Lanzarote: Day Trip to the Papagayo Beaches by Catamaran

Papagayo’s golden coves are the main event here, but the real pleasure is getting there by catamaran. You cruise south from Puerto del Carmen, pass Lanzarote’s dark volcanic cliffs, then anchor near one of the island’s clearest swimming spots. The day mixes easy sightseeing with a proper holiday rhythm: eat, swim, sip something cold, and let the crew handle the rest.

I like the welcome mojito and Spanish omelette tapa, which get the day moving before you have even left the harbour. I also like the value: for $75, you get the boat, lunch, unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks and water, plus kayaking and swimming time. The main consideration is that this is not a quiet sailing escape. The music, open bar and friendly party mood can make it lively, and the boat ride may be rough if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Papagayo is viewed from the water: You anchor near the beaches, but beach disembarkation is not included.
• The boat ride takes about four hours: Plan on roughly one hour sailing out, around two hours at anchor, and one hour back.
• Lunch is included: Choose Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit.
• The open bar is a major part of the value: Draft beer, sangria, soft drinks and water are available throughout the cruise.
• Water activities are included: Kayaks are provided, and you can swim from the boat. Snorkel equipment is not guaranteed, so bring your own.
• Pickup is useful but limited: Transfers serve selected points in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise, with some day-specific restrictions.

Setting sail from Puerto del Carmen

The trip begins at the far end of Puerto del Carmen Harbour, past the petrol station and at the last pier. If you arrange a transfer, a coach collects you from a nearby meeting point rather than necessarily from your hotel door. Exact pickup details arrive by email, so give the operator your accommodation information when booking.

If you are meeting the boat directly, allow enough time to walk along the harbour. The meeting point is easy to miss if you stop near the main marina area and assume you have arrived. For bookings made within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed, so go directly to the harbour unless the local provider confirms a transfer.

Once aboard the Líneas Romero catamaran, the crew welcomes you with a mojito and a Spanish omelette tapa. There is a short explanation of the day, then the boat heads south toward the Costa de Papagayo. The early part of the trip is about settling in, finding a comfortable spot and watching Lanzarote’s volcanic coast slide by.

The catamaran gives you more room than a small motorboat. You can sit out in the sun, look for a shaded place, or move around as the view changes. The sea breeze is pleasant, but take a light jacket. Conditions can shift quickly, and the return ride may feel cool even on a warm day.

The coast between Puerto del Carmen and Papagayo

The southern coast of Lanzarote has a stark beauty. Dark volcanic rock, dry hills and bright water create a strong contrast with the pale beaches near Papagayo. You will not get a full island tour from the boat, but the shoreline gives you a different view of Lanzarote than you get from a road or resort promenade.

The outward sailing takes about one hour. Some days are calm and smooth. On windy days, the catamaran may move more than you expect, and the crew can change the anchoring area for safety. One trip had too much wind to anchor directly at Papagayo, so the boat used a sheltered bay nearby instead. That is worth understanding before you book: the exact anchorage depends on the sea, not just the printed plan.

If you are susceptible to motion sickness, take your usual remedy before boarding. A few people have needed sickness bags, water and ice from the crew, and the staff are prepared to help. Still, a catamaran is on open water for a good part of the day. This is not the best choice if even a gentle boat ride makes you unwell.

Anchoring near the Costa de Papagayo

Papagayo is one of Lanzarote’s most attractive coastal areas, with pale sand, clear water and low golden coves framed by volcanic rock. From the boat, you get the broad view of the beaches without dealing with the road access or the walk down to the shore.

The boat normally spends about two hours in the area. This is the active part of the day, though you can also simply stay on deck and enjoy the sun. A ladder is lowered into the water, allowing you to swim straight from the catamaran. Life jackets are available for adults and children who need them.

Kayaking is included, but the kayaks can be first come, first served when the boat is busy. If kayaking matters to you, listen for the crew’s instructions and get ready when the equipment is released. You may also find an inflatable mattress or similar floating equipment available, depending on the day.

The water can be full of fish around the boat, which adds interest to a short snorkel. The official inclusions do not promise snorkel equipment, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to explore below the surface. One trip had equipment available, but you should not rely on that.

There is no beach landing included. You will see Papagayo from the water and swim from the boat, rather than walk onto the sand. That suits people who want a simple day at sea, but it may disappoint you if your main goal is to sit on Papagayo Beach itself.

Lunch, drinks and the pace of the afternoon

Lunch is served aboard the catamaran, usually with a choice of traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce. Fresh fruit follows. The meals are generous enough to feel like a proper lunch rather than a snack between activities, and the food is one of the strongest parts of the package.

The open bar includes unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks and water. The welcome mojito is separate from the main drinks service, and the crew keeps the drinks moving during the stop and the return sailing. At $75, this makes a noticeable difference to the price. A boat trip with transport, lunch and paid drinks can quickly cost more than expected, while this package keeps most of the day’s spending in one fee.

The drinks also shape the mood. Some departures feel relaxed and social, while others become more lively after lunch, with music and dancing on the way back. I would not book this expecting a silent sailing lesson or a private charter. It is better suited to people who like a friendly group atmosphere.

You can choose how much of that atmosphere you want. Sit away from the music if you want a calmer ride, or join in when the crew starts the party. The staff have been praised for being attentive without letting the service slow the day down. On some departures, visitors have even been invited to stand at the captain’s position for photos, though that is not a guaranteed part of the program.

