Lanzarote: Day Trip to the Papagayo Beaches by Catamaran

Papagayo’s golden coves are the star of this Lanzarote day at sea. You sail south from Puerto del Carmen, pass volcanic cliffs, then anchor near one of the island’s most beautiful beach areas for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and a generous lunch. I like the open bar and included meal, and I like that you can be active or simply stretch out on deck. The main catch is that the trip lasts about four hours on the water, not a full day at the beach, and rough seas can change the anchorage.

This is a good-value boat outing for couples, families with older children, and anyone wanting an easy day away from resort pools. The crew has earned strong marks for friendly service, with Carla mentioned as a particularly memorable guide. If you suffer from seasickness, take that seriously. The crew can help with ice, water, and sickness bags, but prevention is far better than spending the cruise feeling ill.

Key points at a glance

• Golden Papagayo coastline: Sail past Lanzarote’s dark volcanic cliffs to the pale coves of the Costa de Papagayo.
• About two hours at anchor: Use the stop for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, jumping from the boat, or relaxing on a floating mat.
• Lunch with unlimited drinks: Choose Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.
• A friendly, lively crew: Expect helpful service, music on the return trip, and a relaxed social mood rather than a quiet luxury cruise.
• Pickup depends on your resort: Transfers cover selected points in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise, with some day-specific limits.
• Weather matters: Wind can prevent the boat from anchoring directly at Papagayo, though a sheltered nearby bay may be used instead.

Setting sail from Puerto del Carmen

The day begins at Puerto del Carmen Harbour, at the last pier at the far end of the harbour, past the petrol station. If you arrange hotel pickup, a transfer brings you from the nearest designated meeting point. The exact time and place are sent after booking, so give the operator your accommodation details and check your email carefully.

Once aboard the Líneas Romero sailing catamaran, the crew welcomes you with a mojito and a Spanish omelette tapa. There is also a short introduction to the plan for the day. That small snack matters because pickup can be early, and you may have some waiting and transfer time before lunch.

The catamaran then heads south toward Papagayo. The outward crossing takes roughly an hour. This is your chance to settle into the boat, feel the wind, and look back at Lanzarote’s volcanic shoreline. The boat provides live commentary in English, Spanish, French, and, on request, Italian and German.

The mood is social rather than formal. Music may play later in the day, and the crew sometimes encourages dancing and photos on the return trip. You can also find a quiet corner on deck, but this is not designed as a silent sailing voyage. If you want a calm escape, sit away from the livelier areas and keep your expectations realistic.

Seeing the Costa de Papagayo from the water

The Costa de Papagayo is known for pale golden beaches set against Lanzarote’s stark volcanic terrain. From the sea, you get a different view from a road trip or beach visit. The coves appear as clean bands of sand beneath rugged cliffs, with clear water close to shore.

The catamaran anchors for around two hours. This is the most useful part of the trip because you are free to shape it around your energy level. You can climb into the water, use a kayak, try snorkeling, jump from the boat, or stay dry with a drink and enjoy the view.

Families should note that the boat offers life jackets for adults and children who need them. The water activities are best suited to confident swimmers, and getting in and out of the sea uses a ladder. If you have limited mobility, the steep stairs to the lower-deck toilets and the boat ladder may be difficult.

The description includes snorkeling, but snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel if that activity matters to you. Kayaks are provided, and there may also be an inflatable floating mat. Kayaks can be popular, so go early during the water stop rather than assuming one will always be free.

You do not disembark onto Papagayo beach. The boat remains offshore, so this is a coastal sailing and swimming trip, not a beach landing. That distinction is important if you want to walk on the sand or explore the coves on foot.

Lunch, paella, pasta, and the open bar

Lunch is served on board while the catamaran is anchored or during the stop. You choose between traditional Spanish paella and pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit. Portions have been described as generous, and the food is one of the strongest parts of the outing.

The paella is the natural choice if you want a Spanish meal, but pasta gives you a simpler option. Vegetarian and celiac diets can be accommodated if you notify the provider in advance. Do not wait until boarding to ask, since special meals require prior notice.

The drinks package includes unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. This is a major part of the value at $75 per person. A coastal boat trip with lunch and transport can add up quickly if drinks are extra, while here you can order throughout the cruise without keeping track of each glass.

Still, the open bar shapes the atmosphere. Some people will treat this as a relaxed party boat, especially on the return journey. It may not suit you if you want a refined sailing experience or if you prefer to avoid alcohol around children. Smoking is not allowed, and intoxication is not permitted.

The return cruise and the real timing

The catamaran usually returns to Puerto del Carmen at about 3:00 pm. The sailing back takes about an hour, so the core boat program runs roughly from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Resort pickup and drop-off make your full day longer. One common pattern is pickup around 9:15 am and return to the accommodation around 4:00 pm.

