REVIEW · LANZAROTE
Catamaran Cruise to Papagayo beaches, lunch and water activities
Book on Viator →Operated by Lineas Romero · Bookable on Viator
A trip to Papagayo can feel like a big beach day. This one keeps the action moving with a luxury catamaran, an anchor stop for swimming and kayaking, and a full lunch at sea. I like the mix of comfort and freedom: sun up top, shade inside, and water time that’s mostly on your own terms. You’ll love the open bar and the paella, and it’s also a great way to see Lanzarote from the water. The one real catch to weigh is that you don’t actually get off onto the sand, so you’re boarding and swimming from the boat.
There’s also a bit of practical reality here. Some days the sea can be choppy on the ride back, and you may feel it if you’re sensitive to motion. And while the bar is unlimited, a few people note the drink choices can feel a little limited at times—more family-friendly than rowdy party boat.
Still, the overall vibe is relaxed and well-run. With a half-day schedule (about 4 hours), hotel pickup on select routes, and room enough for sun lovers and shade seekers, this is one of those “good value” Lanzarote days that beats fighting for beach chairs.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- A 4-hour catamaran day that’s built around swimming and views
- Getting to the boat: pickup rules, meeting points, and timing
- On board: mojitos, an open bar, and real comfort at sea
- Sailing to Papagayo: what the coastline time is really for
- Papagayo stop: swim time, kayak exploring, and a proper lunch
- Water activities: snorkeling limits, goggles, and sea-sickness tips
- Who this is best for (and who might not love it)
- Price and value: why $77-ish can feel like a win
- The crew and the overall vibe: friendly, organized, and usually smooth
- Quick guide: what to pack for Papagayo
- Should you book the catamaran to Papagayo?
- FAQ
- How long is the catamaran cruise to Papagayo?
- Where do I meet the tour if my hotel isn’t on the pickup list?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- What’s included with the drinks?
- Is lunch included, and what do you eat?
- Can I kayak at Papagayo?
- Do they provide snorkeling equipment?
- Is it possible to get off onto the beach?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key things to know before you go
- Sun deck or shaded cabin: choose your comfort the whole time
- Kayak time near the coastline: you get closer to the rock formations than from the shore
- Mojito welcome + unlimited drinks: adult-focused fun starts right after boarding
- Paella lunch included: served during the Papagayo stop, not just a snack
- Swim from the boat, not the beach: plan on steps/pontoon access instead of walking onto sand
- No snorkel gear included: if you want to snorkel, bring your own or plan to borrow other options
A 4-hour catamaran day that’s built around swimming and views
This is a half-day catamaran cruise in southern Lanzarote that feels designed for beach time, without the beach logistics. You start in Puerto del Carmen, sail down the coast, and then the day’s center of gravity shifts to the Papagayo area—anchored so you can swim right off the boat and use the provided kayaks.
On board, the setup matters. You’ll have both open-air space and indoor, air-conditioned room. That’s not just a comfort detail in Lanzarote heat—it changes how the day feels. If you want to slow down, you can hide in shade between swim bursts. If you want full sun, the top deck gives you that “I’m on holiday” feeling right away.
Other Papagayo beach tours we've reviewed in Lanzarote
Getting to the boat: pickup rules, meeting points, and timing
Your day starts at 11:00 am. If your hotel is on the pickup list, you can be collected by coach and dropped back at the end. If it’s not, you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point in Tías (Puerto del Carmen area) at Lineas Romero Watertaxi and excursions, Av. del Varadero, 30, 35510 Tías.
A couple pickup wrinkles matter:
- Pickups are only available from Puerto Calero on Thursdays.
- Pickup from Playa Blanca is not available on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Sundays.
- If you book within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed. In that case, head straight to the meeting point.
Why this matters: with a 4-hour schedule, losing even 30 minutes to confusion can shrink your time at Papagayo. If you’re not sure about your pickup, treat it as “check your email details, then plan to arrive early.”
At the end, the boat returns and the transport timing lines up for a 16:00 return bus, taking you back to your resort or meeting point.
