Lanzarote: Day Trip to the Papagayo Beaches by Catamaran

Papagayo is the star here: golden coves, volcanic cliffs, clear water, and a catamaran deck made for stretching out in the sun. The trip spends about an hour sailing south from Puerto del Carmen, then anchors near the Costa de Papagayo for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and lunch.

I like the generous food and drink package, which includes paella or pasta, fruit, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. I also like the crew’s friendly, hands-on approach. Carla and the boat team keep things moving without making the day feel stiff. The main drawback is that this is a half-day boat outing, not a full day at Papagayo, and windy weather can force the captain to use a nearby sheltered bay instead.

Key points to know

• One hour each way by catamaran: The sailing time gives you broad coastal views, but the water stop lasts roughly two hours.
• Lunch is included: Choose traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit.
• Unlimited drinks on board: Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are available throughout the trip.
• Water activities are the main event: Kayaks, swimming, snorkeling, and a large floating mattress are available, though some equipment is first come, first served.
• Hotel transfers save hassle: Pickup is offered from selected points in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise.
• Weather matters: Strong wind can change the anchorage or route, and people prone to seasickness should prepare.

Sailing south from Puerto del Carmen

The day begins at Puerto del Carmen Harbour, where the Líneas Romero sailing catamaran waits at the last pier, beyond the petrol station at the far end of the harbour. If you arrange a transfer, you will meet the coach at a nearby pickup point rather than at your hotel door. Exact times arrive by email, so check the message carefully.

Once aboard, the crew usually starts the day with a welcome mojito and a small Spanish omelette tapa. You get a short explanation of the plan, then the boat heads south toward the Costa de Papagayo.

The first hour is part of the experience, not just transport. You can watch Lanzarote’s volcanic coast slide past, feel the wind on deck, and settle into the boat’s easy rhythm. The catamaran gives you more room than a small excursion boat, with space to sit in the sun or find a quieter spot when the music and social side become lively.

The trip returns to Puerto del Carmen at about 3:00 pm. With pickup and drop-off, your total day may run from around 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, depending on your resort and the number of stops. That timing matters if you are planning another afternoon activity.

What makes the Costa de Papagayo stop special

The Costa de Papagayo is known for its warm-colored beaches and dramatic volcanic shore. From the water, you get a fine view of Lanzarote’s dry, rugged coast without having to deal with a long beach transfer or a rough road.

The catamaran normally anchors near the Papagayo beaches for around two hours. This is the active part of the trip. A ladder lets you enter the water, and life jackets are available for adults and children who need them. You can swim near the boat, use a kayak, snorkel, or stretch out on the floating mattress.

The water stop works for mixed groups because you are not forced into one activity. I would swim and snorkel first, while a less active companion could stay on deck with a drink and enjoy the view. Families with older children have plenty to do, but small children need close supervision around the ladder and water.

The boat does not include a beach landing. You remain on or beside the catamaran, so this is not the right choice if your main aim is to walk along Papagayo’s sand. The reward is comfort: you have shade or sun, toilets, food, drinks, and water activities all in one place.

Snorkeling equipment is officially not included, so bring your own if you want to look for fish. Some outings have had gear available, but you should not count on it. A towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes, camera, and light jacket belong in your bag.

Lunch, sangria, and the practical value of the open bar

Lunch is served on board after the water activities. You choose between traditional Spanish paella and pasta with tomato sauce, then help yourself to fresh fruit. The portions are described as generous, and the food is one of the strongest parts of the outing.

The unlimited drinks also change the value calculation. Beer on draft, sangria, soft drinks, and water are available throughout the cruise. You receive a mojito at the start, and the combination of lunch and drinks means you are not constantly reaching for your wallet.

At $75 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see a beach. But compare it with a separate boat ticket, lunch, several drinks, water activities, and resort transportation. If you plan to swim and make use of the bar, the price is reasonable. If you do not drink and mainly want time on the beach, a standard beach visit may suit you better.

The atmosphere can become lively after lunch. Music and dancing are sometimes part of the return sailing, and the crew may take photos or invite you to enjoy the captain’s position for a moment. This is friendly holiday entertainment, not a quiet sailing lesson.

The crew makes a real difference

The crew is one of the best reasons to choose this trip. Carla has been singled out as a memorable guide, while the wider boat team handles drinks, lunch, safety, and activities with warmth and energy.

The service is especially useful if you feel unwell. Several passengers have needed help with seasickness, and the crew has provided sickness bags, water, and ice packs. That does not make rough water pleasant, but it does mean you are not left to manage the problem alone.

The staff also help families with life jackets and the water ladder. They are attentive without turning every moment into a formal lesson. If you want a calm day, you can stay on deck. If you want to kayak, swim, or jump from the boat, they make the process straightforward.

