Water Taxi: Puerto del Carmen – Puerto Calero

Water Taxi: Puerto del Carmen – Puerto Calero Review

Traveling around Lanzarote can be surprisingly straightforward, especially with options like the water taxi between Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero. This boat ride isn’t just a quick transit — it’s an opportunity to enjoy the sea, take in scenic views, and hop between two of the island’s most charming spots without the hassle of traffic or long waits.

What we love is how affordable and flexible this service is, with multiple departures throughout the day, making it easy to fit into any itinerary. The boat itself offers comfortable seating options, whether you prefer to stay shaded or soak up the sun. Plus, the reviews highlight friendly staff and a smooth ride, making it a genuinely enjoyable little adventure.

One thing to consider is that, while the crossing is about 25 minutes, weather conditions can influence the experience — rough seas might make the trip less comfortable for some. It’s a simple, no-fuss option perfect for those wanting a quick sea journey or a fun activity that doesn’t break the bank. If you’re after a scenic, convenient way to explore Lanzarote’s coast, this water taxi is a solid choice.

This experience suits travelers who love short, scenic trips, need to connect quickly between ports, or want a bit of sea breeze during their island stay. It’s also great for families, solo explorers, or anyone curious about seeing Lanzarote from a different angle.

Key Points

• Affordable and Convenient: With a price of just over $12 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to travel.
• Flexible Schedule: Multiple departures every 1.5 hours make planning easy.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy glimpses of Lanzarote’s coastlines and marine life during the short cruise.
• Comfortable Options: Choose between shaded covered seating or open-air deck.
• Authentic Local Experience: Staff are friendly and helpful, and the marina locations add to the charm.
• Weather Dependence: The trip is subject to weather conditions, which can affect timing and comfort.

Detailed Review of the Water Taxi Experience

Overall Experience

The Lanzarote water taxi connecting Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero offers a straightforward, no-frills way to travel between these two popular spots. At a price of roughly $12.79 per person, it provides excellent value, especially considering the scenic backdrop and the chance to see the island from the water. The boat ride lasts about 25 minutes, making it an ideal quick escape for those who want to avoid the hassle of buses or cars, or for anyone wanting a brief, scenic journey.

The boats operate with impressive frequency, with ten sailings per day in each direction, departing roughly every 1.5 hours from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm from Puerto del Carmen, and from 10 am to 3:45 pm from Puerto Calero. This flexibility helps travelers plan around other activities, whether you’re grabbing lunch in Puerto Calero or enjoying a morning in Puerto del Carmen.

What Makes It Special

The boat itself is a clean, comfortable vessel with options to sit in shaded areas or bask in the sun on the open deck. From reviews, it’s clear that the crew is friendly and engaging, often making the journey more enjoyable. One passenger mentioned chatting with a crew member, describing her as lovely and adding a personal touch to the trip. Another noted that the captain was funny and made the crossing fun for kids, which hints at a crew that knows how to keep things light.

A major highlight for many is the scenery. As the boat glides across the water, you get views of the coastline, the marina at Puerto Calero, and the busy harbor at Puerto del Carmen. Some reviews also mention the possibility of spotting marine life like dolphins, particularly in the glass-bottomed boat experience, which adds an extra layer of enjoyment for wildlife enthusiasts.

The Itinerary and Stops

The main “itinerary” consists of crossing between two ports — Calero Marinas at Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen. Each stop is brief, around 30 minutes, giving you just enough time to explore, browse shops, or grab a bite.

In Puerto Calero, the marina is described as lovely, with a few shops for browsing and a good selection of restaurants. Many travelers use this stop to indulge in a quick lunch or coffee, taking advantage of the relaxed, upscale marina environment. It’s a quieter, more refined contrast to the lively Puerto del Carmen.

In Puerto del Carmen, the departure point is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to reach. The journey back offers a great chance to relax and enjoy the ocean views, often with friendly chatter from the crew. One reviewer mentioned the boat being clean and the journey being smooth, highlighting the overall comfort.

Authentic Experiences and Reviews

A handful of reviews reveal some interesting firsthand insights. For example, one traveler shared that they enjoyed feeding fish and watching them from the glass-bottom boat, making the trip more interactive. Others appreciated the helpfulness of the staff, especially in assisting children or wheelchair users — a key point if traveling with family or those with mobility concerns.

