Four hours on a small cat is a treat. This 12-person shared sailing outing takes you along Lanzarote’s east coast to the Papagayo Beaches, with time at anchor for swimming and water activities.

I love that lunch and an unlimited drinks flow are built in, so you’re not hunting for snacks mid-cruise. I also like that you get the gear—paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkelling equipment—so the day feels active, not just scenic. One drawback: it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan on walking and getting in and out of the water yourself.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 12 people): less waiting, more space to enjoy the ride
• Papagayo Beaches focus: this is a coast-hugging trip designed around swimming spots
• Lunch + unlimited drinks included: beer, wine, cava, plus soft drinks and water
• Water time isn’t optional: use kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkelling gear during the stop(s)
• Meet at Puerto Calero: you’ll link up with the team at Cafe del Puerto about 20 minutes early

Ocean Lady’s 12-person size: why it feels personal

A big catamaran can be fun, but this one keeps the vibe calm and friendly. With a maximum of 12 people onboard, you’ll spend less time waiting for gear, fewer hands on the railing during turns, and more chances to talk with the crew and other passengers.

That size matters most when you’re doing the practical stuff: gearing up for snorkelling, getting a spot near where you enter the water, and finding a relaxed corner when you’re ready to eat or just watch the coastline slide by. I like trips where the boat’s small enough that the crew can actually keep an eye on what you’re doing, and this one is designed for that.

You also get a real sense that you’re “on a boat day” rather than a crowded tour slot. And that’s a good fit in Lanzarote, where the coast views are often at their best when you’re not packed in.

From Puerto Calero to Papagayo Beaches: how the 4 hours usually play out

The timing is simple: it’s a 4-hour shared catamaran excursion, with starting times that depend on availability. You meet in Puerto Calero at Cafe del Puerto, around 20 minutes before departure, so you can check in without rushing.

Once you’re onboard, the day is built around cruising the east coast and then spending time near the Papagayo area. Expect the trip to feel like a rhythm: sail for views, pause for water time, then back to the boat for lunch and more relaxing at anchor.

Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, the structure is helpful. You’re not jumping straight into the deep end of the day; you’ve got gear provided and a clear window for snorkelling and paddling. The key is to treat the water activities as the main event, not an add-on.

One practical tip: bring beachwear. You’ll save time by having what you need ready for the moments when the boat anchors and it’s go-time.

Lunch, drinks, and why “unlimited flow” is the real value

This is one of those trips where the included food and drinks change how you experience the coast. Rather than eating later and figuring out transport, you stay on the water schedule.

Lunch and the unlimited drinks flow are included, with options like beer, wine, cava, and soft drinks (including fizzy drinks) plus water. That matters because it lets you focus on enjoying the stop—whether you’re snorkelling, paddling, or simply soaking up the view from the boat.

In my book, a good sea excursion is one where you don’t feel “paid-per-moment.” Here, the boat day is packaged: sail, anchor, swim, eat, and drink, all in one block. That’s also why the group size feels important. With only 12 onboard, lunch time doesn’t feel like a production line.

The deck shower is a small detail, but it’s the kind you’ll thank yourself for. After saltwater and sand (or snorkel time), it helps you reset quickly before you head back to land.

What it’s like to paddle and snorkel around the Papagayo area

The headline activity isn’t just looking at the beaches—it’s getting into the water. You’ll have stand up paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkelling equipment available, and the plan is to use them while you’re anchored among clear water and fish.

This is where the trip earns its keep for active couples and families. Kayaks are great if you want slow control and close-to-the-surface exploring. Paddle boards work well when conditions are calm and you want that steady, “quiet safari” feel across the water.

Snorkelling is the big payoff for most people. The water here is described as crystal clear, with tropical fish around, so the setup (mask, snorkel, gear included) is meant to help you see what’s under the surface without extra rental steps.

A quick reality check: snorkelling is only as fun as your comfort level in the water. If you’re nervous, start with short sessions. If you’re confident, snorkel when the group is ready and the boat is stable at anchor.

Also, don’t over-plan what you’ll do. With a 4-hour window, your best move is to pick your order: paddle or kayak first, snorkel next, and save time on the boat for relaxing so you don’t feel like you sprinted through the experience.

The cruising part: views, sea time, and why anchor time matters

There’s a difference between sailing and “getting somewhere.” This excursion is designed to do both. You cruise along Lanzarote’s east coast, so you’re not stuck staring at the same view all day.