The outing is multilingual, with English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German listed. German and Italian support is available only on request, so arrange that before the day if it matters to you.

Wind, waves, and the limits of a boat day

Lanzarote’s wind is part of the setting, but it can affect the route. On a windy day, the captain may be unable to anchor directly at Papagayo and will choose a nearby sheltered bay instead. You still get swimming, kayaking, food, and drinks, but the exact view and anchorage can change.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take that seriously. The catamaran spends about two hours traveling, and strong wind can make the ride uncomfortable. Bring any medication you normally use and choose a central, stable place on the boat rather than staying at the very front.

The return journey can be breezy even after a calm stop. A light jacket is worth packing, especially outside the warmest months. Sunscreen is essential too, since reflection from the water makes it easy to burn while sitting on deck.

There is also a practical mobility issue. The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and the toilets are down steep stairs below deck. Non-folding wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs are not accepted. You need to manage the ladder and boat steps safely to enjoy the swimming stop.

Smoking, glass objects, intoxication, and party groups are not allowed. This keeps the boat suitable for families and ordinary holiday groups, even though the music and drinks can create a festive mood.

Transfers from Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise

Optional return transfers are available from selected points in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. Pickup and drop-off are from nearby meeting points, not necessarily the entrance to your accommodation.

Give the provider your hotel details when booking and watch for the confirmation email. Arrive at least five minutes early. Pickup from Puerto Calero is available only on Thursdays, and there is no Playa Blanca pickup on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays.

If you book within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed. In that case, you may need to go directly to the harbour meeting point. The catamaran is at the final pier, past the petrol station, so allow time to walk through the harbour.

The transfer is useful if you are staying away from Puerto del Carmen, but it also makes the day longer. Some coaches stop at several resorts, and the return journey may not be as quick as a taxi. If you are already staying near the harbour, meeting the boat directly may be simpler.

Who will enjoy this Lanzarote catamaran trip

I would choose this for couples, families with older children, and groups who want a social day on the water rather than a formal sightseeing tour. It works especially well when people in the same group want different things. One person can kayak, another can snorkel, and another can sit with sangria and watch the coast.

Children who are comfortable in the sea should enjoy the kayaks, floating mattress, and swimming ladder. Adults should remember that the open bar can make the mood lively, so this is not a silent nature cruise. It is a relaxed holiday outing with music, food, and a few party touches.

I would be more cautious if you dislike boats, feel sick at sea, need step-free access, or want a long stretch of sand beneath your feet. The journey takes about an hour each way, and the actual Papagayo stop is closer to two hours than a full afternoon.

Wildlife sightings are possible but never promised. Dolphins and pilot whales have been seen during some trips, and fish gather around the anchored boat. Treat those sightings as a bonus rather than part of the bargain.

Booking advice for the best day

Check the weather forecast, but remember that the captain makes the final call. If conditions are poor, the route may change, or the trip may be canceled with a choice of another date or a full refund.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, and a jacket. Add your own snorkel gear if that activity matters to you. Vegetarian and celiac meals can be arranged with advance notice, so mention dietary needs before departure.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Lanzarote plans are still moving around.

Should you book the Papagayo catamaran?

Book it if you want an easy, sociable half-day with a scenic sail, a good lunch, plenty of drinks, and several ways to enjoy the water. The friendly crew, strong food offering, and included transfers make $75 a fair price for many visitors.

Skip it if you want a quiet sailing trip, a beach landing, or guaranteed time at Papagayo itself. Also think twice if seasickness or steep boat steps will spoil the day.

For most people who enjoy swimming and a relaxed holiday atmosphere, this is one of the better-value ways to see Lanzarote from the water. Just pack a jacket, bring your own snorkel gear, and treat the exact anchorage as weather-dependent.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The boat portion takes about one hour to reach the Costa de Papagayo and one hour to return. The full activity is listed as one day, but the boat outing itself is roughly four hours, usually returning to Puerto del Carmen at about 3:00 pm.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

You meet the catamaran at Puerto del Carmen Harbour, at the last pier at the far end of the harbour, past the petrol station.

Is hotel pickup included?

Return transfers from nearby pickup points are included when you select that option. Pickup is available from selected areas in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise.

What food is served on board?

You can choose traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce. Fresh fruit is served afterward, and lunch is included in the price.

Which drinks are included?

The open bar includes unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. A welcome mojito and a Spanish omelette tapa are also provided when you board.

Can I go snorkeling and kayaking?

Yes. You can swim, snorkel, and use the kayaks during the stop near the Costa de Papagayo. Snorkeling equipment is not officially included, so bring your own.

Can the itinerary change because of weather?

Yes. Strong wind or poor weather can change the route or anchorage. If the excursion is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not accepted, and the toilets are reached by steep stairs.