Catamaran F40 Lanzarote sailing

Lanzarote’s southern coast is best seen from the water, and this private F40 catamaran gives your group room to enjoy it without a crowded boat around you. Captain David Vera may set a course toward Papagayo and the lighthouse, or, with an easterly wind, toward Isla de Lobos near Fuerteventura. Along the way, you can help steer, swim, snorkel, and use the paddleboard.

I like the private format and the chance to bring your own food and drinks, with two cool boxes available on board. I also like the easy mix of sailing and water time, which worked well for groups ranging from children to a 70-year-old birthday guest. The main consideration is the weather-dependent route, plus the strict non-refundable policy if you cancel for your own reasons.

Key points to know before booking

• Private sailing for up to 12 people: The boat is reserved for your group, making it a strong choice for families and celebrations.
• Captain David Vera: He offers steering tips and has been praised for patient, friendly hosting.
• Route changes with the wind: Expect the southern coast, Papagayo, and the lighthouse, with Isla de Lobos possible in an easterly wind.
• Swimming stop included: Snorkeling gear and a stand-up paddleboard are provided for time at anchor.
• Bring your own picnic: Lunch is not included, but fridges and two large ice boxes are available.
• Four hours from Playa Blanca: The trip starts at 11:00 am and returns to the same meeting point.

Setting sail from Playa Blanca at 11:00 am

You meet the boat at Av. Marítima, 112B, in Playa Blanca, Las Palmas. The activity starts at 11:00 am and ends back at the same spot after roughly four hours. Public transportation is nearby, and the operator allows service animals. Most people can take part, though you should be comfortable with ordinary boat movement and getting in and out of the water if you want to enjoy every part of the trip.

Playa Blanca is a sensible starting point for a southern Lanzarote sailing trip. The route can change with the wind, so you should treat the planned direction as flexible rather than fixed. With the usual northerly wind, the catamaran sails along the southern coast. If the wind comes from the east, the crew may head toward Isla de Lobos in Fuerteventura instead.

That flexibility is not a flaw. Sailing boats work with the wind, not against it, and the captain’s choice should help the boat move comfortably while leaving time for swimming and snorkeling. It does mean you should not book this expecting one guaranteed landmark or a fixed sightseeing circuit.

What the private catamaran setup changes

The boat is private for your group, with a maximum of 12 people. That matters more than it may sound. You do not have to share the outing with strangers, match another group’s mood, or wait for a large boat to load and unload. If your party includes children, older relatives, or friends celebrating together, the private arrangement gives you a more relaxed day.

The group size also affects the price. The listed cost is $648.13 for the whole group, not per person. At 12 people, that works out to about $54 per person. At nine people, it is about $72 each, while a smaller group pays more per head. You should compare it with that group calculation, since the value is strongest when you fill most of the available places.

This is not a luxury meal cruise. Lunch is not supplied, and there is no promise of a fixed menu or onboard catering. What you get instead is the boat, crew, sailing time, water equipment, and privacy. For a group that would already bring snacks and drinks, that can be a better use of the budget than paying for food you may not want.

Sailing toward Papagayo and the lighthouse

The southern coast route is the heart of the trip. Past outings have included sailing toward the lighthouse and then crossing toward Papagayo, with time to stop and swim near the beaches. The exact order can shift with the wind and sea conditions, but the basic rhythm is clear: sail, anchor, enjoy the water, and sail again.

Papagayo is a good target for a half-day boat trip because the coast gives you something to look at while underway, followed by clear water for swimming and snorkeling. From the catamaran, you see the shore from a different angle than you would on a beach visit. You also avoid spending the whole outing on land, driving between viewpoints, or setting up beside a busy beach.

The lighthouse adds another useful point of interest on the route. You should not think of the trip as a formal sightseeing tour with a long stop at every landmark. It is more about the pleasure of moving along the coast, taking in the views, and choosing a calm place to anchor.

The captain’s route decisions are part of the experience. Wind direction controls how well the catamaran sails and where the boat can comfortably go. If you want a guaranteed visit to Papagayo or Isla de Lobos, this may feel too open-ended. If you enjoy a day shaped by the sea, the flexible plan is a plus.

Taking the wheel with David Vera

One of the most appealing details is the chance to help steer. Captain David Vera gives tips as you take the wheel, so the experience is not limited to sitting back and watching him handle the boat. Children have been able to try steering, which adds a memorable hands-on element for families.

You should keep expectations sensible. You are not taking a sailing course, and the captain remains responsible for the boat. Still, a short turn at the helm helps you understand how the wind, sails, and direction work. It gives children something active to do and lets adults enjoy more than a simple ride.

David is also the person to contact if plans need sorting out. When part of one large group reached the wrong marina, he waited patiently and extended the outing at the end. That example suggests a practical, calm approach, though you should still double-check the exact meeting point before departure. With a 12-person booking, one transport mistake can delay everyone.

The experience is offered in English. David Vera is also identified as the captain, and Spanish-speaking groups have taken part as well. If your party has mixed ages or different comfort levels on the water, tell the crew what you need early in the trip.

Anchoring for swimming and snorkeling

The boat anchors for a water stop, with snorkeling equipment supplied. This is where the trip becomes more than a coastal cruise. You can get in for a swim, look below the surface with the provided gear, and return to the boat when you are ready.

