The sun-baked island of Lanzarote is renowned for its secluded golden beaches and dramatic volcanic shores, so exploring the coast is a must during your Canary Islands vacation.

There is a staggering range of boat tours in Lanzarote to choose from. Will you opt for a leisurely catamaran cruise with snorkeling in hidden coves, or is an adrenaline-pumping spin on a jet boat more your sort of thing?

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Lanzarote.

What are the most popular boat tours in Lanzarote?

Most first-time visitors to the island are keen to visit Papagayo Beach, and there are plenty of Lanzarote boat trips that swing by this famous stretch of coastline. You can also explore the outlying island of La Graciosa or take a sunset cruise for a splash of romance.

Papagayo Beach trips

Sail around the pristine southern tip of Lanzarote by catamaran, marveling at volcanic landforms and keeping watch for dolphins. Drop anchor in secluded bays for snorkeling and see if you can spot some local marine life.

On longer boat tours in Lanzarote, you can try kayaking and paddle-boarding too. For something more sedate, relax on deck with lunch and an all-inclusive bar.

La Graciosa tours

After a 30-minute ferry ride from Lanzarote, sail around La Graciosa Island visiting pristine beaches and hidden coves. Stretch your legs in the pretty village of Caleta del Sebo, then go snorkeling to see what lies beneath the waves.

The highlight is Francesa Beach, where kayaking, swimming, and relaxing are on the cards. Sip mojitos and enjoy lunch back on board.

Dolphin watching excursions

For a shorter coastal cruise, this 2-hour dolphin watching excursion focuses on spotting dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. There are opportunities to swim and snorkel from the boat on this family-friendly trip.

Sunset cruises

2-hour sunset cruises are a relaxing way to spend the evening. Enjoy free-flowing drinks and cosy up on beanbags to watch as day turns to dusk. Both catamaran and jet boat trips are available.

Private sailing trips

For an exclusive day out, charter a private sailing yacht and explore the less-visited coastal gems. You can decide where to go, and enjoy as much snorkeling, beach-hopping, and beer as you like.

Family pirate-themed tours

The 3-hour pirate and princess cruise is popular with younger explorers. Laze on giant cushions and enjoy live entertainment and activities, or go swimming from the boat.

Glass-bottomed boat cruises

Get up close and personal with the underwater kingdom as you glide along the southern coast in a glass-bottomed boat. Splash around in the water then eat lunch on board.

Jet boat rides

Take a thrilling 20-minute spin on a jet boat, enjoying the high-speed ride with its turns, spins, and slides.

How much do boat tours in Lanzarote cost?

The price of Lanzarote boat trips varies depending on the tour length:

Full-day boat tours in Lanzarote cost €59 per person, with lunch and an open bar.
Boat trips to La Graciosa island range from €53 to €59, including food and drinks.
Half-day catamaran trips around Papagayo start at €49 for 4 hours, rising to €59 for 5 hours. 4-hour adults-only cruises are €69.
3-hour jaunts with swimming and snorkeling from the boat cost €55 per person, while 2-hour dolphin watching cruises are €24.
The pirate-themed 3-hour family trip is €59 per guest.
2-hour sunset cruises are €38 - €42, and most include free-flowing beer, sangria, or soft drinks.
Chartering a private boat costs €499 for a 5-hour catamaran trip, and €799 for 4 hours on a motor yacht.
Glass-bottomed boat cruises are €44 for 4 hours, or €55 a 9-hour tour.
A 20-minute jet boat spin costs €36.

Which places are visited with a boat tour in Lanzarote?

Papagayo Beach

The southern Papagayo coastline is a highlight of any boat tour in Lanzarote, with hidden bays, sandy beaches, and plenty of turquoise ocean. Papagayo itself is the most famous beach on the island, with untamed surroundings and soft white sand lining the natural cove.

