Lanzarote: Day Trip to the Papagayo Beaches by Catamaran
About This Experience
This is the big day out rather than a dedicated dolphin search: a Líneas Romero sailing catamaran running from Puerto del Carmen down to the Costa de Papagayo at the island's southern tip, with roughly two hours anchored off the beaches in the middle. Dolphins are a frequent sighting along the way rather than the stated purpose, which is worth being clear about before you book.
The coastline is the first act. The catamaran tracks the volcanic shore south past Puerto Calero and the Ajaches massif, cliffs dropping straight into deep water. A welcome mojito and a tapa of papas arrugadas con mojo — the Canarian wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce — arrive shortly after boarding, and the open bar runs the whole trip.
At Papagayo the boat anchors off a string of sheltered golden coves, some of the best swimming water on Lanzarote. Kayaks are included and you can swim and snorkel from the boat, though snorkelling gear is not supplied and there is no landing on the beaches themselves. Lunch on board is traditional Spanish paella with a pasta and tomato-sauce alternative and a fresh fruit bar; vegan options are provided and reviewers mention them approvingly.
With more than 1,000 ratings it is one of the most-reviewed boat trips on the island, and the reviews cluster hard on the crew — friendly, organised, accommodating. Treat any dolphins as a bonus on top of a good day's sailing and you will not be disappointed.
Return transfers are included from the nearest pickup point to accommodation in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. Puerto Calero pickup runs Thursdays only, and Playa Blanca pickup does not operate on Sundays, Mondays or Wednesdays.
Highlights
- Experience a relaxing cruise on a sailing catamaran
- Sail to the stunning golden beaches of the Costa de Papagayo
- Enjoy lunch on board and drinks from the open bar
- Stop to swim, snorkel and enjoy other water sports activities
What's Included
- ✓ Return transfers from the nearest pick-up point to your accommodation in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise
- ✓ Catamaran cruise
- ✓ Live commentary on-board
- ✓ Welcome mojito cocktail
- ✓ Use of kayaks
- ✓ Traditional Spanish paella, pasta and tomato sauce, and a fresh fruit bar
- ✓ Lunch on board
- ✓ Unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water
Not Included
- Snorkeling equipment
- Beach disembarkment
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Sun hat
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Jacket
Good to Know & Caveats
- This is a coastal day cruise with a swim stop, not a dedicated dolphin search — dolphins are a regular sighting on the route, not the itinerary.
- There is no landing on the Papagayo beaches themselves; you swim, snorkel and kayak from the anchored catamaran.
- Snorkelling equipment is not provided — bring your own mask if you want one.
- The exact pickup time and location are emailed by the local provider after booking, so supply your hotel or accommodation details when you reserve.
- Pickup from Puerto Calero is Thursdays only, and there is no Playa Blanca pickup on Sundays, Mondays or Wednesdays.
- German and Italian speaking guides are available on request only.
- Vegan and vegetarian options are available at lunch; glass bottles, smoking and party groups are not permitted on board.
Not Suitable For
- Wheelchair users
- People with mobility impairments
- People prone to motion sickness
Meeting Point
Board directly at the Líneas Romero catamaran in Puerto del Carmen harbour — the last pier, at the far end of the harbour past the petrol station. Return transfers are available from Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise; the exact pickup point and time are emailed after booking, so give your accommodation details when you reserve.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.4/5 by 1,073 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Our favourite day of our holiday was on the boat trip. the staff were brilliant and it was very well organised. Where the anchor was dropped, the view of the Papagayo Beaches with the volcanos in the background was beautiful. Great food, and a free bar for 4 hours. It was well worth the money. 5 stars 🤩
— Luci, August
The catamaran boat trip was a wonderful half day excursion. The boat crew were friendly and the open bar was great! We anchored in the bay of Papagayo for a nice length of time, giving plenty of opportunity to swim, kayak and snorkel.
— Caroline, August
really nice day out.. the food was very tasty and loved the fact they cater for vegans too without having too ask ! there was paella and tomato pasta whixh was very nice plus a snack of Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce which was a nice touch. open bar was good and friendly crew. we were lucky enough to see dolphins on the trip !
— Naomi, August
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you see dolphins on the Papagayo catamaran trip?
Often, but it is not a dolphin-watching tour and is not sold as one. The route runs the same stretch of south coast the dedicated dolphin boats work, so pods are a regular sighting — treat them as a bonus. If a dolphin sighting is your main objective, book the sunset dolphin cruise or the speedboat marine safari instead.
Can you get off at the Papagayo beaches?
No. The catamaran anchors off the coves and the listing excludes beach disembarkment. You swim, snorkel and kayak from the boat during roughly two hours at anchor, which is plenty of time in the water.
What food and drink is included?
An open bar for the whole trip, a welcome mojito, a tapa of papas arrugadas con mojo on boarding, and lunch on board — traditional Spanish paella with a pasta and tomato sauce alternative, plus a fresh fruit bar. Vegan options are provided.
Is snorkelling gear provided?
No — snorkelling equipment is explicitly excluded, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to use the water properly. Kayaks are included at no extra cost.
How long is the trip?
About four hours on the water: roughly an hour sailing down, two hours anchored off the Papagayo coves, and an hour back. Add transfer time at each end if you booked with hotel pickup.
Is it suitable if I get seasick?
The operator lists motion sickness as a reason the trip may not suit you. A catamaran is the steadiest boat type available here, but this is a four-hour trip in open Atlantic water — take medication before boarding if you are sensitive.
