Lanzarote Boat Trips

Not sure which Lanzarote boat trip to choose?

If you are unsure which boat trip is right for you, jump to the section that best matches your holiday.

• Best boat trips for families with children
• Best boat trips for couples and adults
• Best dolphin spotting boat trips
• Best boat trips for groups and private days out
• Best island hopping and ferry trips
• Best taxi boats and short crossings

Choosing the best boat trip in Lanzarote

There are many different boat trips in Lanzarote, so the best choice depends on what kind of day you want. Some trips are relaxed catamaran cruises with food, drinks and swim stops, while others are shorter dolphin spotting trips, sunset cruises, ferry crossings, island-hopping excursions or private boat hire for groups and families.

If you want a full day at sea, a Lanzarote catamaran cruise is usually the best option. If you are short on time, choose a mini cruise, water taxi or sunset boat trip. If you want to explore another island, look at Fuerteventura, La Graciosa or Los Lobos boat trips. For groups, birthdays or a more exclusive experience, private boat hire in Lanzarote is the best choice.

Best Lanzarote boat trips by type

Best for families with children

Families usually prefer Lanzarote boat trips that are easy, comfortable and not too complicated. The best options are trips with hotel pickup, space onboard, swim stops, food and drinks, or shorter cruises if you have younger children who may not want a full day at sea.

Watch a family-friendly Lanzarote boat trip

See what a family-friendly Lanzarote boat trip is like before you book. This video is useful if you are travelling with children and want to see the kind of catamaran experience, swim stops and onboard atmosphere you can expect.

The I Love Papagayo Catamaran is a strong choice for a full family catamaran day. If you are staying in Playa Blanca or want something shorter, the Playa Blanca Catamaran Mini Cruise is a good option. For a quick boat trip from Puerto del Carmen, the Puerto del Carmen Short Mini Cruise is ideal for families who want time on the water without committing to a longer excursion.

Best for couples and adults

Couples and adults often prefer boat trips that feel more relaxed, scenic or grown-up. Sunset cruises are ideal for sea views, photos and a calmer evening experience, while adults-only catamaran cruises are better if you want music, drinks and a more adult atmosphere onboard.

The Lanzarote Sunset Cruise is a good choice for couples who want a shorter romantic boat trip. The Catlanza Adults Only Catamaran is better if you want a longer catamaran experience designed more for adults.

Best for dolphin spotting

Dolphin spotting is one of the most popular reasons to book a boat trip in Lanzarote. Sightings are never guaranteed because dolphins and whales are wild animals, but dedicated dolphin trips give you the best chance of seeing marine life in the Atlantic.

For dolphin spotting, look at the Lanzarote Sunset Cruise with Dolphin Spotting or the Dolphin Watching Sunset Cruise Lanzarote. These are better choices than a general catamaran cruise if your main aim is to see dolphins.

Best for groups and private days out

Groups, birthdays, families celebrating a special occasion and private parties usually need more flexibility than a standard shared boat trip. Private boat hire gives you more space, privacy and control over the day.

The Exclusive Private VIP Catamaran is the best fit for a private experience. For groups who still want a shared but lively catamaran day, the I Love Papagayo Catamaran is also a strong option.

Best for island hopping and ferry trips

If you want to visit another island during your holiday, Fuerteventura is one of the easiest options from Lanzarote. Ferries and organised excursions usually depart from Playa Blanca and arrive in Corralejo, giving you the chance to explore another Canary Island in the same day.

For a full organised day, choose one of the Lanzarote to Fuerteventura trips. If you prefer a simpler crossing, book the Lanzarote Ferry to Fuerteventura.

Best for taxi boats and short crossings

Taxi boats and short crossings are ideal if you do not want a full excursion but still want to enjoy time on the water. These options are good for families, couples and visitors who want a simple coastal journey rather than a full catamaran cruise.

