A fun day on Lanzarote starts with one cliff stop. This catamaran trip to Barranco del Quiquere mixes easy cruising with real water-time, and you get included gear for snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The banana and donut towing by a fast boat is the part most people remember, because it turns a relaxed morning into a laugh-out-loud adrenaline session.

I also like how the food and drinks are set up for comfort, not chaos: snacks plus beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water while you’re moored. One thing to consider: the activity runs rain or shine, and the operator may cancel if sea conditions are not good, so you’ll want flexibility if the weather looks rough.

Key Points You Should Know

• Barranco del Quiquere is the main action zone, with time to swim and play before heading back.
• Included water toys are real and varied: snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
• The banana and donut rides are towed from a fast boat, so expect a thrill factor and lots of photos.
• The catamaran stay is designed for comfort: snacks and drinks are available during the cruise and stop.
• Private or small-group options can mean more space and a less rushed feel.

Barranco del Quiquere Is the Right Place for Water Play

Barranco del Quiquere sits along the Lanzarote coast in the stretch between Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen, and that location matters. You’re not just going “out to sea for a ride.” You’re heading to a cliff-and-coast stop where the shoreline scenery stays interesting while you’re waiting for your turn in the water.

The coast here is also part of the experience. You pass by major coastal points along the way (including Puerto Calero and Playa Quemada), and you may also see Playa Papagayo from the water. From a catamaran, those contrasts land well: quiet coves and dramatic rock lines without the hassle of parking or walking uphill in the heat.

This is the kind of stop that works whether you’re a full-on water person or more of a “watch and relax” type. Swim time is built in, but you’re also given multiple ways to get out there—snorkeling if you want to look around, or paddling if you want to stay active and in control of your pace.

Puerto Calero Departure: How the 2 to 4 Hours Actually Works

Most trips run in the 2–4 hour range, and that timing is one of the reasons this works for a vacation schedule. It’s long enough to feel like a day plan, but short enough that it doesn’t steal your whole afternoon (or force you into a rushed dinner).

The day starts from Puerto Calero, with boarding on a shared or private catamaran. From there, you cruise toward the cliff area and along the coast. Once you’re moored, the mood shifts from “views and cruising” to “jump in and choose your activity.”

A practical note: pickups are included, and you’re told to wait outside reception about 10 minutes before your pickup time. The car leaves about 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup, so don’t aim for “close enough.” If you’re staying somewhere with a busy lobby, step outside early so you don’t lose minutes.

Because the trip happens rain or shine, you should dress for changing conditions. If the sea is too rough, the operator can cancel for safety or comfort, so check the day-of communication and be ready to pivot.

Cruising Views: Catamaran Comfort Beats a Speedboat-Only Day

I like catamarans on island trips because they feel more vacation-y than a pure adrenaline loop. Here, the catamaran phase isn’t just empty transit—it’s when you actually get your sense of Lanzarote’s coastline.

You’ll move from Puerto Calero along the coast, with passes by Playa Quemada and opportunities to see Playa Papagayo along the route. That matters because Lanzarote can look different from the water: you get angles on the cliffs and the way the shoreline sits against the sea.

If you’re traveling with friends or family who have different energy levels, this format helps. You can be the person who wants to paddle and snorkel, and someone else can stay onboard, enjoy the drinks, and watch the action when the fast boat returns.

The catamaran also gives you a stable base while you wait for your turn in the activities. Since this trip includes multiple water sports, having a comfortable “home” on the water makes the whole timeline feel smoother.

Snorkeling, Kayak, or SUP: Pick Your Level of Effort

Once you’re moored near the cliff area, you shift from sailing to playing. You’ll have options that range from easy to active:

• Swim in the warm, clear waters
• Use snorkeling equipment to explore what’s under the surface
• Paddle with a kayak
• Paddle more upright with a stand-up paddleboard (SUP)

This is one of the best values on the itinerary: you’re not paying extra just to try multiple water activities. The trip supplies the equipment for the included activities, and you can choose based on how you feel that day.

Kayaks and SUPs also change the experience from “look at one spot” to “move around a bit.” If you’re comfortable on the water, you can cover more area and keep your own rhythm. If you’re less confident, you can stay close and focus on the basics.

One small travel tip: if you want the snorkeling to feel worth it, keep your time in the water purposeful. Swim out, take a few steady passes with your snorkel, and then switch to kayak or SUP to avoid overdoing it in the sun.

If you like that “little adventure with guardrails” feeling, this section delivers.

Banana and Donut Tows: The Adrenaline Portion

The headline thrill here is the donut and banana rides. These are towed by one of the provider’s fast boats, and the whole setup is designed so thrill-seekers can go big while the rest keep it relaxed.

It’s the kind of activity that turns the group into a team. Even if you don’t ride, you can watch the tow take off and line up again for the next round. If you do ride, expect a mix of laughter and adrenaline—people often talk about this part specifically because it’s pure fun without needing special training.

From the crew side, this is where the hosts’ energy shows. I’ve seen reports of captains like Santos and Nicolas adding humor and keeping things moving, and that kind of vibe matters when you’re strapping in or getting briefed on what’s next.

