Puerto del Carmen: Catamaran Trip with Water Sports

The best part of this Lanzarote outing is the mix of calm sailing and silly, high-speed fun. You can stretch out on the catamaran, look along the coast toward Playa Quemada and Playa Papagayo, then jump into the water for a donut ride or a swim near Barranco del Quiquere.

I like the small-group feel and the fact that drinks and a proper spread of fruit, cheese, and snacks are included. I also like the choice of pace: Santos and Nicolas, or Joan and Imanol, can help create a lively water-sports session, while less active passengers can stay aboard and enjoy the views. The main drawback is that this is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the trip can be cancelled if the sea is rough.

Key points to know before you book

• Barranco del Quiquere is the main water stop: The catamaran anchors near this cliff between Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen.
• Water sports are included: Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, banana boats, and donut rides are part of the base price.
• The food and drinks help the value: Seasonal fruit, cheese, snacks, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are served during the outing.
• You can choose your pace: Sunbathe and swim, or take turns on the faster boat and inflatable rides.
• Shared and private options are available: The smaller setting gives you more room than a large party cruise.
• Bring only the basics: You need swimwear and a towel. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the listed package, though transport arrangements may be available for some bookings.

Sailing from Puerto Calero along Lanzarote’s south coast

The outing begins at Puerto Calero, a marina on Lanzarote’s southern coast. From here, you board a catamaran and head toward Barranco del Quiquere, passing coastal scenery around Puerto Calero and Playa Quemada.

This first stretch is the quiet part of the trip. I like it because it gives you time to settle in before the water sports begin. From the deck, you can watch the volcanic shoreline change from marina buildings to open coast, with cliffs and coves providing the main scenery.

The route also takes in views toward Playa Papagayo. The exact sailing pattern can depend on the boat and sea conditions, so I would treat this as a coastal sightseeing trip rather than a beach landing excursion. The key destination is the anchorage near Barranco del Quiquere, where the activities take place.

A catamaran is a good fit for this route. You get a broad, steady deck with room to sit, stand, or sunbathe. It is less confined than a small speedboat, and people who do not want to take part in every activity can still enjoy the outing from the boat.

Barranco del Quiquere is where the day gets active

Once the catamaran reaches el Barranco del Quiquere, it moors so you can make the most of the water. The setting combines high coastal cliffs with clear sea, giving you a natural-looking stop without needing a long land excursion.

You can enter the water for a swim or use the supplied snorkeling equipment. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also available, which gives you a slower way to explore just around the boat. If you have never tried a paddleboard, this is a forgiving place to give it a go, although you should expect to get wet.

The water sports are not an optional extra added to fill time. They are a central part of the experience, and the crew has a fast boat following behind for the banana and donut rides. That arrangement keeps the catamaran as the relaxed base while the speedboat handles the more energetic activities.

The donut is the comic highlight for many people. You sit on an inflatable ring pulled behind the fast boat, holding on while the driver turns and accelerates. It is less polished than a quiet swim, of course, but that is the point. You should expect splashing, bouncing, and plenty of laughter.

The banana boat offers a similar burst of speed, with several people riding together. It works well for families and groups of friends who want to share one activity. If you prefer something quieter, you can stay with the kayak, paddleboard, or snorkeling gear instead.

A good balance between relaxation and water sports

One reason I rate this trip highly is that you do not have to choose between a peaceful cruise and an action outing. The catamaran gives you a comfortable place to rest, and the water sports are offered around it.

That balance matters if you are traveling with people who have different ideas of fun. Children and active adults can try the inflatables, while someone who prefers to sit in the sun can remain on board. One family even included a child with autism who enjoyed the boat and the views without taking part in the activities. That is a useful sign that the trip does not force everyone into the water.

The crew also appears to make room for different comfort levels. You can snorkel, paddle, swim, or simply relax. The available equipment means you do not need to bring your own mask, kayak, or board.

The tour is not ideal for anyone with a mobility impairment. Getting on and off a boat, entering the sea, and using the activity equipment all require a reasonable level of movement. If that may be difficult for you, ask the operator about access before paying.

Food, drinks, and the value of the $118 price

At $118 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a few hours on Lanzarote’s coast. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: the catamaran, snorkeling equipment, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, banana boat, donut boat, snacks, and drinks.

The food includes seasonal fruit, cheese, and other snacks. The amount and exact selection can vary, but the supplied details and guest experiences point to more than a token packet of crisps. Some outings include a snack lunch with enough choice for children and fussy eaters.

Drinks include beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. They are available during the trip, and the self-service arrangement can be handy because you are not waiting for a crew member each time you want water or a soft drink.

I would compare this price with the cost of booking a boat trip and separate water sports. The value is strongest if you plan to use several activities. If you only want a quiet sail and one drink, you may find a simpler cruise better suited to your budget.