On board: mojitos, an open bar, and real comfort at sea
Boarding starts with a quick welcome setup. You’ll get a safety briefing, then settle in for a welcome mojito and a snack of Spanish omelet. That’s a nice pacing choice: you’re not stuck hungry on a boat while you wait for the fun to start.
Then comes the best-known part of the experience: an unlimited open bar with alcoholic and soft drinks, plus time to enjoy the ride. Many people talk about how the drinks stay flowing and how cold they taste on a sunny day.
A balanced note from real experiences: some people found the drink lineup more limited than they expected, and the overall mood can be more family-friendly than party-chaos. In other words, it’s a good time if you want drinks and music, but it’s not guaranteed to be a chaotic booze cruise.
Practical comfort wins you’ll appreciate:
- Space: the catamaran is roomy enough that you can find a sun spot or a shaded seat without feeling boxed in.
- Toilet facilities: there are toilets on board, which makes the trip easier when you’re focused on water time.
- Easy access to the water: multiple access points (front steps and rear/pontoon area) help you get in and out without turning it into a production.
And yes—this is Lanzarote. Pack the basics like sunscreen and a hat. One person even got a sunburn and still had a great day, which is a funny reminder: the sun reflects off the water.
Sailing to Papagayo: what the coastline time is really for
The cruise portion isn’t just travel filler. It sets the tone. As you sail down the coast toward the southern area, you get those Lanzarote rock-and-sea views from a distance you can’t recreate from the road.
This time at sea is also where the day’s “choose your own adventure” starts:
- Hang out on the deck for views and breeze.
- Head inside if you want to cool off.
- Chat with other people if you want a social boat vibe.
A fun detail you might catch on some days: a few reviews mention seeing dolphins. It’s not something you can count on, but it’s the kind of bonus that makes the trip memorable if it happens.
Papagayo stop: swim time, kayak exploring, and a proper lunch
The anchor drop in front of Playa de Papagayo’s white sands is the main event. This is where the schedule suddenly feels more relaxed. You get a full block of time to enjoy the water and the scenery.
What you can do in this stop:
- Swim near the boat and enjoy the open-water feel.
- Use the provided kayaks to explore the area closer to the coastline.
- Stay on board for sun, breeze, and views.
Then there’s lunch. You’ll be served fresh Spanish paella, with free beverages from the open bar. A number of people highlight the paella as a key reason to book. If seafood isn’t your thing, you may find an alternative option offered (some meals are described as having pasta or other choices), but you should plan to check any dietary needs in advance when booking.
One important reality check:
- You’re not able to get off onto the beach. This is open-water anchoring. So instead of “walk around the sand,” you’re doing your beach time by swimming from the boat and moving around the deck.
This can actually be a plus if you hate long transfers, crowded beach entries, or carrying towels and bags across uneven ground. But if your dream is a full sand-and-walk beach experience, temper expectations.
Other boat tours in Lanzarote
Water activities: snorkeling limits, goggles, and sea-sickness tips
This is a swim-forward trip, with kayaks added. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so if you plan to snorkel, you’ll want to bring your own gear (or at least bring goggles if that’s all you need). People specifically recommend goggles because the fish viewing can be fun.
Also: the sea can be bumpy. On the return journey, some people experienced choppy water and felt motion sickness. The crew slowed down when needed, but the takeaway for you is simple:
- If you get car-sick or boat-sick, consider taking motion-sickness steps before you leave.
- Expect the ride to feel different from a calm lake cruise. This is the Atlantic.
Safety is part of the experience. You’ll get a briefing, and the staff are there to help. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s smart to watch how they move around the water access points and follow instructions closely—especially if conditions are rougher than expected.
And bring the usual sun protection. You’ll be in and around the water, so sunscreen really matters, not just “one quick application.”
Who this is best for (and who might not love it)
This catamaran fits best if you want:
- A relaxing half-day without planning a full beach day
- Time for swimming + kayaking
- A comfortable boat experience with a proper lunch
- A social setting where solo travelers often find it easy to chat
It’s also a solid pick for mixed ages. People mention kids enjoying the water time and jumping in off the boat access points, while adults enjoy the sun deck, food, and bar.
