Nothing says Lanzarote like gold sand and open water.

This day trip puts you on a sailing catamaran headed for the Costa de Papagayo beaches, with the volcanic coastline rolling by and the day run at a relaxed pace. I like that you get a proper onboard welcome (a mojito and a Spanish omelette tapa), then a crew-led plan for the day so you’re not figuring everything out on your own.

I also really like the value package: lunch plus an unlimited drinks set (draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water) and the water time includes kayaks. It’s the kind of setup where you can spend the afternoon in swim mode without budgeting every snack break.

One thing to consider: this isn’t a quiet, sit-and-stare cruise. There’s music onboard, people are drinking, and if you’re prone to motion sickness, the boat ride may not be your friend.

Key things that make this Papagayo day trip work

• Catamaran comfort with a welcome mojito and a quick intro so you’re oriented fast
• Costa de Papagayo anchoring time for swimming and water fun, not just a quick stop
• Open bar all day with draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water plus a lunch on top
• Kayaks included and a real chance to be active once you’re anchored
• Limited snorkeling logistics since snorkeling equipment isn’t listed as included

Setting sail from Lanzarote’s easygoing side

The best part of this trip is how quickly it turns into vacation mode. You’re picked up from your resort area (if you choose that option) and transferred to Puerto del Carmen Harbor. Once you’re at the last pier, you join the Líneas Romero catamaran crew, and the day starts immediately rather than with a long waiting game.

Boarding is smooth and friendly. You’ll get a refreshing mojito and a Spanish omelette tapa right after you arrive, plus a short briefing so you know what’s happening next. After that, you’re off: sail south along dramatic cliffs and turquoise water, with live onboard commentary available in several languages.

This is a good match if you want the “Lanzarote coastline” experience without driving, parking, or chasing viewpoints. The boat does the heavy lifting.

Getting to Puerto del Carmen and finding the ship

You’ll want to be clear on one practical detail: you must meet directly at the catamaran in Puerto del Carmen Harbour. The meeting spot is at the last pier, far end of the harbor, past the petrol station.

If you picked the pickup option, transfers run from the nearest pick-up points around Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. Pickup time and place are confirmed by email after booking, so double-check that message and plan to arrive a few minutes early. One more heads-up: pickup from Puerto Calero is only available on Thursdays, and there’s no pickup in Playa Blanca on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays.

In real life, those timing differences matter. If you’re staying in one of the areas with fewer pickup days, it can be faster just to plan to meet the boat yourself rather than trying to make a specific bus stop work.

The cruise south: the view is the warm-up

Once you’re sailing, the ride is part scenic show and part warm-up. The catamaran glides past the volcanic coastline as you work your way toward the Costa de Papagayo area.

Here’s what I like about this stretch: it’s long enough to feel like you’ve actually left the island resorts behind, but short enough that the day still feels light. You’re not stuck watching a slideshow. You’re moving through real coastline with sea breeze, bright water, and open sky.

Also, this is where the crew sets the energy. Expect a lively vibe onboard. Music and group interaction show up later too, but you’ll feel it building as the day goes on.

Costa de Papagayo stop: swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking time

The heart of the day is the anchor time at Costa de Papagayo. You’re not just going by a beach; you’re stopping in an area where you can jump into the water and do stuff.

How the water time actually feels

Once anchored, you’ll have free time for:

• Swimming from the boat
• Snorkeling (equipment isn’t listed as included)
• Kayaking
• Relaxing on deck in the sun

You access the water from the catamaran. That matters because there’s no beach disembarkment included. So don’t plan on walking onto land, shopping, or doing a beach stroll. This is a boat day with water access, not a land-and-linger day.

Snorkeling gear: bring your own mindset

Snorkeling equipment isn’t included. If you rely on having gear in hand, bring your own mask or snorkel so you’re not stuck waiting for options that may or may not be available. That said, the water often has lots of fish action, so even basic snorkeling can be fun if you’re prepared.

Kayaks: first come, first served energy

Kayaks are included, but you should be ready to hop in quickly once the water time starts. Some people found there were plenty of kayaks, yet still managed on a first-come basis. If you want a kayak, treat it like a “grab your chance” moment rather than a casual afterthought.

Life jackets and family-friendly safety

Life jackets are provided as needed. In practice, that means you can feel a bit more confident if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who prefers life-jacket safety. Just remember: this is still an open-water day, so you’ll want swimwear, a towel, and a careful eye on small children.

