Golden water and sangria make the day work. This catamaran day trip from Lanzarote takes you to the Costa de Papagayo beaches with a welcome mojito and an open bar that keeps the mood easy. The one thing to flag is logistics onboard: it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and the toilets are down steep stairs.

What I like most is the mix of classic sea time plus real beach-water fun. You get a proper stop to swim, snorkel, and use kayaks, then come back for lunch on board—paella or pasta—and a simple fresh fruit finish.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Welcome mojito plus unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water during the cruise
• A focused stop at Costa de Papagayo (around 2 hours) for swimming and water sports
• Lunch on board: choose Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, plus a fresh fruit bar
• Free kayaks available during the anchored swim time
• Meet at Puerto del Carmen Harbour’s last pier, far end past the petrol station
• Good chance of wildlife sightings, with reports of dolphins and even a pilot whale

Puerto del Carmen Pickup, Transfer, and the Last-Pier Meeting Point

If you’re staying in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, or Costa Teguise, you can usually plan this as a round-trip day without headaches. The experience can include return transfers from the nearest pickup point to your accommodation area, then you’re taken to the harbour in Puerto del Carmen.

From there, you’ll want to be sharp about where you board. The meeting point is directly at the catamaran in Puerto del Carmen Harbour, at the last pier at the far end, past the petrol station. When a pickup option is included, it’s still worth arriving early to avoid stress—especially since the sailing portion can start once everyone is aboard.

Timing wise, expect a morning start and a return in the afternoon. In the real world, schedules can land around 11:00–15:00 for some departures, or start closer to 9:15 and return around mid-afternoon (around 16:00). Either way, it’s built to feel like a full day out, even though it’s not a long overnight trip.

Boarding the Líneas Romero Catamaran: Mojito, Omelette Tapas, and Crew Energy

Once you reach the catamaran, the first good sign is how quickly the crew gets you moving. You’ll get a welcome mojito plus a small Spanish tapa (a Spanish omelette tapa) right after boarding. Then there’s a short introduction to how the day will run.

One practical note: you’ll hear live commentary on board, with multiple languages available. English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German are listed, and German and Italian speaking guides are available on request. Even if you don’t speak every language, the commentary structure is easy to follow once you’re out at sea.

The vibe on board is also part of the value. Many people describe the crew as friendly and active—refilling drinks, helping with water activities, and keeping the atmosphere light. One thing I’d take seriously: the rules include no smoking and no intoxication, so expect fun, not chaos.

If you’re sensitive to motion, keep your game plan simple. This trip isn’t labeled as suitable for people who get motion sickness. Still, some guests report the crew helped with sea-sickness support—things like sickness bags, ice packs, and encouragement to cool down in the water. If you know you’re prone to seasickness, pack what works for you and consider taking it early.

The Cruise Along the Volcanic Coast: Views and a Straightforward Sea Day

The sailing portion is built for comfort. You’ll cruise toward the southern part of Lanzarote, moving past dramatic coastline and turquoise water until you reach the Papagayo area.

On paper, the boat time has an easy rhythm: there’s about an hour cruising each way. In practice, you’re not just sitting. You’ll be taking in the coastline, watching the water, and enjoying the ship’s open, relaxed feel. People often describe the trip as relaxing—even when the crowd level is high.

This is also where the day can turn into a bonus wildlife moment. Reports include sightings of dolphins and even a pilot whale. It’s not guaranteed (the ocean does what it wants), but the chances aren’t random either—these waters can be active.

Costa de Papagayo Stop: Swim Time, Snorkeling, and Kayak Fun

The anchor time is the heart of the day. At Costa de Papagayo, you’ll get free time to swim, snorkel, kayak, and generally hang out on deck with sun and sea air.

This is where you’ll want to think practically about what you want most:

Swimming + snorkeling

• Snorkeling is part of the plan, and the water around the boat can be busy with fish.
• Snorkeling equipment is not included in the official listing. Some people reported they still had snorkeling gear provided, but you should not count on it.
• My advice: if snorkeling matters to you, bring your own mask/snorkel if you can. It’s the easiest way to avoid last-minute surprises.

Kayaking

• You get use of kayaks during the stop.
• Kayaks can be limited in number, so if you’re first to jump in, you’re more likely to get the one you want.

Getting in and out of the water

You’ll access the water from the boat. Expect a ladder-style entry (some people say it’s a bit of a cold shock at first, then worth it). The trip is designed so you don’t need to “go ashore” to enjoy the water.

One more detail that matters: beach disembarkation is not included. So you’re not doing a land walk on the sand. You’re using the boat as your base and enjoying the water from there.

Lunch on Board and the Open Bar: Where the Value Really Shows

At roughly the middle of the stop time, lunch happens on board. This is one of the biggest reasons the price feels fair.

