Catamaran Cruise to Papagayo beaches, lunch and water activities

Pack your swimsuit, then leave the planning to the crew. This catamaran cruise from Puerto del Carmen combines coastal views, a stop near Papagayo, lunch, drinks, kayaking, and time in the Atlantic. I especially like the spacious boat, with room to sit in the sun or shade, and the easy choice between active water time and simply relaxing with a drink.

The crew receives strong praise for being friendly and helpful, and the paella is a real highlight for many people. The main catch is that the boat anchors offshore rather than landing at Papagayo Beach, and snorkeling gear is not included. If the sea is choppy, swimming can also feel less carefree, especially for small children.

Key Things to Know Before You Book

• Papagayo is viewed from the water: The catamaran anchors near the beaches, but you do not walk ashore.
• The water stop is the heart of the trip: You can swim, use the kayak, try the inflatable platform, or stay aboard.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect paella or a tomato-based pasta option, plus water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria.
• The boat has plenty of room: You can find open-air seating, shaded areas, indoor space, toilets, and steps into the sea.
• Pickup needs checking: Hotel transport is offered only at selected properties, and pickup is not guaranteed for bookings made within 24 hours.
• Bring sun protection and goggles: Sunscreen, a hat, and your own snorkeling equipment will make the day better.

Setting Sail from Puerto del Carmen at 11:00

The day begins at Lineas Romero Watertaxi and Excursions on Av. del Varadero in Puerto del Carmen. If your hotel is covered, a coach collects you and returns you afterward. If not, you need to reach the harbor yourself or arrange the designated meeting point.

The boat leaves at 11:00 a.m. The published schedule describes roughly four hours on the water, with the wider timetable running from the morning departure to the return transfer at about 4:00 p.m. Allow extra time for transport, especially if you are staying outside Puerto del Carmen.

Pickup details arrive by email after booking. Read them carefully. Puerto Calero pickup is available only on Thursdays, and Playa Blanca pickup is not available on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Sundays. For bookings made less than 24 hours before departure, pickup is not guaranteed, so you should go directly to the harbor unless the operator confirms otherwise.

One practical warning: a coach may leave you with a fairly long walk to the boat. This has caught some people by surprise, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the supplier for the exact drop-off point before the morning of the cruise.

Once aboard, you receive a short safety briefing, a welcome mojito, and a small Spanish omelet snack. The welcome drink sets a holiday mood, though the omelet has received mixed reactions. Some people enjoy the tortilla, while others find it cold or unappealing. I would treat it as a light nibble, not a preview of the main meal.

A Comfortable Catamaran with Space to Spread Out

The boat is one of the strongest parts of this outing. It has a broad deck, indoor seating, shaded areas, toilets, and access to the sea by steps. You are not confined to one seat for the entire crossing, which matters on a half-day cruise.

I like that the tour works for different moods. You can sit quietly with the scenery, move around the deck, listen to music, or prepare for the water stop. Several accounts describe a friendly atmosphere with music and a livelier return journey, sometimes including dancing. It is not best understood as a dedicated party boat, though. The operator presents it as a family-friendly cruise, and the mood can vary with the mix of people aboard.

The maximum group size is listed as 100 people. That is not a tiny sailing trip, but the catamaran offers enough room for people to spread out. One of the recurring positives is the sense of space, with seats available in both sun and shade.

The open bar is useful, but keep your expectations sensible. Included drinks are described as water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria, with a welcome mojito at the start. The exact selection is more limited than the phrase unlimited drinks might suggest. If you expect a full cocktail menu, you may be disappointed. The bar is better viewed as a steady supply of simple holiday drinks rather than a luxury cocktail service.

The Sail Toward Papagayo

The route follows Lanzarote’s southern coast toward the Papagayo area. From the water, you get a different view of the island’s dry volcanic scenery and coastal rock formations. This is a pleasant part of the trip because you are not rushing from one sight to another. You can settle into the rhythm of the boat and watch the shoreline change.

The ride can be smooth, but conditions are not guaranteed. Some departures have been choppy, particularly on the return. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you feel most comfortable, avoid spending the whole trip at the very front, and keep your focus on the horizon. The crew has slowed the boat when the water became rough, but that can make the return take longer.

There is also a chance of seeing marine life. Dolphin sightings have occurred, but they are not part of the guaranteed program. Treat them as a lucky extra, not a promised feature.

The crew is repeatedly praised for being attentive and good-humored. Names are not consistently provided, though Maddy receives a specific mention for being especially kind, and the captain is praised for being accommodating. Service matters here because the cruise includes several moving parts: boarding, food service, drinks, kayaking, swimming, and the return transfer.

Anchoring Near Papagayo Beach

The main stop is near the white sands of Papagayo. This is the visual payoff of the outing, with clear water, pale beaches, and dramatic coastal rock formations viewed from offshore.

The wording matters: you do not get off at the beach. The catamaran anchors in front of the shore, and the activities take place around the boat. If your dream is to stroll onto Papagayo’s sand, this is not the right excursion. If you are happy to enjoy the coast from the water, the setup works well.

