Catamaran Cruise to Papagayo beaches, lunch and water activities

The best part of this Papagayo catamaran cruise is the long stop in clear Atlantic water. You are not rushed from one photo stop to another. After sailing south from Puerto del Carmen, the boat anchors offshore for swimming, kayaking, sunbathing, and lunch with the white beaches of Papagayo in view.

I like the choice built into the day. You can claim a sunny spot on the upper deck or sit in the shade and air conditioning, then switch gears with a kayak or a swim. I also like the food and drink arrangement: a welcome mojito, a Spanish omelet snack, paella or pasta, fruit, and drinks available throughout the trip.

The main consideration is that this is an offshore swim stop, not a beach landing. Sea conditions can turn choppy, the water may have currents, and snorkeling equipment is not supplied. Families with small children should take extra care, and anyone prone to seasickness should think about the return crossing.

Key points to know before you book

• Papagayo is viewed from the water: The catamaran anchors offshore, and you cannot get off directly onto the beach.
• Two hours at anchor: Most of the active time comes at the Papagayo stop, with swimming, kayaking, and time to relax.
• Lunch is included: You usually choose between paella and a tomato-based pasta, followed by fruit.
• Drinks are included: Expect water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria, plus the welcome mojito. The selection is not an unlimited cocktail bar.
• Bring your own snorkel: Kayaks are included, but snorkeling equipment is not.
• Pickup needs checking: Selected hotel transfers are offered, but pickup is not guaranteed for bookings made within 24 hours.

Sailing south from Puerto del Carmen at 11:00

Your boat day begins at the Lineas Romero Watertaxi and excursions office on Avenida del Varadero in Puerto del Carmen. The stated departure is 11:00 a.m., and the return to the harbor is planned for about 4:00 p.m.

If you have hotel pickup, a coach collects you from a selected resort and takes you toward the harbor. The exact time and location arrive by email after booking. Check this carefully. A short walk from the coach drop-off point to the catamaran may be required, and one part of the journey has been described as a longer walk than expected.

If your hotel is not on the pickup list, you need to reach the meeting point yourself. For bookings made less than 24 hours before departure, pickup is not guaranteed, so go directly to the harbor unless the operator confirms otherwise.

The sailing begins with a short safety briefing, a welcome mojito, and a bite of Spanish omelet. The omelet is a traditional tortilla-style snack with potato and egg. It will please some people more than others, particularly if you are expecting a substantial breakfast rather than a small Spanish bite.

As the catamaran leaves Puerto del Carmen, you get a wide view of Lanzarote’s volcanic coast. The appeal here is not a guided history lesson or a string of formal attractions. It is a relaxed half-day at sea, with the island’s dark volcanic shore and bright beaches providing the backdrop.

A spacious catamaran with room for sun or shade

The boat is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It has an upper deck for sunbathing, indoor air-conditioned space, toilets, and plenty of seating. You can move around instead of being confined to one bench, which matters on a four-hour trip.

I would bring a hat and apply sunscreen before boarding. The ocean breeze can make the sun feel mild, but several hours on deck can leave you badly burned before you notice it. Reapply after swimming, especially if you plan to spend the return crossing outside.

The atmosphere changes through the day. The outward journey is generally calm and scenic. Once lunch and the water activities are finished, music may create a livelier mood on the way back, with some dancing and a friendly social feel.

That does not mean you should book this as a dedicated party cruise. The operator describes it as family-friendly, and the experience suits a mix of ages. The music and open bar can make the return trip cheerful, but the main draw is the coast, lunch, and time in the water.

The group can reach a maximum of 100 people. Depending on the sailing, the boat may feel comfortably spacious or busier. One particularly positive account described only around 30 people onboard, while another raised concerns about overbooking. I would not assume every departure will feel equally uncrowded.

Two hours in front of Playa de Papagayo

The catamaran anchors in front of the Papagayo beaches, known for their pale sand and striking coastal rock formations. This is the centerpiece of the trip, but the wording matters: you stay on the boat. There is no opportunity to walk onto Papagayo Beach.

Once anchored, you can choose how active you want to be. Steps at the front or rear of the boat provide access to the sea, and kayaks let you paddle closer to the rock formations and look back at the catamaran from the water.

You can also use the inflatable platform or water mat, as available, and some people jump from the boat into the sea. The operator provides kayaks, but snorkeling gear is excluded. Bring your own mask and snorkel if looking for fish is important to you. The water can be attractive and clear, but sightings are not guaranteed.

This is a good setup for couples and groups with different ideas of fun. One person can kayak while another reads in the shade. You can swim for ten minutes, sunbathe for half an hour, then return to the water. The two-hour anchor period gives you time to settle into your own rhythm.

Still, open water requires judgment. The boat does not pull up beside a sheltered beach, and conditions may include chop or currents. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable using a ladder or steps into the sea and getting back aboard.

If the water is rough, do not feel pressured to swim. The boat itself remains the main base, with seating, shade, refreshments, and views. A holiday excursion is not improved by proving something to your companions.

Paella, pasta, and a steady supply of drinks

Lunch is served while the catamaran is anchored. The usual choice is paella or a tomato-based pasta, with bread and fruit also reported as part of the meal.

The paella has been a highlight for many people, especially those who enjoy seafood and the familiar Spanish combination of rice, seasoning, and other ingredients. If you do not eat seafood, the pasta is the alternative. It has been described as acceptable rather than memorable, so make your dietary needs clear when you book.

Some food opinions are mixed. The main meal generally receives warmer praise than the first omelet snack, while one unhappy account found lunch cold. Food served on a moving boat will never have the control of a restaurant kitchen, but the meal is a useful part of the value rather than an afterthought.

