Go for the views, stay for the water toys. This is a lively catamaran outing in Lanzarote that links the coast around Barranco del Quiquere with real on-water play—swims, snorkeling, paddleboards, and the kind of tow-behind thrills you feel in your ribs. You’ll cruise scenic stretches between Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen, then spend time moored off a cliffy coastline that looks great from every angle.

I especially like the mix of laid-back time and action. You get snacks and drinks during the trip, and the crew keeps the energy fun without turning it into a party bus. Another big win for me is the water-sport menu: snorkeling gear, kayak, and stand-up paddleboards are included, so you’re not stuck paying extra just to do something.

The one drawback to keep in mind: sea conditions drive the day. This runs rain or shine, but if the water is too rough, the trip can be canceled, and the activities are not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Key highlights worth your time

• Barranco del Quiquere mooring time with time to swim, snorkel, and paddle around rather than just a quick stop.
• Included snorkeling gear, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard, so you can choose your pace.
• Donut and banana boat rides with a fast boat following behind for the thrill-seekers.
• Drinks you can manage easily (self-serve style helps avoid waiting around), plus beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.
• Crew personality makes it easier to relax; captains like Santos and Nicolas are singled out for humor and attentiveness.

From Puerto Calero out to Barranco del Quiquere: the day’s basic flow

This trip is built around a simple idea: enjoy the Lanzarote coastline from a comfortable catamaran, then use the moored time to actually get in the water. You start in the Puerto Calero area, board the catamaran, and head toward el Barranco del Quiquere, a dramatic cliff section along the coast between Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen.

Along the way, you pass a few recognizable coastal spots like Playa Quemada and you’ll roll through the Puerto Calero area again en route. The pacing matters here. You’re not racing to hit checkmarks; you’re cruising, snacking, and getting ready for the moment when the day shifts from sightseeing to water time.

You also have options for the overall setup. It can be a shared experience, and private or small-group options are available, which matters if you want a calmer day on the water. If your group includes people who want views more than activities, small-group or private can make the experience feel smoother.

Barranco del Quiquere: where the swim and paddle time actually happens

Once the catamaran moors near el Barranco del Quiquere, the vibe changes fast. This is where you’ll settle into the water-based part of the day: swimming in clear, warm water, snorkeling (with included gear), and paddling around on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

The included snorkeling setup is a real value add because it removes the guesswork. You don’t have to rent anything last minute or bring your own kit. If you’re curious but not sure you’ll go full pro, you’ll still get something out of it—mostly the satisfaction of being in the water when the coastline looks best.

The kayak and stand-up paddleboard options are great because they give you control. You can spend time quietly drifting and checking the shoreline, or you can paddle around more actively. If you’re traveling with family or mixed-experience buddies, this “choose your effort” approach is a big reason the day works.

And for anyone who wants the adrenaline: one of the provider’s fast boats follows along for the banana or donut rides. That follower boat detail matters because it keeps the excitement organized, instead of feeling chaotic.

Banana boat and donut towing: the fun that leaves you laughing

The tow-behind activities are the headline here, and they’re described for a reason. You’ll get a genuine adrenaline rush on the donut boat, and the banana boat ride adds that group-leaning, grab-whatever-holds-you feeling.

The way it’s set up helps. Since a fast boat follows behind, it’s easier to keep track of where you’re supposed to be and when it’s your turn. That structure makes the rides feel more like a shared activity with safety-minded coordination rather than a free-for-all.

One detail I think you’ll appreciate: the crew tone makes it less intimidating. Captains like Santos and Nicolas are praised for humor and keeping things comfortable, and that matters if you’re doing something physical in open water. Even if you skip the tow rides, you still get the spectacle—and you’ll likely end up laughing along when others go for it.

If you want a bigger thrill beyond the included tow rides, there’s mention of optional upgrades like jet skis in at least one trip experience. Treat that as a maybe, not a guarantee. Still, it’s good to know the day can sometimes turn into a “pick another add-on” situation.

Playa Papagayo vibes: cruising the coast in between activities

Even when the main event is water sports, the cruise itself delivers. The catamaran route takes you past scenic stretches, including Playa Papagayo, and you get repeated glimpses of the Puerto Calero coastline while traveling toward Barranco del Quiquere.

From the water, Lanzarote looks different than it does from the road. You’re seeing the coastline lines, the cliffs, and the way the shoreline folds in and out—often with a calmer rhythm than you get on speedier boat tours. It’s the kind of scenery that works whether you’re sitting back with a drink or walking the deck to find the best angle for photos.

This part is also a mental reset. After a few days of driving and planning, having a couple of hours where your biggest decision is where to sit can be refreshing. And since the activities are built in, you don’t feel like you’re paying just to “look.”