You usually have about two hours at anchor. That gives you time to choose your own pace. You can swim near the catamaran, use the kayak to get closer to the rock formations, try the water mat, or stay on deck with lunch and a drink.

The swimming area is open water, not a protected hotel pool. Currents and chop can make getting back to the boat tiring. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and parents should pay close attention to sea conditions. Life jackets are available for the boat activities, but do not assume a child can treat the net area or sea access as a playground.

The water stop has been praised for being long enough to swim and kayak without feeling rushed. At the same time, some people find there is downtime between activities. That is not necessarily a flaw if you want a relaxed day, but active visitors should know this is not a nonstop water-sports session.

Kayaking, Swimming, and Snorkeling

Kayaking is included, and it is a good way to see the nearby rock formations from a lower angle. The activity is fairly approachable, but use depends on sea conditions and demand aboard the boat. You may need to wait your turn.

The inflatable platform adds another option for sitting in the water or making a splash. Some families enjoy jumping from the boat, while others prefer the safer, quieter choice of staying on the deck. The crew may encourage people to make the most of the stop, but you should decide how comfortable you are with the conditions.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to look beneath the surface. Fish have been seen in the area, although visibility and marine life can vary, and there is no guarantee of a busy underwater scene.

This distinction is important because the photos and descriptions can make the stop sound like a full beach and snorkeling day. It is better described as a catamaran outing with a swim stop, kayaking, lunch, and coastal views.

Paella, Pasta, and the Midday Meal

Lunch is served while the boat is anchored. The main choice is generally paella or a tomato-based pasta dish. Paella receives frequent praise, with generous portions and fresh fruit sometimes served afterward. The pasta is the useful alternative for children or anyone who does not eat seafood.

Food quality can vary from person to person. Many people find the paella delicious, while some describe the food as average or not hot enough. The Spanish omelet snack has also divided opinion. If you have a specific dietary requirement, tell the operator when booking rather than hoping the crew can solve it at lunchtime.

The meal is valuable because it saves you from buying lunch during a half-day outing. You also get drinks throughout the cruise, so the price covers more than a basic boat transfer. Still, this is casual excursion food, not a restaurant meal. I would book it for the setting, convenience, and overall day at sea, not for a fine-dining experience.

Is $77.24 Good Value?

At $77.24 per person, this is a reasonable price for a four-hour catamaran experience with transport from selected hotels, a welcome drink, an open bar, lunch, kayaking, and the sea stop. Comparable costs can rise quickly if you add a meal, drinks, and a separate boat trip, so the all-in structure is convenient.

The value improves if you use the pickup service and make full use of the water stop. It is also a good deal for people who enjoy meeting others and want a social outing without arranging several separate activities.

The value is weaker if you want a quiet small-group sail, a serious snorkeling session, or time on Papagayo Beach itself. You are paying for a shared excursion, and the maximum group size can reach 100. The boat is spacious, but it is not an intimate private charter.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and groups of friends who want an easy day on the water. Solo passengers can find it easy to chat with people aboard, while families benefit from the choice of swimming, kayaking, sitting in shade, or staying dry.

It suits you especially well if you enjoy a flexible schedule. There is no pressure to take part in every activity. You can swim for ten minutes, kayak, eat lunch, and then stretch out on deck.

I would think twice if you dislike open-water swimming, suffer badly from seasickness, or expect a polished luxury service. The boat is comfortable, but this remains an active shared excursion with changing sea conditions. Families with very young children should be cautious, especially on a choppy day.

Take sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a swimsuit. Apply sunscreen more often than you think you need to. The open deck and Atlantic glare can catch you quickly. Add your own snorkel gear, a towel, and a light cover-up for the return ride.

Should You Book the Papagayo Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want a simple, well-priced half-day combining Lanzarote scenery, lunch, drinks, kayaking, and a proper swim stop. The friendly crew, spacious catamaran, clear-water views, and relaxed social mood are the best reasons to go.

Skip it if walking on Papagayo Beach is essential, or if you want snorkeling equipment and a tightly planned schedule of activities. Check pickup rules before paying, ask about dietary needs, and remember that the sea can be rough.

For most people who want an easy day at sea rather than a serious sailing or beach expedition, this is a solid choice. The strongest version of the experience is to arrive prepared, accept that the boat anchors offshore, bring your own goggles, and enjoy the trip at your own pace.

FAQ

Where does the Papagayo catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Lineas Romero Watertaxi and Excursions, Av. del Varadero, 30, Puerto del Carmen. The scheduled departure is 11:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return are included from selected Lanzarote hotels. Exact pickup details are sent by email after booking. Pickup is not guaranteed for bookings made within 24 hours of departure.

Can I get off at Papagayo Beach?

No. The catamaran anchors offshore near the beaches, but there is no option to leave the boat and walk onto the sand.

What activities are included at the water stop?

You can swim, use the included kayak, and use the inflatable water platform. You can also relax on the catamaran.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

What food and drinks are included?

You receive a welcome mojito, unlimited included drinks, and lunch. Lunch is generally paella or a tomato-based pasta option. Drinks include options such as water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather causes the cruise to be canceled, you are offered another date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.