Catamaran F40 Lanzarote sailing

Leave the harbor, lose the crowds. This private F40 catamaran trip gives you four hours on Lanzarote’s southern coast, with David Vera at the helm and room for up to 12 people. I like the freedom to help steer the boat, and I like that the crew anchors for swimming and snorkeling instead of keeping you aboard the whole time.

The main catch is simple: lunch is not included, so you need to bring your own food and drinks. You should also pack a hoodie, since the return sail can feel breezy even on a warm day. At $648.13 per group, the price makes the most sense for a family or group sharing the boat, not for one or two people traveling alone.

Key points before you book

• Private boat for up to 12: Your group gets the catamaran without strangers sharing the deck.
• A flexible route: The usual plan follows Lanzarote’s southern coast, with Papagayo and the lighthouse possible. If the wind comes from the east, the crew may sail toward Isla de Lobos.
• Real time under sail: You may help steer while the crew gives you pointers, a hit with children and curious adults.
• Swimming stop included: The boat anchors so you can swim, snorkel, and use the stand-up paddleboard.
• Bring your own picnic: Two large coolers are available, but food and drinks are your responsibility.
• Good for mixed ages: Groups ranging from children to adults in their seventies have enjoyed the outing.

Setting out from Playa Blanca at 11 a.m.

The trip begins at Av. Marítima, 112B, in Playa Blanca, and returns to the same meeting point. The start time is 11 a.m., giving you a relaxed morning before heading to the marina.

Playa Blanca is a useful base for this sort of outing because the boat can quickly reach the open water and the southern coast. You do not spend half the trip sitting in a transfer vehicle. Once aboard, the focus shifts to the sea, wind, and views.

The catamaran holds up to 12 people, but this is still a private activity. That matters. You can bring your own music, ask questions, take over part of the deck, and set the mood for your group without having to fit into a fixed public-tour routine.

The meeting point is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the operator requires suitable weather, keep a little flexibility in your plans if possible.

Sailing the southern coast of Lanzarote

The usual route follows Lanzarote’s southern coast, where the prevailing wind is often from the north. The exact sailing course depends on the day’s wind, so you should think of this as a flexible coastal outing rather than a rigid sightseeing circuit.

That flexibility is part of the appeal. On one outing, the boat sailed toward the lighthouse and then continued toward the Papagayo beaches. Papagayo is especially well suited to a boat trip because the sheltered waters make it possible to stop for swimming and water activities.

From the deck, you get a different view of the coast than you would from a road or beach path. The low shoreline opens up around you, and the catamaran gives you a broad viewing platform instead of the narrow seating found on many small boats.

The sailing itself is not just transport between stops. David has invited children to help steer, and he offers tips while they take a turn. That small touch changes the mood from a passive boat ride into a hands-on outing. Adults can enjoy it too, particularly if you have always wanted to understand how a sailing boat responds to the wind.

You should not expect a high-speed thrill ride. The pleasure here comes from steady movement, open water, and time to talk, listen to music, or watch the coast pass by. If you want constant action, four hours may feel long. If you like an easy pace, the time can pass quickly.

Swimming and snorkeling near Papagayo

The boat anchors so you can get into the water. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and stand-up paddleboards are included, giving you more than one way to enjoy the stop.

The water time is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a simple sightseeing cruise. You can swim directly from the boat rather than waiting for a crowded beach access point. The supplied equipment also means you do not need to arrange a separate snorkeling rental.

The stop can last long enough for a proper swim. One family group spent about an hour in the clear water, using the paddleboards before sailing back toward the lighthouse. That is useful context when planning your day: this is not a quick dip for ten minutes and then straight back to port.

Still, the water stop depends on conditions. Wind, sea state, and the captain’s judgment will affect where the catamaran anchors and how long you remain there. The tour requires good weather, and a poor-weather cancellation brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

If you have young children, bring whatever personal swim items they need, since the listed inclusions cover snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards but do not specify flotation devices. The boat is suitable for most people, yet anyone with limited swimming ability should speak with the operator before booking.

A possible change of route toward Isla de Lobos

The wind can send the boat in a different direction. If it blows from the east, the plan may shift toward Isla de Lobos, the small island across the water near Fuerteventura.

This is an important point for anyone hoping to see one exact place. The route is weather-led, not guaranteed. That can frustrate you if you have your heart set on Papagayo, but it also gives the captain room to find a comfortable and enjoyable sailing course.

The best approach is to treat the named locations as possible highlights rather than promises. You are booking private time on the catamaran, a swim and snorkeling stop, and a coastal sailing experience. The precise route will be decided by the wind and sea conditions.

That is also why the trip can work well for repeat visitors to Lanzarote. You are not simply ticking off one fixed viewpoint. You get a moving coastal view and a day shaped by the water.