The trip can also become more expensive if you accept optional upgrades. Some outings have offered jet skis and paragliding for extra charges, including a shared jet ski price and separate photo or video costs. Those additions are not part of the listed package, so check the current price before agreeing to them.

What the crew adds to the experience

A crew can make or break a short boat outing. The names connected with this experience include Santos, Nicolas, Joan, and Imanol. Their role is not just to steer the catamaran. They help organize the water sports, serve the food and drinks, and keep the mood moving without making every minute feel like a sales pitch.

Santos and Nicolas have been specifically praised for their care and humor. Joan and Imanol have also led private trips with banana boating, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxed time in the sea. You may not have the same crew on your date, but these details give you a sense of the personal style the operator aims for.

The language options are English, French, German, and Spanish. That helps with safety instructions and activity choices, particularly when you are deciding between the slower equipment and the faster rides.

Transport needs a little care. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the stated package, although some bookings have included a driver collecting passengers on time and returning them afterward. Confirm the arrangement for your own reservation. If pickup is provided, wait outside your hotel reception 10 minutes before the agreed time. The car may leave five minutes after the scheduled pickup.

Shared or private catamaran?

A shared trip is usually the better value for solo visitors, couples, and smaller groups who want the activities without paying for the whole boat. The catamaran still gives you room to move, and the range of equipment makes it easy to join in without planning every moment.

A private trip makes more sense for a family, birthday group, or couple marking a special occasion. One private outing included the whole boat for an anniversary, with the pair able to choose when to take part and when to relax. A private booking also gives your group more control over the pace, though the exact capacity and price should be checked before booking.

The experience is described as private or small-group, not as a giant party boat. That distinction is important. If you want loud music, a packed deck, and a nightclub mood, this probably is not the right choice. If you want a social but manageable boat with several activities, it fits better.

The overall rating is 4.5 from 56 ratings, with especially strong praise for the crew, food, drinks, and water sports. I would put the greatest weight on those repeated practical points, rather than expecting the trip to be a major sightseeing cruise.

How long should you allow?

The listed duration is 2 to 4 hours, with the exact length depending on availability and the selected departure. That is a useful range for planning, but it also means you should not build a tightly timed connection around the return.

Two hours gives you a compact taste of sailing and water sports. A longer outing gives you more time to try several activities without rushing from the kayak to the paddleboard to the inflatable rides.

The time at anchor is the heart of the experience. The sailing sections provide the setting, while the water stop provides the actual activity. If you mainly want to see Lanzarote from offshore, a shorter departure may be enough. If you want to try everything included, seek the longer option when booking.

The tour runs rain or shine, but it may be cancelled if sea conditions are poor. That is sensible for an activity involving a speedboat, inflatables, and swimmers. A little flexible planning will help, especially if this is one of the main highlights of your holiday.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would recommend it most strongly to families with older children, couples, and groups of friends who want several kinds of fun in one booking. The mix of quiet deck time and active water sports removes the usual problem of one person wanting a cruise and another wanting an adrenaline rush.

It also works well for a special occasion. The private option, included food, drinks, and coastal setting can suit an anniversary or birthday without requiring a full-day commitment.

You should choose it if you enjoy trying activities but do not want to arrange them separately. You should also be comfortable swimming or getting into the sea, since the water stop is a major part of the trip.

I would be more cautious if you dislike speed, motion, or group activities. You can skip the banana and donut boats, but the trip still takes place at sea and may feel lively when the fast boat is operating. People with mobility impairments should not book without first confirming that the operator can meet their needs.

Bring swimwear and a towel. The boat supplies the activity equipment, snacks, and drinks, so you can keep your packing simple.

Should you book the Puerto del Carmen catamaran?

Book it if you want more than a scenic sail. For $118, the strongest value comes from using the included kayak, paddleboard, snorkeling gear, banana boat, and donut boat, then making use of the food and drinks.

I especially like this outing for mixed groups. You can spend ten minutes laughing on the donut, then return to the catamaran for fruit, cheese, and a cold drink. That change of pace is what makes the trip more useful than a standard cruise.

Skip it if you want a quiet, highly structured sightseeing tour, or if sea access and boat movement will be difficult. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded Lanzarote activity with good crew support, a scenic southern-coast route, and enough included extras to justify the price.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

The trip departs from Puerto Calero in Lanzarote.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is 2 to 4 hours. Available departure times and the exact length should be checked when booking.

Which water sports are included?

The package includes kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, banana boating, and donut rides. A fast boat follows the catamaran for the banana and donut activities.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The included refreshments are seasonal fruit, cheese, snacks, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the listed package. Some bookings may offer transport arrangements, so confirm this when you reserve. If pickup is arranged, wait outside reception 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Snorkeling and water-sports equipment are supplied.

Can people with mobility impairments take part?

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Contact the provider before booking if you need to clarify access requirements.