Papagayo by catamaran turns the coast into play. From the start in Puerto del Carmen, this half-day cruise mixes sea views, unlimited drinks, and hands-on water time near striking coastline rock formations. You can stay on the top deck for sun and sea air, or cool off inside on a hot Lanzarote day.

I especially like two parts: the welcome mojito + Spanish omelet early on, and the long enough Papagayo stop to actually swim and paddle around, not just look. The crew has a relaxed, friendly vibe that helps the whole thing feel easy.

One key consideration: you don’t get to walk on the beach. Plan on your fun being from the boat—swimming, kayaking, and using the water setup—so pack for sun and for time on open water.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Mojito welcome and an early snack before the cruise gets going
• Unlimited open bar (alcoholic and soft drinks) plus a 18+ drinking age
• Kayaks included for getting closer to the coastline
• Two full hours at Papagayo for swimming and water play
• Paella lunch plus an alternative (paella or pasta) served before heading back
• Up to 100 travelers with lots of room to move around

Why this Papagayo cruise feels like a mini holiday

Papagayo is one of the spots in Lanzarote where the scenery looks almost too clean—white sand, bright water, and dramatic rock edges nearby. Doing it by catamaran makes it easier to enjoy without a big day of driving or long transfers. You’re out on the Atlantic from the start, then you drop anchor close enough for quick jumps into the water.

What helps is the way the day is paced. There’s enough sailing time to enjoy the coastal views, then a proper block of time at the stop so you can choose your vibe: chill on deck, swim near the boat, or grab a kayak and work your way around the area at your own pace.

Getting there: hotel pickup rules and the 11:00 start

The tour runs from Puerto del Carmen and starts at 11:00am. If your hotel is on the pickup list, you’ll board an air-conditioned coach right from your area. If your hotel isn’t covered, you’ll make your own way to the meeting point at Lineas Romero Watertaxi and excursions, Av. del Varadero, 30, 35510 Tías.

A couple pickup details are worth knowing so you don’t get caught in a scramble:

• Pickup coverage is select hotels only.
• Puerto Calero pickup is only on Thursdays.
• Playa Blanca pickup isn’t available on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Sundays.
• If you book within 24 hours, pickup isn’t guaranteed. In that case, go straight to the meeting point.

If you’re staying in a place that’s borderline for pickup, I’d treat the meeting point as your backup plan. It’s the simplest way to keep the day calm and on time.

Boarding experience: the mojito and snack that set the tone

Once you’re aboard, the vibe is very “vacation mode.” You get a short safety briefing, then things start flowing with a welcome mojito and a bite of Spanish omelet. That early snack matters because you’ll likely be out in the sun after sailing—so you’re not hungry before lunch.

The drinks setup is also a big part of why people rate this so well. The catamaran runs an open bar with alcoholic and soft drinks for most of the trip. The minimum drinking age is 18, so kids and teens can enjoy the day without being stuck around alcohol.

Sea time on a catamaran: room, shade, and the reality of waves

Catamarans are practical in Lanzarote because you get stable seating and lots of space for different moods. You can pick your spot: sun on the top deck, or shade and cooling inside the cabin. There’s also a sense that the staff is keeping things moving so the day doesn’t drag.

That said, the ocean can be a bit choppy, and the ride back can feel more bouncy in windier conditions. One thing I’d do is plan for motion: if you know you get carsick or seasick easily, bring your usual remedy. You’ll still have a great day if you’re prepared, but the boat ride back may not feel perfectly smooth to everyone.

A nice practical note from onboard comfort comments: the boat has toilet facilities, and there’s easy access to the water from the deck/areas around the boat.

The Papagayo anchor stop: swim, kayak, and what not to expect

This is the heart of the trip. You’ll anchor in front of Papagayo’s white sands area and then the catamaran becomes your base. There’s a 2-hour block there for swimming, kayaking, and simply hanging out with sea views.

The no-surprise rule: you don’t get off the beach. So if you were hoping for a walk along the sand or a quick toe-in-the-shallows plus a beach cafe stop, you’ll need to adjust expectations. This is a water-from-the-boat style excursion.

What you can do instead:

• Swim near the boat and enjoy the water clarity
• Use the kayaks to explore closer to the coast line formations
• Use the onboard water platform setup (many people describe it as a fun add-on)

If you’re traveling with kids, this part becomes even more important. The water can be uneven, currents can change, and supervision is on you as a parent (even with a crew onboard). I’d also assume you’ll be doing a lot of quick “ready-to-enter/ready-to-exit” moments, especially when it’s windy.

Lunch at sea: paella, pasta, and timing that works

Before heading back, lunch is served. Expect fresh Spanish paella on the main option, and pasta as an alternative. That matters if you or your group doesn’t eat seafood, because you’re not stuck with a single bland option. You should still communicate any dietary needs when booking, since you can ask about what’s in the meal.

Lunch timing is smart: you eat before the return sailing, when you’ve had time to work up an appetite from sun and water. People often describe the paella as delicious, and the overall lunch portion tends to feel like you get your money’s worth as part of a half-day package.

