Lanzarote: Day Trip to the Papagayo Beaches by Catamaran

Papagayo’s golden coves are best appreciated from the water, and this trip gives you a pleasant mix of volcanic coastal views and easygoing beach time. I especially like the freshly prepared paella or pasta lunch, plus the chance to kayak or jump from the boat instead of simply looking at the sea. The crew may even point out dolphins or whales, though wildlife sightings are never promised.

I also like the sensible route: about an hour sailing out, roughly two hours anchored near Papagayo, then an hour back. The main drawback is that this is not a full-day beach excursion, and the boat can feel busy, while strong wind may force the captain to use a sheltered bay instead of Papagayo itself.

Key points at a glance

• A one-hour cruise each way: You get enough time at sea for coastal views without spending the whole day on the boat.
• A proper lunch is included: Choose Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit.
• The drinks package has real value: Draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are available throughout, with a mojito on arrival.
• Water time is the main event: Swim from the catamaran, snorkel, use a kayak, or relax on an inflatable mattress when available.
• The route depends on the weather: Wind can change the anchorage, but the crew aims to find a calm alternative bay.
• Pickup is useful but must be checked: Transfers cover selected areas, with some days and locations excluded.

Sailing south from Puerto del Carmen

The trip begins at the Líneas Romero catamaran in Puerto del Carmen Harbour. If you arrange a transfer, you travel from a nearby pickup point in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, or Costa Teguise. The exact time and stop are sent by email, so I would not rely on a generic hotel name alone.

If you are meeting the boat yourself, walk to the last pier at the far end of the harbour, past the petrol station. That detail matters. Puerto del Carmen’s marina area is spread out, and arriving at the wrong part of the harbour could create a rushed start.

Boarding sets the tone. You receive a welcome mojito and a small Spanish omelette tapa, followed by a short explanation of the day. The opening drink is a nice touch, but remember that the included bar is centered on mojito, draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water rather than a full spirits menu.

The catamaran then heads south for about an hour. You can settle on deck, watch Lanzarote’s dark volcanic cliffs pass by, and let the crew handle the route. The trip is as much about being on the Atlantic as it is about reaching a particular cove.

Some departures have produced sightings of dolphins and even a pilot whale. Treat that as luck, not part of the schedule. You will still have the coastline and open water to watch if no animals appear.

Reaching the Costa de Papagayo

The Costa de Papagayo is one of Lanzarote’s most attractive coastal areas, known for pale golden beaches set against dry, volcanic scenery. From the catamaran, you see the coves from a useful angle, with the sea in front of the cliffs and fewer concerns about parking, walking, or carrying beach gear over rough ground.

The advertised stop lasts about two hours. This is the active part of the trip, but it is not a beach landing. You remain on the boat, and the crew lowers access to the water for swimming and other activities.

That distinction is important. If you want to walk along Papagayo Beach, place a towel on the sand, or explore the coves on foot, this is not the right excursion. You see the coast from offshore and use the catamaran as your base.

Weather can alter the exact anchorage. On windy days, the captain may not anchor directly at Papagayo and instead choose a more sheltered bay nearby. That may sound like a disappointment, but a calm swimming stop is usually more useful than an uncomfortable anchorage in rough water.

Swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling from the boat

Once anchored, you can swim from the catamaran, use the kayaks, snorkel, or stay dry on deck. The water activities give this excursion more energy than a standard sightseeing cruise, yet you can ignore them completely and sunbathe with a drink if that suits you better.

Kayaks are included, but access can be first come, first served. If kayaking is a priority, listen when the crew announces the activities and move promptly rather than waiting until the end of the stop.

Snorkeling equipment is listed as not included, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to make the most of the water. There is an odd practical wrinkle: some trips have provided snorkeling gear, but you should not count on that. Pack your own equipment.

The water around the boat can attract plenty of fish. You may also find a floating mattress or similar water toy, depending on the equipment available that day. Life jackets are provided for adults and children who need them, and the crew assists people getting into the water.

A ladder provides access between the deck and sea. It is manageable for most people, but climbing in and out requires balance and confidence. Anyone with limited mobility should think carefully about this, especially since the onboard toilets are reached by steep stairs below deck.

Lunch, drinks, and the onboard rhythm

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the package. You choose between traditional Spanish paella and pasta with tomato sauce, with bread and fresh fruit also available. The food is served onboard, so you do not lose swimming time looking for a café or waiting for a table.

The paella has been a particular favorite, while the pasta gives children and less adventurous eaters an easy alternative. Vegetarian and celiac diets can be catered for if you give advance notice. Do not leave that request until boarding.

The drinks package helps explain the $75 price. Unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included, and the welcome mojito starts the day. For two adults who would otherwise buy lunch, several drinks, and a boat outing separately, the price is strong.

Still, the open bar changes the mood. Music may play on the return trip, and the crew sometimes encourages dancing and group photos. This is usually cheerful rather than formal, but it may not suit you if you want a quiet sailing boat with no party atmosphere.

