Puerto del Carmen: Catamaran Trip with Water Sports

Hold on for the donut ride. This Puerto del Carmen catamaran trip combines a peaceful cruise along Lanzarote’s coast with snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, plus faster fun behind a speedboat. I especially like the choice between quiet time on deck and lively water sports, and the included food and drinks make the $118 price easier to justify. The main caution is that the outing is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and sea conditions can affect the schedule.

The boat heads from Puerto Calero past Puerto del Carmen and Playa Quemada toward El Barranco del Quiquere, a scenic cliff area between Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen. Once moored, you can swim, sunbathe, eat seasonal fruit and cheese, or climb onto a banana boat or donut. The advertised duration is two to four hours, so check the exact departure time and length before you pay.

Key Points At A Glance

• El Barranco del Quiquere is the main swimming stop: You moor near a striking cliff area and get time for swimming, snorkeling, and deck views.
• The donut and banana boat are included: A fast boat pulls the inflatable rides, giving you a proper thrill without a separate activity charge.
• Food and drinks are part of the deal: Expect seasonal fruit, cheese, snacks, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.
• You can choose your pace: The same trip suits sunbathers, families, active couples, and people who want several water sports in one outing.
• Small or private groups are available: A private boat can make the trip feel more personal, while a shared outing may be better value.
• Transport details need checking: Some bookings include pickup, while the activity information also says hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Setting Sail From Puerto Calero

The trip begins at Puerto Calero, a marina south of Puerto del Carmen. From there, the catamaran heads along the coast, passing Puerto del Carmen and Playa Quemada before reaching El Barranco del Quiquere.

That route matters because the cruise is not only a floating activity platform. You get a look at several very different parts of Lanzarote’s shoreline from the water, including the marina setting, open coastal views, and the rugged cliff area around the anchorage. I like this kind of route because the journey itself has value, especially for anyone who wants a break from resort streets and hotel pools.

The catamaran gives you room to sit back, take photos, and watch the coast pass by. The trip is guided in English, French, German, or Spanish, so you should be able to get basic instructions for the boat and water sports in one of the listed languages.

The duration can range from two to four hours. That is a meaningful difference. A shorter trip may feel like a compact cruise with a swim and one or two activities. A longer departure gives you more time to try several options without rushing. I recommend checking the exact departure time and stated duration when booking rather than assuming every sailing follows the same schedule.

Why El Barranco del Quiquere Is The Main Event

The boat moors at El Barranco del Quiquere, a cliff area between Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen. This is where the trip changes from sightseeing cruise to water-sports session.

You can swim in the clear, warm water, use the snorkeling equipment, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. The catamaran also carries kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, so you can move away from the boat under your own power. These gentler activities give you a good middle ground between simply floating and being pulled behind a speedboat.

I would plan to use the stop in layers. Start with a swim or snorkel while the water feels inviting, then try a paddleboard or kayak if you want a little exercise. Save the banana boat or donut for later if you prefer to work up to the faster rides.

The water sports are included, but the exact order and time available for each activity can depend on the group and sea conditions. The provider may also cancel the sailing if the sea is not safe. That is sensible, though it means you should keep some flexibility in your Lanzarote plans.

The Donut, Banana Boat, And Other Fast Options

The donut is likely to be the comic highlight of the day. You sit on an inflatable ring while a speedboat pulls you across the water, with the ride designed to swing and bounce. The banana boat offers a different shape and feel, with several people riding together behind the boat.

Both are included, which is important when comparing this experience with a basic sailing trip. You do not have to choose between a relaxing cruise and a separate paid activity on the beach. You can have both within the same outing.

The crew operates the fast boat behind the catamaran, so the high-speed activities are part of the planned stop rather than an unrelated add-on. The reviews supplied with the activity also describe optional upgrades to jet skis and paragliding, but these are not included in the advertised package. One account gives prices of €50 for a jet ski shared between two people, €40 for paragliding, and €20 for photos and videos. Treat those as reported examples, not guaranteed current prices, and ask before agreeing to an upgrade.

If you have children, the donut can be the big hit. One family even found it funny enough to become the highlight of the entire trip. If you prefer quiet water time, you are not required to take part. You can stay on deck, swim, paddle, or simply watch the action.

Food And Drinks On The Catamaran

The meal is more than a token snack. The included spread features seasonal fruit, cheese, and other snacks, with beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water available.

That makes a difference on a short boat trip. You do not need to pack a full lunch, and you can take a break from the water without leaving the boat. Several comments praise the food, with one family saying even their fussy children ate well. Another describes the drinks as self-service, which helps avoid waiting for the crew every time you want water or a soft drink.

I would still bring a towel and swimwear, as requested. The supplied information does not promise a full cooked meal, so think of the food as a generous snack lunch rather than a restaurant service. If you have dietary needs, ask the provider before departure because no specific dietary arrangements are listed.