That timing gives you a useful half-day on the water without taking an entire sunrise-to-evening slot. You still have time for dinner plans or another short activity. Just do not book this expecting a full day spent at Papagayo beaches.

The return can be especially pleasant when the wind eases and the crew puts on music. Wildlife sightings are possible, though never guaranteed. Dolphins and even pilot whales have been seen during some outings, and fish often gather around the anchored boat. Treat these as lucky extras, not part of the promised program.

Wind is the main variable. On a particularly breezy day, the captain may choose a sheltered bay near Papagayo instead of anchoring at the exact destination. That can reduce the postcard factor, but it usually makes the swimming stop more comfortable and safer.

How good is the value at $75?

At $75, the trip offers a lot in one package: catamaran sailing, a welcome cocktail, lunch, unlimited drinks, kayaking, commentary, and optional resort transfers. If you expect to have several drinks and use the water activities, the price is easy to justify.

The value is less clear if you do not drink, dislike group activities, or mainly want time on a beach. You are paying for the whole boat experience, not simply transport to Papagayo. The food and crew service add real value, but the open bar is one of the reasons the price works so well for many people.

Group size is not specified, so do not assume a private or small-group cruise. There is room to move around the catamaran, but popular departures can feel busy, especially during boarding and the water activities. Arriving promptly helps you settle in and find a comfortable place on deck.

The trip earns a strong overall rating of 4.4 from 913 ratings, with especially consistent praise for the crew, lunch, drinks, and easygoing atmosphere. The most useful takeaway is not that every departure will be perfect. It is that the basic package delivers several good-value features even if weather changes the route.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would choose this outing if you want an uncomplicated day with scenery, swimming, food, and drinks handled for you. It works well for couples, groups of friends, and families with children old enough to enjoy kayaking and jumping into the sea.

Older adults can enjoy it too if they are comfortable with boat movement, the ladder, and steep stairs. The water activities are optional, so you can remain on deck and still get the coastal views and meal.

I would hesitate if you have serious motion sickness. Several people have needed help with nausea, and even a caring crew cannot remove the movement of the sea. Bring an appropriate remedy if you know you are prone to it, and consider sitting in a stable central area rather than at the front or outer edge.

The boat is not suitable for non-folding or electric wheelchairs, and the activity is not recommended for people with mobility impairments. There are also no party-group bookings, and smoking is prohibited.

Practical details before you go

Wear comfortable shoes for boarding and moving around the deck. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, a camera, and a light jacket. The jacket is useful even in warm weather because the wind can feel cool during the crossing.

Bring snorkeling equipment if you want to snorkel. The official inclusions cover kayaks but exclude snorkeling gear. Life jackets are available, including smaller sizes for children.

Pickup is offered from selected points serving Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. Puerto Calero pickup is available only on Thursdays. There is no Playa Blanca pickup on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays.

If you book within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed. In that case, you may need to go directly to the harbour. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still changing.

The weather can alter the route or cancel the trip. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. German and Italian commentary is available only on request, so arrange that ahead of time.

Should you book it?

Book this Lanzarote catamaran trip if you want a sociable, good-value day combining Papagayo scenery with swimming, kayaking, lunch, and drinks. The strongest reasons are the attentive crew, generous food service, and the freedom to be active or simply relax on deck.

Skip it if you need beach access, want a private sailing trip, or are highly sensitive to sea movement. Also remember that Papagayo is viewed from the water and that the main experience lasts about four hours.

For most visitors staying near the listed pickup areas, $75 is a fair price for the combination of sailing, food, drinks, and activities. Pack your own snorkeling gear, confirm your pickup email, take seasickness precautions, and you will be prepared for the parts of the day that matter most.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The meeting point is at Puerto del Carmen Harbour, at the last pier at the far end of the harbour, past the petrol station.

Is hotel pickup included?

Return transfers are included from the nearest pickup point for selected accommodations in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. Pickup is optional, and the exact location and time are confirmed by email.

How long is the boat trip?

The outward cruise takes about one hour, the return cruise takes about one hour, and the stop near Papagayo lasts around two hours. The main boat program typically runs from about 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Can I get off at Papagayo beach?

No. The catamaran anchors offshore, and you enjoy the area from the boat. Beach disembarkation is not included.

What food is served?

You can choose Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce. Fresh fruit is served afterward, and vegetarian or celiac meals can be arranged with advance notice.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included, along with a welcome mojito when you board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel. Kayaks are provided.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The route may change, and the boat may use a sheltered bay instead of anchoring at Papagayo. If the excursion is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.