Catamaran Sailing in Lanzarote

Papagayo is the star of this cruise: a beautiful stretch of Lanzarote’s southeast coast reached by catamaran from Puerto Calero. Once anchored, you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, or simply stretch out on deck with a drink in hand. The trip is easygoing, social, and built around time on the water rather than a packed sightseeing schedule.

I like the fact that lunch, snacks, and drinks are included, so you are not watching the clock or counting euros once you leave the marina. I also like the crew’s active approach, from snorkeling help to sailing tips, yoga on the nets, and small touches such as taking photos for your group.

The main thing to consider is space. The boat can carry up to 55 people, and one recent experience felt more crowded than expected. If you want a quiet private sail, this is not it. You are booking a shared half-day outing with plenty of room for fun, but not guaranteed solitude.

Key points at a glance

• Papagayo is the main stop: Anchor near one of Lanzarote’s most attractive beach areas for swimming and water activities.
• Food is part of the fare: Expect snacks, fresh fruit, Spanish cheese, a pasta lunch, and a broad choice of included drinks.
• You choose your style: Family departures suit mixed-age groups, while the Platinum cruise is for people aged 15 and over.
• The crew adds more than basic service: Look for sailing explanations, snorkeling help, yoga, photos, and friendly attention throughout the trip.
• It is a four-hour outing: Long enough for a proper sail and water stop, but short enough to fit into a busy Lanzarote holiday.
• Book with weather in mind: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Sailing from Puerto Calero toward Papagayo

Your day begins at Catlanza SL Catamarán Sailing in the Nautica area of Puerto Calero. You must arrive 30 minutes before departure, which is sensible for a boat trip. It gives you time to find the meeting point, settle in, and avoid the unpleasant feeling of watching a catamaran pull away without you.

Puerto Calero is also a practical departure point. The meeting area is near public transportation, and hotel pickup may be available depending on the arrangement made for your booking. One useful detail from the experience is that pickup from a hotel bus stop was reported as punctual, but you should still confirm your own pickup details rather than assume door-to-door service.

Once aboard, the cruise heads along Lanzarote’s southeast coast. This is the part of the trip where you can let the island slide past at water level. You see the coast from a different angle, with the catamaran providing a broad, stable platform for sitting, standing, and taking photographs.

The sailing itself is not a hard-driving adventure. It is a relaxed outing with time to talk, enjoy the sun, and watch the water. Some departures have included dolphin sightings, but wildlife is never guaranteed. Treat dolphins as a lucky extra, not as the main reason to book.

Papagayo: the four-hour cruise’s main reward

The catamaran anchors near the Papagayo beaches, where the schedule opens up. You can choose how active you want to be. Swim from the boat, use the snorkeling equipment, try a kayak or paddleboard, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

Papagayo is especially useful for a mixed group because nobody has to follow the same plan. Children can try the water activities, confident swimmers can snorkel, and anyone who prefers a slower pace can remain on deck. This flexibility is one of the strongest reasons the cruise works for families with several generations.

The snorkeling appears to be a real part of the stop, not just a quick photo opportunity. The crew offers tips, and fish have been spotted close to the catamaran. Bring realistic expectations, though. This is a coastal swim stop, not a specialist snorkeling expedition. The amount of marine life and the clarity of the water will depend on the day.

The water can also feel cold, even in Lanzarote’s generally sunny climate. If you are sensitive to cold water, you may prefer to enjoy the kayak, paddleboard, or deck instead. A sweater is worth packing for the sailing portion too, since a breeze can make the trip feel cooler than the marina.

Lunch, fruit, cheese, and drinks included

Food is one of the better parts of the value here. The onboard service has included snacks such as fresh fruit and Spanish cheese, followed by a pasta lunch. Vegetarian food has also been available, and the meal has suited both adults and children in family groups.

This is not a restaurant meal with a long menu. It is practical boat food served during a relaxed day at sea. Still, the repeated praise for the pasta, snacks, and generous portions makes it clear that the catering is more than an afterthought.

Drinks are included too, which matters at a price of $90.70 per person. The offer includes refreshments throughout the cruise, and some departures have included champagne at the start. Since drinks on organized boat trips can quickly add to the bill, this all-in approach makes the cost easier to judge.

I would still bring water-safe sun protection and plan for the practical side of eating on a boat. Sit where you are comfortable, secure loose items, and do not expect the same table setup you would have on land. The meal is part of the outing, not the sole purpose of it.

A crew that keeps the day moving

The crew receives the strongest praise across the experience. Their role is not limited to steering and serving food. They help people with the water equipment, explain basic sailing points, interact with children, and keep the atmosphere friendly without forcing you into organized entertainment.

Sandra is one crew member singled out for her warm attention and useful tips. She even taught a passenger how to tie a Palstek, a practical sailing knot. That kind of small lesson gives the trip a stronger sense of place than a simple ride with food attached.

