Puerto del Carmen: Catamaran Trip with Water Sports

The fastest way to understand this Lanzarote outing is to picture a relaxed catamaran cruise that can turn lively in seconds. You can sunbathe with a drink, then swap the deck for a kayak, paddleboard, banana boat, or a donut pulled behind a speedboat. The water sports are included, which gives this trip more range than a simple sightseeing cruise.

I like the mix of quiet coastal views and proper family fun. I also like the generous food and drink setup, with seasonal fruit, cheese, snacks, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water available during the stop. The main thing to consider is the sea: rough conditions can cancel the trip, and the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

I also like the small-group feel reported on several departures. Named crew members including Santos, Nicolas, Joan, and Imanol have been praised for their humor, kindness, and willingness to help. Transport details need checking when you book, since the information describes both hotel pickup and no included hotel transfer.

Key points at a glance

• Barranco del Quiquere stop: Moor near a striking cliff between Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.
• Donut and banana rides included: A fast boat pulls the inflatables, giving thrillseekers a more exciting option than simply floating beside the catamaran.
• Food and drinks are part of the fare: Expect seasonal fruit, cheese, snacks, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.
• Shared or private format: You can choose a social small-group trip or a private boat experience, subject to availability.
• A flexible 2 to 4 hours: The exact length and departure time depend on the option available when you book.
• Bring swimwear and a towel: There is swimming and snorkeling, but no hotel transfer should be assumed without confirming it.

Why this catamaran trip has more to offer than a boat ride

Lanzarote is well suited to seeing from the water. The coast around Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero has dark volcanic rock, pale beaches, low cliffs, and wide Atlantic views. From a catamaran, you get a different angle on the island than you do from a road or resort promenade.

This trip begins in Puerto Calero and heads along the coast toward Barranco del Quiquere. The route takes in views around Puerto Calero, Playa Quemada, and the Papagayo area. The details describe Playa Papagayo as part of the route and highlight it as a scenic point, but you should not assume the boat makes a full beach stop there. The main swimming and activity stop is at Barranco del Quiquere.

That distinction matters. If your main goal is to walk on Papagayo Beach, this is not a beach excursion. If you want to see coastal scenery, swim from the boat, and try several activities in one outing, the route makes good sense.

Leaving Puerto Calero for the volcanic coast

You board at Puerto Calero, a marina south of Puerto del Carmen. The cruise then moves past the coast near Puerto Calero and Playa Quemada before reaching Barranco del Quiquere. The journey itself is part of the appeal, since you have time to sit back, watch the shoreline, and take in Lanzarote without having to organize several separate activities.

I would treat the outward cruise as the calm portion of the day. Have a drink, find a comfortable place on deck, and take photos while the catamaran is moving. The scenery is open and exposed, so bring sun protection even if you plan to spend much of the time in the water.

A catamaran is a practical choice for this route. It gives you room to move around and offers a steadier platform than a small speedboat. That said, the Atlantic can still feel choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, sit in a central area and keep your first drink modest until you know how the water feels.

Barranco del Quiquere: the main stop

The catamaran moors at or near Barranco del Quiquere, a cliff area between Puerto Calero and Puerto del Carmen. This is where the outing changes from sightseeing cruise to water day.

You can swim in the clear, warm water, use the snorkeling equipment, or simply stay on the boat and enjoy the view. You are not forced into the activities, which is useful for mixed groups. One person can paddleboard while another sunbathes, and children or less confident swimmers can enjoy the scenery without taking part in every ride.

The stop also gives you a chance to use the kayak and stand-up paddleboard. These are the quieter choices. Kayaking lets you move at your own pace, while paddleboarding gives you a little exercise and a higher view across the water. Conditions may affect how easy either activity feels, so do not expect perfectly flat water on every departure.

Snorkeling equipment is included. The information does not promise a particular reef, marine life sighting, or underwater site, so think of snorkeling as an optional way to explore the water rather than a specialist snorkeling tour. Visibility and sea conditions will shape what you see.

Donut rides, banana boats, and extra speed

The most playful part of the trip is the towable water sports. A fast boat follows behind the catamaran, allowing you to ride the banana boat or donut. The donut tends to be the more chaotic option, with riders sliding and bouncing as the boat turns. The banana boat offers a more familiar group ride.

These activities are included in the listed price, which is important when comparing this outing with ordinary catamaran cruises. You are not paying a base fare and then discovering that every popular activity costs extra. The crew may offer other activities on some departures, but jet skis and paragliding are not part of the stated package. Extra activities mentioned by participants had separate charges, so ask before agreeing to any upgrade.

This is a good setup for groups with different energy levels. You can spend one hour doing very little and the next hour laughing on the donut. The tradeoff is that the water sports may be shared among everyone on board, so you might need to wait for your turn during a busy departure.

Food and drinks that make the price easier to judge

At $118 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. Its value depends on how much of the included package you use.

You receive the catamaran trip, snorkeling equipment, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, banana boat, donut boat, snacks, and drinks. The food includes seasonal fruit, cheese, and additional snacks. Drinks include beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. Several departures have offered self-service drinks, which means you can take a drink without waiting for a bar service queue.

