Lanzarote: Day Trip to the Papagayo Beaches by Catamaran

The best Lanzarote days happen offshore. This catamaran outing combines a scenic cruise to the golden Papagayo coast with a welcome mojito, lunch, unlimited drinks, swimming, kayaking, and time to stretch out in the sun. I especially like the friendly crew and the fact that both active and easygoing passengers can enjoy the same trip. The main catch is that the boat time runs about four hours, while the stop at anchor lasts roughly two hours, so this is a half-day sea excursion rather than a full day at the beach.

At $75 per person, the trip offers strong value if you will make use of the paella, open bar, and water activities. I also like the flexible transport options from Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. Just prepare for wind, possible seasickness, and a lively atmosphere once the music and drinks begin.

Five things to know before you book

• Papagayo is viewed from the water: The boat anchors near the famous golden beaches, but you do not disembark onto the beach.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Choose Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit, with beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water available throughout.
• The water stop is the heart of the trip: You can swim, snorkel, kayak, jump from the boat, or relax on an inflatable mattress.
• The cruise lasts about four hours: Expect around one hour sailing each way and close to two hours at anchor.
• Bring your own snorkel gear: Snorkeling equipment is not officially included, even though it has sometimes been available on board.
• Pickup requires careful checking: Resort transfers are optional, and exact meeting details arrive by email after booking.

From Puerto del Carmen to the Papagayo coast

Your boat is the Líneas Romero sailing catamaran, moored at the last pier in Puerto del Carmen Harbour. To reach it, walk past the petrol station to the far end of the harbour. That detail matters because the meeting point is not simply the main waterfront or a general port entrance.

If you choose a resort transfer, you will be collected from the nearest pickup point in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, or Costa Teguise. The operator confirms the exact time and location by email, and you should arrive at least five minutes early. Pickup from Puerto Calero is available only on Thursdays. Playa Blanca has no pickup on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays.

The boat welcomes you with a mojito and a small Spanish omelette tapa. A short introduction explains the plan, then the catamaran heads south toward Costa de Papagayo. The first hour is mainly about the views and the pleasure of being on the water. You pass volcanic cliffs and clear coastal water while the wind does most of the entertaining.

The open catamaran layout gives you several ways to spend this part of the trip. Sit back and watch the coast, find a sunny spot, or stay near the crew for commentary. Conditions can be windy, especially outside the sheltered bay, so bring the recommended jacket even on a warm day.

The Papagayo stop and its golden coves

Papagayo is one of Lanzarote’s most attractive coastal areas, known for pale golden sand, rugged volcanic cliffs, and bright water. The catamaran does not take you onto the beach. Instead, it anchors offshore, giving you a view of the coast and a platform for swimming and water activities.

This arrangement works well if you want a relaxed sea day without hauling beach gear across sand. It is less suitable if your main goal is to walk the Papagayo shore or spend several hours on the actual beach. You stay on the boat for lunch, drinks, and most of your time at anchor.

The stop lasts about two hours. That is enough time to get in the water, try the kayaks, snorkel, and dry off in the sun, but it passes quickly if the boat is busy. Kayaks are available, though they can be first come, first served. If you want one, it makes sense to listen for the crew’s instructions and move promptly when the activity period begins.

You can also jump from the boat or use the ladder to enter the sea. Life jackets are available for children and adults who want them. The water may feel cool when you first get in, but the chance to swim among fish is one of the strongest parts of the outing.

Snorkeling equipment is listed as not included, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you care about exploring below the surface. Some departures have had equipment available, but you should not rely on that. A towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sun hat, camera, and comfortable shoes belong in your day bag.

Lunch, sangria, and the value of the open bar

Lunch is served on board after the water activities or during the anchor stop. You can choose between traditional Spanish paella and pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit. The portions have been described as generous, and the paella receives particularly strong praise.

The food is not a restaurant meal, but it is far better than treating the boat as a trip where you need to bring your own lunch. The combination of a hot main course, fruit, and drinks means you can spend the day without extra food costs. Vegetarian and celiac diets can be catered for if you notify the operator ahead of time.

The drinks package is a major reason the $75 price works. Unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included, along with the welcome mojito. If you plan to have several drinks, the package alone makes the outing compare well with paying separately for a cruise, lunch, and refreshments.

There is a clear tradeoff. This is not a quiet yacht charter. Music, socializing, and alcohol create a cheerful holiday mood, and some departures become lively on the return journey. Families can enjoy the swimming and kayaking, but younger children may not love the adult party atmosphere. The trip is also not suitable for party groups, and intoxication is not allowed.