One consideration: towing rides are more weather- and sea-dependent than the calm-swimming options. If the water is choppy, you may still get time in, but you’ll want realistic expectations about how quickly and smoothly the tow sessions can happen.

Food and Drinks: Included, Self-Serve, and Actually Enough

This trip doesn’t treat food like an afterthought. During the moored time, you’ll have a selection that includes seasonal fruits, cheese, and snacks, plus drinks like beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.

What I like is how the drinks are set up for the group. People have specifically pointed out that it’s self-serve, which usually means fewer queues and less standing around. On a trip with multiple activities, that matters. You don’t want to spend your limited time waiting for a drink.

Also, snacks plus drinks while you’re between activities is the right formula. You’re in and out of the water. You’re sun-exposed. A quick plate and something cold helps you stay comfortable and ready to rejoin the fun.

If you’re traveling with kids, this kind of included snack setup can be a relief. One account mentioned the food went over well even with picky eaters, which matches the general logic: you’re more likely to find something you can grab fast and keep moving.

Shared vs Private: Choose the Pace You Want

You can book a shared experience or go private/small group. This isn’t just about privacy—it changes how the day feels.

Shared trips tend to be more social, but the operator also emphasizes small groups. In some accounts, the number of people on board was low enough that people felt they had more freedom. That matters for water sports because it reduces waiting time and helps everyone get real turns.

Private can be the best choice if you want a calmer timeline, faster feedback from staff, or you’re traveling as a couple or family that wants the boat mostly to yourselves. I’ve seen at least one report of a private-style setup with hosts like Joan and Imanol, where the day felt very tailored with plenty of time to do the included activities.

The practical takeaway: if you hate feeling rushed, choose the group size that gives you breathing room. If you like meeting people and swapping stories mid-cruise, shared can be a good fit too.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At $118 per person, you’re not just buying boat time. You’re paying for a bundle:

• Catamaran cruise and mooring time
• Snorkeling equipment
• Kayak
• Stand-up paddleboard
• Banana boat and donut boat
• Snacks and drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, water)

That value adds up because many water-sport days on islands sell each activity separately. Here, the included list covers both calm activities (swim/snorkel/kayak/SUP) and thrill activities (banana/donut). So you’re not locked into one type of experience.

In plain terms, this is a good buy if you want variety in one afternoon. It’s less ideal if you’re only interested in one activity and don’t care about the rest, because the “bundle” is the point.

There’s also an add-on culture around water sports in Lanzarote. One account mentioned an option to upgrade to jet skis (with reported pricing examples), and another mentioned paragliding as well. Those extras aren’t part of the core included package, so treat them as optional if you want a second wave of adventure after the catamaran.

What to Bring and How to Prep Fast

You don’t need a lot of gear for this day, which is part of its appeal. Still, pack smart so you can move quickly between deck and water.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel

If you sunburn easily, consider bringing a rash guard or extra sun protection even though it’s not listed. You’ll be in and out of the water under strong sun, and Lanzarote weather can shift quickly.

Also, mentally plan around a “two-mode” day. First you’ll be cruising and relaxing with snacks and drinks. Then you’ll gear up and join one or more water activities. The best way to enjoy it is not to overcommit to everything at once. Pick snorkel or paddle first, then save the donut/banana moment as your peak-energy finish.

If you’re unsure how you’ll feel about towing rides, watch one run up close before you decide. It helps you calibrate your comfort level.

Who This Catamaran Trip Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• A short, satisfying Lanzarote water day (not a full-day slog)
• Real included activities, not just sightseeing
• A mix of relaxing time and thrill rides
• The option for small-group or private pacing

It’s also great for groups where people don’t all want the same thing. One person can snorkel while another paddles. Then the whole crew gathers again when the fast boat comes back.

It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so if that’s part of your group, you’ll want to look for an option designed around accessible boarding and time on the water.

Should You Book This Puerto del Carmen Catamaran With Water Sports?

I think you should book if you want a balanced day: scenic cruising plus included water play plus the banana/donut tow. The price makes sense because it includes equipment and multiple activities in one package, and the self-serve drinks setup helps keep the day from turning into a wait-in-line routine.

Skip it if you’re extremely sea-sensitive or you’re the type who wants a calm, no-surprises schedule. Between rain-or-shine operation and possible cancellation for poor sea conditions, the day can change.

Best call: book when your schedule has some flexibility, pack your towel and swimwear, and go in ready to split your time between calm water (snorkel/kayak/SUP) and the laughs of the towing rides.

If that sounds like your kind of Lanzarote afternoon, this catamaran day is exactly the right shape of trip.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The duration is 2 to 4 hours, depending on the available starting times.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Pickup is included. You should wait outside the reception about 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time, and the car leaves about 5 minutes after.

What water sports are included?

The included activities are stand-up paddleboard, kayak, banana boat, donut boat, and snorkeling equipment.

What food and drinks are included?

You get snacks and drinks, including beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, plus items like seasonal fruits and cheese during the stop.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.