The Puerto del Carmen to Puerto Calero Water Taxi is a great short crossing between two popular areas. The Waterbus Playa Blanca to Marina Rubicón is another easy option if you are staying in Playa Blanca.

Catamaran cruises in Lanzarote

Catamaran cruises are one of the most popular ways to enjoy the Lanzarote coastline. Most catamaran trips include time at anchor, swimming, snorkelling and food and drinks onboard. The most popular areas for catamaran cruises are Papagayo, Puerto Calero, La Graciosa and the southern coastline of Lanzarote.

Catlanza is one of the longest established catamaran companies in Lanzarote. Their trips usually depart from Puerto Calero, one of the island’s most attractive marinas, often known as the Millionaires Marina. Catlanza offers different options including family catamaran cruises, adults-only sailings and private charters.

The I Love Papagayo Catamaran is another popular choice, especially for families and groups who want a full day out with swimming, snorkelling, drinks, lunch and views of the Papagayo coastline.

Papagayo boat trips in Lanzarote

The Papagayo beaches are among the most famous coastal areas in Lanzarote. Known for golden sand, clear water and dramatic volcanic scenery, Papagayo is one of the best places to visit by boat. Many Lanzarote catamaran cruises anchor near Papagayo, giving you time to swim, snorkel and enjoy the coastline from the sea.

If you want a classic Lanzarote boat trip with sea views, swim stops and time to relax onboard, a Papagayo catamaran cruise is one of the safest choices. The I Love Papagayo Catamaran is one of the main options for this type of day out.

Dolphin and whale watching in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, so dolphin and whale spotting trips are always popular. While no responsible boat company can guarantee sightings, some trips have regular success because they head into areas where dolphins are often seen.

If seeing dolphins is your main reason for booking, choose a dedicated dolphin spotting trip rather than a general catamaran cruise. These trips are usually shorter and focus more on the chance of seeing marine life. Good options include the Lanzarote Sunset Cruise with Dolphin Spotting and the Dolphin Watching Sunset Cruise Lanzarote.

Lanzarote to Fuerteventura boat trips and ferry

Fuerteventura is only a short distance from Lanzarote, making it one of the easiest island-hopping trips you can do during your holiday. Ferries and organised excursions usually depart from Playa Blanca and arrive in Corralejo, on the northern coast of Fuerteventura.

You can book a simple Lanzarote to Fuerteventura ferry or choose an organised Lanzarote to Fuerteventura trip that includes transport and time to explore places such as Corralejo, the sand dunes or other parts of the island.

La Graciosa boat trips from Lanzarote

La Graciosa is one of the most unique places to visit from Lanzarote. The island sits just off the north coast and is known for its quiet beaches, relaxed atmosphere and unspoilt scenery. There are no normal roads in La Graciosa, which is part of what makes it feel so different from the main tourist resorts.

You can visit La Graciosa by ferry from Órzola or book a catamaran excursion that includes time around the island, food, drinks and time at anchor. For many visitors, La Graciosa is one of the best boat trips in Lanzarote because it feels like a proper escape.

Boat trips from Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen is one of the main areas for Lanzarote boat trips. The old town harbour is used for several boat excursions, including mini cruises, water taxis, dolphin spotting trips, sunset cruises and selected trips towards Papagayo or Los Lobos.

If you are staying in Puerto del Carmen, Matagorda or Puerto Calero, you will find several boat trips nearby. Some include hotel pickup, while others may ask you to go directly to the harbour. Good short options include the Puerto del Carmen Short Mini Cruise and the Puerto del Carmen to Puerto Calero Water Taxi.

Boat trips from Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is one of the best resorts for ferry and boat connections. From here you can travel to Fuerteventura, visit Marina Rubicón, book private boat hire or join selected coastal trips. Playa Blanca is also close to Papagayo, making it a good area for boat trips along the southern coastline.

If you are staying in Playa Blanca and want a simple island-hopping day, the Fuerteventura ferry is one of the easiest options. For a shorter local trip, look at the Playa Blanca Catamaran Mini Cruise or the Waterbus Playa Blanca to Marina Rubicón.

