Lanzarote: Day Trip to the Papagayo Beaches by Catamaran

The best part of this Lanzarote outing is the stop at the Costa de Papagayo, where the catamaran anchors near golden beaches and clear water. You can jump in for a swim, paddle a kayak, snorkel, or stay dry with a drink and the volcanic coast in view.

I like the all-in-one value: a welcome mojito, lunch, return transport from selected resorts, and an open bar are included for $75. I also like the easy mix of activity and idling. You can paddle and swim for a while, then stretch out on deck as the crew serves food and music sets a relaxed mood.

The main catch is that this is not really a full-day beach excursion. The boat ride takes about an hour each way, with roughly two hours at anchor, and you do not disembark onto Papagayo beach. Wind can also change the anchorage, and anyone prone to motion sickness should prepare carefully.

Quick points before you book

• The boat anchors near Papagayo rather than landing on the beach: You see the coast from the water and use the catamaran as your base.
• About two hours are set aside for water activities: Kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, jumping from the boat, and floating on an inflatable mattress are all part of the stop.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Choose Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, then help yourself to fruit, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.
• The trip runs roughly from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Resort pickup and return can make your total outing closer to a full morning and afternoon.
• Weather controls the route: Strong wind may prevent anchoring at Papagayo, with the crew using a sheltered bay nearby instead.
• The experience is lively but not only for swimmers: You can relax on deck, though music, dancing, and an open bar give the return trip a party feel.

Sailing south from Puerto del Carmen

Your catamaran is the Líneas Romero sailing catamaran, moored at the last pier in Puerto del Carmen Harbour, past the petrol station at the far end of the harbour. That meeting point matters. The marina is not a place to wander into at the last minute, so allow enough time to walk along the harbour and find the final pier.

If you choose transport, a bus collects you from a nearby pickup point in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, or Costa Teguise. The exact time and location arrive by email after booking, and you need to provide your accommodation details. Pickup is not offered from Playa Blanca on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays. Puerto Calero pickup is available only on Thursdays.

Once aboard, the crew starts the day with a mojito and a Spanish omelette tapa. There is a short introduction to the route and activities before the catamaran heads toward the island’s southern tip. The first hour is mainly about the ride itself: sea air, volcanic cliffs, and the changing view of Lanzarote’s coast.

This is a sailing catamaran excursion, but you should not book it expecting a quiet, private sailing lesson. It is a shared boat trip with a social atmosphere. The crew keeps drinks moving, explains the plan, and helps people with the water activities. Music and dancing may feature on the return, especially when the group is in a celebratory mood.

What the Papagayo stop is really like

Papagayo is famous for its pale sand, rugged volcanic setting, and clear water. From the catamaran, you get the coastal view without spending time walking down to the beach. That is both the appeal and the limitation.

The boat anchors for about two hours. You can swim from the catamaran, use a kayak, snorkel, or simply sit in the sun. Some outings also include an inflatable mattress, and children and adults can use life jackets when needed. The water may feel cool when you first enter, but the stop gives you enough time to settle into it rather than rushing through a quick photo stop.

You do not get a beach disembarkment. If your main goal is to walk on the sand, explore the coves, or spend a long afternoon ashore, a land-based Papagayo trip will suit you better. This cruise is about seeing the coast from the sea and using the boat’s facilities.

Kayaks are available, but they can be first come, first served. If you want one, listen for the crew’s instructions and move promptly when the activities begin. Snorkeling equipment is listed as not included, so bring your own mask and snorkel. One account says equipment was provided on that particular outing, but I would not rely on it. A small personal set avoids disappointment.

The sea life can be a pleasant bonus. Fish gather around the boat, and sightings of dolphins or pilot whales have occurred, but wildlife is never guaranteed. You should treat these sightings as luck, not as the central promise of the excursion.

Lunch, mojitos, and the open bar

The food is a real part of the value here, not just a token snack. Lunch includes a choice of traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit. Bread may also be served, and portions have been described as generous.

The paella is the more fitting choice for a Lanzarote boat day, especially if you want a taste of a classic Spanish dish while looking out over the water. Pasta is the safer option for children or anyone who prefers a plain meal. Vegetarian and celiac diets can be catered for with advance notice, so tell the provider before the trip rather than waiting until lunch.

The open bar includes unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. The welcome mojito comes at boarding, and the crew continues serving during the cruise. At $75, that package can offer good value if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, and a boat trip.

Still, the open bar changes the character of the day. This is not a hushed sightseeing cruise. It can become sociable and festive, with music and dancing on the way back. Families can enjoy it, and several outings have suited older children, but the atmosphere may feel more like a relaxed boat party than a nature-focused sail.

Drink sensibly, especially in the sun. The crew has helped people who became seasick, providing water, ice packs, and sickness bags, but prevention is better. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, ask a pharmacist about tablets before you go and avoid arriving hungover.

The return ride and the four-hour reality

The published schedule puts the catamaran back in Puerto del Carmen at about 3 p.m. The boat portion is about four hours in total, with an hour sailing south, around two hours at anchor, and an hour returning.

