Catamaran Sailing in Lanzarote

Papagayo is the prize here: a four-hour sail from Puerto Calero to one of Lanzarote’s most appealing beach areas, with time to get off the boat and enjoy the water. I like the all-inclusive setup, especially the lunch, snacks, and drinks, and I like that you can choose between active water time and a quiet seat on deck.

The crew gets strong marks for warmth and attention, with Sandra singled out for her helpful tips and friendly hosting. The main point to consider is space: the boat can take up to 55 people, and one account found the group larger than expected, so this is a social cruise rather than a private sailing trip.

Key points to know before you book

• Papagayo is the main stop: Sail along Lanzarote’s southeast coast before anchoring near the famous beaches.
• Water activities are included: You can swim, snorkel, kayak, or use a paddleboard when conditions allow.
• Lunch and drinks are covered: Expect snacks, fruit, Spanish cheese, a pasta lunch, and a broad selection of drinks.
• Choose your cruise style: Family sailings are available, along with an adults-only Platinum option for ages 15 and up.
• The crew adds real value: Expect sailing pointers, snorkeling help, photos, and friendly attention throughout the trip.
• Plan for a four-hour outing: Arrive at least 30 minutes early at Catlanza SL Catamarán Sailing in Puerto Calero.

Sailing from Puerto Calero to Papagayo

The trip begins at Puerto Calero, a marina on Lanzarote’s southeast coast. You must arrive 30 minutes before departure, which gives you time to find the meeting point and settle in before boarding. The activity returns to the same marina after about four hours.

The route is the attraction from the start. You leave the marina and follow the coast toward Papagayo, trading the built-up shore for open sea and views of Lanzarote’s dry, volcanic edge. A catamaran gives you more room than a standard excursion boat, with outdoor areas where you can sit in the sun or find a calmer place to watch the coast pass.

I would treat the sailing itself as part of the experience, not just transport to the swimming stop. You can relax, take photographs, listen to the crew explain parts of sailing, or simply enjoy the steady movement of the boat. Several accounts also describe yoga on the front nets, so you might get a chance to stretch there if the crew offers it during your departure.

The pace is deliberately easy. This is not a fast sightseeing run with a packed list of stops. You spend much of the morning or afternoon on the water, with the crew shaping the trip around food, conversation, scenery, and time at anchor.

Papagayo gives the trip its focus

Playa de Papagayo is the main stop, and the boat anchors near the Papagayo beaches for the water activities. This part works best because you are not forced into one plan. You can swim and snorkel, try the kayaks or paddleboards, or stay aboard with a drink and watch the action.

Snorkeling is a key reason to choose this trip. The crew provides tips, and fish are often visible in the water. That guidance matters if you do not snorkel often, since a few simple pointers can make it easier to use the mask and judge where to swim. The water may feel cold, even in good weather, so bring a towel and do not assume you will want to stay in for a long time.

The kayaks and paddleboards are shared among the group. That means you may need to wait briefly for a turn, especially when many people want to use them at once. Still, the range of activities makes the stop suitable for a mixed group. One person can paddle, another can snorkel, and someone else can remain on deck without anyone feeling they have missed the whole point.

Dolphin sightings are possible, but they are not promised. Several people saw dolphins alongside the catamaran, which would be a memorable bonus, but you should book this for the sailing and Papagayo stop rather than for wildlife watching.

Food and drinks make the $90.70 price easier to judge

At $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend four hours in Lanzarote. The price makes more sense once you count what is included: the catamaran trip, crew service, lunch, snacks, drinks, and access to the water equipment.

Food begins before the main meal, with accounts describing fresh fruit and Spanish cheese. The lunch is generally a pasta dish, with a vegetarian option available. This is useful for a trip of this length because you do not need to carry a packed meal or return to shore hungry.

Drinks are included throughout the outing. The selection is described as broad, and some departures begin with champagne. Since you are not paying separately each time you want a drink, the package is simple to manage and works well for a relaxed day on the water.

I would still compare the total cost with other boat trips in Lanzarote before booking. The value is strongest if you plan to eat, drink, and use the water equipment. If you only want a short sail and do not care about lunch or swimming, a cheaper sightseeing cruise might suit you better.

The crew is a major part of the experience

The boat and route get people aboard, but the crew shapes the mood. You can expect friendly help with snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and general questions about the sailing. The crew also interacts with children and adults, which helps the family version feel more welcoming than a simple transport service.

