REVIEW · LANZAROTE
Lanzarote: Half-Day Chill Out Cruise at Papagayo Beach
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Chill Out Cruises · Bookable on GetYourGuide
If you want Lanzarote with sunscreen-first energy, this works. You cruise the southwest coast of the island from Playa Blanca, then anchor near the calm coves off Papagayo for water time and an easy, sit-back-and-smile vibe with crew like Nathan and Bruno.
I especially like the small-boat feel. Reviews call out a maximum of about 12 people, so you don’t feel like you’re packed into a floating bus—there’s real room to sunbathe, move around, and actually use the water gear.
The one drawback to consider is that it’s not a quiet “just sightseeing” cruise. Between snorkeling, paddle boards, and jumping off the deck, you’ll want swimwear and a willingness to be active at least a little.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Bet You’ll Care About
- Getting Oriented: Where This Cruise Fits on Lanzarote
- Meeting at Playa Blanca: Start Easy, No Transfers Required
- Cruising the Southwest Coast: The Part You Can Enjoy Even Dry
- The Anchor Stop at Papagayo: Where the Real Fun Happens
- Sun Deck Time: How to Make the Most of a Chill Boat
- The BBQ Lunch on Board: Why It’s Worth the Trip Alone
- Crew and Atmosphere: Friendly, Not Pushy
- Price and Value: Is $68 a Smart Half-Day Plan?
- Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)
- Practical Tips Before You Go
- Should You Book This Half-Day Chill Out Cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the Lanzarote half-day cruise?
- Where do I meet for the cruise?
- Is snorkeling or paddleboarding included?
- What food and drinks are included?
- Do I need hotel transfers?
- Are vegetarian options available?
- What should I bring?
- FAQ
- Are there different departure times?
Key Things I’d Bet You’ll Care About

- Costa de Papagayo views from the water: you’re seeing the coastline from a perspective land tours can’t match.
- Anchor time in crystal-clear water: built for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle-style activities.
- Onboard BBQ as the main event: ribs, sausages, and beef fillets with salad and potatoes.
- Unlimited sangria (adults): plus water and soft drinks included, which keeps the whole trip relaxed.
- Small groups with attentive but not overbearing crew: names you may hear include Nathan, Bruno, and Jan.
Getting Oriented: Where This Cruise Fits on Lanzarote

Lanzarote’s southwest coast has that dramatic, postcard coastline energy—dark volcanic tones, pale sand, and beaches that look better up close. This half-day cruise is built for people who don’t want a full day of logistics, but still want that “I’m really on the water” feeling.
You start at the harbor in Playa Blanca. From there, the boat heads along the coast, then sets up in a calmer cove in the Costa de Papagayo area. The schedule is simple: sail for scenery, anchor for water time, then eat. It’s a format that works well if you’re mixing beach time, sightseeing, and meals without turning your vacation into a spreadsheet.
At 4 hours, it’s also a great option for visitors who want something more memorable than a beach chair—but who still want to be back in time to enjoy the rest of your evening in Playa Blanca or nearby.
Other Papagayo beach tours we've reviewed in Lanzarote
Meeting at Playa Blanca: Start Easy, No Transfers Required

You meet at the harbor at Playa Blanca, and the cruise ends back at the same place. That round-trip simplicity matters because it reduces the number of moving parts in your day.
What’s not included is hotel transfers, so you’ll want to plan your own way to the harbor. The flip side: you can choose the timing that best matches where you’re staying and what else you want to do that day.
Language-wise, the crew is listed as Spanish and English, which is helpful for safety notes and for figuring out the water gear. In real-world terms, you’ll likely spend most of your time relaxing and then getting quick instructions when you want to snorkel or use equipment.
Cruising the Southwest Coast: The Part You Can Enjoy Even Dry

On paper, this is a “chill out” cruise. In practice, the cruising portion is where you get the big-picture views without having to hike or drive. As you move along Lanzarote’s southwest coast, you get a changing coastline view—bigger than what you see from land—and you’ll notice how the beaches look different when you’re watching the shoreline slide past.
This is also a low-effort segment. If you’re not in the mood to snorkel right away, you can just sit in the sun, watch the coast, and let the day unfold.
If you’re the type who likes a bit of action, this sailing time is also a good moment to get your bearings on the boat deck—where to store towels, where to grab a drink, and where to stand if you want that crew-led safety rundown for jumping or water entry.
The Anchor Stop at Papagayo: Where the Real Fun Happens
The highlight is the time when the boat anchors in front of a calm cove. This is the part that turns a cruise into a swim-focused experience.
Once anchored, you’ll have the chance to get into the water with snorkeling for colorful fish and strong visibility. The water is described as crystal clear, which is exactly what makes snorkeling feel worth it. Even if you’re not a serious snorkeler, clear water helps you see more quickly without fighting the conditions.
You can also try:
- Paddleboard / paddle surf (the listing specifically calls this out)
- Kayak (mentioned in reviews)
- Fishing (included as an option in the activity list)
- The “pirate” style plank/jump point on the upper deck (reviews mention jumping off the top board)
Here’s the practical angle: this stop is where you decide how adventurous you want to be. You can do a short snorkel and then go back to sunbathing. Or you can bounce between snorkeling, paddle time, and jumping back on deck between BBQ rounds.
Sun Deck Time: How to Make the Most of a Chill Boat