Drinks are available from the open bar throughout the cruise. Expect beer, red sangria, water, soft drinks, and the welcome mojito. The phrase open bar can sound broader than what is actually offered. Do not book this expecting a full spirits menu or endless made-to-order cocktails.

For a family-friendly boat day, the drink selection is reasonable. It also means you do not need to keep buying refreshments while you are offshore. Drink sensibly, especially if you plan to swim, kayak, or spend time in the sun.

The return crossing and the Lanzarote coast

After lunch and the water stop, the catamaran heads back toward Puerto del Carmen. This takes about an hour in the published schedule, though sea conditions can affect the ride.

On calm days, the crossing is a comfortable final hour with views of Lanzarote’s coast. Music may pick up, and the boat can feel more social on the way home. On choppy days, the return can be less pleasant. One account describes passengers feeling sick and the boat slowing down, which made the crossing longer.

If you suffer from motion sickness, sit where you feel most stable, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid overdoing alcohol before the return journey. The wide deck gives you options, but no catamaran can remove the movement of the Atlantic.

The planned return bus waits at 4:00 p.m. for resort transfers. If you are using a hotel pickup, confirm the return arrangements before you board. The activity officially ends back at the meeting point, though some pickup arrangements may return you to your resort or another marina depending on the booking.

What makes the $77.24 price worthwhile

At $77.24 per person, this is not simply a boat ride. The price covers the catamaran cruise, hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels, the welcome drink, snack, lunch, open-bar drinks, and kayak use.

That package can work well for a half-day outing in Lanzarote. A self-organized trip to Papagayo may still require transport, food, drinks, and a separate activity. Here, the main planning is done for you, and you get a comfortable boat with toilets, seating, shade, and a place to leave your beach bag.

The value is strongest if you use the included features. Swim, take a kayak, enjoy lunch, and spend time on deck. If you only want a quiet scenic cruise and do not care about the water stop or drinks, the price may feel less compelling.

The food is serviceable rather than a reason to book by itself. The same goes for the bar. You are paying for the full combination of scenery, transport, water access, lunch, and a social atmosphere.

The overall rating is 4.3 from 288 ratings, which fits the experience as described: broadly enjoyable, with a few practical limits. The boat, crew, views, swimming stop, and friendly atmosphere earn the strongest praise. Complaints focus on pickup confusion, limited drinks, food quality, choppy water, and the difference between an offshore stop and an actual beach visit.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day most

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy Lanzarote day at sea without planning every detail. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and groups who like meeting people while keeping plenty of personal space.

It is also a good choice if your group cannot agree on one activity. The boat offers sun, shade, swimming, kayaking, lunch, music, and scenery. You can be active for part of the stop and quiet for the rest.

You may want a different excursion if you specifically want to walk on Papagayo Beach, snorkel with supplied equipment, or spend the day on a small intimate boat. This is a sizeable catamaran with a maximum of 100 people, not a private charter.

Families should pay close attention to the water conditions. Children must have adult supervision, and swimming takes place from the boat in open water. The operator does not describe a beach landing, so do not picture a shallow, protected paddling area.

The experience is offered in English. German and Italian guides are available on request, with those languages specifically noted as available on Thursdays. A multilingual guide may operate the tour.

Practical details that can save you trouble

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. Pack a snorkel and mask if you want to look underwater, because those items are not included.

Check your pickup email and hotel eligibility as soon as you book. Puerto Calero pickup is available only on Thursdays, and Playa Blanca pickup is not available on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Sundays. If you book within 24 hours, arrange your own way to Puerto del Carmen unless pickup is confirmed.

The tour requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers cause cancellation, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but later cancellations and changes are not accepted.

The minimum drinking age is 18. Service animals are allowed, children need an accompanying adult, and most people can participate. Tell the operator about dietary requirements at booking rather than waiting until lunch.

Should you book the Papagayo catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced, all-in-one sea outing with a real two-hour swim stop, kayak use, lunch, and drinks. The friendly crew, spacious boat, views, and choice between sun and shade give the day broad appeal.

Go in with the right picture. You are not stepping onto Papagayo Beach, snorkeling with provided gear, or joining a guaranteed all-day cocktail party. You are sailing to a scenic offshore anchorage, then choosing your own mix of swimming, kayaking, food, music, and rest.

For most people, $77.24 is fair value, especially with transport and lunch included. I would bring a snorkel, protect yourself from the sun, confirm pickup, and keep an eye on sea conditions. With those details handled, this is an enjoyable way to see Lanzarote from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The main meeting point is Lineas Romero Watertaxi and excursions, Avenida del Varadero, 30, 35510 Tías, in Puerto del Carmen. The scheduled start time is 11:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from selected Lanzarote hotels. The exact pickup time and location are sent by email after booking. If your hotel is not included, you need to reach the meeting point yourself.

Can I get picked up from Puerto Calero?

Pickup from Puerto Calero is available on Thursdays only.

Is pickup available from Playa Blanca every day?

No. Pickup from Playa Blanca is not available on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Sundays.

Can I get off at Papagayo Beach?

No. The catamaran anchors offshore in front of the Papagayo beaches, but there is no possibility of getting off directly onto the beach.

What water activities are included?

Kayaking is included. You can also swim from the catamaran, and an inflatable platform or water mat may be available. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

What food is served?

Lunch includes a choice of paella or tomato-based pasta. Bread and fruit may also be served. You should advise the operator about dietary requirements when booking.

What drinks are included?

The cruise includes a welcome mojito and an open bar with drinks such as water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. The selection may be limited compared with a full cocktail bar.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.