A catamaran day at Papagayo is pure sea-breeze therapy. You get the Lanzarote coastline views from the water, then a long swim break at one of the island’s most protected beach areas. I especially like the combo of an onboard open bar and real time in the water, with kayaks included.

The food side is also a win: you’ll eat on board with a proper hot lunch, not just snacks. One drawback to plan for: this is not a mellow, all-flat “walk around the beach” outing. You’re anchored offshore, and a chunk of the experience happens with boat-to-water time—plus the trip isn’t a good match for motion sickness.

If you want a day that mixes sailing, swimming, and eating well without doing any driving, this one hits the mark.

Key Points Worth Knowing Before You Go

• Costa de Papagayo swim stop: anchored time where you can swim, snorkel, and kayak right off the boat
• Open bar + welcome mojito: alcohol drinks and soft drinks are included for the trip
• Lunch with choices: onboard paella or pasta, plus fresh fruit afterward
• Kayaks are included: you don’t need to rent anything for the water play
• No beach disembarkation: you’ll enjoy the coast from the water, not stroll ashore from the boat

Why This Papagayo Catamaran Day Feels Like a Real Treat

This day trip works because it’s built around two things people actually want in Lanzarote: water time and good downtime. You sail past dramatic volcanic coastlines, then you stop at a protected stretch of sand and rock at Costa de Papagayo. When the anchor drops, the day turns from “traveling” into “being in it.”

Two parts really land with me. First, the open bar changes the mood fast. A lot of boat trips stop at beer and a single drink, but here you’re covered with draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water throughout. Second, the onboard break isn’t just a quick dip. You get free time to do water activities, including kayaking, plus swimming and snorkeling (with the right expectations).

The trade-off is that this isn’t built like a land tour with easy steps and shore excursions. The tour is anchored offshore and the fun happens from the boat. If you want a beach walk, you may feel slightly boxed in. And if you’re prone to seasickness, the operator notes it isn’t suitable for that situation.

Getting From Your Hotel to Puerto del Carmen Harbour (Without Losing the Day)

Most people choose the optional pickup, but here’s the practical truth: you’re going to move as a group by transfer to Puerto del Carmen Harbour. The pickup is from the nearest meeting point to your accommodation (when that option is selected), and the exact pickup details are sent after booking. You’ll want to arrive early—at least 5 minutes before the pickup time—to keep things smooth.

If you’re staying in places like Playa Blanca, be aware there’s no pickup on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays. If you’re in Puerto Calero, pickup is only available on Thursdays. If your schedule is flexible, check these days first before you lock in your plan.

Also note the meeting point on arrival: you must meet directly at the catamaran in Puerto del Carmen Harbour, at the last pier at the far end, past the petrol station. That’s one of those details that can save you stress—don’t wander the harbor hoping for a sign to appear.

This matters because the best boat days feel calm at the start. When the boarding happens on time and you’re not searching, you get to enjoy the first hour instead of losing it to logistics.

Boarding Líneas Romero: Mojito Welcome and the Crew’s Pace

The moment you step aboard the Líneas Romero sailing catamaran, the tone is friendly and upbeat. You’ll be welcomed with a mojito plus a Spanish omelette tapa. Then you get a short introduction to how the day will run.

A few things here are more important than they sound. The live commentary and the quick briefing help you understand what’s coming next—when you’ll anchor, when lunch happens, and what the water-time setup will be like. That reduces decision fatigue, especially if you’re traveling as a family or with people who don’t want to micromanage.

One small detail from real-day experience in feedback: named crew members like Carla are mentioned as guides who make sure the day stays clear and organized. I don’t rely on names, but it’s a good sign when the staff can keep things moving while still being warm.

Your best move: once you board, take a moment to locate shade, where the drink station feels convenient, and where the ladder-to-water access is. When you’re hungry and thirsty and then it’s time to swim, you don’t want to be playing find-the-deck-chair.

The Sail Down: Views, Wind, and How to Enjoy the First Hour

There’s about one hour sailing before you reach the Papagayo area. In practical terms, that first hour is where you decide your vibe: do you relax on deck, take photos of the coastline, or hover near the shade and drink station for the early part of the day?

The route runs along the southern side of the island, past volcanic cliffs and turquoise water. Even if you’ve seen Lanzarote’s landscapes before, it’s different from the sea. From the catamaran, you get long, clean lines of coastline instead of “island-at-a-distance” views.

Wind is real on open water, and the tour is weather-dependent. Bring the jacket you’re told to pack. Not because you’ll freeze, but because a breezy deck can turn comfortable to chilly fast once you slow down and stop moving.

Also, remember: you’ll be anchored later, not hiking somewhere. That means the first hour is your chance to enjoy sailing without rushing. Once you’re ready to swim, you’ll want your towel and swimwear easy to grab.

The Costa de Papagayo Anchor Stop: Swimming and Kayaking the Right Way

This is the star of the day. At the Costa de Papagayo, the boat anchors and you get a chunk of free time—about two hours—to enjoy the water.

Here’s what you can do with no extra booking:

• Swim from the boat
• Snorkel (but snorkeling equipment is not included)
• Kayak using the kayaks provided
• Relax on deck, or just float and watch sea life

Two important realities to keep you happy:

1. Snorkeling gear isn’t included. If you want to snorkel comfortably, bring your own mask/snorkel or plan to buy basic equipment ahead of time.
2. Beach disembarkation isn’t included. So this isn’t a land-and-people-on-sand day. You’re there for water time, not for walking around the shoreline.

That said, you’ll still get a “beach day” feel, just with the boat as your base. The water is what you’re after, and anchored snorkeling can be a great way to see fish and check out the coastline underwater, especially when the water is calm.

