Catamaran Sailing in Lanzarote

Papagayo looks best from the water. This four-hour Catlanza sailing trip leaves Puerto Calero and heads along Lanzarote’s southeast coast to the Papagayo beaches, where you can swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or simply stretch out on deck. I like the easy mix of sailing, beach time, food, and water activities. I also like that lunch and drinks are included, so you are not keeping track of extra costs all afternoon.

The main thing to consider is the group size. The boat can carry up to 55 people, and one account of the trip found it more crowded than expected. The adults-only Platinum sailing is limited to people aged 15 and over, while the family cruise suits children and mixed-age groups. At $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning, but the included meal, drinks, equipment, and four hours on the coast make it a solid value for a half-day outing.

Key points to know before booking

• Papagayo is the main event: The boat anchors near Lanzarote’s famous southeastern beaches for swimming and water activities.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect snacks, fruit, Spanish cheese, a pasta lunch, soft drinks, and other refreshments.
• The crew earns high marks: Friendly, attentive service is one of the strongest parts of the experience, with English, Spanish, and German spoken.
• You can stay active or do very little: Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming are available, but relaxing on deck is perfectly acceptable.
• Two cruise styles are available: Choose a family sailing or the Platinum adults-only option for ages 15 and over.
• Allow extra time before departure: You must arrive at the Puerto Calero meeting point 30 minutes early.

Sailing from Puerto Calero toward Papagayo

Your outing begins at Catlanza SL Catamaran Sailing, in the nautical area of Puerto Calero. The boat returns to this same meeting point at the end, making the day simple to plan if you are staying nearby or arranging transport from elsewhere on Lanzarote.

The first part of the trip is about enjoying the coast from the deck. Lanzarote’s southeast shore is a good place for a boat ride because the volcanic island gives you a very different view from the sea. You see the coast as a long sweep of dark rock, pale beaches, and open Atlantic water rather than as a series of roads and viewpoints.

I would treat the sailing time as part of the attraction, not just transport to the swimming stop. Several people particularly enjoyed the calm ride, the sun, and the chance to sit at the front of the catamaran. Some also joined an informal yoga session on the nets. That sort of extra activity depends on the crew and conditions, but it gives the trip a relaxed, social feel rather than making it a strict point-to-point boat transfer.

The crew also shares sailing tips and small bits of instruction. One particularly memorable lesson involved learning how to tie a Palstek, a useful sailing knot. You do not need sailing experience to enjoy the trip. The staff are there to help, and the tone appears friendly rather than formal.

Papagayo: a swim stop with plenty of choices

The boat anchors near Playa de Papagayo, one of Lanzarote’s best-known beach areas. This is the practical center of the excursion. You can enter the water, use the snorkeling equipment, paddle a kayak, try a paddleboard, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The snorkeling seems to be one of the better reasons to choose this trip. Fish are often visible around the anchorage, and the crew provides advice to help you get started. If you have never snorkeled before, this support matters. You can ask for basic tips instead of wasting half your swim working out how to use the mask or where to look.

The water can feel cold, even in warm weather. One account specifically noted the temperature but still found swimming worthwhile. Bring a towel and expect to get wet if you take part in the activities. You should also pack swimwear, sunscreen, and possibly a light sweater for the boat ride.

Kayaks and paddleboards are shared among the group. That means you may need to wait briefly for a turn, particularly when many people want to use them at once. Still, the available activities give the stop more variety than a simple swim break. Children can burn off energy, adults can paddle around the cove, and anyone who prefers a quiet afternoon can remain on deck.

Dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed. Several outings included dolphins swimming in front of the catamaran, which can turn a pleasant boat trip into a memorable one. You should treat this as luck rather than a promised part of the program. The main wildlife experience is snorkeling, while dolphins are a welcome bonus.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks included in the fare

Food is a real strength here. The meal has been described as a pasta lunch, with fresh fruit, snacks, and Spanish cheese served along the way. Vegetarian food was also available, and the meal was considered suitable for a family group spanning three generations.

The exact menu can change, so I would not book this expecting a particular dish. The useful point is that you receive more than a token snack. You have food during a four-hour cruise, which saves you from buying lunch after returning to shore.

Drinks are included too, and the supply is described as generous. That includes refreshments throughout the trip, with some outings beginning with champagne. Since you are out on the water in the sun, having drinks available without reaching for your wallet is convenient and adds to the value.

The included catering also makes this easier for families. You do not need to organize a separate meal around the swimming stop, and children can eat before or after their turn on the paddleboards. If you have specific dietary needs, it would be sensible to check before booking, since only vegetarian food is directly confirmed here.

The crew is the heart of the experience

The strongest praise is directed at the crew. They are described as friendly, attentive, professional, and eager to help. That matters on a boat trip because the crew controls the rhythm of the day, from getting people safely into the water to keeping food and drinks moving.

The staff also interact with both adults and children. For a family group, that can make a big difference. The crew do not simply point out the equipment and disappear. They offer snorkeling help, explain sailing details, take photographs for groups, and add small touches such as yoga or knot-tying when the conditions allow.