What to pack for four hours aboard

The boat has fridges and two large coolers, so you can bring a proper picnic and keep drinks cold. Lunch is not provided. Pack enough food for your group, along with water and any snacks you want during the sail.

The practical packing list is short:

• Food and drinks for the full four hours
• A hoodie or light warm layer for the return
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun protection
• Any personal medication or swim aids you need
• A phone or camera, if you want photos

The hoodie is worth taking even if Playa Blanca feels hot at departure. Once the catamaran is moving, the breeze becomes more noticeable, especially on the way back.

A speaker is available for your group to play music. That is a nice bonus for a private charter, although you should still keep the volume sensible so people can talk and the crew can communicate clearly.

Because this is a private boat, you can make the food arrangement as simple or festive as you like. One group used the outing for a 70th birthday with nine family members, while another brought children who enjoyed steering and swimming. The format adapts well to birthdays, family days, and small group celebrations.

How the price works for groups

The listed cost is $648.13 for the group, with a maximum of 12 people. That works out to about $54 per person if you fill every place. For six people, it is roughly $108 each, and for four people, about $162 each.

That pricing makes the experience strongest for larger groups. A family of eight to 12 can receive good value from a private boat, especially when you compare it with paying separate per-person prices on a public cruise and still sharing the deck with strangers.

For a small party of two or three, the calculation changes. You are paying for the boat, captain, equipment, and privacy, so the per-person price becomes much higher. I would choose it for a small group only if private sailing and control over the day matter more to you than finding the cheapest way onto the water.

The price includes snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards. It does not include lunch, but the onboard fridges reduce the hassle of carrying chilled food. There is no extra lunch package to assess, and that gives you control over what you eat.

David Vera and the feel on board

David Vera is identified as the captain, and his role appears to go beyond simply navigating the boat. He is also the host, the person explaining the sailing, and the one helping people take a turn at the helm.

That personal contact is central to the experience. David has been praised for clear communication, patience, and creating a relaxed day for groups. When two taxis went to the wrong marina and part of one group arrived about 40 minutes late, he waited and extended the trip afterward. You should not assume every delay will receive the same treatment, but it shows a useful level of flexibility.

The atmosphere sounds informal rather than polished in a luxury-yacht sense. You bring the picnic, choose the music, and take part in the water activities. That is good news if you want an easygoing day with family or friends. It may not suit you if you expect a formal meal, structured commentary, or a full-service crew.

The activity has received a five-star average from 22 ratings, with all recommending it. That is a strong signal, though the sample is still modest. The most consistent praise focuses on David, the private setting, the water stop, and the chance for children and adults to steer.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would put this near the top of the list for:

• Families with children who enjoy hands-on activities
• Groups celebrating a birthday or special occasion
• Friends who want a private boat instead of a crowded cruise
• Mixed-age groups, from children to older adults
• People who like swimming and snorkeling as much as sightseeing
• Visitors happy to bring their own food and shape the day themselves

The outing also suits people who prefer a gentle pace. You have time to sail, stop, swim, use the paddleboard, eat, and listen to music without rushing between several land attractions.

I would think twice if you want a guaranteed visit to one named beach, dislike wind, or prefer a tour with lunch and drinks included. The route can change, and the boat will feel exposed to the breeze. This is a sea day, so the weather matters.

People who need a fully accessible plan should contact the operator before booking. The data says most people can participate and that service animals are allowed, but it does not give detailed information about boarding or adapted facilities.

Booking and cancellation details that matter

The activity is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons once booked. That means you should be confident about your date before paying.

Weather is the key exception. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Since the operator chooses the route according to wind direction and sea conditions, a flexible schedule is useful.

The activity is offered in English, and you receive a mobile ticket. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour starts and ends at the same Playa Blanca meeting point.

Should you book the F40 catamaran?

I would book this for a group of six or more that wants a private, relaxed day on the water. The strongest value comes from combining privacy, four hours of sailing, a swimming stop, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and the chance to steer.

The main decision is not the coastline. It is the format. You bring your own picnic, accept that the wind controls the route, and share the boat only with your own group. If that sounds better than a crowded excursion with a fixed script, this is a very good choice.

If you are traveling alone or as a couple, the $648.13 group price is harder to justify. For families and larger groups, though, the cost spreads well, and the mix of sailing, swimming, and simple onboard fun gives the day more substance than a short coastal cruise.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

It starts at Av. Marítima, 112B, 35580 Playa Blanca, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 11 a.m.

How long does the sailing experience last?

The trip lasts approximately four hours.

Is lunch included?

No. You need to bring your own food and drinks. Fridges and two large coolers are available on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included.

Can the route change because of the wind?

Yes. The usual plan follows Lanzarote’s southern coast. If the wind comes from the east, the boat may sail toward Isla de Lobos in Fuerteventura.