Catamaran Sailing in Lanzarote

Papagayo is the star here: pale beaches, clear water, and a fine stretch of Lanzarote coast best seen from a catamaran. You sail from Puerto Calero, then anchor near the beaches for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, or quiet time on deck.

I like the all-in price, which covers lunch and drinks instead of leaving you to count euros at the bar. I also like the crew’s friendly approach. Sandra, one especially attentive host, has helped passengers with small sailing tips, including how to tie a Palstek knot.

The main point to weigh is space. The boat can take up to 55 people, and shared kayaks and paddleboards may mean a short wait. This is a social half-day cruise, not a private yacht trip.

What makes this Lanzarote sailing trip worth considering

• Papagayo by catamaran: Sail along the southeast coast and anchor near one of Lanzarote’s most appealing beach areas.
• Lunch and drinks included: Pasta, fruit, snacks, Spanish cheese, vegetarian choices, and a good range of drinks have all been part of the onboard offering.
• Real time in the water: You can swim, snorkel, kayak, or use a paddleboard rather than simply look at the sea.
• A choice of cruise styles: Pick the family sailing or the Platinum adults-only option for ages 15 and up.
• A warm, active crew: The staff help with equipment, explain sailing details, take photographs, and keep the mood easygoing.
• A four-hour format: Long enough to feel like a proper outing, but short enough to fit neatly into a busy Lanzarote holiday.

Sailing out from Puerto Calero

Your day starts at Catlanza SL Catamaran Sailing, in the Nautical Gallery at Puerto Calero. You must arrive 30 minutes before departure. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the tour information also describes pickup to the marina, so check your confirmation carefully if you plan to use transport rather than make your own way there.

Puerto Calero is a practical starting point for a coastal cruise. Once aboard, you can settle into the catamaran, find a place in the sun, or look for shade before the boat leaves. Bring a towel, swimwear, suncream, and a light sweater. The sweater is worth packing because a breeze on the water can make the return sail feel cooler than the marina.

The cruise is offered in English. The crew has also been heard speaking Spanish and German, but English is the stated tour language. The tone is casual rather than formal, despite the smart-casual dress recommendation. You do not need to dress up for the sea, but avoid anything you would not want splashed.

The sail along Lanzarote’s southeast coast

The route heads from Puerto Calero toward Papagayo, following Lanzarote’s southeast coast. This is the part of the trip where the catamaran earns its keep. You get a broad view of the shore without being stuck behind a bus window or walking under the hot sun.

The sailing itself is not treated as a technical lesson, but the crew shares useful details when passengers show interest. Sandra has helped make the experience more personal with small tips and sailing know-how. You might learn a knot, hear an explanation of the boat, or simply get help finding the best way to use the equipment.

You can also choose to do very little. That matters. Many boat excursions push from one activity to the next, while this one leaves room to stretch out, watch the coastline, and enjoy the movement of the boat. On a clear day, the views and open sea provide much of the entertainment.

Wildlife sightings are possible but not promised. Dolphins have been seen swimming in front of the catamaran, and fish are visible while snorkeling. Treat these as lucky extras rather than part of the guaranteed schedule.

Anchoring at Papagayo

The main stop is Playa de Papagayo, a group of attractive beaches on the southeast side of Lanzarote. The boat anchors offshore, giving you time to enjoy the water and the coastline from a different angle.

This is the most active section of the outing. You can swim, snorkel, use a kayak, or try a paddleboard. The crew provides snorkeling tips and helps passengers get started, which is useful if you have not snorkeled recently or are unsure how to use the equipment.

The snorkeling has been a highlight for many people, with fish visible in the water near the boat. Conditions can change with the wind, light, and sea temperature, so do not expect a tropical reef. One important practical note: the water can feel cold, even on a sunny day. A towel and sweater will be welcome once you climb back aboard.

Kayaks and paddleboards are shared among the group. You may need to wait briefly, especially if several families want to use them at once. That is a fair trade for having several activities included, but it is worth knowing if you are booking mainly for uninterrupted paddleboarding.

If you prefer not to get wet, Papagayo still works well. You can stay on the catamaran, enjoy the view, take photographs, and watch the activity around you. A short yoga session on the front nets has also been part of the experience, so you may find a calm way to enjoy the stop without swimming.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks on board

The food is one of the strongest parts of the value. Lunch is included, and the onboard meal has been described as pasta, with vegetarian food available. Fruit, Spanish cheese, and other snacks may appear before lunch, giving the day a more generous feel than a basic sandwich-and-water excursion.

The drinks are also included. You can expect refreshments throughout the trip, with a broad selection available. Some sailings have included champagne at the start, but I would not book on the assumption that a particular drink will always be served. The important point is that you are not paying separately for ordinary drinks during the four hours.

At $90.70 per person, the price is easier to justify because it covers the boat, crew, lunch, snacks, drinks, and water activities. A cheaper harbor cruise may only provide the ride. Here, you are paying for a full half-day package with equipment and food already handled.

