Lanzarote: Day Trip to the Papagayo Beaches by Catamaran

Golden sand and open bar, at sea. This Lanzarote day trip to the Costa de Papagayo combines an easy catamaran ride, a real swimming stop, and an onboard food and drink setup that feels like you planned a full day without the stress.

I like two things most: the welcome moment (a mojito and an onboard tapa when you board), and the simple fact that lunch is served right there on the water. One guide name that popped up in the day-to-day energy was Carla, and it matches the vibe you get once the crew is driving the schedule.

One big consideration: if you are prone to motion sickness, a catamaran can be rough, and this trip is specifically not listed as suitable for motion sickness. The crew can be supportive if you feel unwell, but the safest choice is still to plan carefully.

Key highlights at a glance

• Puerto del Carmen boarding made easy at the last pier in the harbour, so you can skip the long ticket lines and get settled fast
• Real time at Papagayo to swim, snorkel, kayak, and relax at anchor
• Unlimited drinks included with draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, plus the welcome mojito
• Lunch on board with a choice of paella or pasta, plus fresh fruit
• Water toys included via kayaks (and swimming access from the boat), but snorkeling gear is not guaranteed for everyone
• Weather can change the exact stop if anchoring at Papagayo is unsafe, you still go somewhere sheltered

Setting Sail From Puerto del Carmen, With Mojitos and a Plan

The day starts with getting yourself to Puerto del Carmen Harbour. The key detail: you meet directly at the Líneas Romero catamaran at the last pier, all the way at the far end, past the petrol station. If you are doing pickup, you transfer from the nearest pick-up point toward the harbour, then you board there.

What I like about this setup is that it is simple. You are not trying to figure out buses and connections on your own. Once you reach the boat, the crew welcomes you with a mojito and a Spanish omelette tapa, then gives a short intro so you know what happens next.

Transfers and timing can vary by where you stay. The ride back is usually waiting when the catamaran returns, around 3:00 pm, and in real-life schedules a lot of people end up with a morning pick-up and a mid-afternoon return. In other words, treat this like a full outing, even though the main sail and swim blocks are shorter.

The Cruise to Costa de Papagayo: Volcanic Coasts, Open Water Views

From Puerto del Carmen you sail toward the southern tip of Lanzarote. The route is part sightseeing, part relaxation. Expect you will glide past dramatic volcanic cliffs and turquoise water, which is the whole point of doing this by boat instead of just driving.

A catamaran also changes how the day feels. It is steadier than a smaller motorboat, and there is more space to move around. Even if you mostly want to hang out, you get a better “caught up in the island” feeling when you are actually watching the coastline slide by.

Keep an eye on the weather. The itinerary notes that the exact anchoring spot can shift due to conditions. One practical thing I’d do: plan to stay flexible and treat the return sail as part of the fun, not just the ride back. If the wind is up, crews often swap in a safer, sheltered spot so you still get your water time.

Papagayo Beaches at Anchor: Swimming, Snorkeling, and Kayaking From the Water

Once you reach the Costa de Papagayo area, you drop anchor and the day turns into a water playground. This is where the tour delivers the “worth it” feeling: you do not just stop for a photo. You get time on the water to swim, snorkel, kayak, and relax.

Two practical notes shape how you enjoy this section:

First, you are anchored, not cruising into a dock. The tour information lists that beach disembarkment is not included, so you should think “jump in and play,” not “walk onto the sand.” If you want full beach time with easy walking access, this format might feel restrictive.

Second, your water access is built around the boat. You use the ladder into the sea, and you can jump off the deck. This also means you can get back up quickly when you want a break, which is great if you have kids or you just want an easy rhythm of swim, rest, repeat.

Snorkeling gear, and what to expect in real life

Snorkeling equipment is listed as not included. That does not mean snorkeling is impossible, it just means you should not count on being provided with your exact setup. One helpful real-life detail from the day-to-day feedback: some people found snorkeling gear was available onboard anyway, but you should bring your own if you are picky about fit, comfort, or if you want to avoid any uncertainty.

Kayaks: fun, but first-come energy

Kayaks are included. In practice, availability can be handled like a first-come situation once you are in the water area, so go early in the swim window if kayaking is a top priority for you.

Also, remember that water activities are time-boxed. You get about two hours at the Papagayo stop, which is long enough to do one or two main activities plus lounging, but it is not a full afternoon on land.

Lunch on Board: Paella or Pasta, Fruit, and the Sweet Spot of No-Stress Dining

Lunch is served onboard during your anchored stop. You get a choice between traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, plus a fresh fruit selection afterward.

This matters more than it sounds. Eating on the boat means you lose fewer hours to transfers and queues. You also avoid the “find a restaurant, decide menu, wait for food” spiral that can turn beach days into a chore. Here, you get fed while you are already enjoying the sea break.

What I think you should watch for is portion and timing. Lunch happens right in the middle of the swim window, so plan to eat after you have already worked up some appetite. If you snorkel first and then go hungry, you will be tempted to rush. If you eat too early, you might feel heavy in the water. Aim for a simple flow: swim, then lunch, then do your remaining activity.

And yes, drinks are part of this whole meal setup. The tour includes unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, so lunch often turns into the social centerpiece of the day.

The Open Bar Factor: Draft Beer, Sangria, and a Welcome Mojito That Sets the Tone

At the start you get a welcome mojito. Then the open bar runs through the day with unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. This is one of the most praised parts of the experience because it changes the value equation.