Lunch on board and the open bar reality check

Lunch is served onboard, and you get real choices rather than a vague snack situation. The menu is:

• Traditional Spanish paella, or
• Pasta with tomato sauce

After that, there’s a fresh fruit bar.

I like this approach because it keeps the meal easy to manage. You’re not coordinating with shore restaurants, and you’re not hunting down food while trying to stay hydrated and sun-safe. Lunch arrives when you want it during the day, right after the main water stretch.

Now the drink part: the trip includes an open bar with unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. You also start with that welcome mojito. For a day that’s mostly boat time and a paid activity, this is what makes the pricing feel fair.

At $75 per person, the math works best if you were already planning to buy lunch and drinks. If you’re the type who barely touches alcohol, you can still get value from the boat time, lunch, and included water activities. But if your group is big on drinks, this trip is basically set up to match that budget.

One caution: the trip isn’t a wild party free-for-all, but it does have a lively onboard vibe. There are rules against intoxication and smoking, and the energy can get boisterous at times, especially on the way back with music and dancing.

Weather and sea life: plan for both calm and chaos

This is the ocean. Weather can change the plan. The itinerary can shift due to conditions, and if the excursion is canceled for poor weather, you’ll get an alternative date or a full refund.

When it’s windy, anchoring may be adjusted to a more sheltered spot nearby rather than the exact anchoring location you hoped for. The good news: your day doesn’t automatically fall apart. Crew teams still aim to give you swimming and activity time.

As for sea life, you can’t count on anything, but it’s been known to happen. Some departures have reported dolphins near the bow, and at least one person noted a pilot whale sighting. If you’re the sort of person who scans the horizon, this is a day where you might get lucky.

What to bring (so you don’t spend the day annoyed)

Bring a few key things and the day goes smoothly:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk around the harbor)
• Camera/phone for the coastline views
• A jacket if you run cold on the water

Also bring a simple plan for getting in and out of the water comfortably. Since there’s no beach disembarkation, you’ll spend the day returning to the boat deck between swims or kayak rides.

One extra onboard note from real-world experience: toilets are located down steep stairs below deck. If stairs make you uncomfortable, that’s worth thinking about before you need them.

Who should book this trip (and who should skip it)

This trip is a strong fit if you want:

• A guided boat day with minimal hassle
• Included lunch and drinks you don’t have to price-check
• Real water time for swimming and active paddling
• A fun atmosphere where the crew keeps things moving

It’s less ideal if you:

• Have motion sickness concerns (the trip is not considered suitable for motion sickness)
• Need wheelchair access or have mobility impairments (it’s listed as not suitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments)

That said, the crew has helped some passengers who were sick at sea with bags, ice packs, and comfort steps. Still, if you know you react strongly to boats, take the “not suitable” warning seriously.

Should you book the Lanzarote Papagayo catamaran day trip?

I think you should book this if your idea of a great day is golden beaches you can access from the water, a proper lunch onboard, and a drinks setup that matches the price. The included kayaking and the longish anchoring time at Costa de Papagayo are the real wins.

I’d hold off if you’re craving quiet or a strict beach day with land access, because there’s no beach disembarkment and the vibe can get lively. And if you’re vulnerable to motion sickness, this isn’t the day to “see how it goes.”

FAQ

What time does the catamaran return to Puerto del Carmen?

The catamaran returns to port at approximately 3:00 pm, and your transfer to your resort follows after that.

How long do you spend at Costa de Papagayo?

You get about 2 hours at the Costa de Papagayo stop for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxing.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch on board includes traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, plus a fresh fruit bar.

Are drinks included, and what’s the open bar?

Yes. The open bar includes unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, and there’s also a welcome mojito at boarding.

Are kayaks included?

Yes. You get use of kayaks during the water activities time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment isn’t included.

Can you get onto the beach from the boat?

No. Beach disembarkment isn’t included, so you’ll access the water from the catamaran.

Where do I meet the catamaran?

You must meet at the Líneas Romero catamaran in Puerto del Carmen Harbour, at the last pier at the far end of the harbor past the petrol station.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup is optional and depends on where you’re staying. Transfers are included from the nearest pick-up points around Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise. Pickup from Puerto Calero is only available on Thursdays.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring comfortable shoes, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, and a jacket.

End note

If your plan is to trade logistics for coastline, this is a very solid half-day-to-full-day style outing: water time, lunch, and a drinks package that makes budgeting easy.

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