Boat trips from Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise does not have a main excursion harbour in the same way as Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero or Playa Blanca. However, many Lanzarote boat trips offer hotel pickup from Costa Teguise, so you can still book catamaran cruises, dolphin cruises and other boat excursions without needing to arrange your own transport.

For visitors staying in Costa Teguise, check each trip page carefully to see whether pickup is included and which harbour the boat departs from.

Private boat hire in Lanzarote

Private boat hire is ideal if you want a more personal experience on the water. It is popular with families, groups, birthdays, stag and hen parties, couples and anyone who wants more space and privacy than a shared boat trip.

Options can include private catamarans, VIP boats, smaller motor boats and no-licence boat rental. If you are travelling as a group, private boat hire can sometimes work out better value than booking individual places on a shared excursion. For a premium option, see the Exclusive Private VIP Catamaran.

Lanzarote submarine trips

If you want a sea-based experience but do not want to spend the day on a boat, the Lanzarote Submarine Safari is one of the island’s most unique excursions. You go below the surface in a real submarine and see marine life, underwater scenery and shipwrecks without needing to swim or dive.

This is a good option for families, non-swimmers and anyone looking for something different from a standard boat trip.

Lanzarote sunset boat trips

A sunset boat trip is one of the best ways to see Lanzarote from the ocean. These trips are usually shorter than full-day catamaran cruises and are popular with couples, families and small groups who want sea views, photos and a more relaxed evening experience.

Watch a Lanzarote sunset cruise

If you are thinking about booking a sunset boat trip in Lanzarote, this video gives you a better idea of the views, atmosphere and experience before you choose your excursion.

Some sunset cruises also include dolphin spotting, making them a good choice if you want a mix of wildlife, scenery and a shorter time at sea. If you want an evening trip, see the Lanzarote Sunset Cruise.

What is included on Lanzarote boat trips?

Every boat trip is different, so always check the details before booking. Many catamaran cruises include hotel pickup, food, drinks, swimming, snorkelling and time at anchor. Shorter trips, ferries, water taxis and mini cruises may include transport only.

• Hotel pickup on selected trips
• Food and drinks on many catamaran cruises
• Swim stops on selected boat trips
• Snorkelling or water activities on selected excursions
• Ferry crossings for island-hopping trips
• Private hire options for groups and special occasions

Before you book a Lanzarote boat trip

Boat trips are some of the most popular excursions in Lanzarote, especially during school holidays, summer and busy travel periods. Booking in advance is recommended if you want a specific date, a popular catamaran cruise or a trip with limited spaces.

• Check whether hotel pickup is included or whether you need to go directly to the harbour.
• Check the departure point before booking, especially if you are staying outside the main resorts.
• Bring swimwear, towel, sun cream and a light layer for the sea breeze.
• Dolphin and whale sightings are not guaranteed because they are wild animals.
• If you suffer from seasickness, consider a shorter cruise or bring suitable travel sickness tablets.
• Book early in peak periods because the most popular boat trips can sell out.

How to book your Lanzarote boat trip

Booking your Lanzarote boat trip with TravelON is simple. Choose the trip you want, select your date, tell us where you are staying and complete your booking online. Where hotel pickup is available, this will be shown clearly on the trip page.

Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive your details and tickets, and the TravelON team can support you before and after booking if needed. Booking in advance also helps you plan your holiday properly and avoid missing out on the most popular boat trips.

About the author

Mr TravelON is the brand ambassador for TravelON and one of the most watched travel experts in the Canary Islands, with more than 400000 followers across YouTube, TikTok and Facebook. Mr TravelON has worked in tourism for over 25 years with tour operators, excursion suppliers and the local Canary Islands tourism board. He is on the ground in Lanzarote filming content, reviewing tours and talking with holidaymakers every day. His advice comes from real experience and direct contact with the island.