Sun, paella, and kayaks at Papagayo. I like how the crew kicks things off with a welcome mojito and an open bar, then you settle into a comfortable, shaded or sunlit catamaran.

Next, I like the long Papagayo water time right from the anchored boat, with kayaks that let you get closer to the rock formations and white sands. The drawback is simple: the catamaran does not let you step onto the beach, so it is swim-from-the-boat only.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Fast

• Mojito welcome plus unlimited drinks on a half-day cruise
• Two full hours at Playa de Papagayo, focused on swimming and kayaking
• Kayaks included, great for exploring near the coastline shapes
• Lunch onboard, with paella served along with an alternate option
• Small-group feel for the time at sea, capped at 100 travelers
• English guide, with German and Italian available on request (Thursdays)

Papagayo From the Water, Not From a Bus Window

This cruise is built around one idea, you should spend your time on the ocean, not just watching it. You sail along the southern coast of Lanzarote, then anchor off Playa de Papagayo for a long swim stop that actually lets you use the water gear.

The Papagayo area is the main reason to go. It is a clean, bright stretch of coast where the boat positioning makes swimming easy, and kayaking gives you a more intimate view of the coastline shapes than staying on deck.

Getting to the Catamaran: The 11:00 Start and Your Arrival Options

The tour starts at 11:00am from Puerto del Carmen harbor. From there, the catamaran heads toward the Papagayo coast, with food and drinks set up early so you are not waiting around once you step aboard.

If you have hotel pickup, it only applies to selected Lanzarote hotels. If your hotel is not on the pickup list, you will need to use the meeting point or go directly to Puerto del Carmen, where the catamaran departs.

Your exact pickup time and location come by email after booking. If you book within 24 hours of departure, pickup is not guaranteed, so I recommend planning to show up at the meeting point on time rather than counting on a coach pick-up that might not happen.

Pickup Limits in Lanzarote: Days, Areas, and What Can Change

Pickup availability is not universal across Lanzarote. Pick-ups from Puerto Calero are available only on Thursdays, and Playa Blanca pickup is not available on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Sundays.

If you do not see your hotel on the eligible list, you are safer treating this as a meet-the-boat experience. The start meeting point is Lineas Romero Watertaxi and excursions, Av. del Varadero, 30, 35510 Tías.

One more detail that matters for your day: this tour uses a mobile ticket. Have it ready on your phone so boarding stays quick.

Onboard Comfort: Deck Choices, Shade, and the Simple Joy of Being at Sea

Once onboard, you get a short safety briefing and then it shifts into vacation mode fast. You’ll get a welcome mojito, plus Spanish omelet bites, before sailing gets going.

The catamaran is set up for people who want different things at the same time. Some guests love sun time up top, others prefer staying cooler in the shade inside or along the covered sections.

You’ll also find the practical side included. There are toilets onboard, and there are multiple ways to access the sea, either via steps down from the front or from the rear pontoon area.

And yes, the crew energy matters here. I’ve seen mention of staff that are friendly and helpful all day, and one crew member named Maddy stood out for making people feel looked after.

Unlimited Drinks and the Real Meaning of Open Bar

The cruise includes an open bar with unlimited drinks, plus the welcome mojito. Alcohol is available, along with soft drinks, and the whole thing runs through the day during the time on the catamaran.

The “open bar” part can mean different things to different people. The safest way to think about it is that you are getting regular bar service, not a free-for-all. Some guests have felt the drink selection was a bit limited, so if you only drink certain cocktails, you might want to plan around beer, sangria, and the standard mixed options.

Also keep the rules in mind. The minimum drinking age is 18, so if you are traveling with teens or families, expect non-alcoholic options too, but alcohol service follows age requirements.

The Coastal Sail Down to Papagayo: Views, Timing, and Where You’ll Want to Sit

The crossing is part of the experience, not wasted travel. As you sail toward Papagayo, you’ll get long views over Lanzarote’s southern coastline, with photo-friendly angles as the coastline shifts from harbor to open sea.

This is also when the catamaran feels calm, before the water activities take over. If you like ocean air, sit outside. If you hate sunburn, claim shade early because the deck can fill up.

You are out for about 4 hours total. It helps to know that the Papagayo portion is the big block, about 2 hours, while the rest is sailing plus onboard time.

Playa de Papagayo: What You Actually Do for Two Hours

Here is the key practical point. The boat anchors in front of the white sands of Papagayo, but you do not get off onto the beach. That means your time at Papagayo is spent in the water from the boat, not walking the sand.

Your options are straightforward:

• Swim from the boat near where it’s anchored
• Use the kayaks to explore nearby
• Stay on the catamaran and enjoy the sea breeze and views

Kayaking is a big deal on this trip because it gets you closer to the rock formations along the coast. It also lets you control how active you want to be, paddle easy or paddle longer, with the boat as your base.

Snorkeling is not set up as a simple “gear provided” situation. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so if you care about seeing fish clearly, bring goggles or a snorkel setup of your own.

