Catamaran Sailing in Lanzarote

Papagayo is the prize here: a bright sweep of sand and volcanic coast reached by catamaran from Puerto Calero. You can stretch out on deck, then cool off with snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding when the boat anchors.

I like the simple all-in price, with lunch, snacks, and drinks covered, and I like the crew-led touches, from snorkeling help to sailing tips and even an occasional yoga session. The main thing to consider is space: the boat can take up to 55 people, and one booking had more people aboard than expected.

Key points

• Papagayo by catamaran: Sail along Lanzarote’s southeast coast to one of the island’s best-known beach areas.
• Water time included: Swim, snorkel, kayak, or use a paddleboard when the boat anchors.
• Lunch without extra spending: Expect a pasta lunch, fruit, Spanish cheese, snacks, and included drinks.
• A crew that stays involved: The team helps with activities, takes group photos, and shares practical sailing tips.
• Two cruise styles: Pick a family sailing or the adults-only Platinum option for people aged 15 and up.
• A four-hour plan: The trip fits neatly into a half-day, with pickup arrangements available for some bookings.

Sailing from Puerto Calero toward Papagayo

The day begins at Catlanza SL Catamaran Sailing, in the Nautical Gallery at Puerto Calero. You need to arrive 30 minutes before departure, so do not cut this close. The activity returns to the same meeting point after roughly four hours.

Puerto Calero is a practical starting point because the outing gets you onto the water quickly, without using up a full day on transfers. Some bookings include pickup from a hotel bus stop, but your confirmed arrangements matter here. Check where you must meet rather than assuming a hotel pickup is part of every booking.

Once aboard, the mood is relaxed rather than formal. You can settle into the catamaran, watch the coast slip by, and let the crew handle the sailing. The boat is large enough for up to 55 people, which gives the outing a social feel. It also means this is not a private sailing or a quiet little yacht trip.

The sailing itself is part of the attraction. Lanzarote’s southeast coast has a spare, volcanic look, and the view is best appreciated from offshore. You see the island from a different angle, with the sea doing much of the work. Some departures have included dolphins, but that is a lucky extra, not something to book the cruise expecting.

The crew adds useful detail along the way. You might pick up a few basic sailing pointers, and one particularly memorable bit of instruction involved learning how to tie a Palstek, a traditional sailing knot. The staff also speak English, Spanish, and German, which helps the trip work well for a mixed group.

Papagayo is the main event

The catamaran heads toward the Papagayo beaches, one of Lanzarote’s most appealing coastal areas. From the boat, you get a view of the beaches without spending time driving around the island or finding a place to park near the shore.

The stop is built around choice. You can stay on deck and enjoy the sun, or head into the water for a swim. Snorkeling gear and advice are part of the experience, and the crew helps you get started rather than simply pointing toward the sea and leaving you to work it out.

Paddleboards and kayaks are also available. They are shared among the group, so you may need to wait briefly for a turn, especially when the boat is full. Still, this gives the stop more variety than a simple swim break. One person can paddle, another can snorkel, and someone else can remain on the catamaran with a drink.

The water can feel cold, even in good weather. That is worth knowing if you are happiest in warm water or plan to spend a long time swimming. You do not have to get in, and the catamaran offers plenty of room to relax while other people use the equipment.

Snorkeling conditions can vary with the weather and visibility. Fish have been seen close to the boat, and the stop can be rewarding for beginners who want an easy introduction. It is not presented as a specialist snorkeling trip, so bring modest expectations. The value is the mix of sailing, a beach setting, and several simple water activities in one outing.

Lunch, fruit, cheese, and drinks are part of the value

At $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend four hours at sea. The price makes more sense once you count what is included: the boat trip, crew, lunch, snacks, fruit, Spanish cheese, and drinks.

Food has been a major strength of the experience. The main meal is generally a pasta lunch, with vegetarian options mentioned, and the portions have been described as plentiful. It is the kind of meal that works well after swimming, especially because you are not expected to find a café or carry cash for food during the trip.

Drinks are served throughout the sailing and are included in the price. That removes the small but annoying expense of buying each soft drink or refreshment separately. Some outings have also begun with champagne, while other food moments have included fresh fruit and cheese before lunch.

I would still check for dietary needs when booking, since the available information specifically confirms vegetarian food but does not list every possible dietary option. If you have an allergy or a strict diet, ask before departure rather than hoping the onboard meal will suit you.

The food is not the sole reason to choose this cruise, but it changes the value calculation. You are paying for a four-hour outing with activities and catering, not just a seat on a boat. For a family or couple that would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, and a water activity, the package can be competitive.

The crew makes the half-day work

The strongest part of this cruise is the crew’s attention. Staff help people into the activities, keep an eye on the general flow, and make an effort to include both adults and children. That matters on a group boat, where a poorly managed stop can quickly become a scramble for equipment.

