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A Lanzarote tour is a practical and easy way to explore the main points of interest on the island. There are plenty of fun Lanzarote excursions to choose from, and, best of all, you don’t have to worry about organizing the itinerary and transportation.
Since there are all kinds of tours and day trips available, I’m sharing the best excursions around the island. You have your pick of more general tours through Lanzarote as well as specific excursions that let you explore the top attractions in Lanzarote in more detail. There are even day trips from Lanzarote to other Canary Islands.
To sum up, these are the 10 best guided tours in Lanzarote:
- Full day Lanzarote tour
- Timanfaya National Park
- Excursion to La Graciosa
- Dolphin-watching tour
- Papagayo beaches cruise
- Hike through Los Volcanes Natural Park
- Tour to Fuerteventura
- Isla de Lobos
- César Manrique tour
- Scuba diving excursion
As you see, you don’t need to rent a car in Lanzarote to explore this unique island.
1. Full day Lanzarote tour, the best excursion in Lanzarote
This day tour is the perfect Lanzarote excursion if you’re short on time but want to see all the island’s main attractions. Over the course of nine hours, you’ll visit interesting areas like Timanfaya National Park, the Cueva de los Verdes, and the Jameos del Agua.
First, Timanfaya National Park is one of the most famous places in Lanzarote thanks to its incredible volcanic landscapes. With this tour, you’ll visit the park and do the Route of the Volcanoes, a bus ride through the Fire Mountains. Then, head to the Visitors Center where you’ll watch impressive geothermal demonstrations.
Afterward, head to the Cueva de los Verdes, another intriguing place that originated from a volcanic eruption many years ago. Here, you’ll travel through part of a 3.7-mile lava tunnel, which extends from the volcano’s crater to the sea.
The last stop on this Lanzarote tour is the Jameos del Agua, a unique cavern shaped by volcanic lava. Inside, you’ll see a beautiful natural lake and white crabs, an endemic species in Lanzarote. Don’t forget to check out the café here, as well as the gardens designed by César Manrique, Lanzarote’s most prestigious local artist.
- Highlights: Timanfaya National Park, Cueva de los Verdes, Jameos del Agua
- Duration: 9 hours
- Price from: €63
- Departs from: Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Playa Honda, Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero and Playa Blanca.
2. Timanfaya, one of the most famous excursions in Lanzarote
If you have time, I highly recommend doing a tour specifically in Timanfaya. This tour in particular is one of the most popular excursions in Lanzarote and takes you to Timanfaya National Park and its surroundings.
Visiting Timanfaya is a must-do while you’re on Lanzarote since it boasts unique geological formations and stunning landscapes. Despite being devoid of vegetation, the area is bathed in shades of black, gray, ochre, orange, and red.
At Timanfaya’s Visitors Center, you can watch intriguing geothermal demonstrations to see how the underlayers of soil still emit heat from the last volcanic eruptions. Then, continue your Lanzarote volcano tour by taking a bus ride along the Route of the Volcanoes. During the 35-minute ride, you’ll see the beautiful expanses of Timanfaya’s various landscapes and some of the most active volcanoes in Lanzarote.
The second leg of this day tour through Lanzarote takes you to the town of El Golfo. Here, you’ll see Los Hervideros, a series of rock formations along the coast. You’ll also visit Charco de Los Clicos, a natural crater lake known for its green waters, a result of the high concentrations of sulfur here.
While there are other tours to Timanfaya, this particular excursion is one of my favorites since it includes a visit to La Geria. This town is famous for its vineyards, which must use specific cultivation methods to produce wine in the volcanic soil.
- Highlights: Timanfaya National Park
- Duration: 7 hours
- Price from: €40
- Departs from: Costa Teguise, Arrecife, and Puerto del Carmen.
3. La Graciosa, the best excursion from Lanzarote to other Canary Islands
Although Lanzarote has a lot to offer, there are other nearby islands that are worth discovering. If you have time, a visit to La Graciosa is one of the best day trips from Lanzarote you can do. I recommend this tour, which includes transportation and takes you to several main attractions in La Graciosa.
This excursion from Lanzarote begins with a bus ride to the Órzola port on the northern coast of the island. From here, you’ll take the 25-minute ferry ride to La Graciosa, ending up in the capital, Caleta de Sebo. Take some time to walk along the picturesque streets and admire the relaxed atmosphere of the smallest Canary Island.