It’s less ideal if:
- You want to walk around on the sand for the day. You won’t get that here.
- You expect snorkeling equipment as part of the package. It’s not included.
- You’re very sensitive to choppy water (plan for the possibility).
If your main goal is snorkeling, you may end up feeling like you paid for swimming and views, not for full reef exploration. If your goal is the Papagayo swim-and-kayak experience with lunch and drinks, this works.
Price and value: why $77-ish can feel like a win
At about $77.24 per person, you’re paying for more than transport. You’re buying a bundle:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off on selected routes
- A luxury catamaran ride with onboard comfort
- Unlimited drinks
- Lunch (paella highlighted by many)
- Kayaks for active water time
- A planned time stop designed around swimming
That combination is why it can feel like good value compared to piecing together a boat rental, lunch, and gear yourself. Even people who had mixed feelings often still praised the boat itself, the crew friendliness, or the beauty of the stop.
If you want to maximize value:
- Eat lunch on board rather than planning alternatives.
- Bring your own goggles if you care about fish viewing.
- Use the kayak time when it’s offered; it’s the activity that adds movement and exploration.
The crew and the overall vibe: friendly, organized, and usually smooth
Most of what stands out is how smoothly the day runs. People talk about easy pickup, attentive staff, and a generally upbeat onboard atmosphere. The crew is there with help when you need it, and they do a lot to keep things moving so you don’t feel stuck.
One staff member name that comes through in experiences is Maddy, described as lovely and helpful. While you can’t count on the exact person each time, it’s a hint that the service style is personal and not robotic.
Music can be part of the vibe too. Some people mention good tunes on board, which helps the atmosphere during the sail back.
Quick guide: what to pack for Papagayo
You’re told to come with sunscreen and bathing suits, and I’d follow that closely. On top of that, I’d pack:
- Sun hat (the deck is bright)
- Your own goggles if you want fish viewing
- Swim towel and a plan for drying off (your day is boat-based, not beach-walk based)
If you’re prone to seasickness, add a motion plan. The water can be calm, but it can also be choppy, and you don’t want to “find out the hard way.”
Should you book the catamaran to Papagayo?
Book it if you want a low-stress half day where Papagayo means swimming and kayaking from a comfortable boat, with lunch and drinks included. This is especially worth it if your idea of fun is sea time plus a guaranteed meal, not trekking around a beach.
Skip it or pick a different style if you mainly want to:
- Get off onto the sand and explore on foot
- Snorkel heavily with provided gear (you’ll likely need to bring your own)
- Avoid any chance of rougher water on the return ride
If you’re flexible, this tour hits a sweet spot: sun deck comfort, real water activities, and a memorable Lanzarote coastline view without turning your holiday into a logistics puzzle.
FAQ
How long is the catamaran cruise to Papagayo?
It runs for about 4 hours (approx.), with sailing out, a swim/kayak stop, and return to Puerto del Carmen with a bus back timed for around 16:00.
Where do I meet the tour if my hotel isn’t on the pickup list?
You can head to the meeting point at Lineas Romero Watertaxi and excursions, Av. del Varadero, 30, 35510 Tías. The exact pickup time and location are sent by email after booking.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are offered for selected hotels. Pickup details can vary by day and area, and pickup may not be guaranteed for bookings made within 24 hours of departure.
What’s included with the drinks?
The tour includes an unlimited open bar with alcoholic and soft drinks, plus a welcome mojito on arrival. The minimum drinking age is 18.
Is lunch included, and what do you eat?
Lunch is included, and you’ll be served fresh Spanish paella during the Papagayo stop. You can also expect free beverages with the meal.
Can I kayak at Papagayo?
Yes. Kayaks are included, and you’ll have time to use them during the stop.
Do they provide snorkeling equipment?
No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so if you want to snorkel you’ll need to plan for your own gear.
Is it possible to get off onto the beach?
No. There is no possibility to get off on the beach. The boat anchors offshore, and you swim and use the water activities from the boat/pontoon area.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, and you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