Sandra received special praise for her attentive hosting and small sailing tips. One memorable lesson involved learning how to tie a Palstek, a useful sailing knot. Details like this give the trip a bit more character than a cruise where the staff only serve food and point out the next stop.

The crew may also take photographs of your group. That can be handy when you want a picture of everyone together, though you should still bring your own phone or camera if you want personal shots throughout the trip.

English is offered, and the crew has also been described as speaking Spanish and German. The listed language for the activity is English, so English-speaking customers should be comfortable following the main instructions and safety information.

Family sailing or adults-only Platinum

The standard option suits families and mixed-age groups. Children have several ways to stay busy, from snorkeling and swimming to paddleboarding and kayaking, while adults can relax with lunch or a drink. The crew’s interaction with younger passengers is part of the appeal.

The adults-only Platinum excursion is for people aged 15 and over. That does not necessarily mean a quiet, formal cruise, but it gives older groups a way to avoid a family-focused departure. Check that you select the correct version when booking, since the two options are aimed at different moods.

For families across several generations, this is a useful format. The boat offers food, scenery, gentle activity, and downtime in the same package. An energetic teenager can head toward the water, while an older family member can stay aboard and enjoy the coast.

The tradeoff is group size. The maximum is 55 people. One account expected about 25 and found closer to 40, while another found the boat comfortable and not cramped. Your experience may depend on the departure, but you should not expect the privacy of a chartered yacht.

What to bring for four hours at sea

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. A light sweater is also sensible, since the wind can make the boat feel cooler than the marina, even on a bright day.

The suggested dress code is smart casual, though practical clothing matters more than dressing up. Wear something that is easy to move in and that you do not mind getting wet. Sunglasses and a hat can be useful in strong sun, but secure them well on deck.

Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. The meeting point is Catlanza SL Catamarán Sailing at Galeria Nautica, Puerto Calero, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends back there.

Pickup is included in the tour description, and one account used a hotel bus stop collection. Since the stated meeting point is the marina, confirm the pickup details for your booking rather than assuming a hotel collection applies to every departure. The marina is also near public transportation.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip most

I would recommend this for you if you want a relaxed boat outing with plenty built in. It suits couples, families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants to see Lanzarote from the sea without arranging separate food, equipment, and transport.

It is especially good for mixed groups. You can be active for part of the stop and quiet for the rest. The option to snorkel, paddle, kayak, or do nothing is more important than it may sound, since people rarely want the same pace for four straight hours.

First-time boat passengers should also find it approachable. The crew helps with the activities, and the sailing lessons add interest without turning the trip into a technical course. If this is your first boat trip, you get a clear taste of sailing, swimming, and life aboard without committing to a full-day excursion.

I would hesitate if you dislike group activities or need guaranteed personal space. With up to 55 people aboard and shared kayaks and paddleboards, busy departures can feel lively. You should also skip it if you want a detailed land tour, since the focus is the coast, the sea, and time near Papagayo.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

The experience is highly rated, with 97 percent of customers recommending it and a 4.9 rating from 793 reviews. It is commonly booked about 19 days ahead, so reserving early is sensible during popular travel periods.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded. Cutoff times use Lanzarote local time.

Good weather is required. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The trip also needs a minimum number of participants, and if that number is not reached, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Papagayo catamaran?

Book it if you want a polished four-hour outing that combines sailing, food, drinks, and water activities without much planning on your part. The strongest reasons are the Papagayo stop, the friendly crew, and the flexibility to be active or simply relax.

I would call it good value at $90.70 if you expect to use the included lunch, drinks, and equipment. Go in knowing that it is a shared group cruise, not a private sail, and that water conditions, group size, and wildlife sightings can vary.

For a short Lanzarote visit, this is a practical way to fit coast views and a taste of the sea into one half-day. For a longer stay, it works as a cheerful break from inland sightseeing. Choose the family or Platinum version carefully, arrive early, bring a sweater and towel, and let Papagayo be the center of your day.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip begin and end?

The trip begins at Catlanza SL Catamarán Sailing, Galeria Nautica, 35571 Puerto Calero, Las Palmas, Spain. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the catamaran experience?

The sailing lasts approximately four hours.

What is included in the price?

Lunch and drinks are included. Snacks such as fruit and Spanish cheese are also provided, and you can use the snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding activities during the stop at Papagayo.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes. A family cruise is available, and most participants can take part. The separate adults-only Platinum excursion is for people aged 15 and over.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. A sweater is also recommended in case the wind makes the boat feel cool. Smart casual clothing is the stated dress code.

How early should I arrive?

You must arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.