Still, value depends on how you spend the time. If you dislike group boat trips or do not plan to swim, the price may feel high compared with a simple beach outing. If you want a relaxed boat ride plus lunch and several optional activities, the package is much stronger.

Family sailing or Platinum adults-only cruise

The family option is designed to work across age groups. It has suited children, parents, and even three-generation families because people can choose their own pace. Children can use the water equipment, while older family members can stay aboard and enjoy lunch, views, and conversation.

The adults-only Platinum cruise is for people aged 15 and over. This gives you a quieter choice if you prefer a more grown-up atmosphere. The supplied details do not spell out every difference between the two versions, so check the exact departure and inclusions when booking.

The crew’s interaction is a major part of the family experience. They help with activities, speak with children and adults, and keep an eye on the practical details. That support is useful when a group has different confidence levels in the water.

For a group of friends, couples, or solo visitors, the adults-only option may be the better fit. For families, the standard cruise offers more flexibility. Either way, this is not a silent luxury sailing. Expect conversation, shared space, and a friendly social mood.

How crowded will the catamaran feel?

The maximum group size is 55 people. That is large enough to create a lively atmosphere and small enough for the crew to manage, but it can still feel busy when everyone wants equipment at the same time.

The boat’s comfort will also depend on the departure. Some sailings feel spacious, while others may leave less room than expected. One practical complaint has been that the group size can sometimes feel higher than the description suggested. Since the official maximum is 55, you should book with that upper limit in mind.

The catamaran gives you several places to sit or stand, but you may not have a completely private corner. If you want a quiet day with personal service, look for a smaller sailing or private charter. If you enjoy meeting people and do not mind sharing activities, the group size is less of a problem.

I would arrive early, especially if sitting location matters to you. The required arrival time is 30 minutes before departure, and that also gives you time to sort out transport, find the quay, and board without rushing.

What to pack for the four hours

Keep your packing simple:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Suncream
• A light sweater
• Comfortable smart-casual clothes
• Any personal medication you need during the four hours

You do not need to budget for lunch or ordinary drinks, since both are included. The boat provides the main equipment for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, so you should not need to bring your own gear.

Sun protection matters even on a breezy day. The sea air can make the temperature feel mild while the sun remains strong. If you are prone to seasickness, consider your usual precautions, though no specific seasickness advice is provided for this outing.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want one easy half-day activity that combines scenery, food, and time in the water. It works especially well for families because everyone can choose an activity or sit out without splitting up from the group.

It is also a good match for couples and friends who want a relaxed day on the coast rather than a demanding adventure. The included drinks and lunch remove much of the usual planning, and the crew helps keep the day moving.

You may want to skip it if you strongly dislike group excursions, shared equipment, or a fixed schedule. The four-hour duration gives you less freedom than hiring your own boat, and Papagayo is the main destination rather than one stop among many.

The cruise is also weather-dependent. If poor weather cancels the sailing, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of bookings is not reached.

Booking, cancellation, and practical value

The experience is often booked about 19 days ahead, so I would reserve early if you have fixed holiday dates or want the adults-only option. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity ends back at Puerto Calero.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time, so check the clock carefully if your plans change.

The high rating of 4.9 from 793 ratings and the 97 percent recommendation figure point to a very reliable experience, but you should still match it to your travel style. The strongest parts are the crew, generous food and drink service, and the mix of swimming and relaxing. The weaker points are the possible crowding and the shared activity equipment.

Should you book the Papagayo catamaran?

Book it if you want a polished four-hour outing with a scenic sail, a proper lunch, drinks, and several ways to enjoy the water. The crew adds real value, especially if you want help with snorkeling or prefer an activity where children and adults can take part together.

I would choose the adults-only Platinum cruise for a quieter age group, provided everyone in your party is at least 15. For families, the regular sailing is the safer choice.

At $90.70, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast, but it is a fair package price once you count the meal, drinks, equipment, and four hours aboard. If you can accept a shared catamaran and a busy stop at times, Papagayo is a strong choice for a relaxed Lanzarote day.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

It starts at Catlanza SL Catamaran Sailing, Galeria Nautica, Puerto Calero, 35571 Puerto Calero, Las Palmas, Spain.

Where does the activity end?

The cruise ends back at the Puerto Calero meeting point.

How long is the sailing experience?

The activity lasts about four hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with drinks. The onboard food has included pasta, vegetarian choices, fruit, Spanish cheese, and snacks.

Can I swim or use water equipment?

Yes. At Papagayo, you can swim, snorkel, kayak, and use a paddleboard. The crew provides snorkeling tips.

Is there an adults-only option?

Yes. The Platinum adults-only excursion is for people aged 15 and over. A family cruise is also available.

How early should I arrive, and what happens if the weather is poor?

You must arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. If poor weather cancels the experience, you will be offered another date or a full refund.