Sandra has been singled out for her warm hosting and useful little sailing tips. Her knot lesson, in particular, turned an ordinary boat ride into something people could take home with them. Other crew members have helped with photos, explained activities, and kept the mood light without turning the whole trip into a loud entertainment show.

The tone seems flexible. You might get a yoga lesson on the nets at the front of the boat, or simply spend the time sitting in the sun. Yoga is not guaranteed as a scheduled feature, so treat it as a possible extra rather than a promised part of the program.

That balance suits families and mixed-age groups. Children can use the water equipment, adults can enjoy the views and drinks, and nobody has to take part in every activity. The crew’s role is important because it lets you choose your pace without making the trip feel disorganized.

The cruise has a 4.9 rating from 793 ratings, with 97 percent of people recommending it. Those numbers suggest unusually steady satisfaction, especially around the crew, meals, and overall value. They do not erase the practical concern about capacity, though. A full boat will feel different from a lightly booked departure.

Family sailing or adults-only Platinum

You have a useful choice between a family cruise and the adults-only Platinum sailing. The Platinum option is for people aged 15 and up, so it may suit couples or older teens who want a calmer atmosphere.

The family option is the more natural pick if you have younger children or want a mixed-age day. The water activities are easy to understand, lunch is already arranged, and children can take part without needing advanced swimming or sailing skills. You should still supervise children around the water and follow the crew’s instructions.

The adults-only choice does not turn this into a private charter. It remains a group catamaran trip, and the same basic factors apply: weather, shared equipment, and the possibility of a busy boat. Its value is mainly in the age limit and the likely tone of the group.

A three-generation family can make this work because the outing does not demand the same level of energy from everyone. Active people can snorkel or paddle. Others can remain on deck, eat, talk, and enjoy the coast.

What to bring for a comfortable four hours

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. A light sweater is also sensible, since the boat can feel cooler when moving or when the wind picks up.

You do not need to plan around buying lunch or drinks, as these are included. Bring any personal medication and check dietary arrangements in advance if needed. Smart casual dress is requested, though practical boat clothing matters more than dressing up.

Useful choices include:

• Swimwear under easy-to-remove clothing
• Strong sunscreen and a hat
• A towel
• A light sweater
• Comfortable shoes for walking around the marina
• A waterproof pouch for small valuables

Arrive 30 minutes early. That is not just a suggestion for the chronically cautious. It gives you time to find the meeting point, deal with any pickup confusion, and board without starting the trip in a rush.

Group size, timing, and the small drawbacks

The four-hour length is one of the best features for itinerary planning. You get a proper taste of sailing and water time without giving up an entire day in Lanzarote. You can still visit another part of the island or have a relaxed evening afterward.

The possible downside is the group size. The stated maximum is 55 people, but one booking expected a smaller group and found around 40 people aboard. That is not necessarily uncomfortable, and other outings have felt spacious, but the experience depends partly on how busy your departure is.

Shared kayaks and paddleboards can also mean a short wait. If your main goal is uninterrupted snorkeling or long stretches alone on the water, this is not the right format. It is better understood as a friendly, varied boat outing with several short activities.

The weather matters too. The cruise requires suitable conditions, so poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. That policy is fair, but it means you should avoid placing the trip on the final possible day of your holiday if you have room to move it.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, except where the provider cancels because of weather or too few bookings.

Who should book this Lanzarote catamaran cruise?

I would choose this for a family, couple, or group of friends who want a polished half-day on the sea with food and activities already arranged. It is especially useful if you prefer not to organize separate snorkeling, kayaking, lunch, and transport plans.

It also suits first-time boat passengers. You do not need sailing experience, and the crew provides help with the activities. The format lets you be active for an hour and then do nothing at all, which is often exactly what a holiday needs.

I would hesitate if you want a private or very quiet sailing, need guaranteed warm water, or dislike group excursions. A full catamaran can feel social and busy, and the water may be cooler than expected.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want good all-round value rather than a specialist sailing trip. The route to Papagayo is scenic, lunch and drinks remove extra costs, and the choice of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing gives everyone something to do.

For the best chance of a comfortable experience, choose your preferred family or Platinum sailing carefully, arrive early, and bring a sweater along with your swimwear. If you can accept a shared boat and variable group size, this is a strong way to spend four hours on Lanzarote’s southeast coast.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start and finish?

It starts at Catlanza SL Catamaran Sailing, Galeria Nautica, 35571 Puerto Calero, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the sailing experience?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours.

What is included in the price?

Lunch and drinks are included. The experience also includes time for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding at Papagayo.

Is there a family option?

Yes. You can choose a family cruise or the adults-only Platinum excursion.

What is the minimum age for the adults-only cruise?

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

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. A sweater is also recommended.

How early should I arrive?

You must arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather or too few bookings causes the provider to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.