The Adults-Only Luxury Catamaran Cruise to Papagayo
Some days at sea are for the whole family. This one isn’t. The Catlanza Platinum is an adults-only catamaran cruise built around indulgence: no children aboard, champagne cocktails at the bar, a freshly cooked lunch served at anchor, and a full afternoon of sunbathing and swimming in the turquoise bay off the Papagayo beaches. One of the longest-established and best-known catamaran trips on Lanzarote, Catlanza has a serious reputation to live up to, and with a 4.9 out of 5 rating it clearly does. If you’re travelling as a couple, or simply want a grown-up day on the water without the splashing and shrieking of a family boat, this is the one.
This guide covers what the Platinum cruise involves, what sets the adults-only sailing apart, what’s included, where it leaves from and how to book.
What Makes the Platinum Sailing Different
Catlanza runs two versions of its catamaran trip. The Gold sailing welcomes families and children, while the Platinum sailing covered here is strictly adults-only, with no under-16s permitted aboard. The distinction matters, because it changes the whole tone of the day. Without children on board, the atmosphere is calmer, more relaxed and more indulgent, the kind of unhurried day at sea that couples and groups of friends come on holiday for. The Platinum sailing also carries one tangible upgrade in the form of the bar: alongside the beer, wine and soft drinks, the adults-only trip serves cava and champagne cocktails throughout the day. It’s a small touch that sets the tone for what is billed, fairly, as a day of luxury and indulgence rather than just another boat trip.
What the Day Involves
The cruise runs to around four hours and follows an easy, relaxed rhythm. After pickup from your resort, you’re taken to the smart marina at Puerto Calero, where you board the Catlanza catamaran. From there the boat sails west along the coast towards the Papagayo beaches, giving you time to settle in, take in the volcanic skyline from the water and enjoy the first-class facilities on board.
On reaching the sheltered bay off Papagayo, the catamaran drops anchor and the heart of the day begins. The all-inclusive bar stays open throughout, and you’re free to swim in the warm, clear water, snorkel over the abundant marine life in the bay, or simply stretch out on deck in the Canarian sun with a drink in hand. Lunch, a freshly prepared pasta dish, is served on board while you’re at anchor. After plenty of time to make the most of the bay, the catamaran weighs anchor and sails back around the Papagayo headland to Puerto Calero. The return leg is a good time to keep an eye on the water, as the crew report frequent dolphin sightings alongside the boat, though as always with wildlife they can never be guaranteed.
What’s Included
The Catlanza Platinum is an all-inclusive day. The price covers return coach transfers from the nearest pickup point to your accommodation, the luxury catamaran cruise itself, a freshly cooked pasta lunch served at anchor, and the all-inclusive bar running for the duration of the trip. On this Platinum sailing the bar serves beer, wine, soft drinks and the cava and champagne cocktails that set the adults-only trip apart. Snorkelling in the bay is part of the experience, and there’s plenty of comfortable deck space for sunbathing and relaxing. If you have any dietary requirements, the crew can cater for them with advance notice, so let them know before departure.
Where It Departs From
Catlanza is based at Puerto Calero, the upmarket marina on the south coast between Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca, which suits the tone of the trip nicely. If you’re not staying in Puerto Calero itself, the included coach pickup and drop-off will collect you from at or near your accommodation and bring you directly to the catamaran. Pickups cover the main resort areas including Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca and Arrecife. The exact pickup time is confirmed on your ticket when you book, and it’s worth noting that in peak season some sailings run in the afternoon rather than the morning, with the operator allocating whatever is available on your chosen date.
What to Bring
Pack swimwear worn under your clothes, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses. Shade on deck is limited and the sun off the water is strong, so proper sun protection matters. Bring a camera or phone for the volcanic coastline and the dolphins on the way back, and a light layer for the breeze on deck outside the warmest months. Snorkelling equipment is provided, so there’s no need to bring your own.
Is It Right for You?
This is a cruise for adults who want a relaxed, slightly indulgent day at sea. It suits couples looking for a romantic day on the water, groups of friends after a sociable sailing with a champagne cocktail in hand, and anyone who simply prefers the calmer atmosphere of an adults-only boat over the livelier family trips. If you’re travelling with children, this particular sailing isn’t for you, but the good news is that Catlanza’s Gold sailing offers the same beautiful route and experience with children very welcome, so the family can still enjoy the Catlanza catamaran on a different trip.
One practical note: like all the catamaran trips on this stretch of coast, the day involves boarding and moving around a boat at sea, and Lanzarote’s trade winds can make the water lively, so anyone prone to seasickness should take the usual precautions before sailing. Sea temperatures, for the record, sit at around 19°C in the cooler winter months and climb to 22 or 23°C in summer, so the swimming is comfortable year-round for anyone used to the Atlantic.
What Previous Guests Say
The Catlanza Platinum earns outstanding reviews, with a 4.9 out of 5 average that reflects its long-standing reputation as one of the best catamaran experiences on the island. Guests consistently highlight the relaxed adults-only atmosphere, the quality of the food and the all-inclusive bar, the comfortable deck space for sunbathing, and the beauty of the Papagayo bay itself. The professionalism and friendliness of the crew come up repeatedly, as do the dolphin sightings on the return sail. The overall picture is of a polished, well-run cruise that delivers exactly the day of luxury and relaxation it promises.
Booking the Catlanza Platinum Cruise
As one of the longest-established and most popular catamaran trips on Lanzarote, the Catlanza Platinum books up quickly, particularly in peak season, so reserving ahead is strongly recommended rather than leaving it to chance. When you book, provide your accommodation details for pickup and flag any dietary requirements in advance. For an adults-only day of sunshine, champagne cocktails, swimming in the clear water of Papagayo and a relaxed sail along Lanzarote’s volcanic south coast, the Catlanza Platinum is one of the island’s standout luxury boat trips. Check availability and book your place below.
