Lanzarote: Luxury Sailing Excursions to Papagayo

The best part of this four-hour catamaran trip is the long stop in a sheltered bay near Papagayo. You get real time in the water, not just a quick photo stop, with snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and even a slide available. I also like the hot lunch and open drinks, two details that make the $88 price easier to justify. The drawback is simple: four hours goes fast, and the boat can feel busy on popular departures.

I like the relaxed choice of activities. You can join a little yoga session, take the helm, learn a few knots, or stretch out on the net with a drink. Just bring a jacket for the ride back, and take care on the wet steps and around the slide.

Key points at a glance

• Two hours near Papagayo: Most of the day’s activity time is spent anchored by the beaches, with swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Lunch cooked aboard: Expect hot pasta with vegetarian sauce, salad, cheese, bread, and Canarian potatoes.
• A genuinely all-inclusive feel: Beer, wine, cava, mimosas, juices, and soft drinks are included, though alcohol variety may be limited.
• Good for mixed-age groups: Families, couples, non-drinkers, swimmers, and people who simply want to sunbathe can all find their own pace.
• Wildlife is possible: Dolphins, whales, and flying fish may appear, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• A useful practical tip: Arrive 30 minutes early for your boarding card, then queue at the kiosk if you want first choice of seating.

Sailing from Puerto Calero to Papagayo

Catlanza departs from Puerto Calero, a smart marina on Lanzarote’s southern coast. You check in at the Catlanza office, collect your boarding card, and then make your way to the catamaran. The meeting time is 30 minutes before departure, which matters because the boat can fill quickly.

The sailing section takes about an hour each way. That leaves roughly two hours anchored near Papagayo, plus boarding and the return to port. I appreciate this balance. You are not paying for a long cruise with only ten minutes in the water, and you are not being rushed out of the bay before you have settled into the day.

After a safety briefing, the catamaran heads along Lanzarote’s dramatic coastline. The view is the first real attraction. Black volcanic slopes, pale sand, and open Atlantic water give you a good sense of the island’s stark character. The boat itself provides several ways to enjoy the ride: sit back with a drink, stretch out on the forward net, listen to music, or take part in a short yoga session.

The crew speaks English, French, German, and Spanish. The tone is lively rather than formal, with safety information delivered in a friendly way. Names mentioned during particularly memorable sailings include Captain Alejandro, Vicky, Noah, Carl, Nico, Sandra, and Jose. Crew members may vary, but the experience depends heavily on their energy and practical help.

Keep watch for dolphins, whales, and flying fish. Several people have seen dolphins, especially on the return to Puerto Calero, but you should treat wildlife as a lucky extra rather than a promise. The boat’s main value is the sailing and time at Papagayo, not guaranteed animal sightings.

What makes Papagayo the main event

Papagayo is known for its golden beaches and clear water, and the sheltered bay gives this excursion its strongest natural setting. Once the catamaran anchors, you can swim below the boat, look for fish, or simply float near the vessel in the sun.

The water can be wonderfully clear. Fish often gather beneath the catamaran, so snorkeling does not require a long swim away from the boat. That makes the activity suitable for beginners, provided you are comfortable in the sea and follow the crew’s instructions.

You borrow snorkeling equipment on board. Masks, snorkels, and life jackets are available, and the crew can help you get set up. The stop also includes kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. If you prefer a quick thrill, there is a slide into the water. These extras give the stop more life than a standard beach cruise, though the wet steps and slide need care. One person slipped on the steps, so move slowly and use the handholds.

The water can be chilly, especially outside the warmest months. A towel and swimwear are essential, and sunscreen is a must. I would also bring a light jacket even on a sunny day. The return trip can feel cool after swimming, particularly when the catamaran picks up speed.

Two hours sounds generous, but it disappears quickly. You may spend the first part choosing equipment, swimming, and snorkeling, then realize you still want to try the kayak or paddleboard. If you want to do everything, plan your time instead of settling into lunch or sunbathing too early.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of the $88 fare

The lunch is a hot pasta dish with vegetarian sauce, served with salad, cheese, bread, and Canarian potatoes. It is not fine dining, and you should not book this trip expecting a long restaurant-style meal. Still, a hot plate after swimming is exactly what most people want.

The food has earned especially strong praise, with several people calling it delicious or rating it highly. The chef works in a small galley, yet the meal is more substantial than the usual packet of snacks found on a short boat trip. Vegetarian diners have a clear main option, and non-drinkers can choose juices and soft drinks.

The drinks package adds real value. Beer, wine, cava, mimosas, and soft drinks are included, and drinks are available throughout the trip. The selection may not satisfy someone looking for a wide choice of alcoholic drinks, but it covers the basics well. If you prefer not to drink, you are not left with an inferior arrangement.

At $88 per person, the fare is fair for a four-hour outing that includes lunch, equipment, drinks, and possible pickup from selected bus stops. It is not the cheapest way to see the coast, but you are paying for more than a boat ride. The water activities alone would usually add cost on a separate excursion, and the food and drinks remove the need to budget for extras aboard.

The value is strongest for people who will use the equipment and enjoy the social atmosphere. If you plan to sit quietly for four hours and skip the water, a simpler sightseeing cruise might suit you better. For an active half-day with lunch included, this package makes sense.

