Lanzarote: Day Trip to the Papagayo Beaches by Catamaran

The best Lanzarote days happen offshore. This catamaran trip pairs a scenic cruise along the volcanic coast with swimming, kayaking, lunch, and an open bar. I especially like the chance to see the Costa de Papagayo from the water, and the crew earns strong praise for friendly service and helping nervous swimmers or seasick passengers.

The $75 price is also attractive because it covers the boat, lunch, unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, water, and optional resort transfers. My main caution is that this is not really a full day on the sea. You spend about four hours aboard, with roughly two hours anchored near Papagayo, and the boat can feel lively rather than peaceful once the music and drinks begin.

At a glance

• A welcome mojito starts the trip, with a Spanish omelette tapa served as you board in Puerto del Carmen.
• Papagayo is viewed from an anchored catamaran, not visited by walking ashore.
• Swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and an inflatable mattress make the stop active as well as restful.
• Lunch includes paella or pasta, followed by fresh fruit.
• Unlimited drinks are included, including draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.
• The water stop lasts about two hours, while sailing takes about an hour each way.

From Puerto del Carmen to the southern coast

The day begins at Puerto del Carmen Harbour, where the Líneas Romero sailing catamaran leaves from the last pier at the far end of the harbour, past the petrol station. If you arrange pickup, a transfer collects you from the nearest meeting point in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, or Costa Teguise.

Pickup details arrive by email after booking, so give the operator your accommodation information. The service is not available from Playa Blanca on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays, and Puerto Calero pickup operates only on Thursdays. For bookings made within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed, so you may need to go directly to the harbour.

Once aboard, the crew serves a welcome mojito and a small Spanish omelette tapa. A short introduction explains the plan, then the catamaran heads south. The first hour is mostly about the ride itself: sea air, open views, and Lanzarote’s dark volcanic cliffs sliding past the boat.

I like this opening because it lets you settle into the day without rushing straight into activities. Bring a jacket, though. Lanzarote may be warm at the port, but the breeze can feel cool once the catamaran gets moving.

Seeing Costa de Papagayo from the water

The Costa de Papagayo is known for golden beaches and clear water near the southeastern tip of Lanzarote. From the catamaran, you get a broad view of the coves and rugged volcanic coast without dealing with a road, parking, or a walk to the shore.

The boat anchors near the beaches for around two hours. The schedule may shift with wind and sea conditions. On one particularly windy outing, the captain could not anchor at Papagayo itself and chose a sheltered bay nearby instead. That is worth understanding before you book: the destination is the southern coast, but the exact anchorage depends on safety and weather.

You should also note that beach disembarkation is not included. This is a boat-based visit, not a landing on Papagayo Beach. If your main goal is to put your feet on the famous sand, choose a land excursion instead. If you are happy to admire the coast from the water and swim from the boat, this setup works well.

Two hours for swimming and water sports

The main stop gives you a useful block of free time. A ladder is lowered into the sea, and you can swim directly from the catamaran. Life jackets are available for adults and children who need them.

Kayaks are included, along with other water activities and an inflatable mattress. Kayaks can be first come, first served, so move fairly promptly after the boat anchors if kayaking is high on your list. You can also jump from the boat into the water, although you should use your own judgment and follow the crew’s instructions.

The water may be cool, but the swim is a major part of the appeal. Fish gather around the boat, and some outings have included sightings of dolphins or even a pilot whale. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the open-water setting gives you a chance to see more than just beach scenery.

Snorkeling equipment is officially not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to explore below the surface, and do not rely on equipment being available on the day. This is one of those small details that can make a big difference. A towel, swimwear, sunscreen, hat, and camera also belong in your day bag.

There is a practical point here for families. Children can enjoy kayaking, swimming, and the floating mattress, but the boat atmosphere includes alcohol and music. The trip can suit families with older children, especially if they are comfortable around water, but it may not be the best match for parents seeking a quiet, child-focused outing.

Paella, pasta, and an open bar

Lunch is served on board during the anchorage. You can choose traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit. The food receives unusually strong praise for a boat trip, with generous portions and freshly prepared meals frequently singled out as a highlight.

I would choose paella if you want the most distinctly Spanish option. Pasta is the safer choice for children or anyone who prefers simple food. Vegetarian and celiac diets can be accommodated with advance notice, so make that request before the day of departure.

The drinks package adds real value. You get unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, plus the welcome mojito. Staff keep drinks available throughout the trip, and the return sailing often takes on a more social mood, with music, dancing, photographs, and plenty of cheerful conversation.

That same feature can be a drawback. This is not a silent sailing cruise. If you want a calm boat with only the sound of the sea, the open bar and party atmosphere may feel too busy. If you enjoy a relaxed holiday outing with music and a drink in hand, it is likely to be a selling point.

Drink sensibly, especially in the sun. The crew has been praised for helping passengers who became seasick, providing water, sick bags, and ice packs. Still, if you know you are prone to motion sickness, take suitable precautions before boarding. The trip is not recommended for people who regularly suffer from seasickness.

The return sail and overall timing

After lunch and water activities, the catamaran sails back toward Puerto del Carmen. The ride back takes about an hour, giving you more time for coastline views and conversation.

The boat usually returns to port at approximately 3:00 pm. With transfers, the day is longer. One common schedule has pickup around 9:15 am and return to accommodation around 4:00 pm, depending on hotel stops and the route.

The timing matters because the phrase day trip can create the wrong expectation. The actual boat portion is closer to four hours, not a full day from morning until evening. I see that as a strength if you want a substantial outing without losing the entire day. You still have time for dinner, a walk, or another Lanzarote activity afterward.

Transfers add convenience but also add waiting time. The nearest pickup point may not be directly outside your hotel, and several stops can make the journey longer. If you are already near Puerto del Carmen Harbour, meeting the catamaran there may be simpler.

Is the $75 price good value?

At $75 per person, the price is strong for what is included. You are paying for a catamaran cruise, live commentary, lunch, a welcome cocktail, unlimited drinks, kayaking, and return transport if you select that option.

The open bar alone will matter more to some people than others. If you do not drink alcohol, the value still comes from the food, boat ride, swimming stop, and included soft drinks, but you may not feel the same financial advantage. For couples or groups who plan to enjoy sangria and beer, the package can compare favorably with paying separately for lunch, drinks, and a cruise.

The food is another reason the price works. This is not simply a short sightseeing ride with a sandwich. You receive a hot meal, fruit, and drinks while anchored near one of Lanzarote’s best-known coastal areas.

The tradeoff is that you are buying a shared social outing, not a private sailing charter. Exact group size is not specified, but the trip can feel busy, especially in high season. Kayaks and the best places on deck may require a little initiative.

What the crew does well

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the outing. They are described as friendly, attentive, professional, and entertaining. That matters on a boat because good service affects everything from boarding to water safety to the flow of lunch.

Staff help passengers into the water, provide life jackets, keep drinks moving, and assist anyone feeling unwell. Some outings include lighthearted touches such as inviting passengers to the captain’s position for photographs or helping with group pictures.

Live commentary is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. German and Italian support is available on request, so ask for it ahead of time rather than assuming it will be present on every departure.

The atmosphere can shift during the day. The outward journey is generally scenic and relaxed, the anchorage is active, and the return can become more festive with music and dancing. I see that range as a benefit for mixed groups, since you can swim and kayak while others sit back with a drink.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Couples wanting an easy day by the sea
• Families with older children who enjoy swimming
• Friends looking for food, drinks, and music
• Visitors who want Papagayo scenery without arranging a rental car
• People who prefer an organized outing with transport included
• Anyone who likes a mix of relaxation and water activities

You may want a different plan if you need step-free access, use a wheelchair, or have serious mobility limitations. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not permitted, and the toilets are below deck down steep stairs.

It is also not ideal if you are highly sensitive to motion or want a quiet, alcohol-free cruise. Smoking, intoxication, glass objects, and party groups are not allowed. The catamaran is social, but it is still run as a supervised excursion rather than a private party boat.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive at least five minutes before your scheduled pickup time. If you are meeting at the harbour, walk to the last pier, past the petrol station, rather than waiting near the main harbour entrance.

Wear comfortable shoes for boarding and bring a light jacket for the sailing sections. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a camera. Your own snorkeling equipment is a smart addition because it is not included in the standard package.

If you want a kayak, make that one of your first choices after anchoring. If you prefer to relax, claim a comfortable place on deck and let the crew handle the rest.

Tell the operator about vegetarian or celiac requirements before departure. Weather can change the route or anchorage, and a cancellation caused by poor conditions leads to either an alternative date or a full refund.

My verdict: book it if you want sea time with plenty included

I would book this catamaran trip if I wanted a good-value half-day on the water, especially with lunch, unlimited drinks, and swimming included. The friendly crew, tasty paella or pasta, clear swimming water, and chance of seeing dolphins give it more character than a simple coastal cruise.

I would not book it solely to visit Papagayo Beach on foot, since you remain aboard at anchor. I would also think twice if seasickness or limited mobility is a concern. For everyone else, the $75 package offers a generous mix of scenery, food, water sports, and easy holiday fun without demanding much planning.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

It leaves from 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 are included when you select that option. Pickup operates from the nearest meeting point to accommodations in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise.

Is pickup available every day from Playa Blanca?

No. There is no pickup from Playa Blanca on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays.

Is Puerto Calero pickup available?

Yes, but pickup from Puerto Calero is available only on Thursdays.

How long is the boat ride?

The catamaran sails for about one hour each way, with around two hours anchored near the Costa de Papagayo.

Do you get off the boat at Papagayo Beach?

No. Beach disembarkation is not included. You remain on the catamaran or enter the water from the boat.

What food is served?

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

What drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Vegetarian and celiac diets can be catered for with advance notification.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The outing is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not permitted.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.