Snacks, drinks, and that no-fuss board experience

Food and drink are not an afterthought on this trip. You’ll have snacks aboard, plus seasonal fruits and cheese. Drinks include beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, and several people highlight that it’s self-service, which helps keep things moving without queues.

That self-serve setup sounds small, but it’s a big quality-of-life detail. If you’re traveling with kids, a mixed group, or anyone who prefers not to wait in line, self-serve turns the snack-and-sip breaks into something you can actually enjoy.

The overall board mood tends to feel relaxed. Even with shared groups, people talk about the catamaran feeling calm and not packed, with the kind of space that lets you switch between sunbathing, watching the water sports, and then jumping in when it’s time.

Also: having a live guide on board—English, French, German, or Spanish—helps keep it smooth. You’ll know what’s happening and when, and you won’t be guessing what to do next when the day shifts into paddle or tow-ride mode.

What the $118 price buys (and why it can feel fair)

At about $118 per person for a 2 to 4 hour experience, this isn’t a “cheap and cheerful” add-on. What makes it potentially good value is the bundle effect: catamaran time plus included water sports (snorkeling equipment, kayak, stand-up paddleboard) plus banana and donut boat rides, along with snacks and drinks.

If you price those items individually, the catamaran becomes the affordable base rather than a separate thing you pay for while renting everything else. You’re paying for a full day segment where most of the fun is built in.

Another value angle: transport is part of the experience plan. Pickup is included, and the instructions say to wait outside the reception about 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time, with the car leaving around 5 minutes after that time. That helps reduce the “how do we get there” friction that can ruin half a day.

One more value note: private or small-group options exist. If you have a small crew that wants more flexibility and a quieter day, the per-person math can still work out in a way that feels reasonable.

When sea conditions change the plan

This is an outdoors day, and Lanzarote’s water can shift quickly. The trip runs rain or shine, but it might be canceled if sea conditions aren’t good. So you want to keep expectations flexible.

What I recommend: build this into a window where you can absorb a schedule change. Don’t stack it as your only shot at water sports if the forecast looks borderline. If you’re on a tight itinerary, check the day-of status before you commit to anything else nearby.

Also remember: some activities are physical. If you’re not sure you’ll enjoy snorkeling, paddling, or tow rides, you can still enjoy the cruise and the swim time. The catamaran itself is part of the appeal.

Who should book this catamaran day—and who might skip it

This works best if you want a mix of views and water play in a short time block. It’s a strong fit for couples, friend groups, and families who can share roles: one person tows, one person paddles, and everyone else gets to enjoy the scenery from the boat.

It also suits mixed motivation groups. If one person wants the adrenaline and another wants calm time on the deck, the activity menu supports both. People even mention scenarios where not everyone did the water sports, yet the day still felt worthwhile because the views and relaxed vibe carried it.

On the skip side, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments. And if you know you get uncomfortable in moving water, you might want to think carefully since the day is on a boat and includes time on and around it.

If you like guided trips that are organized but not stiff, this one hits the sweet spot—especially with the crew’s humor and the way they keep activities moving.

Getting ready: swimwear and a towel are non-negotiable

Plan simple. Bring swimwear and a towel. That’s the core packing list for the water time.

Dress in a way that lets you go from deck to water without hassle. And if you’re the type who gets cold easily, remember that you’re out on open water for part of the day, even if the island weather feels warm on land.

Also, arrive with enough buffer for pickup. The car leaves shortly after the scheduled pickup time, so you’ll want to be at the reception area when they expect you.

Should you book the Puerto Calero catamaran with water sports?

Book it if you want an efficient Lanzarote experience with real included action: catamaran cruising, a moored water-sports window, snorkeling gear, kayak and paddleboard time, plus banana and donut rides. The included snacks, fruits, cheese, and a self-serve drink setup add up fast, so you’re not constantly spending extra to have fun.

Skip it if you’re mobility-limited, hate boats in motion, or you can’t handle a potential cancellation if conditions are rough. Also skip it if your idea of a tour is mostly a quiet cultural stop—this one is about being on the water.

If you’re aiming for a “one day, lots of variety” outing in Lanzarote, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The experience runs about 2 to 4 hours, depending on available starting times.

What water activities are included?

Included activities are stand-up paddleboard, kayak, banana boat, donut boat, and snorkeling equipment.

What food and drinks are provided?

Snacks are included, along with seasonal fruits and cheese. Drinks include beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.

Is the tour rain or shine?

Yes, the tour takes place rain or shine, but it might be canceled if sea conditions are not good.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide speaks English, French, German, and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

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