Catamaran Sailing in Lanzarote

The best part of this Lanzarote sailing trip is how quickly it shifts from a marina departure to a relaxed day at sea. You sail from Puerto Calero along the southeast coast, then anchor near the Papagayo beaches for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and lunch on board.

I like the all-inclusive feel, especially when drinks, snacks, fruit, Spanish cheese, and lunch are already covered. I also like the crew’s warm, hands-on approach. Staff members help with water activities, offer sailing tips, take group photos, and even lead extras such as yoga on the front nets. The main consideration is space: the boat can carry up to 55 people, and one booking party found it more crowded than expected.

Quick reasons to choose this cruise

• Papagayo anchorage: The boat stops near some of Lanzarote’s most attractive beaches, giving you time to swim and enjoy the coast from the water.
• More than a sightseeing ride: Snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming make this active enough for families and couples.
• Lunch and drinks included: You do not need to keep reaching for your wallet during the four-hour outing.
• A genuinely friendly crew: Sandra is one host praised for attentive service and useful little sailing lessons, including how to tie a Palstek knot.
• Two cruise styles: The family option suits mixed-age groups, while the Platinum cruise is for people aged 15 and over.
• Strong overall rating: The experience is recommended by 97 percent of customers and has a 4.9 rating from 793 reviews.

Setting out from Puerto Calero

Your meeting point is Catlanza SL Catamaran Sailing at the Nautica Gallery in Puerto Calero. You need to arrive 30 minutes before departure, which is sensible. Boarding a catamaran takes a little more coordination than stepping onto a bus, and arriving early lets you check in without rushing.

Hotel pickup may be available from a nearby bus stop, but the confirmed meeting point is the marina. Parking is reported to be plentiful, and the area is near public transport. Since the excursion ends back at the same place, you do not need to plan a second pickup at the far end of the coast.

Once aboard, the mood is easy. You can settle into a seat, watch the marina slip away, and get used to the boat before the open-water part of the trip. The crew speaks English, and some staff also speak Spanish and German. The listed language is English, so English-speaking visitors should be well covered.

This is sailing in the broad holiday sense rather than a hands-on sailing course. You get sailing insights and useful tips, but the main point is to enjoy the boat, the coast, food, and water time. If you want a technical lesson in navigation or sail handling, this is not the right product.

The run to Papagayo

The catamaran follows Lanzarote’s southeast coast toward Playa de Papagayo. From the water, you get a different view of the island than you would from a road or beach path. The coast unfolds slowly, and the boat gives you time to sit in the sun, take photographs, or simply watch the sea.

The route is one of the strongest reasons to book. Papagayo is known for beautiful beaches and clear water, but reaching it by catamaran makes the visit feel less like a quick stop and more like a half-day outing. You are not just dropped at a beach and left to find your own way around. The boat becomes your base for the entire visit.

Wildlife is never guaranteed, but dolphins have been seen on several outings. One group watched a pod swim in front of the catamaran, while others enjoyed fish while snorkeling. Treat these sightings as a bonus rather than a promise. The reliable attraction is the coastline and the stop for water activities.

The boat ride itself is also part of the experience. Some people want an active morning, while others prefer a calm cruise with a drink and a view. This trip makes room for both styles, which is useful when a group includes children, parents, and grandparents.

Papagayo: swim, snorkel, or stay dry

At Papagayo, the catamaran anchors so you can get into the water. You can swim, snorkel, use a kayak, or try a paddle board. The crew gives snorkeling advice and helps people get started, which matters if you are not confident in the water or have not used the equipment before.

The snorkeling can be rewarding. Fish have been spotted near the boat, and several outings have produced good underwater viewing. Still, this is not a specialist snorkeling expedition. Conditions change with wind, light, and water clarity, so you should book it for the full mix of sailing and water time rather than for a guaranteed marine-life encounter.

The water may feel cold, even in Lanzarote’s warm climate. One party enjoyed swimming but specifically noted the chill. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. A sweater is also recommended, and it is good advice for the sailing sections when the breeze picks up.

Kayaks and paddle boards add a playful touch. Equipment is shared among the group, so you may need to wait briefly for a turn. That is worth keeping in mind if your main goal is continuous paddle boarding. For most people, the range of choices works better than having one activity dominate the whole stop.

You can also stay on the catamaran. That is important for anyone who likes the sea but does not want to swim. Relaxing on deck, watching your group in the water, and enjoying a drink are perfectly valid ways to use the stop.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks on board

Food is a major part of the value here. Lunch is included, along with drinks, and the meal has been described as pasta with fresh fruit, vegetarian choices, Spanish cheese, and snacks served during the cruise. The exact menu can vary, so do not book expecting a particular dish every time.

The arrangement suits a half-day at sea. You do not have to leave the boat hungry, and you do not need to carry cash for drinks or food. That makes the outing simpler, especially for families managing several people.

The food is not the reason to choose a catamaran over a restaurant, but it adds real value. A meal served after swimming or paddle boarding changes the feel of the trip from a basic boat ride to a complete excursion. Champagne has also been served on some outings, and drinks are available throughout the sailing.

