Lanzarote: Luxury Sailing Excursions to Papagayo

Papagayo is the star here, but the best part may be the combination of two hours in a sheltered bay and a well-run catamaran with plenty to do. You can snorkel beneath the boat, try the slide, paddleboard or kayak, then return aboard for hot pasta, salad, bread, Canarian potatoes, and drinks.

I especially like the strong value at $88, since lunch, equipment, and drinks are included. I also like the choice between active time on the water and quiet time on the deck. The main consideration is timing: four hours passes quickly, and the boat can feel busy when the sailing is full.

Papagayo by Catamaran: Key Points

• Two hours anchored near Papagayo: Swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or simply stretch out on deck.
• Lunch cooked aboard: Expect hot pasta with vegetarian tomato sauce, salad, cheese, bread, and Canarian potatoes.
• Drinks are included: Options mentioned include beer, wine, cava, mimosas, juices, and soft drinks.
• A spacious catamaran: There is room for sunbathing on the nets, sitting on deck, and taking part in activities.
• A chance to see marine life: Dolphins, whales, flying fish, and fish beneath the boat are possible, though never guaranteed.
• Useful practical extras: Free parking is available at Puerto Calero, and pickup from selected bus stops can be arranged.

Sailing South from Puerto Calero

The excursion begins at Catlanza Puerto Calero, where you collect your boarding cards. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure. The morning boarding time is 9:45, and the afternoon boarding time is 2:15, with availability depending on the date.

Puerto Calero is a handy starting point because you can drive and park for free. If you need transport, pickup and drop-off can be arranged from bus stops when booked through the Catlanza website. Do not treat pickup as automatic. Arrange it in advance.

Once aboard, you receive a safety briefing before the catamaran heads toward Papagayo. The journey takes about one hour each way, so the trip is split neatly into two hours of sailing and two hours anchored by the beach.

That balance works well. You get a proper look at Lanzarote’s dark volcanic coastline rather than being rushed straight to a swim stop. On the way out, you can sit back, watch the coast, join a little yoga session, or chat with the crew and fellow passengers.

The boat is a major part of the experience. It has nets for sunbathing, open deck space, and room for water equipment. Some passengers find the boat full, while others have sailed on quieter departures with only a small number aboard. Your experience depends partly on the date and how popular that sailing is.

The crew speaks English, French, German, and Spanish. Safety information is part of the welcome, and the crew keeps an eye on the water activities. The friendly approach is one of the strongest features of this trip. Names praised in earlier departures include Captain Alejandro, Vicky, Noah, Carl, Nico, Jose, and Sandra, though the exact crew can vary.

A One-Hour Cruise Along Lanzarote’s Coast

The outward sail is scenic rather than a guided sightseeing tour packed with facts. You are there to enjoy the open water, the sunshine, and the volcanic coast.

Keep watch for dolphins, whales, and flying fish. Several departures have had dolphin sightings, especially on the return to Puerto Calero, but these are lucky encounters rather than a promised part of the route. You should book this for the sailing and Papagayo stop, not solely for wildlife.

The sea can be breezy, particularly on the return journey. Bring the jacket listed in the practical information, even on a sunny day. A warm layer is useful when the catamaran is moving quickly and spray reaches the deck.

You can also take part in a short yoga session on board. This is not a full yoga class, but it gives the trip a calm pause and suits anyone who likes a little movement before the swim stop. If yoga is not your thing, find a place on deck and enjoy the view.

The return sail may be more lively. One family described choppy water and a faster run back as a fun part of the day, while another passenger warned that the trip can feel chilly. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you feel most comfortable, follow the crew’s advice, and do not overdo the drinks before the boat starts moving again.

Two Hours in a Sheltered Papagayo Bay

After about an hour, the catamaran anchors near the Papagayo beaches. This is the main event: roughly two hours for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

The bay provides a sheltered place to get into the water, although conditions can still vary. The water is clear enough to see fish gathering below the catamaran. Snorkeling directly under the boat can be especially rewarding because the shade and activity around the hull attract marine life.

