Lanzarote: Luxury Sailing Excursions to Papagayo

Papagayo is the star here, but the real treat is reaching it by catamaran. You sail from Puerto Calero along Lanzarote’s stark volcanic coast, then anchor for two full hours beside golden beaches and clear water. I especially like the generous swim stop and the fact that lunch, equipment, and drinks are already covered.

I also like the relaxed choice of pace. You can try yoga, snorkel beneath the boat, paddle a kayak, take a turn on the paddleboard, or simply stretch out on the deck. The main thing to consider is that four hours goes quickly, and the return ride can feel cool or choppy, so bring a jacket even on a sunny day.

Key points to know

• Two hours at Papagayo: Enough time for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and water sports without rushing every activity.
• A proper hot lunch: Pasta with vegetarian tomato sauce comes with salad, cheese, bread, and Canarian potatoes.
• All-inclusive drinks: Beer, wine, cava, mimosas, juices, and soft drinks are available, though alcohol variety may be limited.
• A spacious catamaran: There is room to sunbathe on the nets, sit on deck, or join the activities.
• Useful family appeal: Children and adults can choose between gentle swimming, water sports, music, and a faster ride home.
• Wildlife is possible: Dolphins, whales, and flying fish may appear, but sightings are never guaranteed.

Why Papagayo works best from the water

The Papagayo beaches sit on Lanzarote’s southern coast, where pale sand and dark volcanic rock meet clear Atlantic water. From a boat, you see the coast in a different way. Instead of arriving at one beach and stopping there, you get a broad view of the dry hills, cliffs, coves, and sheltered bays as you sail past.

The trip leaves from Puerto Calero, a marina on Lanzarote’s southeast coast. The first part is about an hour by catamaran. That is long enough to settle into the boat and enjoy the sea, but not so long that the journey becomes the whole activity.

I like this balance. You are not paying for a full day at sea, and you are not being rushed through a quick photo stop. Two hours anchored near Papagayo gives the outing a clear center, while the sailing time makes the beach stop feel like part of a real sea trip rather than a transfer.

Setting out from Puerto Calero

You need to reach the Catlanza office in Puerto Calero 30 minutes before departure to collect your boarding cards. The listed boarding times are 9:45 in the morning and 2:15 in the afternoon, though you should check the available departure when booking.

You can drive and use free parking in Puerto Calero. Pickup and drop-off can also be arranged from bus stops if you book that option through the Catlanza website. This is useful if you are staying elsewhere on Lanzarote and do not have a rental car.

The early arrival matters. This is not the kind of excursion where you should stroll into the marina at the last second. Collect your boarding cards first, then follow the staff’s instructions for boarding. One practical tip is to ask where the queue forms after ticket collection, since the boat can fill quickly and early arrivals may have a better choice of seating.

A safety briefing comes before departure. The crew also explains the activities and how to use the equipment. That is especially helpful if you have never tried a paddleboard or kayak, or if you are bringing children who need clear instructions before getting into the water.

An hour along Lanzarote’s volcanic coast

Once underway, you can sit back and watch the coast slide past. Lanzarote is not soft and green here. Its beauty comes from black volcanic rock, dry slopes, bright sunlight, and sharp contrasts between land and sea.

The catamaran provides several ways to spend the sailing hour. You might join a short yoga session, settle on the deck, or stretch out on the forward nets. The netted area is a popular place for photographs and sunbathing, but it can also be exposed to wind and spray.

Keep your eyes open for dolphins, whales, and flying fish. Several trips have included dolphin sightings, and the return journey is one possible time to see them. Still, wildlife is a bonus, not part of the guarantee. If you see nothing, the coastal views and open-water sailing remain the main attraction.

The boat has enough room for different moods. Some people want music and conversation. Others want a quiet place to look at the coast. With water sports, lunch, and drinks included, you are not forced into a single style of holiday activity.

Papagayo’s two-hour stop

The catamaran anchors in a sheltered bay near Playa del Papagayo. This is where the outing shifts from sightseeing to active beach time. The water is described as clear enough for fish to gather under the boat, making snorkeling one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip.

Snorkeling equipment is provided. You can borrow a mask and snorkel, put on a life jacket if needed, and swim near the boat. The fish beneath the catamaran are an appealing sight even for beginners, because you do not need to make a long open-water swim to find marine life.

The bay also gives you a chance to paddleboard or kayak. These activities are included, although the amount of time you get with each item depends on how many people want to use them. A slide into the sea is also available on the catamaran, adding a playful option for children and anyone who prefers a quick splash to a quiet swim.

Take care on the steps and around the slide. Wet surfaces can be slippery, and it is worth moving slowly when climbing back aboard. The crew can help with equipment and give instructions, but you remain responsible for choosing activities that suit your swimming ability.

The two-hour stop is a good length. You can swim, snorkel, and try one of the paddle sports, then still have time to dry off and eat. A shorter stop would make the activity feel rushed. A much longer stop might reduce the amount of sailing, which is one of the reasons to book a catamaran excursion in the first place.

Lunch served at anchor

The onboard cook prepares a hot pasta meal with a vegetarian sauce. Lunch also includes salad, cheese, bread, and Canarian potatoes. It is simple food, but that is the right approach for a half-day boat trip. After swimming in the Atlantic, a warm plate of pasta is more useful than a fussy meal.

The food has earned unusually strong praise, especially considering it comes from a small galley. The menu should suit vegetarians, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for anyone who does not drink.

Drinks are included throughout the excursion. Options mentioned include beer, wine, cava, mimosas, juices, and soft drinks. This adds real value to the $88 price, particularly if you plan to spend several hours in the sun.