English is offered, and the crew has also been able to speak Spanish and German. The available information identifies English as the tour language, so do not assume every service detail will be delivered in any language you prefer. Still, the multilingual ability can help groups who do not all speak English comfortably.

Yoga has also taken place on the front nets. This is an optional extra, not the core of the itinerary, but it fits the calm mood of the cruise. If yoga is not your thing, the nets are still a good spot to relax and watch the water.

The crew may also take photographs for your group. That is useful when everyone wants to be in the picture, though you should not treat photography as a formal photo package.

Family cruise or Platinum adults-only sailing

The family option is the natural choice if you are traveling with children or a mixed-age group. The water activities, food, and flexible pace give different age groups something to do. Several generations can enjoy the same trip without everyone needing the same level of fitness.

The Platinum adults-only excursion is for people aged 15 and over. That option may suit couples, older teens, and adults who prefer a more grown-up setting. Check that you have selected the correct departure, since the two formats are intended for different travel styles.

The shared nature of the cruise is worth thinking about before booking. The maximum is 55 people, but the actual number can vary. One experience described around 40 people and found it somewhat crowded compared with the expected group size. Other outings felt comfortably spaced, so the onboard feel may depend on the departure.

If you value a lively atmosphere, a shared boat can be part of the fun. You have more people to chat with, and the crew can create a social mood. If you want silence, privacy, or a fixed sunbed all day, choose another type of outing.

Is $90.70 good value?

At $90.70, this is not the cheapest way to spend four hours in Lanzarote. It is also not simply a boat transfer. The fare covers the catamaran trip, crew, lunch, snacks, drinks, and access to swimming and equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a meal, drinks, and a water activity. It also improves for families, since the all-inclusive setup makes the day easier to manage. You can book the experience knowing the main costs are already covered.

The price is less convincing if you plan to stay seated and do not care about sailing, food, or water activities. In that case, you are paying for a full package while using only part of it.

A four-hour duration is a smart middle ground. You get enough time to reach Papagayo, stop for activities, eat, and sail back without sacrificing an entire day. That makes this a good fit for a shorter Lanzarote visit or for a holiday schedule that includes other parts of the island.

What to pack for the boat

Keep your clothing practical. The stated dress code is smart casual, but the important items are swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. Add a light sweater because the wind can pick up while the catamaran is moving.

You should also think about what you do not want to bring. A boat deck is not the place for lots of loose valuables, bulky luggage, or shoes you cannot get wet. The key is to arrive ready for both sun and water.

The cruise runs in good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator may offer another date or a full refund. That is useful protection, but it means you should leave a little flexibility in your Lanzarote schedule if possible.

Cancellation is free when made at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the local time controls the deadline.

Who will enjoy this Papagayo cruise most?

I would recommend it most to people who want a relaxed day with choices. You can be active without joining a demanding excursion, or you can treat the trip as a floating lunch with a fine coastal view.

It works particularly well for:

• Families who want swimming and paddle activities in one outing
• Couples looking for a calm half-day on the water
• Groups with different fitness levels
• First-time boat passengers who want crew support
• Visitors with only a few days in Lanzarote
• People who prefer to pay one price for food, drinks, and activities

It is less suitable if you dislike shared tours, feel uneasy around water, or want a highly private sailing experience. The boat can hold many people, and the mood may be lively rather than hushed.

The tour also suits people who like small extras. A sailing knot lesson, yoga on the nets, dolphin sightings, and crew photos will not happen in exactly the same way on every departure, but they can make the four hours feel more personal.

Should you book Catamaran Sailing in Lanzarote?

I would book this if you want an easy, well-supported way to spend half a day near Papagayo. The combination of included food and drinks, a friendly crew, swimming, snorkeling, kayaks, paddleboards, and a choice between family and adults-only sailing gives it broad appeal.

The strongest reason to go is the balance. You get a real outing on the coast without needing to organize transport, lunch, equipment, and activities separately. Just arrive early, pack swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a sweater, then choose your own pace once the boat anchors.

Before booking, decide how you feel about a shared catamaran that may carry a sizeable group. If you are happy with company and want good value, this is an easy choice. If privacy matters more than the all-in package, look for a smaller sailing or private charter instead.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The tour starts at Catlanza SL Catamarán Sailing in the Nautica area of Puerto Calero, 35571 Puerto Calero, Las Palmas, Spain.

Where does the cruise finish?

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

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours.

What beach area does the cruise visit?

The catamaran sails to the Papagayo beaches on Lanzarote’s southeast coast.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with snacks such as fruit and Spanish cheese on some departures.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks and refreshments are included in the tour price.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The Papagayo stop allows time for swimming and snorkeling, and the crew provides snorkeling tips.

Are kayaks and paddleboards available?

Yes. You can use kayaks and paddleboards during the water stop, subject to shared use among the group.

Is there an adults-only option?

Yes. The Platinum adults-only excursion is for people aged 15 and over. A family option is also available.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.