That combination makes the price more reasonable for people who plan to swim and use the inflatables. A simple coastal cruise with one drink may cost less, but it will not give you the same range of included activities. On the other hand, if you only want to sit on deck and look at the coast, you may find the fare high.

The food sounds more substantial than a token snack. Families have found options that work even for fussy children, and some departures have served what was described as a lovely lunch. Still, the exact food selection is seasonal, so do not book this as a specialty meal. Think of it as welcome fuel between swims and rides.

Shared, private, and small-group choices

You can choose between a shared trip and a private experience, with small-group options available. The best choice depends on the group you are traveling with.

A shared trip suits solo visitors, couples, and families who enjoy meeting other people. The activity naturally creates an easy social mood, especially when several people take the donut or banana boat together. A private boat makes more sense for a birthday, anniversary, family group, or anyone who wants more control over the pace.

Private does not mean the sea will be calm or every extra activity will be included. It does give your group a more personal setting and may make it easier to balance quiet time with water sports. The trip length is listed as 2 to 4 hours, so confirm the exact duration for your selected departure.

Several people have enjoyed the boat even without joining the activities. That is worth noting for families with mixed interests. One child might spend the trip watching the boats and coast, while older children and adults take turns on the water. The crew can also be an important part of the experience. Santos and Nicolas have been singled out for their humor and attentiveness, while Joan and Imanol have been praised for taking photos and helping couples make the most of a private outing.

Crew names and boat arrangements can change, so treat those names as examples rather than a guarantee for your departure.

Transport, timing, and the details to check

Hotel pickup is the one practical detail I would confirm before paying. The information says hotel pickup is not included, but it also contains pickup instructions telling you to wait outside reception ten minutes before the scheduled time. Some people have received transport to and from their hotel, while the general inclusions exclude it.

Ask the operator exactly where you will be collected, or whether you need to reach Puerto Calero yourself. If pickup is arranged, be ready ten minutes early because the car may leave five minutes after the scheduled pickup time. One participant found a small amount of Spanish useful when communicating with the transport driver, so that may help if your hotel is outside the main resort areas.

Bring swimwear and a towel. You may also want sun cream, a hat, and a waterproof pouch for valuables, though those extra items are not listed as required. There is no reason to carry much on the boat. Keep phones and cameras protected around the inflatables.

The tour operates in rain or shine, but poor sea conditions can lead to cancellation. That is not a flaw unique to this trip. It is simply part of booking an Atlantic water activity. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility.

The activity is available with English, French, German, and Spanish-speaking guides. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so ask about the boarding arrangements if anyone in your group has limited movement.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several types of fun in one booking. It works especially well for families, couples, and groups of friends who want both relaxation and fast water rides.

It is also a strong choice for a mixed-age group. You do not need to take part in every activity, and the catamaran provides a comfortable base for anyone who prefers to watch. The included food and drinks add practical value for families, while the donut and banana boat give teenagers and adults something more exciting than a standard swim stop.

Couples may prefer the private option. A private departure can give you a quieter setting for coastal views, swimming, and a meal, with the option to add more action when you want it. One private anniversary outing included photos taken by the crew, but you should not assume photography is included on every trip.

I would hesitate if your priority is a long visit to Playa Papagayo, a dedicated snorkeling site, or a full-day sailing voyage. This is a short, activity-led cruise. Its appeal comes from variety, not from spending hours in one remote cove.

Should you book the Puerto del Carmen catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a sociable half-day on the water and expect to use the included activities. The combination of a catamaran, swimming, snorkeling, kayak, paddleboard, banana boat, donut boat, food, and drinks gives you a lot to do for the $118 price.

Choose a private option if you are marking a special occasion or want a more personal boat day. Choose shared or small-group travel if you like a lively atmosphere and do not mind waiting your turn for the towable rides.

Before booking, confirm the exact duration, pickup arrangements, and whether any optional activities carry extra charges. If those points suit your plans, this is a well-rounded way to see the Lanzarote coast without spending the day on a single type of boat ride.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

The trip departs from Puerto Calero, on Lanzarote’s coast near Puerto del Carmen.

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is between 2 and 4 hours. Starting times and the exact length depend on availability.

What places can I see from the boat?

The route passes Puerto Calero and Playa Quemada before reaching Barranco del Quiquere. The trip also includes views toward the scenic Playa Papagayo area.

Does the trip stop at Playa Papagayo?

The information describes Playa Papagayo as part of the scenic route, but identifies Barranco del Quiquere as the main mooring and activity stop. Confirm the exact route if visiting the beach is essential to your plans.

Are water sports included in the price?

Yes. The included activities are kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, banana boating, and donut boating.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks, seasonal fruit, cheese, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included.

Do I need to bring swimwear?

Yes. Swimwear and a towel are listed as items to bring.

Is hotel pickup included?

The information is inconsistent. One section says hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, while another provides instructions for included pickup. Confirm your transport arrangements before booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The trip operates in rain or shine, but it may be cancelled if sea conditions are unsafe.

Is the activity suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.