A small caution: not every meal moment lands for every person. A couple comments mentioned the omelet snack being less loved or some food feeling underwhelming at one point. Usually, that doesn’t ruin the day because the water activities and drinks keep the atmosphere rolling. Still, if you’re very picky about food quality, keep your expectations anchored to the fact that it’s a cruise lunch, not a fine-dining kitchen.

Kayaking and snorkeling: what’s included, what you should bring

Kayaks are included, and that’s one of the best value features here. It’s the easiest way to get “closer” to the scenery without needing a separate excursion or an extra fee. Even if you’re not a confident paddler, the time on the water is short enough that it usually feels manageable.

Snorkeling is a mixed story. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so if you want goggles or a snorkel, bring your own. Some people also suggest bringing goggles to see fish and make the underwater time more satisfying. If you show up without gear, you can still swim, but your view options may be limited.

If you’re set on snorkeling with a comfortable fit, pack the basics before you arrive in Lanzarote. It’s one of those small things that turns a nice swim into something more memorable.

Drinks and atmosphere: family-friendly, not a party free-for-all

The open bar is one of the headline perks, but it isn’t positioned as a nonstop party boat. The overall tone tends to be friendly and laid-back, which is why it works for mixed groups and families.

Still, drink choice can affect how people feel about value. A few comments noted the selection may feel limited depending on what you order—so think about what “unlimited” means for you personally. If you’re only happy with a specific cocktail style, don’t assume it’ll be endless variety. But if you’re good with common drink options plus the welcome mojito, this part usually lands well.

Also, music is part of the onboard feel for some departures. If you love a lively atmosphere, you’re likely to enjoy it. If you want total quiet, the top deck and shady seating areas can help you find a calmer corner.

Return to Puerto del Carmen: smooth end, plan for the ride

After the Papagayo stop and lunch, the catamaran turns back toward Puerto del Carmen. The return bus is set to wait around 4:00pm, bringing you back to your resort or to the meeting point where you started, depending on the pickup arrangement.

If you’re staying near Puerto del Carmen or in a pickup-covered zone, the end of the day tends to feel straightforward. If you booked without hotel pickup, you’ll still return to the same general meeting point area.

The main thing to watch is the timing feeling in rougher water. Some people experience choppier sailing on the way back and move slower as the crew adjusts. If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan to take it easy after lunch and keep yourself positioned well.

Price and value: does $77.24 really make sense?

For around $77.24 per person for about 4 hours, the value depends on what you care about.

You’re getting a bundle:

• Mojito + omelet early
• Unlimited open bar (alcoholic and soft drinks)
• Lunch (paella or pasta)
• Kayak included
• Pickup and drop-off for selected hotels
• Guide support in English (and German/Italian only on request, with German/Italian mentioned as available on Thursdays)

If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat outing, a meal, and water activities, it adds up quickly. The best “math” is when you use the kayak and actually spend time in the water—because that’s where the included extras stop feeling like add-ons and start feeling like the point of the day.

If your priority is beach walking, long time on land, or snorkeling with included gear, the value can feel less impressive. This trip is built around the sea stop, not a beach town visit.

Who should book this Papagayo catamaran cruise

Book it if you want:

• A simple half-day plan with minimal logistics
• Swim time plus kayaking in a beautiful area
• A day where lunch and drinks are handled
• A relaxed group vibe, including solo travelers and families

Skip or look for another option if you:

• Need to step onto Papagayo beach itself (you can’t)
• Want snorkeling gear provided for you (it’s not included)
• Get very uncomfortable with boat motion and waves (choppy conditions can happen)

Should you book this Papagayo catamaran cruise?

If your ideal Lanzarote day includes open water, a proper pause to swim, and a lunch that’s included with drinks, this is a strong choice. The biggest “win” is how it bundles comfort (shade and seating), fun (kayaks and water play), and food/drink into one ticket.

Just go in with the right expectations: you’re buying time at sea and in the water, not a beach stroll. If you also bring your own snorkeling basics (like goggles), you’ll be set to make the most of Papagayo’s marine life.

FAQ

What’s included on the catamaran cruise?

The tour includes a welcome mojito, unlimited drinks from an open bar, lunch, and a kayak. It also includes hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels, plus a multilingual guide.

Do you always pick me up from my hotel?

Pickup is offered from selected Lanzarote hotels. If your hotel isn’t on the pickup list, you’ll need to go to the meeting point in Tías. Pickup isn’t guaranteed for bookings made within 24 hours of departure.

Where is the meeting point if I don’t have pickup?

The meeting point is Lineas Romero Watertaxi and excursions, Av. del Varadero, 30, 35510 Tías, Las Palmas, Spain. The tour starts at 11:00am.

How long do you spend at Papagayo?

You spend about 2 hours at Playa de Papagayo for swimming and water activities.

Can I get off the boat onto the beach?

No. There is no possibility to get off at the beach, so your time at Papagayo is from the anchored catamaran and water-based activities.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included. If you want it, you’ll need to bring your own.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour lists English, and German or Italian only on request. German and Italian guide availability is mentioned for Thursdays.

Is there an age limit for drinks?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18, even though most travelers can participate and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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