Lanzarote: Day Trip to the Papagayo Beaches by Catamaran

The best part of this Lanzarote outing is the stop in a sheltered bay near the Costa de Papagayo, where you can jump from the catamaran, kayak, snorkel, or simply stretch out with a drink. The volcanic coast and golden beaches provide the setting, but the real appeal is having a relaxed day on the water without arranging lunch or equipment yourself.

I like the friendly crew and generous food and drinks, especially the freshly served paella, pasta, fruit, sangria, and draft beer. I also like the choice between doing as much or as little as you want. The main drawback is that this is closer to a four-hour boat excursion than a full day, and rough seas can change the anchorage or make the trip uncomfortable for anyone prone to motion sickness.

Key points at a glance

• Welcome mojito and Spanish omelette tapa: The day starts with a drink and a small bite as the crew explains the plan.
• Papagayo swimming stop: You get about two hours for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and relaxing on board.
• Lunch included: Choose traditional paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit.
• Open bar throughout: Draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included in the $75 price.
• Pickup from several resort areas: Transfers are available from Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise, with some day-specific limits.
• Weather matters: Wind can prevent the boat from anchoring directly at Papagayo, though a sheltered bay may be used instead.

Sailing from Puerto del Carmen to Papagayo

The catamaran leaves from Puerto del Carmen Harbour, at the last pier at the far end of the harbor, beyond the petrol station. If you arrange a transfer, you will be collected from the nearest designated point to your accommodation. Exact pickup details arrive by email, so check them carefully rather than relying only on the general booking information.

Once aboard the Líneas Romero catamaran, the crew serves a welcome mojito and a Spanish omelette tapa. There is a short introduction to the day, followed by roughly an hour of sailing toward the southern end of Lanzarote.

This first hour is as much about the boat ride as the destination. You pass volcanic cliffs and open Atlantic water while the crew provides live commentary in English, Spanish, French, Italian, or German. German and Italian commentary is available on request, so you should arrange that ahead of time if it matters to you.

The catamaran offers a pleasant middle ground. You can sit back and watch the coast, or begin the holiday mood with a drink from the bar. The boat is not simply a ferry to a beach. The sailing time is a central part of the experience, so bring a jacket even on a sunny day. Wind can make the ride feel cool, and the return crossing may be breezy.

What the Papagayo stop is really like

Papagayo is known for its golden beaches, clear water, and dry volcanic surroundings. From the boat, you see the coast from a viewpoint that road trips cannot provide. The catamaran anchors offshore, and this is where the active part of the day begins.

You can swim from the boat, use a kayak, snorkel, or lounge on deck. Floating equipment is also available, according to the detailed trip experiences, but kayaks can be in demand. If kayaking is important to you, be ready to take your turn rather than expecting a private kayak for the full stop.

The water activities are a strong reason to choose this cruise. Children and adults can use life jackets, and the crew can help people into the water. Several people have found the stop especially good for spotting fish around the boat. Bring your own snorkeling mask and tube if you want to be certain of having equipment, since snorkeling gear is not formally included.

One important detail: you do not disembark onto Papagayo beach. The boat remains offshore, and the included activity is a sea stop beside the beaches. That suits people who want to swim straight from the catamaran, but it will disappoint you if you are hoping to walk on the sand or explore the beach on foot.

The planned stop lasts about two hours. That gives you enough time to try more than one activity, but not an endless afternoon. You might swim first, spend some time in a kayak, then return to the deck for lunch and a cold drink.

Lunch, mojitos, and the open bar

Food is one of the better features of this trip. Lunch includes a choice of traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit. Bread and a fruit bar are also provided.

The paella receives particular praise, while the pasta is a sensible choice for children or anyone who does not fancy seafood-style rice. Vegetarian and celiac diets can be catered for with advance notice. Do not wait until boarding to ask. Tell the provider before the trip.

The open bar includes unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. The welcome mojito is served when you arrive, and drinks continue during the cruise and lunch. At $75 per person, this changes the value calculation considerably. A boat trip with transport, lunch, and several drinks included can cost less than booking each element separately.

Still, the open bar shapes the atmosphere. The mood can become lively, especially on the return trip when music and dancing may start. This is not presented as a quiet sailing lesson or a small private charter. It is a social group outing, with people relaxing, drinking, swimming, and taking photos.

That makes it a good fit for couples, families with older children, and friends who want an easygoing day. It may be less appealing if you want silence, personal service, or a calm small-group cruise.

The return journey and the atmosphere on board

After lunch and the water stop, the catamaran sails back toward Puerto del Carmen for an arrival at about 3:00 pm. The ride back is often when the crew turns up the entertainment. Music, dancing, photos, and a more festive mood are part of the experience.

