Water Taxi: Puerto del Carmen – Puerto Calero

A boat ride can improve a simple day trip. This short Lanzarote crossing links Puerto del Carmen with Puerto Calero, and I like the friendly crew and the chance to see fish through the boat’s glass-bottom section. I also like that you can buy a one-way or return ticket, making it easy to walk one way and sail back. The main drawback is timing: departures can run late, so I would not use it for a tight appointment.

The crossing takes about 25 minutes, though several passengers describe journeys closer to 20 minutes. Toilets are on board, the boat is generally clean and comfortable, and the ride gives you a pleasant change from a taxi or bus. A short stop to look through the glass panels at marine life can make this feel like more than simple transport.

At about $13.31 per person, this is not the cheapest way to move between the two ports. The value improves if you treat it as a mini excursion, especially when you combine it with lunch, a market visit, or the coastal walk between Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen.

Key points to know before you sail

• The crossing takes about 25 minutes: It is a short, easy boat journey rather than a full-day cruise.
• Glass-bottom viewing adds interest: The boat may pause so you can look at fish and marine life below the surface.
• Puerto Calero makes a good lunch stop: The marina has shops, restaurants, and a calmer change of scene from Puerto del Carmen.
• Departure times matter: The published schedule includes departures from both ports, but local traffic and port conditions can alter the timetable.
• A return ticket gives you flexibility: If you are walking between the ports, you can use the boat for the ride back.
• Weather and events can affect service: Poor weather, a maritime procession, or heavy demand around a market can cause changes or delays.

Why take a water taxi between these two ports?

Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero are close enough to connect by road, but the water taxi makes the journey part of your day. You get open views of Lanzarote, a gentle ride across the water, and the small pleasure of arriving at a marina rather than simply stepping off a bus.

I see this as transport with a bit of holiday feeling attached. You do not need to plan a major excursion or spend hours on a boat. You simply board, settle in, and reach the other port in roughly 25 minutes.

The service is especially useful if you want to visit Puerto Calero without arranging a separate taxi. It also works well as the return leg after walking along the coast. Several passengers use the boat this way, walking from one port to the other and then taking the water taxi back.

The setting changes nicely between the two ends. Puerto del Carmen has the older harbor area, restaurants, and access to the town. Puerto Calero feels more like a polished marina stop, with boats, a few shops, and places to eat. The crossing gives you a simple way to experience both in one outing.

Starting at Puerto del Carmen’s old harbor

The Puerto del Carmen meeting point is Lineas Romero Watertaxi and excursions on Avenida del Varadero, 30, in Tías. The pickup is at the old town harbor, near gate 1 according to the practical directions provided for the service.

Allow time to walk along the quay. The boarding point can be farther along the harbor than you might expect, especially if you are arriving from the market area. One useful tip is to avoid assuming that the first visible pier is the correct one. Look for the Lineas Romero water taxi point and allow a little extra time for the walk.

Boarding is generally described as straightforward. The crew helps people on and off, and the boat has toilets on board. One family also received assistance getting a wheelchair user safely aboard, though the information does not promise a particular type of wheelchair access. If accessibility is important for your party, contact the operator before departure and explain your needs.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can take part without special fitness or boating ability.

The 25-minute crossing and glass-bottom viewing

Once the boat leaves the harbor, the main attraction is the ride itself. You will see Lanzarote from the water, with the coastline and port areas passing by rather than appearing as a static view from land.

The crossing is usually calm and easy. Several passengers describe the boat as clean, comfortable, and spacious, with enough room to sit without feeling cramped. The crew receives some of the strongest praise, with repeated mentions of helpful, polite, friendly, and entertaining staff.

The glass-bottom section is a welcome extra. On some crossings, the boat slows or stops for a few minutes so you can look down at fish and other marine life. Some passengers describe seeing plenty of fish near the harbor, while one person even reported seeing dolphins. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so I would treat them as a bonus rather than the reason to book.

The glass-bottom viewing also explains why the trip can feel longer and more enjoyable than a basic transfer. You may get a small nature-watching moment before continuing to Puerto Calero. The crew may also feed fish during the viewing stop, according to one account, but this should not be treated as a fixed part of every departure.

A few accounts describe a singing captain and a crew with a good sense of humor. That gives the service a relaxed, informal feel. It is not a silent commuter ferry, and the personality of the crew can add to the fun.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is a short crossing, not a dedicated whale-watching or sightseeing cruise. If the water is quiet and the visibility is good, the glass panels can add plenty. On another day, you may mainly enjoy the breeze and the view.

Arriving at Puerto Calero marina

Puerto Calero is the more compact stop, and you can see its appeal quickly. The marina offers shops to browse and a choice of restaurants, making it a useful place for coffee, lunch, or a relaxed wander.

The port is also a good reason to choose the water taxi instead of simply taking a bus. One passenger noted that the boat created a reason to visit a place they otherwise might have skipped. That is the real strength of this service: it connects two different parts of the resort area without making the journey feel like a chore.

Do not expect a huge town center or a long list of major sights. Puerto Calero works best as a pleasant marina stop. You can stroll, look at the boats, browse a few shops, and eat before catching a later departure back to Puerto del Carmen.

The published itinerary allows about 30 minutes at each stop, but you do not have to treat that as your total visit if you buy a return ticket and choose a later sailing. The timetable gives you room to plan a longer break, although you should check the return departure carefully before setting off.

Market days can make Puerto Calero busier and may give your visit extra interest. They can also bring heavier demand and delays. If you are visiting during a market or local event, build in spare time and do not plan a close connection afterward.

