Catamaran Sailing in Lanzarote

There’s something special about a tour that consistently earns 5-star reviews from nearly 800 travelers. The Catlanza Catamaran Sailing experience in Lanzarote has managed to hit that rare mark, and after examining what makes this cruise tick, we understand why. We’re particularly impressed by how the operators have balanced relaxation with activity options, and how the crew genuinely seems to care about making your day memorable. That said, popularity means crowds—you’ll be sharing the boat with up to 55 other travelers, which is something to consider if you prefer more intimate experiences.

This tour works wonderfully for families looking to break up their beach days, couples wanting a stress-free afternoon on the water, and solo travelers hoping to mix with friendly groups. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone seeking solid value—you’re getting transportation, a full meal, unlimited drinks, and access to water sports equipment all rolled into one price.

What You’re Actually Getting: Breaking Down the Experience

At $90.70 per person, this four-hour sailing adventure includes far more than a boat ride. You get hotel pickup (depending on location), passage on a well-maintained catamaran, a proper lunch with vegetarian options, free-flowing drinks throughout the day, snorkeling instruction and equipment, access to kayaks and paddleboards, and the expertise of a multilingual crew. When you start adding up what these elements would cost separately, the value proposition becomes immediately clear.

The tour operates from Puerto Calero, a working marina about 20 minutes from most tourist accommodations in the south. You’ll meet at Galeria Nautica at the marina, and the operation asks that you arrive 30 minutes early. This might feel like a long lead time, but it actually reflects good organization—they’re not rushing people aboard or creating stress before your day even begins.

The Route: Sailing to Papagayo’s Hidden Beaches

The catamaran takes you southeast along Lanzarote’s coast toward the Papagayo beaches, a string of sheltered coves that feel far more remote than they actually are. These aren’t the crowded tourist beaches you’ll find elsewhere on the island; they’re accessible primarily by boat or a challenging coastal hike, which means you’re getting access to something genuinely special without the effort of hiking.

The journey itself is the kind of sailing that actually feels like sailing. You’re not on a motorized boat pretending to be a ship—you’re under canvas with the crew adjusting sails and explaining what they’re doing. One reviewer who’d never been on a boat before mentioned that the crew taught him how to tie a Palstek (a sailing knot), and he said he’d remember it for life. That’s the kind of small educational touch that transforms a tour from pleasant to genuinely memorable.

The water along this stretch of coast tends toward that Mediterranean turquoise that looks almost unreal in photos. You’ll see the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote’s interior rising behind the beaches, creating a dramatic backdrop. Weather permitting, the visibility is excellent, and reviewers consistently mention the beauty of the coastline.

Papagayo: Where You Actually Stop

Once you reach Papagayo, the catamaran anchors in one of the protected coves. Here’s where the tour shifts from passive observation to active participation. You have genuine choices about how to spend your time. Some people simply lounge on the boat’s nets (yes, there are actual nets strung across the catamaran where you can relax), while others jump into the water immediately.

The snorkeling here is the real deal. Multiple reviewers mentioned seeing abundant fish, and several specifically noted spotting dolphins from the boat. One guest mentioned that seeing a pod of dolphins swim in front of the catamaran was “awesome”—and that’s the kind of wildlife encounter that genuinely can’t be guaranteed but regularly happens on this route. The crew provides snorkeling tips, which is helpful if you’re not experienced, and they seem genuinely interested in making sure people have good experiences in the water.

Kayaks and paddleboards are available on a first-come, first-served basis. One reviewer with kids noted that “didn’t have to wait long to have a turn,” which suggests the operator has enough equipment that people aren’t standing around frustrated. The crew helps manage the rotation, and they’re attentive enough to notice when people want to try something new.

The Food and Drink Situation

Here’s where this tour really distinguishes itself from competitors. Lunch is included—not a token snack, but an actual meal. Reviewers mention pasta, fresh fruit, Spanish cheese, and vegetarian options. The drinks are unlimited and flowing from the start, not something they ration until lunch. One guest noted “drinks were free flowing” and another mentioned “unlimited drinks were the cherry on top.”

This matters more than it might initially seem. When you’re paying one price and everything’s included, there’s no nickel-and-diming, no awkward moments deciding whether you can afford another drink, no feeling like you should be rationing snacks. You can simply relax and enjoy yourself. The crew’s approach to service—offering drinks regularly rather than waiting to be asked—creates a hospitable atmosphere that reviewers consistently praise.

Several reviews specifically called out the quality of the food, mentioning it was “delicious” and “fantastic.” This isn’t ship food—it’s actually good. One reviewer even mentioned getting a yoga lesson, which suggests the crew sometimes goes beyond the standard itinerary depending on the group’s interests.

The Crew: The Real Star of This Show

Read through reviews and one theme emerges immediately: people are genuinely grateful for the crew. Reviewers use words like “fantastic,” “amazing,” “helpful,” “knowledgeable,” and “attentive” repeatedly. One multi-generational family specifically thanked Sandra by name for her warmth and educational tips. Another reviewer mentioned the crew spoke English, Spanish, and German, and they were willing to take photos of groups—small gestures that add up to feeling genuinely cared for.