You may also see marine life, although this is never guaranteed. Dolphins and pilot whales have been spotted on some departures. Fish are commonly seen around the boat during the swimming stop, but sightings depend on conditions and luck.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the outing. They serve food and drinks, help with water activities, provide life jackets, and assist passengers who feel unwell. One guide named Carla is praised in the trip feedback, along with the wider boat team. Staff have also helped people suffering from seasickness with water, ice packs, and sickness bags.

That support is useful, but it does not remove the risk. If you know you get motion sickness, consider taking your usual medication before departure and avoid arriving hungover. The Atlantic can be choppy, and a catamaran is still a moving boat, even when the weather looks fine from shore.

Wind, weather, and changes to the plan

The route depends on sea conditions. Strong wind can make it impossible to anchor at Papagayo itself. In that case, the crew may choose a nearby sheltered bay so that swimming and kayaking can continue.

This is a sensible safety choice, but you should keep your expectations flexible. You are paying for a day on the water along Lanzarote’s southern coast, not a guaranteed landing at one exact beach. Poor weather can also lead to a changed itinerary or cancellation, with an alternative date or refund offered.

Wind has another effect: the sailing can feel cold even when the sun is strong. Pack a light jacket, plus sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and a camera. A waterproof phone pouch is a practical extra, though it is not listed as part of the official equipment.

Pickup, timing, and the four-hour reality

The boat portion lasts about four hours in total, roughly one hour out, two hours at anchor, and one hour back. With resort pickup and drop-off, your full outing takes longer. Some departures collect people around 9:15 am and return them to their accommodation near 4:00 pm.

Pickup and return transfers are available from selected points in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. The listed stops include major hotels and transport points such as Hotel HL Club Playa Blanca, Sandos Papagayo, Puerto del Carmen Harbour, Hotel The Volcán Lanzarote, H10 Lanzarote Princess, and several others.

There are restrictions. Puerto Calero pickup is available only on Thursdays, and there is no Playa Blanca pickup on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays. If you book within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed, so you may need to go directly to the harbor.

The harbor meeting point can be easy to miss if you arrive late. Go past the petrol station and continue to the last pier. If you are using a resort transfer, arrive at least five minutes before the stated pickup time.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip if you want a simple mix of scenery, food, swimming, and drinks. It works particularly well for:

• Couples looking for an easy day away from the resort
• Families with children who can manage boat access and water activities
• Friends who enjoy a social atmosphere with music and an open bar
• Older passengers who want a gentle outing, provided they are comfortable with stairs and boat movement
• Anyone who wants lunch and transport included rather than planning a beach day alone

The catamaran is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Non-folding wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Toilets are below deck down steep stairs, which is worth considering if stairs are difficult for you.

The experience also may not suit anyone seeking a quiet, private cruise. The boat can carry a large group, and one departure had many people aboard, though there was still room to enjoy the trip. Kayaks are shared, and the most popular activities can be first come, first served.

Is $75 good value?

At $75, the price is strong if you make use of the inclusions. You receive a round-trip catamaran ride, a welcome cocktail, lunch, fruit, unlimited selected drinks, kayaking, live commentary, and resort-area transfers when available.

The value is highest for people who will swim, kayak, eat on board, and have several drinks. If you do not drink alcohol and plan only to sit on deck, the price may feel less exceptional, though the sailing and lunch still form a useful package.

The main thing you are not getting is a full beach visit. You cannot step ashore at Papagayo, and snorkeling equipment is not formally supplied. Think of this as a catamaran day with a swimming stop beside Papagayo, not as a guided beach excursion.

Booking advice and final verdict

I would book this if you want a sociable half-day on the Atlantic with plenty included and little planning. The crew, food, open bar, and swimming stop give the trip a generous feel for the money. It is also flexible enough for mixed groups, since you can kayak and snorkel while someone else relaxes on deck.

I would skip it if you suffer badly from seasickness, need step-free access, or specifically want to spend time walking on Papagayo’s beaches. For everyone else, pack a jacket, bring snorkeling gear if you want it, confirm your pickup email, and keep your schedule flexible for wind. This is an easy, good-value Lanzarote outing, with just enough adventure to make the resort pool feel less tempting for a day.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The catamaran leaves from Puerto del Carmen Harbour. Go to the last pier at the far end of the harbor, past the petrol station.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How long is the boat trip?

The sailing portion lasts about four hours, with roughly one hour to the Papagayo area, two hours at anchor, and one hour back to Puerto del Carmen. Resort transfers make the full outing longer.

Can I get off at Papagayo beach?

No. Beach disembarkation is not included. The catamaran anchors offshore, where you can swim, kayak, snorkel, or relax on board.

What food is served?

Lunch includes traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit. Vegetarian and celiac diets can be catered for if you notify the provider in advance.

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 not formally included. Bring your own if you want to snorkel, although equipment may sometimes be available on the boat.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The itinerary may change because of wind or other weather conditions. The crew may use a nearby sheltered bay instead of anchoring at Papagayo. If the excursion is canceled, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.