For $75 per person, the question is not just the cruise. The value comes from combining four things: transportation to the harbour area, the catamaran ride, a proper lunch, and unlimited drinks. If you are the kind of person who would otherwise spend money on ferry, beach club, and drinks, the math gets easier.

One more reality check: some people enjoy it like a party day, music and dancing included in the onboard energy. So if you want quiet, this may not be a library-level experience. Still, it is not chaotic, it is just lively.

If you drink, keep it smart

This tour lists intoxication as not allowed. Also, it is still a water day with ladder access and open sea movement. So if you are planning to drink, do it like an adult who wants to have fun, not like someone who wants to be wrecked. You will get more out of kayaking and swimming if you stay sharp.

Crew and Live Commentary: The Difference Between a Ride and a Day Out

You are not just floating. You get live commentary onboard, plus a live tour guide with languages including English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. There is also a note that German and Italian speaking guide service is available only on request, so if those languages matter to you, check before you book.

The crew energy is usually the glue. The day runs on a schedule, and the best part is how friendly and helpful the staff are when it comes to safety and small problems. One example that came up in real-life feedback: when someone felt sea sick, crew support included sickness bags, water, and even ice packs for comfort.

That matters because motion sickness is one of the few things that can ruin a sea day fast. If you are even slightly unsure how you react, pack anti-seasickness tablets and use them early, before you feel bad. It is much easier than trying to play catch up after the rocking starts.

What to Pack for a Day on the Water (and What to Leave Behind)

This trip is relaxed, but you still want the right gear. The essentials are listed, and they matter:

• Comfortable shoes for walking around the harbour and boarding
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Swimwear and a towel
• Camera, because you will want photos of volcanic coastline and water color
• A light jacket, since sea breeze can cool you down later in the day

Also, keep it simple with belongings onboard. Glass objects are not allowed, and smoking is not allowed. If you are bringing anything fragile, rethink it.

Toilets are there, but plan for stairs

One very practical detail worth knowing: toilets are located down steep stairs below deck. This can be a dealbreaker for anyone who struggles with stairs. The trip is also not suitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments, so if that applies, skip it.

Price and Value: Is $75 Worth It?

For $75 per person, the biggest value drivers are the included items, not the catamaran as a standalone ride. You are paying for:

• Return transfers from the nearest pick-up point to your accommodation in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise
• Catamaran cruise
• Live commentary and guided hosting
• Welcome mojito and Spanish omelette tapa
• Lunch onboard (paella or pasta) plus fresh fruit
• Unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water
• Use of kayaks

If you want a beach day with zero planning, this is the kind of product that works. It is especially good if you do not want to chase lunch or argue about where to go once you arrive.

If you mainly want a quiet nature walk on shore, then the anchored swim format plus no beach disembarkment may not feel like the best match. In that case, you might prefer a beach-access tour or a rental car plus your own itinerary.

Weather, Wind, and Safety: When Papagayo Might Change

Lanzarote weather can shift quickly. The operator notes that the itinerary is subject to weather conditions. If the crew cannot anchor at Papagayo due to wind or other factors, you still go to a nearby sheltered spot so the water activities can continue.

This is not a flaw. It is actually a safety feature. The sea is not just scenery, it is conditions. The best approach is to book with flexibility and accept that the exact “picture-perfect” anchoring point might not be identical every day.

Also, if you are sensitive to sea movement, this is not a trip I would push. It is not listed as suitable for motion sickness, even though crew help can make it easier for some people who get symptoms.

Who Should Book This Papagayo Catamaran Trip?

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a relaxing day that still includes real water time
• Like social sailing and the open bar vibe
• Enjoy snorkeling and want a boat-based way to access the water easily
• Want lunch and drinks handled for you
• Are traveling with kids who enjoy kayaking and bouncing around on the water, with life jackets offered if required

You might skip it if you:

• Have mobility limitations or need step-free movement
• Get seasick easily and do not trust your ability to handle boat motion
• Want guaranteed snorkeling gear, since equipment is listed as not included

Should You Book This Papagayo Catamaran Day Trip?

If you are looking for a Lanzarote day trip that feels like a complete package, this one is strong. The included lunch, unlimited drinks, kayaks, and the straightforward anchored swim stop are exactly what make the price feel fair.

Book it if you want coast views plus a relaxed schedule, and you are comfortable with a water-first day. Skip it if stairs and motion sickness are your pain points, or if you specifically want to step onto the beach for hours.

If you are on the fence, here is my practical tie-breaker: if you would happily spend money on lunch plus a couple drinks plus a boat excursion anyway, the bundle is hard to beat. If you want quiet and shore time, you may feel boxed in by the anchored format.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the catamaran in Puerto del Carmen?

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

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup is optional. If you select it, you get return transfers from the nearest pick-up point to your accommodation in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. Exact pickup time and place are confirmed by email after booking.

How long is the trip?

The scheduled experience is about 1 day. The sailing segments are listed as 1 hour each way, and the Costa de Papagayo stop is about 2 hours, with an approximate return to port around 3:00 pm.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a welcome mojito, lunch onboard (traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce), fresh fruit, and unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.

Are kayaks included?

Yes. The tour includes use of kayaks during the stop at Costa de Papagayo.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is listed as not included. Some days the crew may have gear available, but you should not count on it.

What happens if it is too windy to anchor at Papagayo?

The itinerary can change due to weather. If the excursion is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Can they accommodate vegetarian or celiac diets?

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