If you have strict dietary needs, confirm them before booking. The available information mentions vegetarian food, but it does not give a full list of allergies, substitutions, or special diets.

A crew that keeps the trip moving

The crew receives the highest praise for this experience. Their role is not limited to serving food and pointing out the coast. They help with equipment, talk with adults and children, offer sailing information, and keep the atmosphere friendly without forcing everyone into organized entertainment.

Sandra is singled out as an attentive host who shared small tips and useful facts. One memorable lesson involved tying a Palstek, a type of sailing knot. That kind of detail gives the trip more character than a standard cruise with a scripted announcement.

Yoga on the front nets has also been offered. It is a fun extra, not a guaranteed part of every departure, but it shows the relaxed style of the cruise. You might join in, take photographs, or simply stretch out and watch the water.

The crew also takes photographs for groups. That is a small but helpful service, especially when everyone wants a picture together and no one wants to hand a phone to a stranger. The staff’s willingness to help is one reason this works well for first-time boat passengers.

Family cruise or Platinum adults-only sailing

Catlanza offers a family cruise and a Platinum adults-only excursion for people aged 15 and over. That gives you a useful choice when planning around the mood of your group.

The family option works for mixed generations. Children can use the water equipment, adults can relax with drinks, and older family members can enjoy the coastline without needing to take part in every activity. The crew’s interaction with children has been a recurring strength.

The Platinum option is not for young children. It may suit couples, older teenagers, and adults who want a quieter atmosphere. Check that you are selecting the correct departure, since the age rule is specific: participants must be over 15.

The catamaran can hold up to 55 people. That is not a tiny private sailing. Many departures feel comfortable, and some groups specifically appreciated having room to move around. Still, one customer expected about 25 people and found closer to 40 on board. If you want a private or nearly empty boat, choose a smaller charter instead.

Is $90.70 good value?

At $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend four hours in Lanzarote. But the price includes much more than transport along the coast. You are paying for the catamaran, the Papagayo stop, crew service, lunch, snacks, drinks, and access to several water activities.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a meal, drinks, equipment hire, and transport to the coast. It also helps that the cruise returns to Puerto Calero, so the outing does not require a second travel plan at the end.

I would see the price as fair for a full half-day experience, especially if you plan to use the water equipment and enjoy the meal. It is less compelling if you only want a short scenic boat ride and do not care about swimming, snorkeling, or lunch.

This is also a good use of time during a short Lanzarote holiday. Four hours is long enough to feel like a proper outing but short enough to leave part of the day free. The boat trip can become one of your main island activities rather than a filler between larger plans.

What to bring and what to expect

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. Add a light sweater because the breeze can make the sailing sections feel cooler than the marina. Smart casual clothing is the stated dress code, though practical sun and swim gear matters more once the boat leaves shore.

Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off uses local time, so check the timing carefully if you are arranging several island activities.

Most people can participate, but the experience involves boarding a boat, moving around a deck, and getting in and out of the water if you choose the activities. The supplied information does not give detailed accessibility guidance, so contact Catlanza SL before booking if you have specific mobility needs.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this cruise to families who want several activities in one outing. It also suits couples, first-time boat passengers, and anyone who wants to see the southeast coast without organizing separate transport, lunch, and equipment.

It is especially good for a group with mixed interests. One person can snorkel, another can paddle board, and someone else can remain on deck with a drink. The crew’s friendly style also helps if you are unsure how to use the equipment.

You may want another option if you dislike group excursions, need a silent sailing, or want a private captain-led trip. The boat can carry up to 55 people, and shared equipment means the water activities are communal rather than exclusive.

Should you book the Papagayo catamaran?

Yes, if you want an easy, well-rounded half-day on the water. The combination of Papagayo, swimming, snorkeling, paddle boards, kayaks, lunch, and drinks gives you plenty for the $90.70 price. The crew is the strongest part of the experience, adding practical help and a personal touch without making the trip feel stiff.

Book with realistic expectations about group size and weather. Dolphins may appear, the water may be chilly, and the boat may feel busier than a private charter. Choose the family sailing for mixed ages or Platinum for a 15-plus outing, arrive early, bring a sweater and towel, and let the day unfold at sea.

FAQ

Where does the Catamaran Sailing in Lanzarote tour start?

It starts at Catlanza SL Catamaran Sailing, Nautica Gallery, 35571 Puerto Calero, Las Palmas, Spain.

Where does the cruise finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Calero.

How long does the cruise last?

The sailing lasts approximately four hours.

What destination does the catamaran visit?

The cruise sails along Lanzarote’s southeast coast and anchors at Playa de Papagayo.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with drinks and snacks served during the cruise.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. You have time to swim and snorkel at the Papagayo stop, and the crew offers snorkeling tips.

Are kayaks and paddle boards available?

Yes. Kayaks and paddle boards are available to use from the boat, along with swimming and snorkeling.

Is there an adults-only option?

Yes. The Platinum adults-only excursion is for people over 15 years old.

How early should I arrive?

You must arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.