Do not assume the bar offers a large cocktail menu. One point raised by a past participant was limited alcohol variety. The offer is generous for a boat trip, but it is better understood as a selection of included drinks rather than a full bar.

Music, yoga, and the social side

This is a social sailing trip rather than a silent luxury charter. Music plays on board, and the crew encourages conversation and participation. That can be a plus if you like a lively holiday atmosphere, but it may not suit you if you want a private, quiet cruise.

Yoga is offered during the sailing. It is an optional extra activity, not the main focus, so you do not need to be flexible or experienced. You can join in for a short session or remain seated with a drink and enjoy the view.

The crew’s approach is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Names connected with past sailings include Captain Alejandro, Vicky, Noah, Carl, Nico, Jose, and Sandra, although the exact team can change. The crew handles the safety talk, helps with water sports, serves food and drinks, and keeps the mood friendly without making you take part in everything.

That flexibility matters. Families can keep children busy with the slide and paddle equipment. Couples can sit together on deck. Solo participants can join the group atmosphere without needing to organize their own activities.

The return to Puerto Calero

The return crossing takes about an hour. This is often when the crew adds a little more interaction. You may learn how to tie sailing knots, or you may be invited to take the helm under supervision.

The ride home can be livelier than the outward journey. Choppy water has made the return feel adventurous for some people, especially children. If you are prone to seasickness, keep that in mind and choose a seat that feels comfortable. The supplied information does not specify seasickness medication or a dedicated quiet area, so bring anything you normally use.

You may also want to put on your jacket. Even when Lanzarote is sunny, wind across open water can feel cool, particularly after swimming. A towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a jacket are the right basic kit.

Dolphins have appeared on the way back during some sailings. If that happens, it can turn an already pleasant trip into a memorable one. But the crew cannot control wildlife, sea conditions, or the exact route speed, so book this for the sailing and Papagayo stop first.

What the $88 price really covers

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see a beach. It is good value if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and paddle sports.

The price includes:

• Four hours aboard the catamaran
• The sailing trip between Puerto Calero and Papagayo
• Lunch
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• Kayaks and paddleboards
• Yoga
• Free parking in Puerto Calero
• Pickup and drop-off from bus stops when arranged

The value improves if you use the included activities and drinks. If you only want to sit quietly on a boat and take photographs, a simpler sailing trip might cost less. If you plan to swim, snorkel, eat lunch, and have several drinks, the package is easier to justify.

The excursion has an overall rating of 4.8 from 333 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on the crew, food, boat condition, and value. I would give special weight to the repeated comments about staff attitude. Good service matters on a boat because it affects everything from boarding and safety instructions to getting back aboard after kayaking.

Who should book this catamaran trip

I would choose this excursion for families, couples, groups of friends, and first-time visitors who want several Lanzarote experiences in one half-day. It gives you scenery, a beach stop, swimming, food, and a chance to see marine life without requiring a full day away from the island.

It is also a sensible choice for people who do not want to plan every detail. The crew provides the equipment, directs the water activities, prepares lunch, and keeps the drinks available. You can simply decide how active you want to be.

It suits children well, based on the combination of a spacious boat, a slide, swimming, paddle sports, and a lively return journey. Parents should still supervise children around the water, steps, and wet deck.

The trip may be less suitable if you want a private yacht, a quiet cruise, or a long stretch of uninterrupted snorkeling. It is a shared catamaran outing with music and a social atmosphere. The boat can also feel busy at popular times, even though there is room for people to spread out.

One wheelchair user received assistance getting to the boat ramp and on board, which is encouraging. Still, the provided details do not describe full accessibility arrangements, so contact Catlanza before booking if you need specific boarding or deck support.

Small details that make the day easier

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. The jacket is not just for bad weather. Wind on the return crossing can make the boat feel chilly after your swim.

Arrive 30 minutes early for your boarding cards. If you want a preferred place on deck, find out where the boarding queue begins after collecting them.

Wear footwear that feels secure on wet surfaces. Be careful around the slide and steps, where water can make the deck slippery.

If you do not drink alcohol, you are still well catered for with juices and soft drinks, and the meal includes vegetarian food. If you are hoping for a broad selection of alcoholic drinks, expect a practical selection rather than a specialist bar.

The cancellation policy is flexible, with a full refund available when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps when your Lanzarote plans are still moving around.

Should you book the Papagayo sailing?

I would book it if you want an easy, well-filled half-day on the water. The combination of two hours at anchor, snorkeling, kayaks, paddleboards, a hot lunch, and included drinks gives the $88 fare solid value.

Choose it especially if you enjoy a friendly group atmosphere and like having options. You can be active, social, or lazy on the same trip. The only cautions are the shared setting, the possibility of a cool or choppy return, and the fact that four hours may leave you wishing for more sailing time.

For a first visit to Lanzarote, this is a strong way to see Papagayo without spending a full day organizing transport, beach time, food, and equipment separately.

FAQ

How long is the Papagayo sailing excursion?

The excursion lasts four hours. The catamaran travels for about one hour from Puerto Calero to Papagayo, spends about two hours anchored there, and takes about one hour to return.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Catlanza in Puerto Calero. You should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to collect your boarding cards.

What are the listed boarding times?

The supplied departure times are 9:45 and 14:15. Check availability when booking because starting times can vary.

Is lunch included?

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

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included throughout the trip. Options listed include beer, wine, cava, mimosas, juices, and soft drinks.

Can I use snorkeling and paddle equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards are included. You can also swim and take part in yoga during the excursion.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. You should also arrive 30 minutes before departure for boarding-card collection.