The experience is not designed around heavy drinking. Intoxication is not allowed, and smoking and glass objects are prohibited. Party groups are also excluded. Families can enjoy the trip, especially with older children, but parents should know that the bar and music are part of the setting.

The return cruise and the real time commitment

The catamaran returns to Puerto del Carmen at around 3:00 pm. The sailing portion totals about two hours, and the stop near Papagayo is about two hours, so the main boat experience runs close to four hours.

That timing is worth spelling out because the phrase day trip can suggest a much longer outing. With resort transfers, your day may begin around 9:00 or 9:15 am and finish around 4:00 pm, depending on your hotel and the number of stops. The boat itself is not operating from morning until evening.

The return ride is often the most social part. The crew may play music, serve more drinks, and keep the mood lively as the coast slides past. If you prefer a quieter seat, choose a spot away from the main activity early in the trip.

Resort transfers return you to the nearest designated pickup point. The list includes stops around Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Arrecife, and other resort areas. A direct meeting point is also available at Puerto del Carmen Harbour, which can be simpler if you are staying nearby.

How the $75 price holds up

At $75 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Lanzarote coast. It is a package price, though, and includes the catamaran, live commentary, a welcome drink, lunch, water activities, an open bar, and selected return transfers.

That is good value if you plan to swim and have a few drinks. It is less compelling if you do not drink, dislike group excursions, or mainly want to spend time on the actual Papagayo beaches. You are paying for a social boat day, not for a private sailing charter or a guided walk on the sand.

The value improves for families and couples who would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, transport, and a boat cruise. It also saves you from arranging your own route to the southern coast. On the other hand, a person prone to seasickness may find the price hard to enjoy unless prepared.

Bring motion sickness tablets if you know you need them. The crew can offer sick bags, water, and practical help, but staff support cannot remove the rolling motion of the Atlantic. Sit where the movement feels mildest, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid boarding hungover.

Who will enjoy this Lanzarote catamaran trip?

I would choose this for you if you want several holiday pleasures in one outing: sea views, swimming, simple water sports, lunch, and drinks. It works particularly well for couples, families with older children, and friends who like a friendly, moderately lively atmosphere.

Children can enjoy kayaking, swimming, fish watching, and jumping from the boat when appropriate. The excursion is not aimed only at adults, but the music and alcohol mean it may not feel like a children’s cruise throughout the day.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility. The boat is not suitable for non-folding or electric wheelchairs, and the steep stairs to the toilets are a real issue. Sea access also involves a ladder, and there is no beach disembarkation.

This is also a poor fit if motion sickness is a serious concern. Even on a calm day, you spend about an hour sailing in each direction. Windy conditions can make the ride less comfortable and can also change the swimming location.

The listed tour languages are English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. German and Italian commentary is available only on request, so confirm that in advance if it is important to you. Carla has served as a guide on some departures, but guide assignments can vary.

Practical preparation for a smoother day

Wear comfortable shoes for the harbour, boat, and transfers. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, a camera, and a light jacket. The jacket is useful even on a sunny Lanzarote day because the boat can feel cool once it is moving.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want certainty. A small, non-glass water bottle may be useful, though water is included. Avoid bringing glass, and remember that smoking is not allowed onboard.

Confirm your accommodation details when booking so the provider can send the correct pickup information. You should arrive at least five minutes before the stated pickup time. Bookings made within 24 hours of departure may not include a guaranteed pickup, in which case you should plan to reach the harbour directly.

Pickup from Puerto Calero is available only on Thursdays. Playa Blanca has no pickup on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays. These restrictions can matter more than the advertised departure time, so check your day before paying.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. If poor weather cancels the excursion, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Papagayo catamaran?

Book it if you want a good-value social cruise with a real lunch, plentiful included drinks, and a proper swimming stop. The friendly crew, simple activity choices, and views of Lanzarote’s volcanic coast make it easy to enjoy without much planning.

Skip it if your dream is a quiet private sail, a long afternoon on Papagayo’s sand, or a boat with no alcohol and music. Also skip it if you are highly prone to seasickness or need step-free access.

For most visitors who can handle the sea and enjoy a little onboard fun, $75 is a fair price. Just pack a towel, bring snorkeling gear if you have it, check the pickup details, and remember that Papagayo is the setting for the swim, not a beach landing.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The boat sails for about one hour to the Costa de Papagayo and about one hour back. The stop near Papagayo lasts around two hours, making the boat portion about four hours in total.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes a choice of traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit. Vegetarian and celiac diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

What drinks are included?

The package includes unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. You also receive a welcome mojito when you board.

Can I swim and kayak during the trip?

Yes. At the anchorage, you can swim, snorkel, and use the included kayaks. Water access is from the catamaran, and beach disembarkation is not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is listed as not included, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to use them. Equipment may be available on some departures, but it should not be assumed.

Is hotel pickup available?

Return transfers from the nearest pickup point are available for selected accommodations in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise, with other listed stops in the area. Pickup from Puerto Calero is available only on Thursdays, and Playa Blanca has no pickup on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays.