Lanzarote: Day Trip to the Papagayo Beaches by Catamaran

Papagayo is best enjoyed from the water. This catamaran trip carries you past Lanzarote’s volcanic cliffs to a sheltered bay near the island’s golden southern beaches, with time to swim, kayak, or stretch out in the sun. I like the freshly prepared lunch and the open bar, and I like that the friendly crew keeps the day moving without making it feel rushed. The main drawback is that this is a four-hour boat outing, not a full day on shore, and windy weather can change the anchorage.

I also like the easy resort transfers and the flexible mix of activity and downtime. You can jump into the sea, paddle a kayak, or simply sit on deck with a drink. If you are prone to seasickness, take sensible precautions, since the trip spends about two hours sailing and the return can feel lively in rough conditions.

At a glance

• Golden Papagayo coastline: Cruise along Lanzarote’s dramatic southern shore toward one of the island’s best-known beach areas.
• Lunch and open bar: Choose paella or pasta with tomato sauce, then help yourself to fruit, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.
• Water time from the boat: Swim, snorkel, kayak, or use the floating equipment at the anchorage.
• Welcome Spanish touch: Start with a mojito and Spanish omelette tapa while the crew explains the day.
• Practical resort pickup: Transfers are available from selected points in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise.
• A sociable boat atmosphere: Music, dancing, and a cheerful crew make this more than a quiet sightseeing cruise.

Sailing south from Puerto del Carmen

The trip begins at Puerto del Carmen Harbour, where you board the Líneas Romero sailing catamaran. If you arrange a transfer, a coach collects you from a designated meeting point near your accommodation. Exact pickup details arrive by email, so check them carefully rather than relying on the general hotel name.

If you meet the boat directly, walk to the last pier at the far end of the harbour, past the petrol station. This detail matters. Puerto del Carmen’s marina area is spread out, and you do not want to lose time searching for the catamaran.

Once aboard, the crew serves a welcome mojito and a small Spanish omelette tapa. There is a short introduction to the trip, followed by the first hour of sailing toward the Costa de Papagayo. The boat gives you a comfortable way to see the coast without committing to a long road journey over Lanzarote’s rougher inland tracks.

The route is part of the reward. You pass dark volcanic cliffs and open Atlantic water, with the boat’s position giving you views that are hard to get from land. Bring a jacket even on a warm day. The sea breeze can feel cool during the outward run, especially if you sit at the front or in a shaded spot.

Why the Costa de Papagayo is the main event

The Papagayo area is known for pale golden beaches set against Lanzarote’s stark volcanic surroundings. From the catamaran, you see the coastline from a calm offshore angle, with bright water near the anchorage and dry, rugged cliffs behind it.

The boat generally anchors for about two hours. This is not a beach landing. You remain on the catamaran and enter the water from the boat, so the experience suits people who like swimming directly from a vessel more than those hoping to spread out on the sand.

Weather controls this part of the day. Strong wind can prevent the boat from anchoring at Papagayo itself. In that case, the captain looks for a nearby sheltered bay. You still get swimming, kayaking, and lunch, but the exact view and position can change.

That flexibility is sensible for a sea trip. A fixed promise of one exact anchorage would be less useful than a safe place with calmer water. Still, if your heart is set on stepping onto Papagayo Beach, this is not the right format. Beach disembarkation is not included.

Swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling from the boat

The water stop is where the trip shifts from sightseeing to play. 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, and the crew helps people get in and out.

Kayaks are included, though they may be available on a first-come basis. If kayaking is important to you, head over when the water activities begin instead of waiting until the final minutes. A floating mattress is also used during the stop, giving you another way to relax without paddling.

Snorkeling equipment is listed as not included, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to explore below the surface. Some departures may have equipment available, but you should not count on it. This is an easy item to pack and can make a real difference during the swim.

The water can be cool, even in sunny weather. Still, the chance to see fish around the boat adds a nice touch, and sightings of dolphins or pilot whales are possible but never promised. Treat marine life as a lucky extra, not the purpose of the trip.

Paella, pasta, and a generous drinks service

Lunch is served on board after the water activities. You choose between traditional Spanish paella and pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit. The food is one of the strongest parts of the outing because it is included, served in a relaxed setting, and substantial enough to make the return sail comfortable.

The paella receives plenty of praise, while the pasta gives children and less adventurous eaters an easy option. Vegetarian and celiac diets can be accommodated with advance notice, so provide that information when booking rather than waiting until you arrive.

Drinks include unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. The welcome mojito comes at the start, and the crew keeps drinks available through the day. At $75 per person, this combination makes the price attractive, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and several drinks.

There is a clear tradeoff. The open bar can create a party mood, especially on the return journey when music may come on and the crew may encourage dancing. That suits adults and older children who enjoy a social outing. It may not suit you if you want a silent, nature-focused sail or a very calm family atmosphere.

