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 cruise from Puerto Calero toward Barranco del Quiquere, passing Playa Quemada, then stop in clear water for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, a banana boat, or a donut ride behind a speedboat. I like the small-group feel and the fact that snacks, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included. The main thing to check is transport, since the information gives mixed details about hotel pickup, and the trip can be cancelled if the sea is rough.

I also like that you can set your own pace. You can sunbathe on the catamaran while the more adventurous people head for the towable rides. The possible drawback is that this is not a good choice for anyone with mobility impairments, and the duration can range from two to four hours, so you should check the exact departure before booking.

Key points before you book

• Barranco del Quiquere is the main swimming stop, set between Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen.
• The donut ride is the comic highlight, while the banana boat gives you a more familiar group thrill.
• Snacks and drinks are included, with fruit, cheese, other light food, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.
• You can stay active or do very little, using kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, or simply the catamaran’s seating and sunbathing areas.
• Private and small-group options are available, which may suit couples, families, or groups wanting more space.
• Jet skis and paragliding may be offered as paid extras, but they are not part of the listed price.

Sailing from Puerto Calero toward the Quiquere cliffs

The trip begins at Puerto Calero, a useful departure point on Lanzarote’s southern coast. From there, the catamaran heads along the coast toward Barranco del Quiquere, a cliff area between Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen.

The route also passes Puerto Calero and Playa Quemada. You are not simply being taken straight to a water-sports platform. The boat ride gives you time to look back at the volcanic coast, watch the shoreline change, and settle into the rhythm of the sea.

I like this opening because it gives the outing two moods. The first is easygoing and scenic. The second begins once the boat moors and the water activities start. If you want a nonstop thrill ride, the sailing portion may feel slow. If you want a half-day out that includes both views and action, that slower start is part of the appeal.

The exact duration is listed as two to four hours. That is a wide range, so check the available departure time and length when you book. A shorter trip may suit you if you have other plans in Puerto del Carmen. A longer departure gives you more time to eat, swim, and use the equipment without feeling rushed.

Barranco del Quiquere is the real center of the trip

Once the catamaran reaches el Barranco del Quiquere, the boat moors and the water activities take over. This stop is the reason to book rather than simply taking a coastal sightseeing cruise.

You can swim in the clear, warm water, use the snorkeling gear, or head out on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. The setup works well for mixed groups. One person can paddle, another can snorkel, and someone else can stay aboard with a drink.

That flexibility matters. Families often have different ideas about fun, and not everyone wants to be pulled behind a speedboat. One recent family outing included a child who preferred watching the boat and taking in the views rather than joining the activities. That is a good reminder that you do not need to take part in every sport to enjoy the trip.

The water stop also gives you a chance to slow down. Lanzarote can tempt you into filling every day with drives, beaches, and outdoor plans. Here, you have a fixed base, a view of the coast, and several simple ways to spend your time.

Bring swimwear and a towel. The information does not promise a dedicated beach stop, so think of this as a boat-based swimming break rather than a beach day.

Donut boats and banana rides bring the loudest laughs

The catamaran carries the relaxed side of the outing, but a fast boat follows behind for the towable activities. You can ride the banana boat or the donut boat, both of which are included.

The donut tends to be the more unpredictable option. You sit on an inflatable ring while the speedboat pulls and turns, so the ride is built around bouncing, sliding, and trying not to fall off. It is a good pick for people who want a laugh more than a polished sporting challenge.

The banana boat is a familiar group activity, with several people holding on together. It works especially well for families and friends who want to share the same ride. The crew controls the speed and turns, so you should listen closely to their instructions.

These activities are not quiet. If you want a peaceful sail for the full trip, you may find the towable rides a bit too lively. The good news is that nobody has to join. You can stay aboard, watch the action, and return to your drink or snack.

Some departures have also offered jet skis and paragliding for an additional charge. These extras are not included in the $118 price, and the listed activity does not promise them on every trip. If those activities matter to you, ask H2O Sports Lanzarote about availability and current prices before you commit. Recent additional charges included €50 for a jet ski shared between two people, €40 per person for paragliding, and €20 for photos and videos, but treat those figures as examples rather than fixed rates.

Food and drinks make the price easier to understand

The advertised price is $118 per person. That is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but it covers more than a basic boat ride.

Included food includes seasonal fruit, cheese, and other snacks. Drinks include beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. Recent departures were described as having self-service drinks, which can be useful because you do not need to wait for a crew member each time you want water or a soft drink.

The food is light rather than a full restaurant meal. You should not book this expecting a formal lunch or a wide cooked menu. Still, the combination of snacks, drinks, transport on the water, equipment, and several activities gives the price reasonable value if you plan to use what is included.

Value depends on your style. If you only want to sit in the sun and look at the coast, a cheaper sightseeing cruise may suit you better. If you intend to swim, snorkel, paddle, and ride the inflatable boats, the package becomes more attractive because you are not paying separately for each listed activity.