Because this is a half-day, you don’t need to “optimize” every minute. Still, the boat setup matters.
With a smaller guest count (reviews mention up to around 12), it’s easier to find a spot in the sun and not feel like you’re constantly stepping over people. You’ll also find people using the deck like a lounge—lying out, moving for shade when needed, and then heading back to water when conditions feel right.
If you’re going for photos, this is your best time. The coastline and water look best when the light is high and the sea is calm. And for comfort: bring swimwear so you can go straight from deck to water without changing later.
Other boat tours in Lanzarote
The BBQ Lunch on Board: Why It’s Worth the Trip Alone
The BBQ isn’t a side note here—it’s the main meal and it’s one of the most praised parts of the experience.
You eat onboard what’s described as a full meat barbecue: ribs, sausages, and beef fillets (including mentions of steak cuts like sirloin and T-bone in reviews). It typically comes with salad and potatoes, and the crew serves it in a way that keeps the flow of the day easy—no running to restaurants, no waiting for reservations.
On the drink side, sangria is included. Reviews repeatedly call it unlimited, and that changes the feel of the cruise. It turns “we have lunch” into “we’re having an afternoon,” which is exactly the point of this type of outing.
If you’re vegetarian, there’s an important instruction: advise the team that you’re vegetarian. There are also reviews that mention vegetarian options. So the lesson is simple: don’t wait—tell them ahead of time so you’re not stuck hoping the kitchen can adjust on the fly.
Crew and Atmosphere: Friendly, Not Pushy

One reason these “chill out” cruises work is that the crew should set the tone without taking over your day. The feedback here is consistently positive on that front.
Guides named in reviews include Nathan, Bruno, and Jan (and other crew members are mentioned too). What stands out isn’t just friendliness—it’s the balance of attention. You get help when you need it (snorkel gear, where to stand for the jump, when to expect BBQ), but you’re not being managed like a group assignment.
That matters for value. If a trip is supposed to be relaxing and you spend the whole time being herded around, it stops feeling worth it. Here, the vibe is described as relaxed and chilled, and that lines up with the structure: sail, swim, eat, repeat with breaks.
Price and Value: Is $68 a Smart Half-Day Plan?

At $68 per person, this feels positioned as mid-range for Lanzarote activities. Here’s the value math that makes sense:
- You’re paying for a 4-hour boat cruise, not just a dockside activity.
- Food is included, and multiple reviews call the BBQ exceptional—real meat quality and solid portions, not a token lunch.
- Drinks are included (sangria plus water/soft drinks), which can be expensive on day trips if you’re buying everything separately.
- You get water activities included (snorkeling and paddle-focused time are the core; fishing is listed as an option).
- Travel insurance is included as part of the package.
If you compare this to the cost of renting a boat, paying for multiple paid beach activities, and buying lunch and drinks separately, it often comes out as one of the easier “all-in” afternoons you can plan.
It’s also good value because it’s short. You’re buying one clean block of time—so you’re not paying for an entire day of transport, waiting, or wasted time.
Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)
This cruise is a strong fit for:
- Couples who want a romantic, no-stress half-day
- Families with kids who can handle short water sessions (and who like sangria-free drinks, too)
- Sunbathers who still want the payoff of a real swim stop
- Travelers who get bored with pure sightseeing and want something hands-on
It may be less ideal if you want:
- A serious history-and-museum style itinerary (this is about water, food, and time on the deck)
- A fully quiet experience with zero activity prompts (there’s snorkeling and jump deck energy)
The best approach is to think of it as a floating beach club with movement. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need swimwear and a willingness to step into the sea at least once.
Practical Tips Before You Go
A few no-drama things that will help you enjoy the day more:
- Bring swimwear. You’ll be hopping between deck and water.
- If you’re vegetarian, advise the team beforehand so you’re not left guessing.
- Consider sunscreen and water protection. You’ll likely get sun exposure during deck time, and you’ll be in the sun between swims.
- If you’re nervous about jumping, start with snorkeling or paddle time. The option to do nothing but relax is built into the vibe.
Also, the listing notes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later style option. That’s useful if your weather outlook or shore plans are still flexible.
Should You Book This Half-Day Chill Out Cruise?
If you want a simple, high-comfort Lanzarote afternoon with coastline scenery, real time in the water, and an onboard BBQ that people genuinely rave about, I think you’ll be happy with this booking.
Book it if your ideal day looks like: sail a bit, snorkel or paddle in clear water, then eat well while someone else runs the show. It’s also a great value choice for a short trip because food and drinks are part of the package.
Skip it only if you strongly prefer structured sightseeing, or you don’t want any water time at all. Otherwise, this is the kind of cruise that makes you feel like you did something special without exhausting your day.
FAQ
How long is the Lanzarote half-day cruise?
The cruise duration is 4 hours.
Where do I meet for the cruise?
Meet at the harbor in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
Is snorkeling or paddleboarding included?
Yes. The experience includes water sport activities, including snorkeling and paddle surf/paddleboard, and you’ll also have fishing mentioned as an activity option.
What food and drinks are included?
You get a meat BBQ with salad and potatoes. Sangria, water, and soft drinks are included.
Do I need hotel transfers?
No. Hotel transfers are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the Playa Blanca harbor.
Are vegetarian options available?
You should advise if you are a vegetarian. Vegetarian options are mentioned in the experience feedback, but you’ll want to flag it ahead of time.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear.
FAQ
Are there different departure times?
Yes. The listing says to check availability to see starting times.


