Past outings have allowed around an hour in the water, although the exact timing can vary. One group also used the stand-up paddleboard and canoe while anchored. The supplied information specifically confirms a stand-up paddleboard and snorkeling equipment, so you should regard the canoe as something that may be available rather than a guaranteed inclusion.

The water stop suits groups with mixed interests. Strong swimmers can snorkel or paddle, while someone who prefers to stay aboard can enjoy the view and a snack. The boat’s private setup makes that easier because your group does not have to follow the preferences of a larger crowd.

Bring a hoodie or light warm layer for the return sail. One outing was calm and sunny but became breezier on the way back, which is common sense on an open boat. Even on a warm Lanzarote day, wind can make a four-hour trip feel cooler once you leave the shelter of the coast.

Packing lunch in the two ice boxes

You supply the food and drinks. The catamaran has fridges, plus two large ice boxes, so you can pack a proper picnic rather than relying on a few small snacks. This is an important practical detail for a 4-hour trip, especially if children are coming or you are celebrating a birthday.

Pack items that are easy to eat on a boat. Sandwiches, fruit, pastries, crisps, and drinks should work better than anything that needs careful preparation or a full table setting. The supplied information does not state that meals are provided, so do not arrive expecting lunch from the crew.

The bring-your-own arrangement also lets you control costs. A group of nine celebrating a 70th birthday brought refreshments and snacks, used the coolers, and combined lunch with swimming and paddleboarding. That kind of setup makes the boat feel like your own small floating picnic rather than a packaged meal excursion.

You may also want to bring sun protection, though the details do not specify what shade or seating is available. The one firm clothing tip from the experience is to pack a hoodie for the breezier ride home.

Why four hours feels like the right length

The trip lasts about four hours, enough time for a proper coastal sail and a meaningful water stop without taking up the whole day. A typical outing can include the outward sail, a route past the lighthouse or toward Papagayo, an anchor stop, and the return journey to Playa Blanca.

Four hours also gives the captain some room to work around the wind. A shorter trip might leave little time for swimming once the boat reaches a suitable anchorage. A full-day charter would cost more and require a larger commitment, especially for younger children or anyone unsure about spending many hours at sea.

The schedule begins at 11:00 am. That gives you a clear morning beforehand and leaves the rest of the afternoon after returning, though the exact finish time depends on the approximate duration and conditions. Do not book a tight afternoon appointment immediately afterward.

The time can pass quickly because the outing has several parts. You are not simply sitting in one place for four hours. You may steer, watch the coast, eat, swim, snorkel, paddle, and sail back. That variety is one reason the trip works well for a mixed-age group.

Price, group size, and real value

At $648.13 per group of up to 12, the price makes the most sense for a full or nearly full party. A group of 12 pays about $54 per person. A group of six pays about $108 each, before adding its own food and drinks.

For that cost, you receive a private catamaran, captain, roughly four hours on the water, snorkeling equipment, and a stand-up paddleboard. You also get the benefit of choosing your own picnic and music. A speaker was available for one group, but you should confirm that detail if onboard music matters to you, since it is not formally listed among the inclusions.

The strongest value comes from the combination of privacy and activities. If you only want a short scenic ride, a shared boat may cost less. If you want your own group to steer, swim, eat, and choose the pace, the private charter is easier to justify.

The trip has a five-star rating from 22 ratings, with 100 percent recommending it. That is a small sample, so I would not treat it as a guarantee. Still, the praise is consistent around the same points: David’s hosting, the relaxed atmosphere, the chance for children to steer, the water stop, and the boat’s value for family groups.

Who should book this Lanzarote sailing trip

I would put this near the top of the list for a family or friend group that can fill at least eight places. It suits a birthday, reunion, or easygoing day together, particularly when some people want activity and others mainly want scenery and conversation.

Children can take part in steering and enjoy the swim stop, but you should judge their comfort around boats and open water for yourself. The information says most people can participate, and snorkeling equipment is provided, but it does not describe special flotation support or a lifeguard service.

The trip also suits visitors who dislike large organized boat tours. You control the company on board and bring the food you want. That privacy is useful for a family with its own routine or a group that wants to play music and celebrate.

I would think twice if your plans depend on a fixed route, a supplied lunch, or a guaranteed trip to Isla de Lobos. The route follows the wind, and poor weather can cancel the outing. You should also be comfortable with the strict cancellation terms: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons. If bad weather causes the operator to cancel, you receive the choice of a different date or a full refund.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

The meeting point is Av. Marítima, 112B, 35580 Playa Blanca, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the sailing trip begin?

The scheduled start time is 11:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The sailing trip lasts approximately four hours.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can bring your own food and drinks. Fridges and two ice boxes are available on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard are included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Personal cancellations and amendments are non-refundable.

Should you book the Catamaran F40 Lanzarote sailing?

Book it if you have a group that can share the cost, want a private boat, and like the idea of mixing sailing with swimming and snorkeling. The best parts are the flexible southern-coast route, David Vera’s hands-on approach, and the freedom to bring your own picnic instead of paying for a fixed meal.

Before booking, confirm that everyone knows the route can change with the wind and that the outing depends on good weather. Bring a hoodie, pack your own food and drinks, check the Playa Blanca meeting point carefully, and leave plenty of time around the 11:00 am start. If those details suit your plans, this is a practical and personal way to spend four hours on Lanzarote’s coast.