Drinks include alcohol, so the atmosphere may be more social on a shared sailing. That can be pleasant if you like meeting people, but a private trip may suit you better if you want a quieter celebration or family outing.

Shared Catamaran Or Private Charter?

You can choose between a shared experience and a private or small-group option. The right choice depends less on the boat itself than on how you want to use the time.

A shared trip offers the best chance of keeping the cost reasonable while still giving you access to the same mix of food, drinks, swimming, paddling, and towable rides. It can also add a friendly social feel. The supplied experiences describe plenty of laughter and easy interaction among people on board.

A private trip makes more sense for a couple, family, or group celebrating something special. One couple had the boat to themselves for an anniversary and used the activities, food, drinks, and relaxed time in the water. Private space also gives you more control over the mood, though it may cost more than the standard rate.

Group size matters here. One family praised having plenty of room on a lightly filled boat, while the private option offers the clearest guarantee of personal space. If deck room and privacy matter to you, ask exactly how many people are expected on the shared departure or choose private if your budget allows.

Is $118 Good Value?

At $118 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Lanzarote. The value comes from packing several separate holiday costs into one outing.

You get the catamaran cruise, swimming stop, snorkeling gear, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, banana boat, donut boat, snacks, and a selection of drinks. If you planned to pay separately for a boat trip, water sports, lunch, and drinks, the price becomes easier to understand.

The value is strongest if you will actually use the activities. A person who wants to sit quietly on a boat for two hours may find a simpler cruise better suited and less expensive. I would book this one if you want a mix of relaxation and action, especially if the donut, banana boat, or paddleboard are high on your list.

Private bookings will change the value calculation. You are paying for exclusivity as well as the activities, so the price may make more sense when split among a group. For a couple, the private option is more about the occasion and privacy than saving money.

The rating provided is 4.5 out of 5 from 56 reviews, with praise focused on the crew, food, drinks, boat atmosphere, and water sports. The recurring positive details are useful: people liked the relaxed feel, the friendly hosts, and the fact that the activities matched what was promised.

Crew, Pickup, And Practical Details

The named crew members in the feedback include Santos, Nicolas, Joan, and Imanol. Santos and Nicolas were praised for their care and humor, while Joan and Imanol were described as friendly and helpful during an anniversary trip. The strongest pattern is clear: the crew seems to have a large effect on the experience, especially when helping people choose activities or making families feel welcome.

Transport needs a careful note. The activity information says hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, yet the booking details also refer to pickup, and one account describes a driver collecting and returning people to their hotel. Another person found Spanish useful when communicating about transport.

Because those details do not fully match, confirm your pickup arrangement before departure. If pickup is included for your booking, wait outside the reception ten minutes before the scheduled time. The stated rule says the car leaves five minutes after that pickup time, so do not cut it close.

The boat trip operates rain or shine, but poor sea conditions can cause cancellation. Bring swimwear and a towel. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and no special accessibility features are listed.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most?

I would recommend it most strongly to active families, couples, and small groups who want several activities without booking separate excursions. It also works well for people who like a balance: a calm cruise, a snack and drink, then a few minutes of controlled chaos on the donut.

Families should like the range of choices. Children or adults who do not want to ride the inflatables can swim, snorkel, paddle, or watch from the boat. One family also found the crew welcoming toward a child with autism who preferred taking in the views rather than joining the activities.

Couples may prefer the private version, especially for an anniversary or a relaxed day together. The private trip can give you more space for photos, swimming, and quiet time, while the shared option costs less and may feel more lively.

This is less suitable if you have limited mobility, dislike speed-based activities, or want a long open-sea sailing with no organized program. The boat offers freedom, but the day still has a clear activity focus.

Final Booking Advice

Book this catamaran trip if you want good variety in a compact outing and will make use of the included water sports. The food, drinks, snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, banana boat, and donut add real value to the $118 price.

Choose private if you are celebrating or strongly value space. Choose shared if you want the same core activities at a more practical cost. Before paying, confirm the exact duration, pickup arrangements, and any current prices for optional jet skis or paragliding.

The best reason to book is simple: you can spend part of the trip doing almost nothing, then turn around and laugh your way across the water behind a speedboat. That mix gives the outing its appeal.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto del Carmen catamaran trip?

The stated duration is two to four hours. Check the available departure and duration details for your chosen booking, as the length can vary.

What water sports are included?

The package includes snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, a banana boat, and a donut boat. You can also swim or sunbathe from the catamaran.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The included refreshments consist of seasonal fruit, cheese, snacks, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The catamaran departs from Puerto Calero and travels past Puerto del Carmen and Playa Quemada toward El Barranco del Quiquere.

Is hotel pickup included?

The activity information is inconsistent. One section says hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, while another refers to pickup and some booking experiences describe hotel transport. Confirm this detail for your specific reservation.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. The activity information does not list any other required items.

What happens if the sea conditions are poor?

The trip can be cancelled if sea conditions are not good. It is otherwise scheduled to operate rain or shine.