The offering can include assorted canapés, small sandwiches, fruit, Spanish tortilla, croquetas, bread, and similar finger food.
Some sailings have provided a larger buffet-style spread, while the selection can feel modest at other times. The food is set out for self-service, so going early gives you the best choice. Do not board expecting a restaurant meal or a formal Spanish tasting menu.
The drinks are a stronger part of the package. You receive the welcome mojito if you are 18 or older, and the onboard bar offers options such as mojitos, sangria, beer, soft drinks, and water. The supplied information refers to one complimentary drink, though several accounts describe drinks being available throughout the cruise.
Because the wording around the drink allowance can be read in different ways, check the exact terms shown when you book. At minimum, you should expect the welcome mojito plus the stated included drink. The bar service makes the outing feel more generous, but it also means this may not be the right atmosphere if you want a completely quiet, alcohol-free cruise.
Vegan options have been available, including vegan ham and salad finger sandwiches. Gluten-free food cannot be guaranteed. If you have a serious allergy or strict dietary need, ask the operator before booking rather than relying on the general snack description.
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Wind, Waves, and Comfort on the Catamaran

Lanzarote is known for wind, and the sea can shift from smooth in the harbour to lively offshore. One poor experience involved strong wind and heavy rocking, with serious seasickness during the two-hour trip.
That does not mean every sailing is rough. Other departures have been described as smooth and relaxing, while even pleasant trips can become choppy after leaving the harbour. Weather changes the character of the excursion more than almost any other factor.
Wear flat, comfortable shoes with a secure sole. The boat moves under your feet, and high heels or loose sandals are poor choices. Take a jacket, hoodie, or sweatshirt even if the afternoon is warm. Several accounts point out that the temperature drops quickly after the sun goes down.
Blankets are not included, so your own warm layer matters. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider your usual precautions and check the forecast before you go. The cancellation terms allow changes or refunds when the operator cancels for poor weather, but conditions that feel unpleasant to you may not be bad enough for the company to cancel.
Families can enjoy the trip, and children have had fun watching for dolphins. Two hours is manageable for most children, though younger ones may find the boat ride long, especially if the sea is rough or the sunset is delayed.
Pickup From Lanzarote’s Main Resort Areas
Pickup and drop-off are available from selected areas, including Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero, and Costa Teguise. You provide your hotel or resort details after booking, and the operator confirms the nearest pickup point and time.
This service can save you a taxi ride and removes the need to drive after drinking. It also means you must read the pickup confirmation closely. The bus may collect from a nearby meeting point rather than your hotel door, and occasional delays are possible.
Puerto Calero pickup is available only on Thursdays. Playa Blanca has no pickup on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays. If you book within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed, so plan to reach the Varadero meeting point yourself unless the operator confirms a transfer.
The cruise ends back at the harbour. That makes it easier to plan dinner afterward, but allow time for the return transfer if you are being collected by coach.
How Much Value Do You Get for $61.27?

At $61.27 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. The value depends on what you want included.
You are paying for about two hours on a catamaran, the sunset setting, a welcome mojito, snacks, at least one included drink, and possible resort transfers. A dolphin sighting can make the price feel excellent, but it should not be counted as part of the guaranteed package.
I see the strongest value for you if you want convenience. Pickup, a ready-to-go evening plan, drinks, and no need to arrange transport can justify the cost. The trip also works well as a special family or couple activity when you want something more memorable than another meal at the resort.
The value is weaker if you expect a substantial buffet, a quiet naturalist trip, or a guaranteed wildlife encounter. Food portions and quality may not satisfy you if you are hungry, so eat something beforehand if you prefer not to depend on the snacks.
The group can reach up to 80 people. That is a sizeable boat outing, not a private sailing. There should be room to sit, but you should expect a shared atmosphere with music, a bar, families, and other holidaymakers.
Language, Crew, and the Feel of the Evening