That timing is useful for planning. If you are collected at 9:15 a.m. and returned around 4 p.m., the wider excursion can occupy most of your day. If you meet at the harbour, it is closer to a half-day activity. Several people have found the description of a full day slightly generous, so I would not pair this with another major afternoon booking.

The return sail gives you time to dry off, eat fruit, order another drink, and watch the coast pass by. Dolphin sightings have happened on the way back, and the open water provides good photo opportunities when the weather is clear. Take a camera, but protect it from spray.

A jacket is worth packing even on a sunny day. Lanzarote can feel warm on land and breezy at sea, particularly while the catamaran is moving. Wear comfortable shoes for the harbour and boat, then bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat.

How weather can change Papagayo

Wind is the factor you cannot control. When conditions are calm, the crew can anchor near the Papagayo beaches. In stronger wind, the boat may use a sheltered bay nearby instead. You still get the swimming, kayaking, food, and drinks, but the exact view and anchorage can change.

This is a sensible safety decision, not a failed trip. The volcanic coastline remains part of the setting, and a sheltered bay may make swimming more comfortable. If seeing Papagayo from a particular angle is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations flexible.

Poor weather can cancel the excursion altogether. In that case, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The activity also allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, which gives you some protection when planning around a changeable forecast.

Transport, access, and small practical snags

The included transfer is useful if you are staying in one of the main resort areas. Pickup and drop-off come from the nearest designated meeting point rather than necessarily from your hotel door. The exact details arrive after booking, so check your email and arrive at least five minutes early.

For bookings made within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed. You may need to go directly to Puerto del Carmen Harbour, and the voucher includes the local provider’s contact details if you need to confirm the arrangement.

Access is not the strong point. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed, and the toilets are down steep stairs below deck. If stairs, boarding from the pier, or movement on a boat may be difficult for you, choose a land-based outing instead.

Smoking, glass objects, intoxication, and party groups are not allowed. The last point is worth noting because the boat can feel lively, but it is still an organised shared excursion rather than a private party charter.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this trip to couples, families with older children, and friends who want a simple mix of scenery, swimming, food, and drinks. It works particularly well if you like having choices. You can kayak for a while, take a swim, try snorkeling, or remain on deck with a glass of water and the coast in sight.

Children can enjoy the water activities, and life jackets are available when required. Parents should remember that this is an open-water boat trip with a social bar atmosphere, not a structured children’s program.

It also suits older adults who are comfortable with boat access and stairs. The activity itself is not especially demanding, and the crew can help with the water activities. Mobility limitations, however, are a serious concern because of the boat layout and steep toilet access.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone with strong motion sickness. The crew appears prepared to help, but an hour of sailing each way is a long time if you feel ill. Sit where you feel most stable, stay hydrated, and bring medication if you normally use it.

Is $75 good value?

At $75 per person, the price is fair if you plan to use the inclusions. A comparable day can quickly add up once you count transport, a boat ride, lunch, several drinks, and water equipment. Here, the welcome cocktail, meal, fruit, open bar, kayak use, commentary, and return transfer from selected areas are bundled together.

The value is strongest for people who will swim, kayak, eat aboard, and enjoy a few drinks. If you do not drink alcohol and prefer a quiet beach visit, part of the package may be less useful to you. You are also paying for the boat experience, not for time on the beach itself.

The catamaran returns at about 3 p.m., so you still have the evening free. That makes the price easier to justify for a short holiday when you want one organised sea outing without giving up an entire day.

Should you book the Papagayo catamaran?

Book it if you want an easy, good-value sea day with friendly crew service, generous food, and plentiful drinks. The strongest reasons are the clear water stop, the choice of activities, and the freedom to switch between action and relaxation.

Skip it if you specifically want to walk the Papagayo beaches, avoid group entertainment, or dislike open-water travel. Also skip it if you have limited mobility or serious motion sickness.

For most visitors who understand that this is roughly four hours aboard rather than a full day at the beach, it is a well-rounded Lanzarote outing. Bring your own snorkel gear, take a jacket, confirm your pickup details, and keep your plans flexible in case the wind moves the boat to a nearby bay.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The catamaran portion lasts about four hours, with roughly one hour sailing to the coast, two hours at anchor, and one hour returning to Puerto del Carmen.

Does the trip land at Papagayo Beach?

No. Beach disembarkment is not included. You stay on or near the catamaran and enjoy swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and views of the beaches from the water.

What food is served at lunch?

You can choose traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce. Fresh fruit is also served, and vegetarian and celiac diets can be catered for with advance notice.

What drinks are included?

The package includes a welcome mojito, unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is listed as not included, so you should bring your own mask and snorkel. Equipment may occasionally be available, but it is safest not to depend on that.

Are hotel transfers included?

Return transfers from the nearest pickup point are included for selected accommodations in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. Exact times and locations are confirmed by email after booking.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed, and the toilets are reached by steep stairs.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The route may change, and the boat may use a sheltered bay near Papagayo instead. If poor weather cancels the excursion, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.