The return sail and the chance of wildlife

After lunch and the water stop, the catamaran turns back toward Puerto del Carmen. The return hour is a good time to dry off, take photographs, and watch the coastline from a different angle. Some departures have seen dolphins or pilot whales, but wildlife sightings are occasional and never guaranteed.

The crew may play music and encourage dancing on the way back. That creates a fun finish for people who enjoy a social boat trip. If you prefer peace and quiet, choose a seat away from the central action and focus on the views.

The catamaran usually reaches port around 3:00 pm. Resort transfers then return passengers to their pickup areas, with the full day lasting longer than the boat schedule because of hotel collection and drop-off. One useful point is that the advertised boat portion is about 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, not a full day at sea.

Crew service and the practical feel on board

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. They serve drinks, explain the activities, help with the kayaks, and assist passengers who need a hand in the water. Their response to seasickness has also been praised, including providing water, sick bags, and ice packs.

That does not make the boat a good choice for everyone who gets motion sick. Wind and open water can make the journey uncomfortable, especially on the outward and return legs. If you are prone to seasickness, take suitable medication before sailing and eat sensibly. Do not assume the water stop will solve the problem.

The boat has toilets below deck, reached by steep stairs. This is important for anyone with limited mobility. The excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or anyone using a non-folding or electric wheelchair. Glass objects and smoking are not allowed.

The activity is offered with live commentary in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. German and Italian support is available only on request, so arrange that in advance if it matters to you.

Is $75 good value for Lanzarote?

For a standard catamaran trip, $75 might sound like a lot until you add up what is included. You receive the cruise, live commentary, a welcome drink and tapa, lunch, fruit, unlimited drinks, kayak use, and optional resort transfers. You are also paying for a full crew, a sailing catamaran, and a designated stop near one of Lanzarote’s best-known coastal areas.

The value is strongest for adults and families who will swim, eat lunch on board, and use the drink package. It is weaker if you do not drink alcohol, dislike group activities, or want to spend the day walking on Papagayo Beach itself. In that case, a land-based beach visit may suit you better.

The boat trip also has a useful balance of activity and rest. You can kayak and snorkel for part of the stop, then sit in the sun with a drink. That mix makes it suitable for couples, families with older children, and groups with different energy levels.

How to make the day run better

Book the optional pickup if you are staying outside easy walking distance of Puerto del Carmen Harbour. Confirm the email carefully, since pickup times and locations are sent after booking. If your reservation is made within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed, so contact the local supplier and be ready to go directly to the harbour.

Arrive prepared for sun and wind. Pack a jacket, towel, sunscreen, hat, swimwear, comfortable shoes, and a camera. Add your own snorkeling equipment if that activity matters to you.

Avoid arriving hungover. The boat can be windy, and the combination of waves, heat, and alcohol is not kind to an unsettled stomach. Start slowly with drinks, keep some water nearby, and tell the crew early if you feel unwell.

Weather can change the plan. If the sea is too rough to anchor at Papagayo, the crew may use a more sheltered bay instead. That can mean losing the exact Papagayo setting, but it is a sensible safety decision and still allows time for swimming and kayaking.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would recommend it to anyone who wants a simple, well-priced sea day with food and drinks already arranged. It is especially good for couples, families with older children, and groups who want both water sports and downtime without booking separate activities.

You should think twice if you suffer badly from motion sickness, need step-free access, or want a quiet sailing experience. It is also not the right choice if your idea of Papagayo means walking on the beach. You will see the coast from the water and spend the stop on the catamaran.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The sailing takes about one hour each way, with around two hours anchored near Costa de Papagayo. The boat generally returns to Puerto del Carmen at about 3:00 pm, though resort transfers make the total day longer.

Is hotel pickup included?

Return transfers are included from the nearest pickup point for selected accommodation areas in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. Pickup is optional, and the exact time and location are sent by email after booking.

Can I get off the boat at Papagayo Beach?

No. Beach disembarkation is not included. The catamaran anchors offshore, where you can swim, snorkel, kayak, or relax while looking toward the Papagayo beaches.

What food and drinks are included?

You can choose Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit. Drinks include a welcome mojito, unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is not officially included. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to use them. Kayaks are included.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The onboard toilet is below deck and reached by steep stairs.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want strong all-in value, a friendly crew, and a relaxed way to see Lanzarote’s southern coast without planning lunch, drinks, or activities separately. The most memorable parts are the swim stop, the clear water around the boat, the paella, and the easygoing crew service.

Skip it if you need a quiet boat, cannot handle open-water motion, or want to walk on Papagayo Beach. For everyone else, this is a practical and enjoyable half-day cruise that packs a lot into its $75 price.