The return sail and expected timing

The catamaran normally returns to Puerto del Carmen at about 3:00 pm. The boat portion takes about four hours in total, even though the whole outing can take longer once coach transfers are added. With pickup, a day advertised as 11:00 am to 3:00 pm may mean leaving your resort around 9:15 am and arriving back around 4:00 pm.

That distinction matters if you have evening plans, a dinner reservation or a separate excursion. The sailing itself is a half-day activity, not a full twelve-hour outing, but resort transfers can add time at both ends.

The return trip is often the most social part. Music may play, drinks continue and the crew may encourage dancing. Sightings of dolphins, pilot whales and other sea life have occurred, but they are lucky extras rather than something you should expect. Keep your camera ready, but do not book the cruise as a dedicated wildlife trip.

How the transport works from each resort area

Return transfers are available from selected meeting points in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. The exact stop depends on your accommodation, and the operator confirms the location and pickup time by email.

There are several restrictions to note. Pickup from Puerto Calero is available only on Thursdays. There is no Playa Blanca pickup on Sundays, Mondays or Wednesdays. If you are staying elsewhere, you may need to reach Puerto del Carmen Harbour independently.

The transfer system works well when the details arrive clearly, but check your email rather than assuming the coach will stop outside your hotel. A few pickup messages have been unclear, so confirm the time and meeting point before the morning of departure. Arrive at least five minutes early.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this catamaran to you if you want several holiday pleasures in one outing: a coastal cruise, a good lunch, swimming, a few water activities and drinks without constant extra charges. Families with older children can enjoy the kayaking and jumping into the water, while adults can settle into the social side of the day.

It also works well for mixed groups. One person can swim and kayak while another stays on deck with a drink. Older adults who are comfortable with boat steps and open water can enjoy it too, especially because the crew is helpful and the day does not require a long hike.

This is less suitable for very young children who need a quiet routine, people with limited mobility, and anyone using a non-folding or electric wheelchair. Toilets are below deck and reached by steep stairs, which is an important practical detail. People with serious motion sickness should choose a land-based outing instead.

The cruise is also a poor match if you want a small, private experience. The boat can feel busy, kayaks are not reserved, and the open bar creates a louder mood later in the day. If you enjoy meeting people and do not mind a little holiday bustle, that same atmosphere is part of the fun.

What to bring for a better day

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat and comfortable shoes. Add a light jacket for the sailing sections, even if the morning feels hot. The sun reflects strongly off the sea, so reapply sunscreen after swimming.

Bring your own snorkel equipment if you want to use it. The activity does not include snorkeling gear as a standard item, and availability can vary. A camera is useful for the volcanic coast, Papagayo coves and any unexpected sea life.

Glass objects, smoking and intoxication are not allowed. Party groups are not accepted, although the normal atmosphere can still become lively through music, dancing and the open bar.

Vegetarian and celiac meals can be arranged with advance notice. Tell the provider before the day of departure, rather than waiting until lunch service.

Weather changes and the value of flexibility

Lanzarote’s wind is not a minor detail. Strong conditions can change the anchorage or prevent the catamaran from stopping at Papagayo itself. The crew may use a nearby sheltered bay instead, preserving the swimming and kayaking part of the day while changing the view.

If poor weather cancels the excursion, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund. That policy is useful, but it does not remove the need to keep your schedule flexible. Avoid placing an important, nonrefundable evening activity too close to the expected return time.

The free cancellation window is up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are helpful if your Lanzarote plans are still moving around, though you should still check the confirmed pickup information carefully.

Is $75 good value?

At $75 per person, I consider this a strong package if you intend to use the lunch, drinks and water activities. The price covers return transport from selected areas, a catamaran cruise, a welcome drink, commentary, lunch, fresh fruit, kayaking and unlimited listed beverages. Buying those pieces separately would make a simple beach day surprisingly expensive.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, do not want to swim and mainly want to visit the beach on foot. Since beach disembarkation is not included, you are paying for a boat-based Papagayo experience rather than a shore excursion.

The food also helps justify the price. Paella and pasta provide a real meal, not just crisps or sandwiches, and the fresh fruit is a welcome finish after swimming. I would treat the open bar as a bonus rather than the reason to overindulge, especially on a moving boat under strong sun.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want an easy, social day on the water with a very good list of inclusions. The crew, food, drinks and swimming stop are the most dependable strengths, while dolphins, perfect weather and a direct Papagayo anchorage are pleasant luck.

Skip it if you need beach access, a quiet sailing trip, guaranteed snorkel gear or step-free facilities. For everyone else, especially families with older children, couples and groups looking for good value, this is one of the more practical ways to see Lanzarote’s southern coast from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the Papagayo catamaran trip depart from?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Return transfers are included from selected nearby pickup points serving Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. Pickup is optional, and the exact time and location are confirmed by email after booking.

How long is the boat ride?

The outward sailing takes about one hour, the stop near Papagayo lasts about two hours, and the return sailing takes about one hour. The boat portion is therefore around four hours.

Can I get off at Papagayo Beach?

No. Beach disembarkation is not included. You normally anchor near the coast and swim from the catamaran.

What food is served?

You can choose between traditional Spanish paella and pasta with tomato sauce. Fresh fruit is served afterward.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks and water. A welcome mojito is served when you board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is not included as a standard item. Bring your own equipment if you want to snorkel.

Can I kayak during the trip?

Yes. Kayaks are available for use during the stop near Papagayo. Equipment may be first come, first served.

Is the excursion suitable for people with motion sickness or limited mobility?

It is not recommended for people with motion sickness or mobility impairments. Wheelchair users cannot take part, and the onboard toilets are reached by steep stairs.