Families love the shallow water, and snorkeling is a delight in the crystal-clear water. Feeling hungry? Then head up the hillside to the beach bar for some local refreshments.

La Graciosa

Less than a mile off the coast but a world away from Lanzarote, the island of La Graciosa is a popular destination on boat trips. Tours include a half-hour ferry ride to the island, where a catamaran awaits to take you off adventuring.

This marine reserve is home to dramatic volcanic landscapes, virgin beaches, and abundant nature. There are no roads on the island, so exploring sleepy villages like Caleta del Sebo is a real treat. Francesa Beach is popular for snorkeling, and makes a great backdrop for lunch onboard.

El Poril

The tranquil bay off the shores of El Poril on the eastern coast is a popular spot for anchoring during Lanzarote boat trips. The clear waters make for superb snorkeling, and you can spot everything from octopus to cuttlefish. Keep an eye out for barracuda hiding in the volcanic crevices.

Many tours also offer kayaking from the boat, and sometimes even jet skiing or inflatable donut rides.

Playa Grande

Playa Grande is one of the most famous beaches in Lanzarote, and the main offering at Puerto del Carmen. The sheltered bay boasts warm, calm waters and a long stretch of golden sand with plenty of space for sunbathing.

Swimming and snorkeling are excellent and the buzzing vibe really gets you in the vacation mood.

How long does a boat trip last?

Lanzarote boat trips range in length from 2-hour excursions to full-day adventures. The most popular tours that visit Papagayo are usually half a day, although longer cruises up to 8 hours are available.

Catamaran sailing trips around La Graciosa are between 5 and 8 hours, including the initial 30-minute ferry ride.

Sunset cruises are 2 hours long, giving you time to relax on deck and watch out for dolphins before the sun sinks below the horizon.

The family pirate trip is 3 hours, while glass-bottomed boat tours are 4 – 9 hours long. Jet boat rides last 20 thrilling minutes.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Hotel pick-ups from resorts around the island are usually included on boat tours in Lanzarote.

On the few occasions where transfers are not included, the departure points are easy to find. Most sailing cruises depart from the Puerto del Carmen Marina or the harbor at Playa Blanca.

For the private catamaran trip, you will need to make your way to the Marina Rubicón in Playa Blanca.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Lanzarote?

Many Lanzarote boat trips can be enjoyed all year round, as the Canary Islands are famed for their winter sun. Temperatures soar during the height of summer, so the best months for a day out on the water are during Spring and Fall when things are a little cooler.

The winter months between November and March can be a great time to visit with fewer crowds. Yet if swimming and snorkeling are priorities, consider coming when sea temperatures are warmer between April and September.

Meanwhile, sunset tours depart at 6 PM during summer, and 4 PM in winter.

Which other water activities can be done in Lanzarote?

Scuba diving: feel the thrill of descending into the underwater world on a diving adventure, meeting creatures of the deep or exploring Europe’s first underwater museum.
Kayaking: dig deep as you paddle through the sea on an open-top kayak, exploring secret coves and coastal landforms that are only accessible by water.
Jet skiing: get your heart pumping with an exhilarating jet ski ride as you power through the waves along dramatic stretches of coastline.
Surfing: learn the rhythm of the sea as you take to the water on your surfboard, after handy lessons on the beach if you need them.
Paddle boarding: propel yourself along the water in the most relaxing fashion, exploring sheltered bays and learning new skills.
Flyboarding: harness your superhero powers as you fly over the sea in an unforgettable rush of adrenaline – prepare to get wet!

Travel tips

Make sure you pack your swimming gear and a towel if you plan to go swimming or snorkeling from the boat.
Take sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the rays out on the ocean.
Book your Lanzarote boat trip tickets online so you can compare prices and get the best deal for your tour.
Wear comfortable clothing and take a light jacket in case it gets breezy on the water.
You will be asked to remove your footwear on board some boats, so take suitable shoes that you can easily slip off.

Boat Tours in Lanzarote