I would also factor in the size of your group. A private trip costs more in many cases, but it can make sense for a celebration, a couple wanting a quieter boat, or a family that wants more control over the pace. Shared and small-group departures are likely the better value for most people.

A catamaran that works for both active and quiet passengers

The boat setup is one of the strongest parts of this outing. You can move between sightseeing, sunbathing, food, and water sports without changing locations.

Recent departures included small numbers of people, giving passengers room to move around rather than making the boat feel packed. Group size can vary, so do not assume every departure will have the same amount of space. If having a quieter or more private setting matters to you, select the private option when available.

The crew also makes a difference. Santos and Nicolas have hosted recent trips, while Joan and Imanol led another private outing. The names of your guides may change, but the important point is that the crew does more than steer the boat. They help with the equipment, run the towable rides, serve food and drinks, and take photos on some departures.

The atmosphere can be playful and social. You may find yourself laughing with people you did not know when everyone returns from the donut boat soaked and slightly unsteady. If you prefer a silent, formal cruise, this is not that sort of trip.

What families and couples should know

This outing suits families with a mix of ages and energy levels. Active children and adults can use the towable rides, while others can swim, watch from the boat, or eat and enjoy the views.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The combination of boarding a catamaran, moving between the boat and water equipment, and using inflatables may be difficult. If you have any physical limitation that could affect boarding or water activities, contact the provider before booking.

Couples can choose a private or small-group setting if they want the boat to feel more personal. One anniversary outing included swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, a banana boat, and quiet time on a floating dinghy. That mix is useful for couples who want both shared activity and time to relax.

The trip also works for a group of friends. The donut and banana rides create a natural shared joke, while the included drinks give everyone a reason to stay together after the action.

Transport needs a quick confirmation

Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included, but the activity information also says pickup is included and asks you to wait outside your reception 10 minutes before the scheduled time. This is an important inconsistency.

Some recent bookings did include a driver who arrived on time and waited to take passengers back after the trip. Other transport notes suggest you may need to arrange your own way to the departure point. Confirm this directly when booking, including the pickup location, return arrangements, and whether the service applies to your accommodation.

If a driver is assigned, be ready outside reception 10 minutes early. The car may leave five minutes after the scheduled pickup time. One practical tip from a recent outing is to know a little Spanish for transport communication, especially if the driver does not speak your preferred language.

Do not treat the transport as an optional detail. Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen are separate places, and a small misunderstanding about pickup can cause unnecessary stress before a boat trip.

Weather, sea conditions, and what to pack

The trip runs in rain or shine, but it can be cancelled if sea conditions are unsafe. That is sensible for a water-based outing, though it means you should avoid placing the activity on the final few hours of your holiday if you have no room to reschedule.

Bring swimwear and a towel. You should also be prepared to get wet even if you do not plan to swim, since spray and towable rides can reach people near the action.

The activity includes snorkeling equipment, a kayak, a stand-up paddleboard, a banana boat, and a donut boat. You do not need to bring your own gear for these listed activities.

The available languages are English, French, German, and Spanish. That helps with safety instructions and makes it easier to understand how each activity works.

Is Playa Papagayo part of the route?

Playa Papagayo is mentioned as a scenic point reached along the route, with the boat passing through Puerto Calero. The main detailed route describes heading from Puerto Calero past Playa Quemada to Barranco del Quiquere.

You should not assume the catamaran makes a long beach stop at Papagayo unless your chosen departure specifically says so. The main swimming and water-sports session takes place at Barranco del Quiquere. If visiting Playa Papagayo itself is a priority, ask whether your departure only passes the area or includes time there.

That distinction matters because a coastal view from a boat is a different experience from walking on a beach. The tour is best understood as a catamaran trip with a water-activity stop, not as a dedicated Papagayo beach excursion.

Should you book this catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a flexible outing with good food, drinks, swimming, and several water sports in one package. It is especially well suited to families, couples, and friend groups with mixed interests. The crew-led atmosphere, small-group options, and included donut and banana rides give the trip more substance than a simple sightseeing sail.

Think twice if you dislike noisy activities, have mobility impairments, or only want a quiet cruise. Also confirm the exact duration, pickup arrangements, group size, and availability of paid extras before you pay.

For most visitors who want both relaxation and a few laughs on the water, the $118 price is fair when you make use of the included equipment and refreshments. The donut ride may be the part you remember longest, but the freedom to stay aboard with a drink while others take their turn is what makes this outing work so well.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart?

The trip departs from Puerto Calero in Lanzarote.

How long does the activity last?

The duration is listed as two to four hours. Check the available departure details for the exact length.

What water sports are included?

The included activities are snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, banana boating, and donut boating.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Seasonal fruit, cheese, snacks, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

The information is mixed. Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included, while another section says pickup is included and asks you to wait outside your reception. Confirm the arrangement when booking.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Can the trip be cancelled because of weather?

The trip runs in rain or shine, but it may be cancelled if sea conditions are not suitable.