Lanzarote: Day Trip to the Papagayo Beaches by Catamaran

The best part of this Lanzarote boat trip is the combination of golden Papagayo beaches and easygoing time on the water. You sail south from Puerto del Carmen, stop in a sheltered bay, and spend roughly two hours swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, or stretching out on deck.

I like the generous lunch and the fact that beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included all day. I also like the crew’s warm, hands-on approach, especially for families and anyone feeling seasick. The main consideration is that this is about four hours aboard the boat, not a full day at the beach, and rough weather can change the anchorage.

Key points at a glance

• Papagayo by sea: Cruise along Lanzarote’s volcanic southern coast to the Costa de Papagayo.
• A proper meal onboard: Choose Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, then help yourself to fresh fruit.
• Water time included: Swim from the boat, kayak, snorkel, or use the floating mattress when available.
• Open bar all trip: Draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included after the welcome mojito.
• Helpful crew: Staff assist with life jackets, swimming, and seasickness, and the trip may include dolphin or whale sightings.
• Pickup needs care: Resort transfers are available from selected areas, but exact times and meeting points arrive by email.

Setting sail from Puerto del Carmen

Your day begins at Puerto del Carmen Harbour, where the Líneas Romero catamaran waits at the last pier, past the petrol station at the far end of the harbour. That detail matters. The marina is spread out, so give yourself time to walk all the way along the waterfront rather than arriving at the first pier and hoping for the best.

If you book transport, a coach collects you from the nearest pickup point in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, or Costa Teguise. The ride is a useful convenience, especially if you are staying outside Puerto del Carmen, though exact pickup instructions are sent after booking. Arrive at least five minutes early, and check your email carefully.

The catamaran ride to the Papagayo area takes about an hour. You get a broad view of Lanzarote’s dark volcanic cliffs, dry slopes, and clear Atlantic water, with the sea breeze doing most of the sightseeing work.

On boarding, the crew serves a welcome mojito and a small Spanish omelette tapa. A short introduction explains the day, then the boat settles into its main rhythm: sun, sea, drinks, and views.

The Costa de Papagayo stop

Papagayo is known for its pale golden coves and clear water on Lanzarote’s southern tip. Seeing the coast from the sea gives you a different angle than a land visit, with the low cliffs and tucked-away beaches opening up as you approach.

The boat does not normally put you ashore. Instead, it anchors offshore for about two hours, so this is a boat-based beach experience, not a beach landing. You can swim from the catamaran, use a kayak, snorkel around the boat, or simply relax on deck.

The water activities are the heart of the trip. A ladder makes it easier to get into the sea, and life jackets are available for adults and children who need them. Kayaks are included, but they can be first come, first served when several people want one at the same time.

Snorkeling equipment is listed as not included, so bring your own if you want to explore below the surface. Some departures have provided equipment, but you should not rely on that. Pack a mask and snorkel if snorkeling matters to you.

The stop works well for mixed groups. One person can swim while another stays dry with a drink and a view. Children aged nine and eleven have enjoyed kayaking, jumping into the water, and using the floating mattress, but the boat’s social atmosphere can feel more adult-focused when music and drinks take over.

Lunch, drinks, and the onboard atmosphere

Lunch is served on the catamaran rather than at a beach restaurant. You normally choose between traditional Spanish paella and pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit. The portions have been described as generous, and the food is one of the strongest parts of the outing.

The paella gives the trip a proper Spanish touch, while pasta is the safer choice for children or anyone who prefers familiar food. Vegetarian and celiac-friendly meals can be arranged with advance notice, so mention dietary needs when you book.

The open bar includes unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. This adds real value to the $75 price, particularly if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, transport, and a boat excursion.

The tone is relaxed but not silent. Music may play during the return trip, and the crew sometimes encourages dancing and group photos. If you want a quiet sailing day with no party element, this may feel livelier than expected.

A little restraint helps. The combination of strong sun, moving water, and unlimited alcohol can catch up with you quickly. Eat lunch, drink water, and remember that the boat still has to get back to port.

What the crew does well

The crew is a major reason this trip works. Staff keep drinks moving, explain the plan, help with kayaks, and make the water activities easy to join. They also provide sickness bags and practical help when someone feels unwell.

Several people have needed support with seasickness, and the crew has responded with water, ice packs, and calm attention. That does not make rough water pleasant, but it can make a difficult hour more manageable.

The onboard guide may provide commentary in English, Spanish, French, Italian, or German. German and Italian guiding is available on request, so do not assume those languages will be offered automatically on every departure.

A guide named Carla has been singled out for helping make one trip memorable. Individual crew assignments can change, but the general setup is clear: this is an active crew-led excursion, not a bare boat transfer.

You may also get a little extra wildlife watching. Dolphins and pilot whales have been seen on some outings, but these sightings are luck, not part of the guaranteed program.

How long is the day really?

The advertised activity lasts one day, but the actual catamaran portion is about four hours: roughly one hour sailing out, two hours at anchor, and one hour back. That is worth understanding before you book.