A common theme in positive reviews is the friendly atmosphere onboard, with passengers feeling well looked after. Several mentioned returning customers, which suggests the trip offers consistent quality and a pleasant experience.

Considerations and Caveats

While most reviews praise the trip, a few mention delays or weather-related issues. For example, one passenger noted the boat was significantly late due to a large influx of people for a local market event. Another was caught in choppy seas, which made the crossing less comfortable.

It’s also worth noting that this isn’t a sightseeing tour with extensive stops or guided commentary — it’s primarily a transportation service with scenic value. If you’re expecting a detailed tour or activities, this might not be the right fit. Food and drinks aren’t included, so plan to bring snacks or plan lunch on land.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Check the timetable: Although departures are frequent, confirm the schedule beforehand, especially if you’re on a tight timeline.
• Arrive early: Popular departure times could mean a busier boarding process, so arrive a little in advance.
• Weather preparedness: If you’re sensitive to choppy seas, consider timing your trip for calmer days or sitting in the shaded area.
• Booking ahead: Pre-book via Viator or similar platforms to secure your spot and avoid disappointment during busy seasons.
• Bring essentials: While toilets are on board, bring water, sun protection, or a hat for open-air decks.

The Value of This Experience

For just over $12, you get more than a simple ride — it’s a quick scenic escape that connects two beautiful ports. The trip’s duration and frequency mean it’s flexible enough to slot into a variety of itineraries, whether you want a quick trip to explore Puerto Calero’s boutiques or just enjoy a breezy ride on the water.

The reviews show that the crew’s friendliness, the views, and the overall comfort make this a pleasant experience. It’s particularly appealing for families, solo travelers, or anyone seeking an authentic boat crossing without the hefty price tag of larger tours.

While it’s not a full-day excursion or a sightseeing tour with commentary, it’s a charming, practical way to enjoy the coast, see some marine life, and take a breather from land-based activities. The fact that it operates almost daily and is easy to book makes it a reliable choice for spontaneous plans or scheduled sightseeing.

Who Should Consider This Water Taxi?

This experience is perfect for travelers who prioritize value and convenience. It offers a quick, scenic transit with a friendly crew and smooth operation. If you’re looking for a relaxed, low-cost way to explore Lanzarote’s coast, it suits families, solo travelers, or couples wanting a moment of sea air.

For those who love authentic, local experiences, the marina locations add charm, and the friendly staff genuinely enhance the trip. It’s also well-suited for travelers who enjoy small group settings and want to avoid large, impersonal tours.

However, if your trip relies heavily on exact timing, or if you’re hoping for a detailed sightseeing experience, you might prefer other options. Weather can impact the experience, so flexible travelers are better suited.

FAQ

How long is the boat ride?
The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes, making it a quick and manageable trip for most travelers.

Can I buy tickets on the day of travel?
Yes, tickets are available for purchase at the departure points, but pre-booking through Viator is recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons.

What are the departure times?
From Puerto del Carmen, boats leave every 1.5 hours from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. From Puerto Calero, departures range from 10 am to 3:45 pm, with multiple options throughout the day.

Is the ride subject to weather conditions?
Yes, the trip depends on favorable weather. Bad weather may lead to cancellations or delays, with options for rescheduling or full refunds.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. You’re advised to bring snacks or plan to eat at the marina or local restaurants.

Is the service wheelchair friendly?
Yes, staff are helpful, and assistance can be provided to help wheelchair users board safely, as noted in some reviews.

Can children participate?
Absolutely. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and many reviews mention how kids enjoy the friendly crew and the short, scenic ride.

Final Thoughts

The water taxi between Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero offers a practical, scenic, and budget-friendly way to experience Lanzarote’s coast from a different perspective. It’s ideal for those who want a quick escape, enjoy being on the water, or need an easy connection between two popular spots.

With consistent positive feedback about the friendly crew, comfortable boats, and beautiful views, this service is a charming addition to any Lanzarote itinerary. Just remember to check the weather, book in advance if possible, and embrace the simple pleasure of a breezy, sea-based transport.

If you’re after a laid-back, authentic experience that combines location, scenery, and good value, this water taxi is definitely worth a try. It’s more than just a ride — it’s an enjoyable mini adventure.