Catamaran Cruise to Papagayo beaches, lunch and water activities

The best part of this Lanzarote outing is the long stop in clear Atlantic water off Papagayo Beach. You do not land on the sand. Instead, the catamaran anchors offshore, giving you a choice of swimming, kayaking, sitting in the sun, or staying dry with a drink and a view of the volcanic coast.

I like the spacious catamaran and the simple freedom of the day. You can sit in sun or shade, use the steps into the sea, and return to the boat whenever you like. I also like the value: lunch, drinks, a welcome mojito, kayaking, and selected hotel transfers are included for $77.24.

The main caution is that this is not a nonstop party cruise or a beach visit. The water can turn choppy, snorkeling gear is not supplied, and the drink selection is more family-friendly than cocktail-bar broad. Some people also find the quiet sailing time longer than expected.

What makes this catamaran trip worth considering

• Two hours anchored off Papagayo: Swim, kayak, use the inflatable platform, or simply enjoy the coast from the boat.
• Lunch and drinks included: Choose paella or pasta, with fruit afterward, plus beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks.
• A roomy boat with sun and shade: The catamaran has toilets, plenty of seating, and several ways to reach the water.
• A genuine coastal view: You sail south from Puerto del Carmen toward Lanzarote’s striking volcanic shoreline.
• Hotel pickup is useful but limited: Exact pickup details arrive by email, and late bookings may need to make their own way to the harbor.
• A family-friendly day at sea: Children can join with an adult, but open-water swimming needs sensible judgment.

Sailing from Puerto del Carmen at 11 a.m.

The day begins at Lineas Romero Watertaxi and Excursions on Avenida del Varadero in Puerto del Carmen. If you have arranged transport from a selected hotel, a coach collects you and later returns you to the pickup point or resort. The transfer is a real convenience, though one practical wrinkle is the walk from the coach drop-off area to the boat, which can be longer than expected.

At the harbor, you board the catamaran and receive a short safety briefing. The welcome is relaxed: a mojito and a small serving of Spanish omelet appear as the boat gets under way. The omelet is a traditional tortilla-style dish, but it will not suit everyone. If you are particular about breakfast food, treat it as a snack rather than a reason to book.

The first hour is mostly about settling in. I like this part because you can claim a seat, get your bearings, and watch Puerto del Carmen recede without having to rush from one activity to the next. The boat has indoor air-conditioned space as well as open decks, so you can move out of the sun if the heat catches up with you.

The advertised group limit is 100 people. That is not a small private sailing, but the boat is described as spacious, with room to sit in sun or shade and move around. Several people particularly enjoyed having enough space to relax rather than being packed shoulder to shoulder.

The sail toward Papagayo’s white beaches

The route heads toward the southern tip of Lanzarote, with views of the island’s dry volcanic coast along the way. This is not a sightseeing cruise packed with formal commentary at every turn. It is more of a relaxed passage, with music, drinks, and time to enjoy the scenery.

That slower pace will suit you if you want a half-day away from the pool or resort. It may feel like downtime if you expect a constant schedule of activities. One clear criticism of the experience is that there can be a fair amount of unstructured time, especially before and after the main stop.

The crew generally keeps the mood easy and welcoming. Maddy received a specific mention for being friendly, while the captain and wider crew were praised for helping people and keeping the atmosphere pleasant. The return journey can become livelier, with music and dancing reported on some departures, but you should not book this expecting a dedicated nightclub on water.

The open bar is included throughout the cruise. You can expect beer, sangria, water, soft drinks, and the welcome mojito. The exact selection is limited compared with a full bar, and you should not assume that cocktails or spirits are freely available. The setup is designed for a social, family-friendly boat trip, not heavy drinking.

Two hours in the water off Papagayo

The catamaran anchors in front of Papagayo’s pale sand and rock formations. This is the central part of the outing, and it is where the trip earns most of its appeal.

You cannot get off the catamaran and walk onto the beach. That matters. If your priority is putting a towel on Papagayo’s sand, this is the wrong excursion. If you want to see the coast from offshore and swim in the open Atlantic, the arrangement works well.

The boat provides kayaks, and you can paddle closer to the rock formations and coastline. Kayaking is included, though access may depend on the conditions and the crew’s instructions. You can also swim from the catamaran, use the inflatable platform, sit on the deck, or stay inside with a drink.

The water is reached by steps at the front or from the rear pontoon area. Several people enjoyed jumping or stepping straight into the sea, and children especially liked the chance to enter the water from the boat. Still, this is open water, not a calm hotel pool. Currents and chop can change, and one account raised concerns about small children in rougher conditions.

I would keep young children close, listen carefully to the safety briefing, and use a life jacket when instructed. The supplied information says life jackets are available when using the boats, but it does not promise one for casual swimming. If anyone in your group is not a confident swimmer, sitting out or using the water activities only with close adult supervision is sensible.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel if looking for fish is important to you. Some people saw fish, while another report found little to see, so I would treat snorkeling as an optional extra rather than the main attraction.

Paella, pasta, and a practical lunch

Lunch is served while the catamaran is anchored. The main choice is paella or pasta, with fruit afterward. The paella receives the strongest praise and is a generous, filling meal for a half-day on the water.

