If you only have a half day in Lanzarote, this catamaran tour gives you beach time and water time without the hassle. You sail the east coast, stop at the famous Papagayo Beaches, and get lunch plus the gear to swim like a pro.

Two things I really like: the small group size (max 12) so it feels relaxed, and the amount that’s included—fresh tapas, drinks, plus kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkelling equipment.

One thing to consider: this is a shared boat day, so the schedule has a bit less flexibility than a private charter, and it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

Key highlights at a glance

• Max 12 guests keeps the vibe friendly and easy to manage on deck
• Tapas and drinks included, with a constant flow while you’re at anchor
• Papagayo Beaches stop on Lanzarote’s coast for classic swimming conditions
• Water toys included: kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkelling gear
• Deck shower means you can rinse off fast before you head back to shore

Puerto Calero check-in and getting comfortable on a shared catamaran

You meet in Puerto Calero at Cafe del Puerto, about 20 minutes before departure. That buffer matters—arrive with time to get settled, find the right life-vest fit, and have a quick look at what’s on board before you cast off.

The boat is Ocean Lady, run as a shared sailing experience with a 12-person maximum. That limit is a big deal on the water: it’s easier to hear instructions, easier to grab gear, and you don’t feel like you’re fighting for space when people head to the swim platform.

Practical tip: bring beachwear that dries fast. You’ll likely spend a lot of the day in swim mode—first with the included snorkeling gear, then again on paddle boards or in kayaks.

Sailing the east coast of Lanzarote toward Papagayo Beaches

Once you leave Puerto Calero, the main idea is simple: cruise the east coast and work your way toward the Papagayo Beaches. This isn’t a “sit on the dock and stare at the map” trip. It’s built around sea time—sailing, stopping, and then using the water toys.

The boat experience is also part of the value. In a place like Lanzarote, where the coastline changes fast, seeing it from the water helps you understand the geography in a way you don’t get from shore. Even if you’ve seen photos of Papagayo, the real advantage is how you get to reach the water directly from the catamaran.

Also, expect the crew to keep things moving at a comfortable pace. Past guests highlighted a knowledgeable and friendly captain/crew approach, and names like Sergio and Matthew came up in praise for making the trip feel personable rather than rigid.

The anchor stop: tapas lunch, unlimited drinks, and real swim breaks

The rhythm of the day is built around relaxing while the boat is anchored. That’s when the “vacation feeling” kicks in: you can cool off in the water, then come back aboard without the pressure of constantly moving locations.

Lunch is freshly made tapas, and drinks are included with an unlimited flow of beer, wine, cava, soft drinks, fizzy drinks, and water. For a trip priced at $91 per person, this matters more than it might on paper. You’re not paying extra once you’re already on the water, and you’re spending less time hunting for food.

Here’s what that anchor-time setup does for your day: it gives you options. If you want quiet, you can sit with a drink and enjoy the breeze. If you want action, you can jump in and use the equipment right away. It’s one of those trips where you can set your own intensity.

Using kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkelling gear without the “extra cost” feeling

One of the best parts is that the tour includes kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and snorkelling equipment. This turns your day from a boat ride into a hands-on water outing.

Kayaks: steady exploration

Kayaks are great if you want to stay closer to the boat and control your pace. You’ll get a more direct relationship with the coastline and the water conditions than you would from floating or swimming in place. It’s also a nice middle ground between “total relax” and “full-on athletic mode.”

Paddle boards: the workout that still feels fun

Stand up paddle boards are included, and that usually means you can spend time trying, wobbling, and then getting the hang of it. Even if you’re not a seasoned boarder, you’ll likely find a sweet spot where you can enjoy the view without stressing about speed.

Snorkelling: the fish-and-water moment

Snorkelling equipment is included too, and the trip is specifically timed for swimming in clear water with tropical fish. That combination—gear provided plus the chance to snorkel during a dedicated stop—is what makes the experience feel complete. You’re not just looking at the coastline; you’re actually part of the water scene.

A small practical note: you might want to rinse your hands and face with water after snorkeling, and use the deck shower before leaving the boat. The deck shower is one of those details that doesn’t sound exciting until you’re standing there with saltwater hair and no easy rinse option.

Crew energy on a 12-person boat: what a small group really changes

A maximum of 12 guests changes the mood more than you’d expect. On larger catamarans or speedboats, you often get a “mass boarding” feel. Here, the day stays social and personal, with time for people to ask questions and for the crew to help with gear.

This comes through in how guests describe the crew. Captains and staff like Sergio and Matthew are praised for being friendly, helpful, and creating a relaxed environment. The “made some friends along the way” comment isn’t about forced small talk—it’s the natural effect of staying together on a smaller vessel with shared water activities.

If you’re traveling as a couple or with family, this matters. It’s easier to feel included, and the crew can keep an eye on safety without the trip turning into a strict classroom.

Languages and communication: English, Spanish, German, French

The live tour guide is available in English, Spanish, German, and French. That’s practical if you’re with mixed-language friends or if your group has different comfort levels. Clear instructions also help with the water gear, especially when you’re switching from sailing to kayaking or snorkelling.

For me, good communication is part of safety and part of enjoyment. You spend less time guessing and more time actually doing.

Price and value: why $91 feels fair for what’s included

The price is $91 per person for 4 hours. On its own, a number is just a number. What makes it feel like value is the mix of inclusions:

• Lunch: fresh tapas
• Drinks: unlimited beer, wine, cava, sodas, and water
• Water time tools: kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling gear
• The sailing itself: around Lanzarote’s east coast toward Papagayo Beaches
• Onboard extras: fuel included, plus a deck shower

When you add up what you’d normally pay for a meal, drinks, and paid equipment rental, the $91 stops looking like a “boat ticket” and starts looking like an organized half-day experience. You’re paying for convenience and direction—someone else handles the gear and the timing so you can focus on the beach-and-water part.

One more value point: small-group sailing often feels more “vacation” and less “logistics.” That comfort factor can be hard to measure, but you feel it when you’re not crammed in with strangers.

Who this Papagayo Cat cruise is best for (and who might want something else)

This is a great fit if you want a couple-friendly or family-friendly day at sea with real activities included. You’ll like it if you’re the kind of person who enjoys switching between relaxing and doing something fun—like snorkelling, then paddle boarding, then tapas on deck.

It’s also a solid choice if you don’t want to over-plan. You get a clear 4-hour structure and the crew runs the flow so you’re not figuring out timing, equipment, or where the best swimming moments are.

If you’re someone who needs full accessibility for a wheelchair, this one won’t work, since it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. Also, if you hate the idea of being on a shared boat (even a small one), you may prefer a private charter for a fully custom schedule.

Should you book this shared catamaran to Papagayo Beaches?

I’d book it if you want a high-value half-day in Lanzarote where you get both scenery and hands-on fun. The combo is strong: Papagayo Beaches access, included tapas and unlimited drinks, and a full set of water toys—all capped at 12 guests so the day stays easy.

Skip it only if you’re chasing a totally independent plan, or if accessibility needs make a standard shared boat setup a problem. Otherwise, this is the kind of day that feels like you used your time wisely, not just spent it getting from one place to another.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the catamaran sailing to Papagayo Beaches?

The experience lasts 4 hours.

How many people are on board?

It’s a shared trip with a maximum of 12 people on board.

Where do we meet in Puerto Calero?

You meet in Puerto Calero at Cafe del Puerto, about 20 minutes before departure.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling equipment, lunch, and drinks (beer, wine, cava, soft drinks, fizzy drinks, and water), plus fuel, the captain and crew, and a deck shower.

Is it accessible for wheelchair users?

It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

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