Kayaking tends to be the perfect middle activity: not too intense, not too passive. The fact that kayaks are included is a big value point. And if there are a lot of people, do what works on every shared activity—get in early, and don’t wait until the last 15 minutes.

If you get even slightly anxious about swimming off a boat ladder, practice before you commit. The day is more fun when you feel safe in the water.

Lunch on Board: Paella or Pasta, Plus Fruit and Real Drink Time

Lunch is served on the catamaran, during the stop at Papagayo. You’ll get a hot choice:

• Traditional Spanish paella, or
• Pasta with tomato sauce

After the main dish, there’s a fresh fruit bar. This is one of those simple things that changes how you feel. If you’ve been swimming and moving around, fruit afterward is a nice reset.

Then there’s the part that many people remember: drinks. The trip includes unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, plus the welcome mojito at boarding. That means lunch isn’t just a meal—it’s a social break.

A quick sanity check for you: if you’re the kind of person who would rather stick to one drink, the open bar won’t force you to change. You can treat it like an included perk and sip slowly while you eat. But if you know you want sangria with lunch, this is the kind of trip where that’s built in.

One more practical note: toilets are below deck, down steep stairs. If stairs are a problem for you or someone in your group, plan for it before you start the day’s activities.

Timing: What One “Day Trip” Really Means Here

The tour is listed as 1 day, and the boat schedule is straightforward: about one hour out, about two hours anchored, and about one hour back. The catamaran returns to port around 3:00 pm, with transfers waiting to take you back to your accommodation.

In real-life terms, expect the day to start with pickup and to end after the drop-off. Some people get picked up earlier and return closer to mid-afternoon, depending on where they’re staying. The key is that you’re not spending the whole day sitting on a bus. The main block of time is sea time plus the Papagayo water window.

Also, don’t underestimate how quickly the anchor stop goes. Two hours sounds long until you’re switching between swimming, kayaking, taking photos, and going back for another drink and lunch. When you arrive at anchor, decide what you want to do first—then you’ll feel like you “got it all,” instead of rushing at the end.

Price and Value: Is $75 Worth It?

At around $75 per person, this trip can feel like a bargain, mainly because the big-ticket parts are bundled together.

What you’re getting for that price:

• Round-trip transfers from nearby pickup points to Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise (depending on your option)
• Catamaran cruise
• Live onboard commentary
• Welcome mojito and tapa
• Open bar (draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, water)
• Kayaks
• Lunch plus fruit

If you were paying separately for a catamaran, a restaurant lunch, and drinks, you’d likely spend more than you think. And the kayaks and swimming time are what turn it into a full “activity day,” not just a sightseeing cruise.

That’s why the value works best if you’ll actually use the inclusions. If you don’t care about drinks and won’t get in the water, the price can feel steeper. If you enjoy eating well, swimming off a boat, and having fun without planning, it starts to make sense fast.

For me, the best value is when the weather cooperates enough to keep you at anchor and enjoying the water time.

Who This Catamaran Day Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a great fit for:

• Couples who want a relaxed day with sea time and a good meal
• Families with kids old enough to enjoy boat activities and water play
• Groups who like social energy, music, and a staff that keeps the atmosphere moving

It’s not a fit for:

• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• Anyone who’s likely to struggle with motion sickness
• Anyone who wants guaranteed shore time (because beach disembarkation isn’t included)

One other expectation to set: this is a party-friendly day for some people. Not everyone is there to keep it quiet. Music and the social vibe are part of the overall feel. If you want a silent, library-on-the-water experience, you may find the atmosphere a little lively.

If you’re traveling with children, the water-based activities are the selling point. In feedback, life jackets are mentioned for adults and little ones, which helps with confidence. Still, if your kids are hesitant in the ocean, spend time talking through it before you jump in.

Practical Packing Notes That Save You Money and Hassle

Bring what the tour lists:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• A jacket
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider anti-seasickness steps ahead of time since the activity notes it isn’t suitable for that condition

Two packing tips based on what’s included and what isn’t:

• Snorkeling equipment isn’t included. If snorkeling matters to you, pack your own mask and snorkel.
• You’ll be doing boat-to-water entry. If you have to plan where your towel goes and how you’ll handle wet gear later, think it through early.

And remember the small “day comfort” detail: toilets are down steep stairs. Plan stops with that in mind so you’re not sprinting when you’re already dressed for swimming.

Should You Book the Papagayo Catamaran Day Trip?

I’d book this if you want a straightforward day that combines sailing views with a real water playground at Costa de Papagayo. The blend of paella lunch, an included open bar, and activities like kayaking is hard to beat at this price—especially if you’re staying in or near Puerto del Carmen.

Skip it if you need wheelchair-friendly access, can’t handle steep stairs, or you’re genuinely prone to motion sickness. And if your ideal beach day is walking on sand for hours, this won’t match that style, because you’re anchored and the beach time is primarily from the water.

If your plan is simple—eat well, drink included, swim off the boat, and enjoy Lanzarote’s coastline from a catamaran—this is a solid pick.

FAQ

What is included in the lunch and drinks?

Lunch on board includes your choice of traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, plus a fresh fruit selection. Drinks include unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, and you also get a welcome mojito.

Do they provide snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so if you want to snorkel, bring your own mask and snorkel or plan to purchase basic gear ahead of time.

Where do I meet the catamaran in Puerto del Carmen?

You meet directly at the catamaran in Puerto del Carmen Harbour, at the last pier far end of the harbour, past the petrol station.

Is pickup available from Playa Blanca and Puerto Calero?

Pickup is optional and depends on location and day. Pickup is not available from Playa Blanca on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays. Pickup from Puerto Calero is only available on Thursdays.

How long is the stop at Costa de Papagayo?

The catamaran stops at Costa de Papagayo for about two hours, with time for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxing.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and it also isn’t suitable for people with motion sickness.