Lanzarote: Luxury Sailing Excursions to Papagayo

Papagayo is the star here: golden beaches, clear water, and a sheltered bay where you can swim beneath the catamaran with fish gathering below. I especially like the two-hour stop for water activities and the fact that lunch, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava are included. You can be active, or simply stretch out on the net with a cold drink.

I also like the friendly, hands-on feel. The crew may show you sailing knots or let you take the helm on the way back. The main consideration is that this is a shared boat, not a private yacht, and the return can feel cool or choppy, so bring that jacket.

Key details before you book

• Two hours at Papagayo: The longest part of the outing is spent anchored in a sheltered bay for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Lunch is served on board: Expect hot pasta with vegetarian sauce, salad, cheese, bread, and Canarian potatoes.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, cava, mimosas, juices, soft drinks, and water are available, though one drinker wanted more alcohol variety.
• A spacious catamaran: There is room for sunbathing, sitting on the net, joining yoga, or watching the coast from the deck.
• Dolphins are possible, not promised: Several outings have spotted dolphins on the return to Puerto Calero, but wildlife sightings depend on the day.
• Arrive 30 minutes early: Collect your boarding cards at the Catlanza office in Puerto Calero before going to the boat.

Setting sail from Puerto Calero

Your day begins at Catlanza in Puerto Calero, a marina on Lanzarote’s southern coast. If you need transport, pickup and drop-off from bus stops can be arranged when you book through the Catlanza website. Otherwise, go directly to the office 30 minutes before departure to collect your boarding cards.

The listed boarding times are 9:45 in the morning or 2:15 in the afternoon. The four-hour schedule gives you either a relaxed morning on the water or a pleasant afternoon outing. Free parking in Puerto Calero is included, which helps if you are renting a car.

One practical tip matters here: collecting your boarding cards is not the same as claiming your preferred place on the boat. One useful bit of advice is to queue at the kiosk after collecting your cards if you want first choice of seating. The catamaran has plenty of room, but it can fill up quickly on popular departures.

A safety briefing comes first. This is more than a box-ticking exercise, especially with a slide, steps, kayaks, paddleboards, and open water involved. Listen carefully to instructions about moving around the deck and using the water equipment.

The one-hour sail toward Papagayo

Once you leave Puerto Calero, the boat follows the southern coast toward Papagayo. The coastline is one of the best reasons to choose a sailing trip instead of simply visiting a beach by road. From the water, you see Lanzarote’s dry volcanic scenery from a quieter angle, with the marina gradually giving way to open sea and rugged coastal views.

The catamaran takes about an hour to reach the swimming stop. You can sit back with a drink, take photographs, or find a calm spot on deck. The front net is especially appealing for sunbathing and sea views, though you should expect spray and movement there.

Yoga is offered during the cruise for anyone who wants a gentle stretch while the boat is underway. You do not need to join in. This is a useful feature for couples or groups with different ideas of relaxation, since one person can do yoga while another listens to music or watches the coast.

The crew may also point out dolphins, whales, or flying fish. Dolphins have appeared for some groups, including on the trip back to the marina, but you should treat wildlife as a bonus rather than part of the schedule. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, and keep a light jacket handy. Even in sunny Lanzarote, wind on the return crossing can make the boat feel cool.

Two hours anchored at Playa del Papagayo

The boat anchors in a sheltered bay near Playa del Papagayo for roughly two hours. This is the heart of the outing. Instead of rushing from one activity to another, you get a useful block of time to swim, snorkel, paddle, eat, and relax.

Papagayo is known for its golden beaches and clear water. From the catamaran, you experience the coast from offshore rather than spending the day on the sand. That gives you a different view of the beach and cliffs, along with the simple pleasure of swimming straight from the boat.

Snorkeling equipment is provided. The water below the catamaran can be a good place to look for fish, and several people have particularly enjoyed seeing marine life gathered under the boat. The equipment is suitable for a leisurely swim, but this is not presented as a specialist snorkeling expedition with extended guided instruction.

You can also use the kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. These are included, as are paddles and life jackets. The water activities suit beginners, but conditions can change, and it is important to follow the crew’s directions. One outing included a minor kayak mishap that required crew assistance, a reminder to stay within the area and listen to instructions.

The boat also has a slide into the sea. It adds a playful edge for children and anyone who enjoys a splash, but use care around the slide and steps. Wet surfaces can be slippery, and one useful warning is to move slowly when getting in and out of the water.

If you would rather not swim, there is no pressure to do so. You can stay on deck, stretch out on the net, take photographs of Papagayo, or chat with the crew and other people on board. That flexibility is one of the outing’s strengths. It works for a mixed group, even when some people want water sports and others want a quiet afternoon.

A hot lunch served at sea

Lunch is served while the boat is anchored, when you have worked up an appetite from swimming and paddling. The main dish is hot pasta with a vegetarian sauce, accompanied by salad, cheese, bread, and Canarian potatoes.

This is straightforward food, not a formal dining experience, but it fits the day well. A warm bowl of pasta is welcome after time in the water, and the meal gives you something more substantial than the usual packaged snack served on short boat trips.

The menu also suits people who do not eat meat. One person specifically appreciated the vegetarian choice, while another noted that the food was a highlight of the day. If you have a special dietary requirement beyond the stated vegetarian option, the supplied information does not explain what alternatives are available, so check with Catlanza before booking.

Drinks are part of the price. Options include beer, wine, cava, mimosas, juices, and soft drinks. That makes the $88 cost easier to assess, since you are not paying separately for lunch, snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, or drinks once on board.

The alcohol selection appears generous, though one person wanted more variety. You can also enjoy the trip without drinking. Soft drinks and juices are included, and the main value comes from the combination of sailing, food, water equipment, and time at Papagayo.