The activity is offered in English, and a multilingual guide may operate the trip. German and Italian guides can be arranged after prior consultation.
The crew is one of the most consistently praised parts of the experience. Staff help with boarding, serve drinks and food, and may point out dolphins when they appear. On family departures, the captain has taken time to help children see the animals.
That personal help makes a difference. A dolphin can surface for only a moment, and a crew member who spots it first may give you the few seconds needed to see it too. Staff have also assisted with mobility equipment, though you should still confirm the practical details before you reserve.
Commentary quality may vary. A microphone problem has occurred, and some people have found announcements difficult to hear. The cruise can still work well as a visual, social evening, but do not book it mainly for a detailed guided talk about marine life.
Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?
I would recommend it to you if you want:
- A short evening activity rather than a full-day boat trip
- Sunset views from the sea
- Included drinks and light food
- A family-friendly outing with a chance to see dolphins
- Resort pickup from an eligible area
- A relaxed social setting with plenty of seating
I would think twice if you:
- Get badly seasick
- Need guaranteed accessibility from pickup point to boat
- Want a quiet boat with no music or bar service
- Expect a full meal
- Would feel disappointed without dolphins
- Need a guaranteed gluten-free menu
- Want to stay offshore until the final glow after sunset
The trip is also a good choice for photography, but bring a warm layer and keep your camera secure. The best images may come before the sun reaches the horizon, when the sky has enough light for the coast, boat, and sea to remain visible.
Booking Advice for a Smoother Evening
This experience is often reserved about 16 days ahead, so popular sunset times may fill before your holiday. Book early if you need a particular date or resort pickup.
Give accurate hotel details at booking and check the confirmed pickup time. For a booking made inside 24 hours, go directly to Avenida del Varadero unless pickup has been confirmed.
You can cancel for a full refund up to 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 choose another date or receive a full refund.
The timing is tied to the season’s sunset, so check the start time again before leaving your accommodation. Bring flat shoes, a jacket, and any motion-sickness remedy you normally use. Eat a light meal first if a few sandwiches and fruit will not be enough for you.
Should You Book the Puerto del Carmen Sunset Sail?
Book it if you see the experience as a pleasant sunset cruise with drinks, snacks, and a hopeful search for dolphins. The strongest ingredients are the friendly crew, easy transfers from selected resorts, comfortable seating, and the chance of a genuinely memorable wildlife sighting.
Do not book it as a guaranteed dolphin tour or a dinner cruise. The food is light, the group may be large, the sea can be rough, and the sunset may be hidden by clouds or partly missed by the schedule.
For most visitors who enjoy the sea and can stay flexible, I think $61.27 is reasonable. Your best mindset is simple: the catamaran ride and sunset are the core experience, the refreshments are a useful extra, and dolphins are the lucky prize.
FAQ
Where does the cruise begin?
It begins at Avenida del Varadero, Av. del Varadero, 35518 Puerto del Carmen, Las Palmas, Spain. Boarding takes place at the Varadero harbour.
Where does the cruise end?
The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto del Carmen.
How long does the sailing last?
The cruise 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 closest pickup point can be confirmed.
Are there pickup restrictions?
Yes. Puerto Calero pickup is available only on Thursdays. Pickup from Playa Blanca is not available on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays.
What happens if I book within 24 hours?
Pickup is not guaranteed for bookings made within 24 hours of departure. You should go directly to the starting point unless the operator confirms a pickup.
Are dolphins guaranteed?
No. Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Some trips see many dolphins, while others see none.
What food is included?
Light food and snacks are included. These may include assorted canapés, sandwiches, fruit, Spanish tortilla, croquetas, and bread. It is not presented as a full dinner.
What drinks are included?
You receive a welcome mojito if you are 18 or older, plus one complimentary drink. Drinks offered onboard can include mojitos, sangria, beer, soft drinks, and water.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable flat shoes and bring a jacket, hoodie, or sweatshirt. It can become cooler after sunset, and the sea may be choppy. Blankets are not included.
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