With resort pickup, the total outing can run from the morning until mid-afternoon. One departure picked up around 9:15 a.m., reached the boat for the late-morning cruise, returned to port around 3:00 p.m., and got back to the resort near 4:00 p.m.

The timing suits a holiday schedule. You still have the evening free for dinner or a walk, and the trip does not consume an entire dawn-to-night day. On the other hand, you will not spend several hours wandering the Papagayo beaches themselves.

The return sail is often the calmest part of the trip. You can sit back, watch the coast slide by, enjoy the music, and let the crew finish the day’s service before arriving back in Puerto del Carmen.

Weather, motion, and comfort

Lanzarote’s Atlantic wind is part of the appeal, but it can also alter the plan. If conditions are too rough to anchor at Papagayo, the captain may choose a more sheltered bay nearby.

That change protects the swimming stop, but it means you may not see the exact Papagayo anchorage described in the plan. The views and water activities can still continue, yet you should book this as a flexible sea day rather than a guaranteed beach postcard.

People prone to motion sickness should take the warning seriously. Some departures are smooth, while others can be uncomfortable in wind or swell. Ask a pharmacist about suitable seasickness medicine before the trip, bring a jacket, and avoid arriving dehydrated or hungover.

The catamaran offers room to sit and move around, but toilets are below deck down steep stairs. That is an important practical point for anyone with limited mobility.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone using a non-folding or electric wheelchair. Smoking, glass objects, intoxication, and party groups are not allowed.

Is $75 good value?

At $75 per person, this is strong value if you plan to use the inclusions. You receive the catamaran cruise, a welcome cocktail, lunch, fresh fruit, unlimited drinks, live commentary, kayaking, and optional resort transfers.

The open bar is the feature that changes the calculation most. If you enjoy sangria or beer, the price can compare well with paying separately for a shorter boat ride, lunch, and several drinks. Even non-drinkers benefit from the included meal, soft drinks, water, and activities.

The value is less clear if you mainly want time on Papagayo’s sand. You will not disembark at the beach, and the stop lasts around two hours. For a land-based beach day, you would need a different outing.

This is also a good choice for couples and families who want several activities in one package. You do not need to organize transport, find a lunch stop, rent a kayak, or arrange a separate swim session.

Pickup details that can save your morning

Pickup is optional, and the nearest meeting point depends on your accommodation. Exact times and locations are confirmed by email, so provide accurate hotel details when booking.

Playa Blanca has no pickup on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays. Pickup from Puerto Calero is available only on Thursdays.

If you book within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed. In that case, plan to go directly to Puerto del Carmen Harbour and follow the voucher instructions, or contact the local provider after booking.

Return transfers serve numerous hotels and stops, including areas around Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Arrecife, and several resort hotels. If you are staying somewhere not listed, confirm the nearest available point rather than assuming door-to-door service.

Pack comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, a camera, and a light jacket. The jacket earns its space on the windy crossing, even on a warm Lanzarote day.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would choose this for anyone who wants a simple, social day on the water with food and drinks already arranged. It is especially handy for couples, families with older children, and groups with mixed interests.

It suits you if you want to swim but also want a comfortable place to dry off, eat lunch, and sit in the sun. You can be active for an hour, then do nothing for the next one.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, suffer badly from motion sickness, need step-free access, or want a quiet and highly structured sightseeing tour. The atmosphere can become festive, and the boat’s movement is unavoidable.

Also keep the beach expectation straight. You are sailing to the Papagayo coast, not spending the day ashore on a secluded beach.

Should you book it?

Book this Lanzarote catamaran trip if you value good all-in pricing, friendly service, and a mix of swimming, kayaking, lunch, and coastal views. The crew’s practical help, generous food, and included drinks make the $75 fare easy to justify for many visitors.

Choose another outing if your main goal is beach time on land or a small, quiet sailing experience. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded half-day at sea, with enough activity to keep energetic passengers happy and enough deck time for those who prefer to relax.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The catamaran departs from Puerto del Carmen Harbour. It is at the last pier, at the far end of the harbour, past the petrol station.

Is hotel pickup included?

Return pickup and drop-off are included from the nearest meeting point for selected accommodations in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. Pickup is optional, and exact details are confirmed by email.

How long is the boat trip?

The catamaran portion takes about four hours: one hour to sail out, about two hours at the Costa de Papagayo, and one hour to return.

Do you get off at Papagayo Beach?

No. The catamaran anchors offshore, and beach disembarkation is not included. You can swim, kayak, snorkel, or relax aboard the boat.

What food is served?

Lunch includes a choice of traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, plus a welcome mojito cocktail.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to snorkel.

Can vegetarian or celiac diets be accommodated?

Yes. Vegetarian and celiac diets can be catered for if you provide advance notice.

What languages are available?

Live commentary is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. German and Italian-speaking guides are available on request.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The itinerary can change due to weather. If the excursion is canceled, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.