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Getting to your boarding points for your Lanzarote whale watching tours

Whale watching tours are among Lanzarote’s biggest draws, and heading out into the open waters on a boat is an experience like no other. However, before you begin your tour, you must understand how to get to your boarding points.

​Lanzarote whale watching tours take place along the island’s southern coast, primarily departing from marinas in Puerto del Carmen or Puerto Calero. These locations are relatively close to each other (a 10-minute drive), making them easy to reach from most resort areas. Travel times are short, usually under 30 minutes by car or taxi, depending on where on the island you are. You can choose between taxis for convenience, buses for budget travel, or self-driving for flexibility.

Where are the key boarding points located?

Puerto del Carmen

Located on Lanzarote’s southeast coast, Puerto del Carmen is one of the island’s busiest resort areas and a common departure point for whale watching tours. Its harbor sits near the historic old town and fishing port, making it easy to reach from nearby beaches and hotels.

Address: Puerto del Carmen Harbour, Avenida del Varadero, 35510 Tías, Lanzarote, Spain | Find on Google Maps

How to get there:

  • By bus: From Arrecife (Lanzarote’s capital and main transport hub), buses toward Puerto del Carmen typically take about 20–25 minutes to reach the harbor area, depending on the route and stops. 
  • By taxi: A taxi from Arrecife city center takes approximately 15–20 minutes for the ~10 km journey and offers the most direct drop-off near the marina entrance.
  • By car: Driving from Arrecife takes about 15 minutes via the LZ-2 and LZ-40 roads. Parking is available near the harbor, though spaces can fill quickly during peak tourist seasons. 

Puerto Calero Marina

Puerto Calero Marina lies a few kilometers west of Puerto del Carmen on Lanzarote’s southern coast. Known for its modern harbor and waterfront promenade, it is a quieter and more organized departure point that many whale watching operators use for small-group tours.

Address: Puerto Calero Marina, Calle Isla Lobos, 35571 Yaiza, Lanzarote, Spain | Find on Google Maps

How to get there:

  • By bus: From Arrecife, buses toward Puerto del Carmen or Yaiza connect to Puerto Calero with a total journey time of roughly 25–35 minutes, followed by a short walk from the nearest stop to the marina.
  • By taxi: A taxi from Arrecife city center usually takes about 20 minutes for the 13 km trip, offering a quick and convenient option if you are heading to an early morning departure.
  • By car: Driving from Arrecife takes around 20 minutes via the LZ-2 highway. The marina has dedicated visitor parking areas close to the harbor and boarding docks.

Compare your travel options

ModeDurationCostBest for

Taxi

10–30 min

Moderate

Convenient pick-ups and drop-offs

Bus

15–50 min

Low

Ideal for those on a budget

Car

10–30 min

Moderate (consider the cost of fuel)

Commuting with flexibility & privacy

Getting around Lanzarote whale watching locations

Since whale watching is not confined to a single location, getting around depends on which marina your tour departs from. Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen are compact and easy to navigate on foot once you arrive, with clearly marked marina areas and waterfront paths.

If you plan to explore beyond your departure point, taxis and rental cars are the most practical options. Local buses connect major resort towns, but they are less convenient for short transfers between marinas or if you’re on a tight schedule.

Other activities to do in Lanzarote

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Stop by Papagayo beach

Located within a protected natural area in southern Lanzarote, the Papagayo beaches are known for their golden sand coves and exceptionally clear turquoise waters. The sheltered bays and volcanic backdrop make this one of the island’s most scenic spots for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing by the sea.

Catch the spectacular sunset

Lanzarote’s western and southern coasts offer beautiful sunset viewpoints where the sun slowly sinks into the Atlantic horizon. The warm light reflecting off volcanic cliffs and ocean waters creates a calm and memorable evening atmosphere.

Soak in the volcanic scenery along the coast

Much of Lanzarote’s coastline is shaped by ancient lava flows, forming dramatic cliffs, rocky shorelines, and unusual geological formations. Exploring these coastal landscapes offers striking views of the island’s volcanic character meeting the open Atlantic.

Handy tips to make the most of your time on the island

  • Best time: Choose morning departures for calmer seas and a smoother experience. 
  • Booking hack: Reserve your preferred time slot in advance, especially for sunset tours, which have limited capacity and very high demand. 
  • Seasonal note: Summer months can see higher demand, so allow extra time for travel and parking. 
  • Flexibility: Keep buffer time before departure, as schedules can shift with changes to the weather on the island. 

Frequently asked questions about getting to your Lanzarote whale watching boarding points

The two main boarding points are Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero. Both are located a mere 10-minute drive apart. However, the boarding point will vary based on which experience you choose, so make sure to check your ticket carefulyl to avoid any hassles on the day of your tour.