Sandra was singled out for her warm help and sailing tips. The crew can communicate in English, Spanish, and German, which is useful for international groups. The tour itself is offered in English, so English-speaking customers should be able to follow the main information.

The service is not described as stiff or overly polished. It sounds more like an active, friendly team working hard to make the day enjoyable. That personal attention is a big reason the trip receives such strong overall feedback, with a 4.9 rating from 793 reviews and recommendation from 97 percent of customers.

Family sailing or adults-only Platinum cruise?

You have a useful choice between a family cruise and the adults-only Platinum option. The Platinum excursion is for people aged 15 and over. That may appeal to couples, friends, or older teenagers who prefer a quieter setting without younger children.

The family sailing is the better fit for mixed-age groups. The activity list works well for families because it includes several levels of participation. One person can snorkel, another can paddle, and someone else can sit in the shade or on deck. The crew’s interaction with children also helps keep the trip from feeling like four hours of sitting still.

The adults-only option does not necessarily mean the entire outing will be silent or formal. You are still joining a shared catamaran cruise with food and water activities. Its main advantage is the age restriction, not a guarantee of privacy or a small group.

How crowded will the catamaran feel?

The maximum group size is 55 people. That is important to understand before you book. A catamaran can feel pleasantly spacious with a moderate crowd, but the same boat can feel busy when many people want lunch, swimming equipment, paddleboards, and the best places to sit.

Most of the available feedback describes a comfortable and enjoyable boat ride. One person, however, felt the group was larger than expected, with around 40 people instead of the 25 they thought had been described. That is a useful warning: check the current booking details if space is a major priority.

Crowding may be most noticeable during the Papagayo stop, when several people want to use the same kayaks and paddleboards. You may need to share and wait a little. The trip still offers enough choices that you can usually find something to do, but it is not a private sailing charter.

Is $90.70 good value?

At $90.70 per person, this works best when you use the full package. You are paying for roughly four hours on the water, the sailing route to Papagayo, crew service, lunch, snacks, drinks, and access to snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, and water activities. Families may also appreciate the simplicity of one price. You can spend the afternoon enjoying the island rather than deciding where to eat or buying drinks at each stage.

It is less compelling if you only want a quiet sail and do not care about the meal or water activities. In that case, part of the price is going toward features you may not use. The boat also carries a sizable group, so anyone seeking a private or luxury sailing experience should look elsewhere.

For a short stay in Lanzarote, I think the price is reasonable. It combines several holiday activities into one half-day and gives you a strong view of the coast without requiring a full-day commitment.

Practical details that make the day easier

You must arrive at the Puerto Calero meeting point 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Do not cut this close. The activity begins and ends at the Catlanza marina location, and transport may be available from a hotel bus stop, but the confirmed meeting details should be checked when you book.

Wear swimwear and bring sunscreen and a towel. A sweater is also a good idea because the breeze can make the ride feel cooler than the beach. The stated dress code is smart casual, though practical boat clothing matters more than dressing up.

Most people can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. The activity requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the sailing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Who should book this Lanzarote sailing?

I would recommend it to families, couples, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants a simple half-day on the Atlantic. It is especially useful if your Lanzarote schedule is tight because you get scenery, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and several water activities in one booking.

It also suits people who like a social outing. The crew are a major part of the appeal, and the shared boat creates an easy setting for families and groups to enjoy the day together.

I would think twice if you dislike group excursions, need guaranteed quiet, or want complete control over the timetable. You may also prefer another option if cold water or shared equipment is a problem. Dolphin sightings should never be the reason you book, since they depend on chance.

Should you book the Catlanza catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you want a well-organized half-day that mixes sailing with real time in the water. The included lunch and drinks make the $90.70 fare easier to justify, while the Papagayo anchorage gives the trip a clear scenic focus.

Choose the family cruise for younger children and mixed-age groups. Choose Platinum if everyone in your party is at least 15 and you prefer an adults-only setting. Arrive early, bring sun protection and a sweater, and expect a shared boat rather than a private charter.

The best reason to book is the balance: you can be active, social, well fed, or simply relaxed. That flexibility, along with the consistently warm crew service, makes this one of the more appealing ways to spend four hours along Lanzarote’s southeast coast.

FAQ

Where does the Catlanza catamaran cruise depart?

It departs from Catlanza SL Catamaran Sailing, Galeria Nautica, 35571 Puerto Calero, Las Palmas, Spain.

Where does the cruise finish?

The activity ends back at the Puerto Calero meeting point.

How long is the catamaran trip?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $90.70 per person.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with drinks and snacks.

What activities are available at Papagayo?

You can swim, snorkel, kayak, and use a paddleboard. You can also relax aboard the catamaran.

Is there an adults-only cruise?

Yes. The Platinum adults-only excursion is for people aged 15 and over.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. A sweater may also be useful on the boat.

How early should I arrive?

You must be at the meeting point 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.