Later, you’ll board a catamaran and cruise along the southern coast of La Graciosa while enjoying mojitos and snacks. After sailing for a while, you’ll disembark at Playa Francesa, one of the best beaches in Lanzarote. Here, you’ll have free time to splash around in the turquoise waters, go snorkeling or kayaking, or sunbathe on the sand. Also, this Lanzarote tour includes a paella lunch and an open bar. In the afternoon, you’ll take the catamaran back to the Caleta de Sebo pier, where the ferry will take you back to Lanzarote.
Keep in mind that if you’d rather not take an organized tour, you can drive yourself to Órzola and board this ferry to La Graciosa. While you’ll have the freedom to manage your time and choose what to do, I prefer the day tour with the catamaran cruise, which I think is well worth the price.
- Highlights: La Graciosa
- Duration: 6 hours
- Price from: €65
- Departs from: Puerto Calero, Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Órzola.
4. The best dolphin-watching tour from Lanzarote
Seeing dolphins in Lanzarote is a one-of-a-kind experience that you can’t miss while visiting the island. I highly recommend this speedboat tour to see dolphins, whales, and other marine animals around Lanzarote.
While cruising along the coast, you’ll get panoramic views of Lanzarote and the open water. This Lanzarote dolphin tour also includes some free time to swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters.
Moreover, this is one of the best boat trips in Lanzarote because it’s carried out with great care and respect for the natural environment and marine life. You’ll get an overview of the tour and what to expect before setting sail, and your guide will tell you all about the different aquatic species you’ll see off the coast.
- Highlights: Watching dolphins and other cetaceans
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price from: €31
- Departs from: Puerto del Carmen.
5. Papagayo beaches cruise, the best boat tour in Lanzarote
This is the best thing to do if you hire a yacht in Lanzarote, but if you can’t afford it, another great boat tour in Lanzarote is this cruise to the beaches of Papagayo. During the 4-hour trip, you’ll sail on the crystal clear waters around Lanzarote and enjoy the beautiful virgin beaches along the coast.
The tour begins with a transfer to Puerto del Carmen, one of the island’s main towns. From here, you’ll board the boat and set sail for your cruise around Lanzarote. Sip on a refreshing mojito and fuel up with complimentary tapas as your guide explains the itinerary for this Lanzarote tour.
As you enjoy your boat ride, you’ll approach Papagayo Beach, where you’ll disembark and have free time to sunbathe or do some watersports. This excursion from Lanzarote also includes lunch, which is served on the boat before making the return journey to the port.
If you’re on a tighter budget, don’t worry because you can still visit Papagayo Beach. This kayak and snorkel tour is a more affordable option that lets you see the beach and get close to the marine life, including starfish, schools of fish, and even manta rays.
Moreover, the tour includes all the necessary snorkeling or kayaking equipment and professional instruction. The kayak ride last about an hour, followed by about 45 minutes of free time to go snorkeling.
- Highlights: Papagayo beaches
- Duration: 2-4 hours
- Price from: €46-€65
- Departs from: Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise.
6. Hike through Los Volcanes Natural Park, the top Lanzarote hiking tour
If you enjoy hiking, you’ll love this guided hike through Los Volcanes Natural Park. It’s one of the best walking tours in Lanzarote since you’ll get to see Los Volcanes Natural Park and its neighbor, Timanfaya National Park. The hike lasts about three hours, during which you’ll immerse yourself in the otherworldly volcanic landscapes of the park.
The route is about 4.3 miles long and goes past amazing calderas, craters, and lava tunnels. What makes this Lanzarote hiking tour stand out is the spectacular panoramic view of the landscape, which features shades of black, brown, orange, and red.
Also, this guided tour of Timanfaya includes pick-up service from different parts of the island. You can opt to do the tour without pick-up, although you’ll have to get to the meeting point at Finca Testeina car park on your own.
Finally, your hiking guide will tell you all about the volcanic eruptions that ravaged the island hundreds of years ago. For me, it’s one of the best overall Lanzarote excursions, so don’t miss it.
- Highlights: Los Volcanes Natural Park
- Duration: 6 hours
- Price from: €40
- Departs from: Tour without pick-up: Finca Testeina car park, Tías. Tour with pick-up: Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca, and Puerto del Carmen.
7. Tour to Fuerteventura, the best Lanzarote day trip
Fuerteventura is one of the most beautiful Canary Islands, as well as the second-largest. Known for its sand dunes and over 90 miles of virgin sand beaches, it makes for a wonderful day trip from Lanzarote. So, if you want to see Fuerteventura for yourself, I recommend this tour, which includes pick-up from several areas of Lanzarote.