The return trip to Puerto Calero

After lunch and water activities, the catamaran turns back toward Puerto Calero. The return crossing is a good chance to slow down. Music plays, drinks continue, and the crew may teach you how to tie nautical knots or invite you to take the helm.

The mood can change with the sea. On a calm day, you may simply enjoy the sun and views. In choppier conditions, the trip back can become a more adventurous ride, especially on the open deck. One family particularly enjoyed the faster, splashier return, while other people may prefer to sit farther back and keep a firm grip.

This is why a jacket belongs in your day bag even if the forecast looks warm. You should also bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. There is no need to pack snorkeling equipment or paddles, since these are supplied.

Keep watching the water during the return. Dolphins have been seen near the boat on this part of the route, creating one of the more memorable moments of the excursion. Still, the crew cannot control wildlife, so choose this tour for the sailing and Papagayo stop, not because you expect a dolphin show.

How the crew shapes the experience

The human side of this outing receives unusually strong praise. Names mentioned by people on board include Captain Alejandro, Vicky, Noah, Carl, José, Nico, and Sandra. Crew lineups can change, but the repeated pattern is clear: the service is informal, social, and attentive.

The crew helps with the water equipment, explains safety procedures, keeps drinks moving, and creates a friendly atmosphere without turning the whole outing into a loud party. That balance matters. You can take part in activities and conversation, but you can also sit quietly and enjoy the sea.

The experience has also worked well for families. Children aged seven and eleven were described as having a particularly good day, and the slide and choppy return can add a little adventure. At the same time, the boat has enough space for adults who want to sunbathe or relax.

Accessibility may require planning. Assistance has been provided for someone using a wheelchair to reach the boat ramp and get on and off, and the crew has helped someone with hidden disabilities. The information does not guarantee full wheelchair access in every situation, so contact Catlanza before booking to discuss your needs.

Is $88 good value?

At $88 per person for four hours, this is not the cheapest way to see Papagayo. You are paying for a catamaran outing rather than a simple beach transfer, and the price reflects the boat, crew, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and optional yoga.

I think the value is strong if you plan to use several inclusions. Swim, snorkel, eat lunch, try a paddleboard, and enjoy a few drinks, and the package compares well with paying separately for a meal, boat ride, and water equipment. The free parking and possible pickup from bus stops add practical value.

The calculation changes if you do not like boats, rarely drink, or plan to stay dry. You can still enjoy the views, lunch, and Papagayo stop, but the outing is designed around being on the water. People seeking a private, quiet sailing trip should also look elsewhere. This is a shared catamaran, and popular departures may feel busy even though the boat has plenty of deck space.

Booking directly through Catlanza may also be worth checking. One person found that booking through another platform added to the total cost. Prices and terms can change, so compare the final amount before paying.

Who will enjoy this Papagayo sailing trip?

This outing suits you if you want a relaxed half-day that mixes scenery, swimming, food, and light adventure. It is especially good for couples, families, and groups where not everyone wants to do the same thing.

You should consider it if you want:

• A straightforward way to see Papagayo from the sea
• A boat with room to sit, sunbathe, and move around
• Included snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding
• A proper lunch rather than a small snack
• A social atmosphere with helpful crew
• A flexible day where you can join activities or do very little

It may be less suitable if you want a private charter, a long sailing route, or a focused wildlife trip. The actual sailing time is about two hours total, leaving two hours at anchor. That is a sensible balance for most people, but one person wished the outing lasted longer.

The sea can also be cool, even in sunny weather. If you are sensitive to cold water or motion, bring warm clothing and take the return crossing seriously. The catamaran is stable, but no boat day is completely still.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive at the Catlanza office in Puerto Calero 30 minutes before your scheduled start. This gives you time to collect boarding cards and avoids a rushed start.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a jacket. Wear secure footwear for moving around the deck and be careful on wet steps near the slide.

If you want a preferred place on board, queue at the kiosk after collecting your boarding cards. The front net offers excellent views and sun, but it is also the area most exposed to spray and wind.

Use the water equipment during the Papagayo stop rather than waiting until the last moment. Two hours sounds generous, but lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and paddling can pass quickly.

The tour is offered with live guides in English, French, German, and Spanish. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the current departure time and availability when booking.

Should you book it?

I would book this Papagayo sailing trip if I wanted one easy, well-filled half-day on Lanzarote. The strongest reasons are the long swimming stop, the useful range of included water equipment, and the combination of hot lunch and drinks without a string of extra charges.

Choose it with realistic expectations. You are joining a shared catamaran, not hiring a private yacht. Dolphins may appear, the water may be cool, and the return can be windy. For families, couples, and friends who want scenery with a little splash, the $88 price makes good sense. For a quieter or more exclusive day, spend more on a private charter instead.

FAQ

Where does the Papagayo sailing excursion begin?

The excursion begins at Catlanza SL in Puerto Calero, Lanzarote. The Catlanza Puerto Calero office is the meeting point.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled excursion to collect your boarding cards.

What are the boarding times?

The listed boarding times are 9:45 in the morning and 2:15 in the afternoon. Check availability when booking.

How long does the excursion last?

The full experience lasts four hours. The catamaran takes about one hour to reach Papagayo and about one hour to return, with roughly two hours anchored at Playa del Papagayo.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes hot pasta with a vegetarian sauce, salad, cheese, bread, and Canarian potatoes.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks include beer, wine, cava, mimosas, juices, and soft drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with kayaks, paddles, stand-up paddleboards, and life jackets.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. A jacket is useful because the boat can feel cool on the return trip.