Snorkeling equipment is included. You can borrow masks and snorkels, along with life jackets if needed. The stop suits beginners as well as confident swimmers because you can choose how much time to spend in the water.

The sea may feel cool, especially outside the hottest summer period. Bring a towel and swimwear, and be realistic about your comfort level. There is no need to spend the full two hours swimming. You can use the deck, take photographs, talk with the crew, or watch others use the equipment.

Paddleboards and kayaks are also provided. They add variety, particularly for children and anyone who has already snorkeled enough. One earlier passenger joked about nearly drifting away in a kayak before the crew helped, so listen carefully to instructions and stay within the area the crew allows.

The catamaran also has a slide into the sea. It is a fun feature, but take care on the steps and around the slide. Wet surfaces can be slippery, and one passenger noted that people had slipped. Use the handholds, move slowly, and do not rush back aboard.

Papagayo itself is a beautiful reason to book the trip. From the water, you see the golden beaches and dramatic volcanic surroundings without needing to make the beach visit the entire day. You are not simply being transported to a beach, you are getting a floating base for swimming and water sports.

Lunch Served on the Boat

At some point during the anchorage, the smell of lunch brings you back aboard. The meal is simple but filling: hot pasta with a vegetarian tomato sauce, salad, cheese, bread, and Canarian potatoes.

This is not a formal restaurant meal, and the menu is not designed for a long list of dietary choices. It is practical boat food that arrives after time in the water. The hot pasta is welcome when you are hungry, and the meal includes a vegetarian main option.

Several passengers particularly liked the food, with some calling it a highlight of the day. The chef works in a small onboard kitchen, which makes the quality and timing more impressive. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, check with the provider before booking because the supplied information does not list special menus.

Drinks are included throughout the trip. The selection mentioned in the experience details and passenger feedback includes beer, wine, cava, mimosas, juices, soft drinks, and water. One person wanted more variety in alcoholic choices, so do not expect a full cocktail bar. Still, the included drinks add real value to the price.

The all-inclusive setup also keeps the day easy. You are not reaching for your wallet each time you want a soft drink or glass of wine. Just remember that the boat still has to sail back, so pacing yourself is wise.

Space, Music, and the Catamaran Atmosphere

After lunch, you can relax on deck with music playing and a drink in hand. The mood is social but not forced. You can chat with the crew, meet other people, sunbathe on the nets, or find a quieter corner.

The catamaran has enough room for different styles of holiday. Families can keep children busy with the slide and water equipment. Couples can sit together and watch the coast. Solo passengers can join the communal atmosphere without needing to take part in every activity.

Crowding is the one variable to keep in mind. Some departures have felt pleasantly open, while others have had many people aboard. The boat is described as spacious, but the best sunbathing spots can go early.

A useful tip is to collect your boarding cards at the main office, then queue near the kiosk if you want first choice of seating or a particular place on deck. This matters most if you care about the front nets or want to settle children in a convenient spot.

The crew’s attitude helps the boat work well. They explain the safety rules, assist with equipment, keep the atmosphere light, and help passengers who need extra support. An earlier departure also provided assistance for a passenger using a wheelchair to reach the boat ramp and get aboard. Ask ahead if you need mobility assistance, since the supplied information does not describe full boat accessibility.

The Return Sail to Puerto Calero

The trip back takes about an hour. You can simply enjoy the view, finish a drink, and listen to the music, or take part in a few hands-on activities.

The crew may show you how to tie nautical knots. You may also be invited to take the helm under supervision. These small touches give the sail a more personal feel and help the trip avoid becoming just a floating lunch stop.

The return journey can be choppier than the outward leg. That is not necessarily a problem, and some families enjoy the extra movement, but it is worth knowing if you prefer calm water. Keep your jacket nearby and be careful on wet areas of the deck.