The alternative pasta is useful for children or anyone who does not eat seafood. It is described as tomato-based, though it may feel plain beside the paella. If you have a dietary requirement, tell the operator when booking rather than waiting until you board.

Food quality can vary by expectation. Some people found the meal excellent, while others found it cold or underwhelming. The Spanish omelet served at the start also drew mixed reactions. I would judge the food as a useful part of the package rather than a gourmet meal.

The value works best when you see lunch as one piece of a larger day. You are paying for the boat, the coastal crossing, the anchorage, the kayak, the drinks, and the transport where available. If you dislike paella or rarely drink, the $77.24 price may feel less attractive. If you plan to spend several hours swimming and relaxing on board, it is a fair bundle.

What the catamaran is like on board

The boat’s comfort is one of its strongest points. There is indoor air-conditioned space, outdoor seating, room in the sun, and shaded areas. Toilets are available, and you are not expected to sit in one fixed place for the whole outing.

The steps into the sea make the swimming stop easier than a basic boat trip where people climb over a side ladder. You can also remain on deck and watch the activity if the water looks too rough or you simply want a quiet afternoon.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of high-factor sunscreen. The sun reflects strongly off the water, and it is easy to burn while sitting still with a drink. Reapply often, especially after swimming. A light cover-up is also useful for the ride back if the wind picks up.

The music and social mood vary with the group. On some sailings, the return trip develops into a cheerful singalong with dancing. On others, the boat may feel more like a calm family excursion. That unpredictability is part of the charm, but it also means you should not count on a particular party atmosphere.

Pickup, timing, and small logistical traps

The advertised start is 11 a.m., with the return scheduled around 4 p.m. The experience itself is described as approximately four hours, while the full hotel transfer day can take longer. Exact pickup time and location are sent by email after booking.

Pickup is offered from selected Lanzarote hotels and resorts. Puerto Calero pickup is available only on Thursdays. Playa Blanca pickup is not available on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Sundays. If you book within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed, so you should plan to reach Puerto del Carmen and the stated meeting point yourself.

Check the email carefully rather than assuming the coach will stop at your hotel entrance. One reported problem involved a missed pickup, while another person found the coach service smooth and convenient. The safest approach is to confirm the location with your hotel and contact the local supplier after booking if transport is important to you.

The meeting point is at Lineas Romero Watertaxi and Excursions, Av. del Varadero, 30, Tías. The activity ends back at the meeting point unless a transfer arrangement takes you elsewhere.

The operator can provide a multilingual guide. German and Italian are available on request, specifically on Thursdays. English is the standard advertised language.

Who will enjoy this Papagayo cruise most

I would choose this outing if you want several holiday pleasures in one half-day: a boat ride, a swim, lunch, drinks, coastal views, and a little kayaking. It works particularly well for couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and solo people who enjoy meeting others on a shared boat.

It is also a good choice if you want an easy day with few decisions. You do not need to find a restaurant, arrange a kayak rental, or drive to the southern beaches. Once on board, the basic plan is laid out for you.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet, small-scale sailing. The group may be large, and the atmosphere can become busy around the kayaks and water platform. I would also look elsewhere if your main goal is walking on Papagayo Beach, serious snorkeling, or a premium drinks menu.

The cruise is suitable for most people, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18. People with mobility concerns should ask the operator about the coach walk and the steps used to reach the water, since the supplied details do not promise full step-free access.

Price, value, and cancellation

At $77.24 per person, the price is reasonable when you use the package fully. The value comes from the combination of lunch, open-bar drinks, kayaking, the catamaran, and selected hotel transport. A person who spends the whole anchorage swimming and paddling will get more from the fee than someone who stays seated and does not drink.

The free cancellation policy is useful. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Weather can affect the outing. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Should you book it?

I would book this catamaran trip if you want a sociable, good-value day on the Atlantic and understand that Papagayo is viewed from the water. The best features are the spacious boat, generous time at anchor, easy swimming access, kayak use, and the combination of food and drinks.

I would skip it if you need a beach landing, specialist snorkeling, a private sailing, or a carefully planned schedule with constant activity. Bring your own snorkel, pack serious sun protection, confirm your pickup details, and keep an eye on sea conditions for children.

For most people who want a relaxed taste of Lanzarote from offshore, this is a sensible choice. It gives you a scenic boat ride and a proper swim stop without demanding a full day or a large amount of planning.

FAQ

Does the catamaran stop directly on Papagayo Beach?

No. The catamaran anchors offshore in front of the Papagayo beaches, and you cannot get off the boat to walk on the sand.

What food is included?

Lunch includes a choice of Spanish paella or pasta, followed by fruit. A small serving of Spanish omelet is provided near the beginning of the cruise.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The experience includes a welcome mojito and unlimited drinks from the open bar. The listed options include beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks. The selection is not described as a full cocktail bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Is kayaking included?

Yes. Kayak use is included during the stop off Papagayo, subject to the conditions and crew instructions.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off are available from selected Lanzarote hotels. Puerto Calero pickup is available only on Thursdays, and Playa Blanca pickup is unavailable on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. Pickup is not guaranteed for bookings made within 24 hours of departure.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes. Children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult. The boat stops in open water, so adults should supervise children closely, especially when conditions are choppy.