Sea conditions can change your comfort level. If it is choppy, expect some motion, and if you are traveling with kids or anyone prone to motion sickness, plan accordingly.

Lunch on Board: Paella Served Midday, With a Backup Option

Lunch is included and served onboard before the return. You’ll get fresh paella, and there is also an alternate meal for those who prefer not to do seafood.

How good it is depends on what you like, but the paella is consistently praised. If you are picky or have dietary needs, the booking info says you should advise specific dietary requirements ahead of time.

One realistic tip, do not assume the early snack and omelet bites will be your only food before the main meal. Lunch comes at the Papagayo stage, and you’ll be back on the boat before sailing home, with paella and beverages as part of the final stretch.

The Open Sea Reality Check: Motion, Safety, and What to Pack

A catamaran ride can feel smooth, but Lanzarote waters can still be choppy at times. Some people have mentioned nausea when conditions were rough, and the crew slowed down at least once to keep the ride safer and more comfortable.

Pack for that reality. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear you can move in. Even in breezy weather, sunburn can happen fast when you are on deck for hours.

If you want better visibility underwater, bring goggles. If you want fish spotting, bring your own snorkel equipment. The tour includes kayaking, but snorkeling gear is not part of the included items.

If you are traveling with children, keep expectations realistic. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the water activities are open-water activities off an anchored boat.

The Return to Puerto del Carmen: Music, Energy, and Getting Off Easy

After the Papagayo stop, you sail back toward Puerto del Carmen. The return is timed so that a bus waits at 4:00pm for guests who were picked up earlier, and the day wraps up around that handoff.

The vibe on the return can be fun. Some people describe a party atmosphere on the ride back, with music and dancing, while others simply enjoy the views and let the energy level rise naturally.

One more practical advantage: in at least some cases, guests have been dropped back at Playa Blanca marina, which can reduce extra coach time later. Your day may vary based on where you were picked up, but it is worth watching for the drop-off details you receive.

Price and Value: Is This $77.24 Worth It?

At about $77.24 per person for roughly 4 hours, the value is strongest if you want three things at once: the catamaran ride, water time at Papagayo, and an included lunch with drinks.

What you get matters:

• Kayaks included for active time near the coastline
• Unlimited drinks plus a welcome mojito
• Lunch included, with paella served onboard
• A real swim stop with time to enjoy the anchored location

If you are only looking for a quick photo stop, or you want to walk on the beach, this is not the best match. The itinerary is designed around sea access from the boat, not beach wandering.

Who Should Book This Catamaran to Papagayo?

This fits best if you want a laid-back half-day with water activities and a relaxed schedule. It is a good choice for couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends because the day naturally mixes people during the boat time and meal.

You might want to think twice if:

• You hate boats, even short rides
• You need step-on beach access
• You expect snorkeling gear to be provided
• You are very sensitive to motion, especially in choppy weather

Quick Tips That Make a Big Difference

• Bring swim goggles or a snorkel if seeing fish matters to you, because snorkeling equipment is not included.
• Plan your sun protection like you mean it, hat plus sunscreen.
• If you want the best seat, claim your spot early on deck.
• If you are relying on pickup, double-check your email details and arrive promptly, especially if you booked close to departure.
• If you are traveling with kids, have a motion-sickness plan and keep safety expectations realistic for open-water swimming from a boat.

Should You Book This Papagayo Catamaran Cruise?

If your ideal Lanzarote day includes mojitos, an open bar, and real time in the water, I think this is a solid booking. The Papagayo stop is the star, and the kayaking plus swim setup makes it more than a sit-and-watch cruise.

Book it if you want convenience, an included meal, and a half-day that stays active without feeling rushed. Skip it if beach walking is your priority, or if you assume snorkeling gear comes with the ticket.

Either way, you’ll want to pack for sun and water, and plan for the fact that the sea is part of the experience, sometimes calm, sometimes a bit bouncy.

FAQ

What is the duration of the catamaran cruise to Papagayo?

The tour runs for about 4 hours.

What time does the cruise depart?

The boat departs from Puerto del Carmen harbor at 11:00am.

How long do you spend at Playa de Papagayo?

You get about 2 hours anchored off Playa de Papagayo for swimming and water activities.

Is there hotel pickup?

Pickup is offered from select Lanzarote hotels. If your hotel is not included, you will need to go to the meeting point or to Puerto del Carmen.

Where is the meeting point if there is no pickup?

The meeting point is Lineas Romero Watertaxi and excursions, Av. del Varadero, 30, 35510 Tías.

Can you get off onto the beach at Papagayo?

No. There is no possibility to get off at the beach. You swim and use water activities from the boat.

Is lunch included, and what do you eat?

Lunch is included. You’ll be served fresh Spanish paella, and there is an alternative option listed as pasta.

Are kayaks and snorkeling equipment included?

Kayaks are included. Snorkeling equipment is not included.