Then anchor time becomes the hinge of the experience. Anchoring is what turns the trip from transport into an actual beach-and-sea day. You’re in position for swimming, water toys, and snorkelling without the constant start-stop feeling that can happen on some boat tours.

If you like photographing coastlines, you’ll find enough changing angles to keep your camera busy. If you’re more about relaxing, you’ll still get value: the boat offers a place to cool off between activities, and the pace stays manageable for a mixed group.

Crew and service: why this one scores high for friendliness

The most praised aspect is the people on the boat. The reviews highlight a friendly, small-group feel and crew members like Sergio and Matthew for being helpful and genuinely engaged. You can feel that kind of service in practical moments: explaining how to use gear, keeping the group moving without pressure, and making sure lunch and drinks land at the right time.

Live tour guidance is also included, offered in English, Spanish, German, and French. That matters because it changes the experience from “follow the boat” to “understand what you’re seeing.” You don’t have to work to get context while you’re trying to enjoy the sea.

And because the crew is part of the package (captain and crew included, plus fuel included), you’re not stuck with vague instructions. It’s structured, but it still feels personal—exactly what you want from a shared excursion.

Price and value: is $91 worth it?

At $91 per person for a 4-hour shared catamaran, the price only makes sense if the inclusions do their job. In this case, they do.

Here’s why the value is strong compared to piecing together a day:

• Lunch included, so you’re not budgeting for food mid-trip
• Drinks included with an unlimited flow (beer, wine, cava, and soft options)
• Water toys included: paddle boards, kayaks, snorkelling equipment
• Fuel, captain, crew, and a deck shower are part of the package

When you add it up, you’re paying for a managed sea outing with gear and on-board comfort included. That’s usually where boat days can get expensive—either you pay for food separately, or you pay to rent gear once you arrive. This format removes that friction.

The “catch,” if there is one, is that you’re choosing a shared trip. So your experience depends partly on the group mood and how the activities are paced. But with the max of 12, that risk stays smaller than on large group tours.

Who this excursion is best for (and who should think twice)

This is a great match for:

• Couples who want a romantic sea day without a private charter price
• Families looking for a mix of cruising, swimming, and included meals
• People who like doing stuff, not just sightseeing from the deck

It may be less ideal if:

• You need wheelchair accessibility (the trip isn’t suitable for wheelchair users)
• You dislike getting wet or you’re not comfortable using water activities
• You only want one short swim and would rather spend the full time on land

The good news is that the experience is flexible within the boat day. If you want to snorkel, you can. If you want to kayak, you can. If you want to relax, you can—especially with the on-board drinks and lunch keeping the pace comfortable.

Small practical tips that make the day smoother

A few things will make you feel more relaxed the moment you step onboard:

• Wear beachwear so you’re ready for water time right away
• Bring a plan for sun protection (you’ll be outside for the full 4 hours)
• Don’t schedule anything tight after the tour; you’ll want time to rinse off and cool down

Also, check the starting time you select when you book. Since departure times depend on availability, picking a slot that fits your day in Lanzarote helps you avoid rushing to meet at Puerto Calero.

Should you book Papagayo Cat’s shared catamaran?

If you want a compact, high-inclusion boat day—clear water, gear provided, lunch and drinks included—this is a strong choice. The small group size (12 max) is a real quality factor, not just marketing. And the Papagayo focus means you’re spending your limited time where the water activities and views matter most.

I’d book it if you’re the kind of traveler who likes a plan that still leaves room to breathe: sail the coast, anchor, use the gear, eat well, and enjoy the sea without extra add-ons.

Skip it if accessibility is a must, or if you know you won’t use snorkelling, paddle boards, or kayaks. In that case, you might prefer a more passive option where the boat day is mostly about riding and views from deck.

FAQ

How many people are on the catamaran?

The tour is a shared catamaran with a maximum of 12 people onboard.

How long is the excursion?

The duration is 4 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet in Puerto Calero at Cafe del Puerto, about 20 minutes before departure.

What’s included in the price?

Included are kayaks, a paddle board, snorkelling equipment, lunch, drinks (beer, wine, cava, soft drinks, fizzy drinks, and water), fuel, captain and crew, and a deck shower.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included, with beer, wine, cava, soft drinks, fizzy drinks, and water.

What water activities can I do?

You can use stand up paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkelling equipment during the trip.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English, Spanish, German, and French.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.