The return sail and the real timing

The scheduled boat portion is roughly four hours: about one hour out, two hours at anchor, and one hour back. The catamaran usually returns to port around 3:00 pm, but resort transfers mean your full outing lasts longer.

Pickup can begin around 9:00 am, depending on your resort and the route. With several hotel stops, you may not return to your accommodation until around 4:00 pm. The listed duration of one day is therefore best understood as a half-day boat trip plus transfers, not a dawn-to-evening excursion.

The return sail is often the liveliest part. You can sit back with a drink and watch the coast recede, or join the music and dancing. On lucky departures, dolphins appear near the boat. These sightings have happened, but the crew cannot schedule wildlife.

If the sea is choppy, sit where the motion feels mildest and avoid drinking too much before you know how your stomach reacts. Motion sickness is the biggest practical concern on this trip. Bring medication if you normally need it, and tell the crew early if you feel unwell. They have provided water, ice packs, and sickness bags to people who needed help.

Transfers, meeting points, and small booking details

Pickup and return transfers are available from the nearest meeting points for selected accommodation in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. The exact location and time are sent after booking, and you should arrive at least five minutes early.

There are some schedule limits. Puerto Calero pickup is available only on Thursdays, and Playa Blanca has no pickup on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays. Bookings made within 24 hours of departure may not include guaranteed pickup, so contact the local provider if transport is essential.

If you are staying outside the standard pickup areas, plan to reach Puerto del Carmen Harbour yourself. The direct meeting point is the final pier, past the petrol station.

The tour operates in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German, though German and Italian commentary is available only on request. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your island plans depend on the forecast.

Is the catamaran suitable for families and older passengers?

The trip can work well for families with older children who are comfortable around water. Kayaking, swimming, floating equipment, and the chance to jump from the boat give active children plenty to do. Life jackets are available, and the crew has been especially helpful with younger swimmers.

The atmosphere is not purely child-focused. Unlimited alcohol, music, and dancing can make the return feel more like a relaxed boat party. That may be fun for a family with teenagers, but less appealing for parents seeking a quiet educational cruise.

Older passengers can enjoy the trip too, particularly if they are comfortable boarding a boat, using a ladder, and moving around a vessel. The toilet is below deck down steep stairs, which is worth noting. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or anyone using a non-folding or electric wheelchair.

What to pack for a smoother day

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, comfortable shoes, a camera, and a light jacket. Comfortable shoes matter around the harbour and on the boat, while the jacket helps during the open-water crossing.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want to snorkel. Glass objects, smoking, and electric or non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed. The operator also does not accept party groups, and intoxication is not permitted.

I would also bring a small waterproof pouch for your phone and some dry clothing for the ride home. Those items are practical additions for any boat day, though the supplied information specifically requires the basics listed above.

Who gets the best value from this trip?

You get the strongest value if you want several holiday experiences bundled into one: coastal sightseeing, a boat ride, lunch, swimming, kayaking, and drinks. The $75 price is hard to fault for an adult who will use the water activities and enjoy the open bar.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in a resort and prefer a pickup service rather than arranging transport to the harbour. The crew handles the food, drinks, equipment, and schedule, leaving you free to enjoy the sea.

I would choose another outing if your priority is spending hours walking on Papagayo’s beaches. You do not disembark, and the anchorage may shift with the wind. I would also hesitate if you suffer badly from seasickness, dislike group entertainment, or need step-free access.

The overall rating of 4.4 from 913 bookings fits the experience: the food, crew, drinks, and water stop are consistently strong, while timing, wind, sea conditions, and the busy feel of a popular catamaran can affect the day.

Should you book the Papagayo catamaran?

Book it if you want an easy, good-value sea day with plenty included. The crew creates a friendly atmosphere, the paella and pasta make lunch simple, and the two-hour stop gives you enough time to swim and kayak without turning the trip into a frantic race.

Skip it if you need a quiet sailing experience, direct access to a beach, or guaranteed snorkeling equipment. For most visitors who enjoy the water and do not mind music, drinks, and a group setting, this is one of Lanzarote’s more practical ways to reach the Papagayo coast.

FAQ

How much does the Papagayo catamaran trip cost?

The listed price is $75 per person. It includes the catamaran cruise, lunch, the welcome mojito, unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.

How long is the boat trip?

The boat portion takes about four hours, with roughly one hour sailing to the Costa de Papagayo, about two hours at anchor, and one hour sailing back. Transfers make the full outing longer.

Does the catamaran stop at Papagayo Beach?

The boat sails toward the Costa de Papagayo and anchors near the beaches. You do not disembark onto the beach. Strong winds may require the captain to use a nearby sheltered bay instead.

Is lunch included?

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

What drinks are included?

You receive a welcome mojito, plus unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water during the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is listed as not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to use them.

Can I get picked up from my accommodation?

Pickup and return transfers are available from selected nearby meeting points in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. Exact details are confirmed by email after booking.

Can people with mobility impairments or wheelchairs join?

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The onboard toilet is reached by steep stairs, and non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.