This is worth emphasizing because it’s not a given on tours. You can have perfect logistics and mediocre staff, or great staff who can’t get the basics right. The consistent praise across nearly 800 reviews suggests Catlanza has figured out how to hire, train, and motivate people who actually want you to have a good day.

Practical Details That Actually Matter

The tour accommodates most fitness levels and ages, though it’s labeled as “smart casual” dress code (meaning don’t show up in formal wear). The operator recommends bringing swimwear, sunscreen, towels, and a sweater—practical advice given that you’re on the water where wind can make you feel cooler than the air temperature.

There’s an adults-only option (Platinum, for ages 15+) if you want to avoid younger children, which is thoughtful for different travel styles. Group size maxes out at 55 people, which keeps things from feeling like a cattle call while still allowing the operator to run economically.

One reviewer mentioned that while the description said 25 people, she found 40 on board, which she noted made it slightly crowded. This is worth being aware of—the boat can feel full, particularly if you want plenty of personal space. However, she still gave it five stars, suggesting the experience remained worthwhile despite the crowds.

The tour operates with a 24-hour cancellation policy, meaning you can back out if your plans change without losing money. The operator also has weather and minimum-passenger policies that offer refunds or rescheduling if conditions don’t cooperate. This flexibility reduces your risk considerably.

Value Analysis: What You’re Really Paying For

At under $91 per person, you’re looking at a cost that’s genuinely competitive for what you’re receiving. A decent lunch in a Lanzarote restaurant runs €15-20. Unlimited drinks throughout four hours would add another €10-15. Snorkeling equipment rental separately might be €8-10. Kayak or paddleboard rental would be €15-25 per person. Transportation adds another €5-10. Suddenly that $90.70 represents meaningful savings compared to piecing together the same experience independently.

But more importantly, you’re paying for expertise and convenience. The crew knows these waters, knows the best snorkeling spots, knows how to manage a group so everyone gets their turn with equipment. You don’t have to figure out how to get to Puerto Calero or navigate the logistics. You just show up and have a day.

Who This Works Best For

This tour is ideal if you’re visiting Lanzarote for a few days and want a solid half-day activity that combines relaxation with some adventure. It’s excellent for families because it offers something for different energy levels—little kids can snooze on the nets while teens paddleboard and adults snorkel. It works well for couples looking for a stress-free outing where someone else handles all the details.

Solo travelers will find themselves naturally integrated into the group—the crew seems skilled at making everyone feel welcome. If you’re traveling with friends and want something fun but not physically demanding, this fits perfectly.

It’s less ideal if you’re seeking solitude or have strong preferences about group size. If you get seasick easily, you’ll want to take precautions (the catamaran is stable, but you’re still on water). If you’re not interested in water activities, you might find the day a bit long just sitting on the boat, though the snorkeling and paddleboarding aren’t mandatory.

Booking Considerations

The tour books on average 19 days in advance, suggesting it’s popular but not impossibly difficult to secure. During peak season (summer), booking earlier would be wise. The English-language option is confirmed, which matters if you’re not Spanish-speaking.

Weather can affect operations—the tour requires good conditions and will reschedule or refund if that’s not available. This is actually reassuring because it means they won’t take you out in unsafe conditions just to keep the booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the lunch suitable for dietary restrictions?
A: The tour specifically mentions vegetarian lunch options are available. If you have other dietary needs beyond vegetarian, we’d recommend contacting the operator directly at [email protected] to confirm they can accommodate you.

Q: Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?
A: No, snorkeling equipment is provided. The crew also gives snorkeling tips, so even if you’ve never snorkeled before, they’ll help you get comfortable in the water.

Q: What’s the maximum group size and could it feel crowded?
A: The boat accommodates a maximum of 55 travelers. One reviewer noted that the actual number sometimes exceeds the description (she expected 25 but found 40), so it can feel fairly full. If you prefer smaller groups, you might want to confirm the expected group size when booking.

Q: Is hotel transportation included in the price?
A: The tour includes pickup and drop-off, though the meeting point is at Puerto Calero marina. We’d recommend confirming with the operator whether your specific hotel offers pickup, as some accommodations may not be on the standard route.

Q: What happens if the weather is bad?
A: The tour requires good weather. If conditions don’t cooperate, the operator will offer either a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for any reason and receive a full refund.

Q: Can I do this tour with young children?
A: Yes, the tour welcomes families and reviewers specifically mention kids enjoying it. There’s also an adults-only option (Platinum, 15+) if you prefer to avoid children. The family-friendly version seems well-suited to mixed-age groups.

This catamaran experience represents one of those rare tours where the online reviews aren’t overselling the reality. For under $91, you’re getting a well-organized four-hour outing that includes excellent crew service, a satisfying meal, unlimited drinks, and genuine access to beautiful coastline and water activities. The consistently high ratings across nearly 800 reviews—with particular praise for the crew’s attentiveness and the quality of included amenities—suggest this isn’t a case of a few glowing reviews skewing the average. Whether you’re a family looking to break up your beach days, a couple wanting a relaxed adventure, or anyone seeking genuine value during a Lanzarote visit, this tour delivers what it promises. Book it early during peak season, arrive 30 minutes ahead of departure, bring sunscreen and a swimsuit, and plan on spending four hours doing exactly what a good vacation day should involve: being on the water with good people, good food, and zero stress about logistics.