After picking you up, the bus will take you to the port of Playa Blanca, one of the most important tourist centers on Lanzarote. From there, you’ll board the ferry and take the 30-minute ride to the Corralejo port in Fuerteventura.
Once you disembark, you’ll be able to explore the most popular places in Fuerteventura, such as El Cotillo, a charming fishing village by the sea. Get lost in the picturesque streets and visit El Tostón Castle, a defensive tower built in the 15th century.
The next stop is my favorite, Corralejo, a town full of delicious seafood restaurants, narrow streets, and beautiful architecture. The tour ends with a stop at Corralejo Natural Park, where you can see the famous dunes and take a dip in the ocean.
This Lanzarote day tour to Fuerteventura is worth the price, but if you prefer to make the trip on your own, you can take the ferry from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura.
- Highlights: Fuerteventura
- Duration: 9 hours
- Price from: €53
- Departs from: Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen, and Playa Blanca.
8. Isla de Lobos, a day trip from Lanzarote to another incredible island
Although you can no longer see sea lions from Isla de Lobos, there are plenty of other things to see and do here. While Isla de Lobos is a small island, it makes for one of the best day trips from Lanzarote. With this excursion, you can explore one of the best hidden treasures in the Canary archipelago.
The tour begins with a bus transfer to the Puerto del Carmen marina. From there, you’ll board a boat and sail along the Lanzarote coast to Isla de Lobos. This area is frequented by dolphins and whales, so keep your eyes peeled for these majestic creatures! Not only that, but the views from this Lanzarote boat tour are extraordinary, so you won’t regret it.
Once you arrive at Isla de Lobos, you’ll have time to explore its small town and experience its relaxed atmosphere. Swim in the crystal clear waters, walk along the virgin sand beaches, and lose track of time while admiring the natural environment.
Finally, this excursion includes lunch onboard the boat, making it one of the best underrated tours from Lanzarote.
- Highlights: Lobos Island
- Duration: 5 hours
- Price from: €61
- Departs from: Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero, and Playa Blanca.
9. César Manrique tour, an impressive cultural tour in Lanzarote
César Manrique was a famous painter and sculptor born in the Canary Islands, and he remains the most pivotal artist in Lanzarote. His career was spent preserving the island’s historical monuments while designing sustainable landscapes and gardens with respect to the natural ecosystem.
Moreover, Manrique was a renowned environmentalist, and he left a profound cultural legacy here, which has spread throughout the world. So, if you love art, nature, or you’re just curious about Manrique, I recommend taking this excursion.
During this Lanzarote day tour, you’ll discover the world of César Manrique and visit his prestigious art centers: the Monumento al Campesino, the Cactus Garden, the Mirador del Río, and the César Manrique Foundation. In addition, you’ll get a brief tour of Lanzarote’s northern end, including the Haría, the Riscos de Famara, and the Volcán de la Corona.
Finally, this Lanzarote excursion includes the option to visit either the Jameos del Agua or the Cueva de los Verdes. These two natural areas were formed from volcanic eruptions and represent two of the most iconic sites in Lanzarote. Their stunning formations and colors influenced Manrique, as you can see in his works.
- Highlights: Monumento al Campesino, the Cactus Garden, the Mirador del Río, and the César Manrique Foundation. Option to see the Jameos del Agua or the Cueva de los Verdes.
- Duration: 8 hours
- Price from: €63
- Departs from: Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero, and Playa Blanca.
10. Scuba diving, a Lanzarote excursion you can’t miss
Last but not least, this diving tour is one of the overall best excursions from Lanzarote. I recommend this tour if you’ve already seen the most famous landmarks on the island and want to explore the seabed off the coast.
During this tour, you’ll learn some basic techniques and how to use the diving equipment. Then, choose between one or two 40-minute dives about 13 feet below the sea.
Among the sights you’ll see, the bay of Costa Teguise is a calm area full of marine life. Keep an eye out for species like porgies, ornate wrasses, spider crabs, and even squids.
- Highlights: Scuba diving
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price from: €70-€101
- Departs from: Costa Teguise
As you can see, there are all kinds of tours from Lanzarote, from half-day excursions to full-day trips, and tours on land and sea. I know you’ll find an option that suits your preferences! Of course, if you have any questions or you’d like to share your experience taking one of these Lanzarote excursions, leave me a comment. I’d love to hear from you. Until then, safe travels!