Life aboard the catamaran

The catamaran has room for sunbathing, sitting, eating, and moving around between activities. The forward net is a favorite spot for photographs and sea views, but seating can become competitive. After collecting your boarding card, queue at the kiosk if getting a prime place matters to you.

The boat may be busy, yet it is described as spacious enough for people to spread out. This is not a private sailing charter. You share the deck, the equipment, the lunch service, and the music with the rest of the group. Some departures may feel pleasantly open, while others can have a more social holiday mood.

That mix works well for families and groups of friends. Children can use the slide and water equipment, while adults can sit with a drink or join the yoga. One family with children aged seven and eleven found the trip easy to enjoy, and another family used it as an introduction to boating.

The crew is a major part of the experience. They help with equipment, explain the safety rules, serve food and drinks, and keep conversation moving. You may also be shown how to tie sailing knots or invited to take the helm under supervision. These small touches turn a passive cruise into something more hands-on.

Music plays during the trip, and the mood can become quite festive. That will appeal to people looking for a cheerful afternoon. If you want silence, solitude, or a serious sailing lesson, choose another type of boat trip.

The return journey to Puerto Calero

After lunch and water time, the catamaran turns back toward Puerto Calero. The return takes about an hour, but it is not simply dead time. The crew may demonstrate knots, invite you to try the helm, or let you relax on deck with a final drink.

The sea can become choppier on the way back. One family particularly enjoyed the faster ride and splashes, while a person prone to motion sickness may find this part less comfortable. If you are sensitive to movement, sit where the crew recommends and avoid overdoing the drinks.

The return is also when dolphin sightings sometimes happen. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole hour staring at the horizon. The coastline, the breeze, and the changing feel of the sea are enough to make the ride worthwhile.

Back at Puerto Calero, the excursion ends at the Catlanza office. Free parking is available at the marina. Pickup and drop-off can be arranged from bus stops when booked through Catlanza’s own website, which is useful if you do not have a rental car.

Who should book this sailing trip?

I would choose this excursion for a family, couple, or group of friends wanting several activities in one half-day. It works particularly well when people have different ideas of fun. One person can snorkel, another can paddleboard, another can sunbathe, and everyone can meet for lunch.

It is also a good choice for first-time boaters. The safety briefing, helpful crew, and manageable four-hour length keep the experience approachable. A wheelchair user received assistance getting up the boat ramp and on and off, though you should discuss your needs in advance rather than assume every arrangement will suit you.

You should think twice if you dislike shared group activities, music, or a lively deck. The trip is not a quiet private charter. You also need to be comfortable with a swim stop in the Atlantic, wet surfaces, and the possibility of a choppy return.

The excursion suits people who want value built into the ticket. Lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and yoga are all part of the package. That makes planning easy, but it also means the trip has a set group rhythm rather than a fully personal schedule.

What to bring and how to make the day better

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. The jacket may stay in your bag on a warm afternoon, but you will be glad to have it after swimming or during the ride back.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to collect your boarding card. If you want the best chance of choosing a particular place on deck, do not linger after check-in. The boat can fill quickly.

Wear footwear that gives you a secure grip. The slide, steps, and deck can become wet, and taking care is more important than rushing into the water.

If you want to try several water activities, use the first part of the Papagayo stop for snorkeling and swimming. Save paddleboarding or kayaking for later if you prefer a slower start. Ask the crew for help with equipment and keep an eye on your distance from the catamaran, particularly when kayaking.

The departure time may be in the morning or afternoon. An afternoon sailing can offer a relaxed end to the day, while a morning trip leaves more time for other plans. Check the available start time before booking.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the excursion, and you can reserve now while paying later. That flexibility is useful when your Lanzarote plans depend on weather or changing transport arrangements.

Should you book the Papagayo catamaran?

Yes, if you want an active, sociable half-day with food and drinks included. The strongest reasons are the generous two-hour stop, clear water beneath the boat, plentiful equipment, and a crew that takes care of the practical details.

I would not book it for solitude or guaranteed wildlife. Dolphins may appear, but the real promise is the Papagayo stop, not a whale-watching trip. The $88 price is good value when you use the snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and lunch, though less compelling if you plan to remain seated all day.

For most families, couples, and groups of friends, this is an easy way to combine Lanzarote’s coastline, sea swimming, and a relaxed meal without arranging several separate activities. Bring a jacket, arrive early, and expect the four hours to pass quickly.

FAQ

Where does the Papagayo sailing trip depart from?

It departs from Catlanza in Puerto Calero, Lanzarote.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to collect your boarding card.

How long is the excursion?

The total duration is four hours.

How long is the boat ride to Papagayo?

The catamaran ride from Puerto Calero to Papagayo takes about one hour.

How much time is spent at Papagayo?

The planned stop at Papagayo lasts about two hours and includes lunch, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes hot pasta with vegetarian sauce, salad, cheese, bread, and Canarian potatoes.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks include options such as beer, wine, cava, mimosas, juices, and soft drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are kayaks and paddleboards available?

Yes. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are included for use during the stop.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket.

What languages are available?

The tour is available in English, French, German, and Spanish.

Is pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off can be arranged from bus stops when booked through Catlanza’s website. Free parking is also available in Puerto Calero.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.