This is another good time to watch for dolphins. Sightings have happened on the way back, including close to Puerto Calero. Again, wildlife is not guaranteed, but the open-water setting gives you a fair chance to spot something if conditions cooperate.

The catamaran returns to Catlanza Puerto Calero after about four hours. Because the sailing takes two hours in total, the day feels like a real boat trip rather than a short transfer to a swimming platform.

Is $88 Good Value?

At $88 per person, this is a strong package if you expect to use the inclusions. You receive a four-hour catamaran outing, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and yoga. Free parking and possible bus-stop pickup make the practical cost easier to manage.

The value is strongest for active passengers. If you plan to snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, eat lunch aboard, and enjoy several drinks, you are getting a lot in one half-day. Families also benefit because the water equipment gives children several ways to stay occupied.

It is less compelling if you only want a quiet scenic sail and do not care about swimming or the included food and drinks. A shorter sailing might suit you better, but this excursion is designed as a social, activity-filled outing.

The four-hour duration is both a strength and a limitation. It fits neatly into a morning or afternoon and leaves room for other Lanzarote plans. The drawback is that two hours of that time is spent sailing, so the Papagayo stop itself is not a full beach day.

What to Bring and What to Know

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. Sunscreen matters because you spend long periods exposed on deck, and the breeze can make the sun feel less intense than it is.

Arrive 30 minutes before departure to collect your boarding cards. If you are using pickup, arrange it when you book through the Catlanza website. If you are driving, free parking is available in Puerto Calero.

Wear footwear that gives you a secure grip. The slide, steps, and deck may be wet, and moving carefully is sensible. Keep personal items secure while the boat is underway, particularly on the nets.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the excursion for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which is useful when your Lanzarote plans depend on the weather.

Who Should Book the Papagayo Sailing Trip?

I would recommend this outing to families, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like having choices. You can be active for two hours, do a little yoga, or spend most of the day relaxing with music and a drink.

It is also a good introduction to boating. The crew provides a safety briefing, the route is straightforward, and the water activities are optional. Children aged 7 and 11 were specifically described as enjoying the trip, though parents should supervise them closely around the water, slide, and kayak area.

You should think twice if you dislike group excursions, want a completely private boat, or need a long, quiet beach visit. The catamaran can fill up, and the atmosphere is friendly and social rather than secluded.

Should You Book It?

Yes, if you want an easy half-day that combines Papagayo scenery, water sports, lunch, and drinks without arranging each part separately. The crew care, the catamaran is well equipped, and the price makes sense when you use the included extras.

Book it with a jacket, arrive early for your boarding card, and expect the sea to feel cool at times. If you want the best chance of a good deck position, queue after collecting your card. For a first sailing trip in Lanzarote, this is a lively and practical choice with enough quiet time to keep it from feeling like a nonstop activity program.

FAQ

How long is the Papagayo sailing excursion?

The excursion lasts four hours. The route includes about one hour sailing from Puerto Calero to Papagayo, two hours anchored near the beach, and one hour sailing back.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The trip departs from Catlanza Puerto Calero in Puerto Calero, Lanzarote.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled start time to collect your boarding cards.

What are the boarding times?

The listed boarding times are 9:45 for the morning sailing and 14:15 for the afternoon sailing. Check availability for the date you want.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes hot pasta with a vegetarian sauce, salad, cheese, bread, and Canarian potatoes.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included during the excursion. Options mentioned include beer, wine, cava, mimosas, juices, and soft drinks.

Can I snorkel during the trip?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can snorkel during the two-hour stop in the sheltered bay near Papagayo.

Are kayaks and paddleboards included?

Yes. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to use during the Papagayo stop.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off can be arranged from bus stops if requested when booking through the Catlanza website. Free parking is also available in Puerto Calero.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. The jacket is useful because the sea breeze can make the return sail feel chilly.