You choose between:

• Traditional Spanish paella, or
• Pasta with tomato sauce

After that, there’s a fresh fruit selection. A lot of people call the food genuinely good, not just “something you eat so you can move on.” Portions are repeatedly described as generous.

Now the part that’s hard to ignore: the drinks. You’ll have unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water during the trip. Plus, you start with that welcome mojito right at the beginning.

Is it a party boat? It can be social. Music is sometimes part of the atmosphere, and the crew may encourage dancing and upbeat moments. But it’s still a structured day with a main swim window and food at set times. If you like a relaxed cruise, you can usually find space to chill.

If you’re coming for budget value, this is the math:

• You’re paying once for the catamaran,
• meals,
• transfers (if selected),
• and multiple drink types plus water activities.

For a day on the water, that bundle is why people keep recommending it.

What to Bring (and What to Skip) for an Easy Day at Sea

You’ll enjoy this trip more if you pack like you’re going swimming, not just sightseeing.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• A camera
• A jacket (it can get breezy on the water)
• A plan to stay hydrated (there’s water onboard, but you’ll still want it)

For snorkeling:

• Since snorkeling gear is listed as not included, consider bringing your own mask/snorkel if you want a sure thing.

Not allowed:

• Smoking
• Glass objects
• Intoxication
• Party groups

That last one is worth noting. If you’re the type who wants a calm, family-friendly vibe, this doesn’t read like a wild nightlife cruise. If you want fun with drinks, this can fit that mood too.

Getting Back to Your Hotel: Timing and Practical Heads-Ups

After your anchored swim time and lunch, you’ll cruise back toward Puerto del Carmen. The catamaran typically returns to port around 3:00 pm, with transfers waiting to take you back to your accommodation.

A few practical heads-ups based on what people experience:

• Toilets are below deck and accessed via steep stairs. If you’re short on mobility or balancing confidence, take that into account early.
• The boat and transfers can feel smooth, especially when pickup is included and the driver/crew confirms timing clearly.
• Weather can shift the plan. The itinerary is subject to weather conditions, and if the outing cancels due to poor weather, you should get an alternative date or a refund.

Also, don’t rely on your own sense of exact instructions. People have mentioned confusion around pickup messaging. The best move is simple: double-check your confirmation details and aim to arrive early at the meeting point if you’re meeting there directly.

Who This Catamaran Day Trip Is Best For

This one fits best when you want a day that’s equal parts:

• sea views,
• swimming time,
• and straightforward food and drinks.

Great fit for:

• Couples who want a fun, low-effort day
• Families with kids who are comfortable in the water and understand that there may be adult social energy
• Anyone who likes water activities but doesn’t want the hassle of arranging everything separately

Not a fit for:

• Wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments (not suitable)
• Anyone with motion sickness (not suitable)
• People who want a quiet, no-drinks nature walk on shore (this is a boat-and-water experience)

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll still want to be mindful of the alcohol atmosphere and the fact that the boat is active. But life jackets have been reported as available if needed, so families who prepare can manage it well.

Should You Book This Lanzarote Day Trip to Papagayo Beaches?

I’d book it if you want a value-packed Lanzarote day that combines a real swim stop with included lunch and drinks. At around $75 per person, the bundle is the selling point: transfers (if selected), catamaran, food, unlimited draft beer/sangria, and water activities like kayaks.

Skip it if:

• you’re not comfortable with water-entry from a boat,
• you need beach disembarkation,
• you’re sensitive to motion,
• or you require wheelchair-friendly facilities.

If you’re on the fence, here’s my simple decision rule: if you’d be happy spending most of the day on the water—swimming, snorkeling, and eating paella/pasta with an open bar vibe—this day trip makes sense. If you’d rather do a relaxed land tour or you need accessibility-friendly surfaces, look at alternatives.

FAQ

Is lunch included on the catamaran trip?

Yes. Lunch on board is included, with a choice of traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by fresh fruit.

Is an open bar included?

Yes. The trip includes unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, plus a welcome mojito on arrival.

Can I snorkel, and is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling is part of the activity time, but snorkeling equipment is listed as not included. You may want to bring your own if you don’t want to risk not having gear.

Are kayaks included?

Yes. You get use of the kayaks during the stop at Costa de Papagayo.

Where do I meet the catamaran?

You must meet directly at your catamaran in Puerto del Carmen Harbour, at the last pier far end past the petrol station.

Does the trip include getting off onto the beach?

Beach disembarkment is not included. The experience is set up for swimming and water activities from the boat.

Is pickup available from all areas of Lanzarote?

Pickup is optional from the nearest meeting point to your accommodation, but availability depends on where you’re staying. Pickup from Puerto Calero is only available on Thursdays, and there is no pickup in Playa Blanca on Sundays, Mondays, or Wednesdays.