The timetable needs careful reading

The listed timetable is the most important practical detail. From Puerto del Carmen to Puerto Calero, departures are shown at:

• 10:30 AM
• 11:30 AM
• 12:30 PM
• 1:30 PM
• 3:00 PM
• 4:30 PM

From Puerto Calero to Puerto del Carmen, departures are shown at:

• 10:00 AM
• 11:00 AM
• 12:00 PM
• 1:00 PM
• 2:30 PM
• 3:45 PM

The service information also refers to 10 sailings daily, while the timetable supplied here lists six departures in each direction. Since times can change due to local traffic conditions, check the current departure information before you travel.

There is one particularly important trap: the schedule is not identical in both directions. A 10:00 AM departure is listed from Puerto Calero, not Puerto del Carmen. Confusing the two ports has led to people waiting for a boat that was not due to leave from their side at that time.

If you miss your selected departure, the service information says you can use another departure on the same day. That is helpful, but it does not remove the need to check the next sailing. In one case, a person expected a return after spending an hour at the marina, only to find no boat until 3:45 PM.

Delays have also occurred. Reported causes include local traffic, a market influx, and a maritime procession that temporarily affected the harbor. One departure left about 40 minutes late, while another was reported 45 minutes behind schedule. Most journeys are described as smooth, but I would leave a generous buffer if you have a restaurant booking, airport connection, or scheduled tour.

Is the $13.31 fare good value?

At around $13.31 per person, the water taxi costs more than a basic bus ride. One passenger specifically felt the bus offered better value for a simple 20-minute transfer.

That criticism is fair if your only goal is to get from one port to the other as cheaply as possible. The water taxi is not the budget transport choice. You are paying for the boat ride, the harbor views, the crew, the toilets on board, and the possibility of glass-bottom viewing.

The price makes more sense in these situations:

• You want a pleasant outing rather than a plain transfer.
• You plan to eat or browse in Puerto Calero.
• You want to walk between the ports in one direction.
• You prefer avoiding a road journey.
• You have children who would enjoy a short boat ride.
• You want to make a normal day in Puerto del Carmen feel a little different.

A return ticket can be the best value if you plan to spend a few hours in Puerto Calero. A one-way ticket makes more sense if you are combining the ride with a coastal walk or another form of transport.

I would not book this for the crossing alone if you are watching every euro. I would book it as part of a half-day plan. Have lunch in Puerto Calero, browse the marina, and return at a time that gives you breathing room.

Comfort, weather, and the less predictable parts

The boat is generally described as clean and comfortable, with plenty of space and short boarding waits on many departures. The crew seems to be a major part of the experience. Help with boarding, friendly conversation, and a light sense of humor are recurring strengths.

The sea can change the feel of the crossing. The activity requires favorable weather, and rougher conditions have made at least one return journey feel rushed and uncomfortable. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you feel most stable, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider carrying whatever remedy you normally use. That is general boating advice, not a promise about seating or sea conditions.

Do not count on the exact advertised minute. The timetable is useful for planning, but the operator notes that times can change. Port traffic, festivals, processions, and market crowds have all affected service at times.

The maximum group size is 100 people. That gives you an idea of the possible scale, though the actual number on your departure may be much lower. The experience is not presented as a private boat trip.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend the water taxi to couples, families, and solo visitors who want an easy change of scene. It also suits anyone who enjoys mixing a short boat ride with lunch and a walk.

It is a particularly good choice for:

• Visitors staying in Puerto del Carmen who want to see Puerto Calero.
• Families looking for a simple activity with a boat element.
• Walkers who want to return by sea.
• People who prefer a direct connection between the two ports.
• Anyone who enjoys marina views and a relaxed lunch stop.

I would be more cautious if you have a strict schedule or need guaranteed punctuality. The service can be delayed, and the limited departure pattern means a missed boat may create a long wait.

It may also disappoint you if you expect a full sightseeing tour. The views are pleasant, and the glass-bottom section can be fun, but the crossing is short. Think of it as a scenic transfer with a small marine-life extra.

Booking, cancellations, and useful planning advice

A mobile ticket makes booking simple, and confirmation is provided at the time of booking. You can choose a one-way or return transfer, but check the departure port and direction before you finalize your plans.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.

The service can be canceled for poor weather. In that case, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund. It can also be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not reached, with the choice of another date, another experience, or a full refund.

My practical plan would be simple: take an earlier sailing, enjoy Puerto Calero without rushing, and keep the return trip flexible. Check the schedule again at the harbor, especially if your visit falls on a market day or during a local celebration.

Should you book the Puerto del Carmen water taxi?

Yes, if you want more than the cheapest possible transfer. The boat is clean, the crew is often warm and helpful, the ride is short, and the glass-bottom viewing can turn a basic crossing into a pleasant mini excursion.

I would book a return ticket for a relaxed visit to Puerto Calero, perhaps with lunch and time to browse the marina. I would choose a one-way ticket if I planned to walk back along the coast.

Just keep the timetable in mind. Delays and schedule changes are the main weakness, and the fare is high beside the bus. If you allow spare time and see the crossing as part of the outing, this water taxi offers a cheerful, easy way to connect two Lanzarote ports.

FAQ

How long is the water taxi journey?

The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes. Some journeys have been described as taking closer to 20 minutes.

What are the departure times from Puerto del Carmen?

The listed departures from Puerto del Carmen are 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:30 PM.

What are the departure times from Puerto Calero?

The listed departures from Puerto Calero are 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 3:45 PM.

Can I buy a one-way ticket?

Yes. You can choose either a one-way or return transfer ticket.

Are toilets available on the boat?

Yes. Toilets are included on board.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Can children use the water taxi?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.