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Cruise Through Lanzarote - Discover, Dine & Relax

Panoramic Views
Panoramic Views
Frequent Departures
Frequent Departures
Sightseeing & Onboard Meal Options
Sightseeing & Onboard Meal Options
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Top things to do in Lanzarote

Humpback whale breaching in Lanzarote during whale watching tour.

Lanzarote Whale Watching Tours

from

€35

Tour bus traversing volcanic landscape in Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote.

Timanfaya National Park

from

€44

Quick overview

  • Cruise types: Choose half-day cruises to Papagayo Beach, La Graciosa island excursions, sunset sailings, or ferry transfers to suit your sightseeing schedule. 
  • Typical duration: Longer cruises to islands, which also include time for activities like swimming, kayaking, or snorkelling, can go up to 6 hours, while ferry transfers generally last around 30 minutes one way. 
  • Routes: Cruises to Papagayo focus on south-coast beach scenery, while cruises to La Graciosa combine transfers, free time to explore the island, and a ride on a catamaran.
  • Boarding: Depending on your cruise, departures may be from Puerto del Carmen, Órzola, Caleta de Sebo, Playa Blanca, or Puerto Calero.
  • Book ahead: Three to seven days is a sensible booking window, particularly when pickup or specific departure times matter based on the rest of your schedule.
  • Good to know: There are no attraction-style security queues. Additionally, most cruises are not suitable for wheelchair users or guests prone to getting seasick. 
  • Best upgrade: Choose tours with round-trip hotel transfers to make your day seamless and to eliminate the hassle of navigating public transportation.

What to expect on your Lanzarote cruise

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Start at the right departure point

Depending on the itinerary, you could board at Puerto del Carmen, Órzola, Caleta de Sebo, or Puerto Calero, so check the meeting point on your ticket carefully. Several tours also include transfers from your hotel, adding to the convenience of the experience.

Settle into a catamaran, ferry, or a real submarine

Papagayo and sunset experiences center on time aboard a catamaran, while La Graciosa trips combine sailing on a ferry and a catamaran, depending on the cruise. If you’re someone who enjoys the world underwater, the submarine dive could also be your cup of tea.

See Lanzarote from a truly unique perspective

The water gives you a different perspective on the island's volcanic coastline, with Papagayo's southern beaches and the approach to La Graciosa offering unparalleled panoramic views.

Stop for swimming or free time on an island

Papagayo cruises typically build in an anchorage for swimming and water activities. La Graciosa trips add time in Caleta de Sebo before the catamaran portion, making the experience more varied than a standard sailing.

Enjoy food and drinks

Lunch and drinks are important parts of many daytime cruises, particularly Papagayo trips. Sunset sailings may include lighter refreshments, so check the inclusions for your chosen departure.

Finish with the right expectations

Sunset cruises are best viewed as evening scenic sailings, with dolphin sightings a possibility rather than a promise. Sea conditions can also affect swimming, snorkeling and watersports.

Things to know before booking a Lanzarote cruise

Booking window & availability

You can sometimes find shared cruises close to the departure date, but booking 3–7 days in advance gives you a better chance of securing your preferred date, departure time, and pickup. Demand can also rise during school holidays and from November through March, when travelers from colder parts of Europe visit Lanzarote for its milder weather.

Cruise types on this route

Papagayo cruises are relaxed half-day outings lasting around 4 hours, with time to admire the southern coast, swim, and enjoy lunch. La Graciosa cruises take around 5–6 hours and combine a ferry crossing with a catamaran cruise. Sunset sailings are shorter, usually lasting around 2–2.5 hours.

Day vs. evening experiences

Day cruises give you more time to enjoy the coastline, swim, take part in water activities, and enjoy a sumptuous lunch on board. Sunset cruises are a shorter, more atmospheric way to get out on the water, making them a good fit if you want to keep most of your day free for sightseeing and to end it with stunning golden hour views.

Dining & pricing

Many Papagayo and La Graciosa cruises include lunch, while sunset sailings may include drinks, snacks, or canapés. What is served, along with the price and any dietary provisions, depends on the specific cruise, so check the details of your chosen sailing before booking.

Boat types & seating

Most shared day and sunset cruises take place on catamarans, giving you space to enjoy the sea views as you sail along the coast. For a quieter experience, small-group electric catamarans offer a more intimate way to watch the sunset. If you prefer to explore independently, you can also take the ferry to La Graciosa and spend your time on the island at your own pace.

Boarding points

Lanzarote cruises do not all leave from the same pier. Many Papagayo and sunset cruises depart from Puerto del Carmen, while trips to La Graciosa generally begin with the ferry from Órzola. Some sailings also leave from Caleta de Sebo or Puerto Calero, while several experiences also offer you the option of booking a tour with round-trip hotel transfers.

Policies, weather & accessibility

Make sure you arrive in good time, as passengers must be accepted for boarding 10 minutes before departure. Unlike attractions, these cruises do not involve a traditional queue to skip. Sea conditions can also affect swimming and other water activities, while accessibility depends on the boat and boarding arrangements.

About Lanzarote cruises

Lanzarote's cruise experiences make the most of the island's volcanic coastline and its position in the Atlantic. Sail south toward the Papagayo area for beaches, swimming and a relaxed half-day on the water, or head north to La Graciosa for a longer island outing that combines a ferry crossing with a catamaran cruise. In the evening, sunset sailings offer a shorter way to see the coast as the light changes over the Atlantic.

For travelers, this means you can choose a cruise based on how you want to spend your time and the rest of your trip’s itinerary. A Papagayo sailing gives you a leisurely day by the sea, a La Graciosa excursion combines island exploration with time on the water, while a sunset cruise fits neatly around a day of sightseeing.

What you'll see on your Lanzarote cruise

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Papagayo beaches

The southern coastline and Papagayo area are the main sights on this half-day sailing. From the water, you get a different perspective of Lanzarote's beaches and rugged coastline before the boat anchors for swimming and other water activities.

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Your Lanzarote cruise boarding points explained

  • Name: Puerto del Carmen Pier
  • Address: Muelle de Puerto del Carmen, Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, Spain. Google Maps
  • Getting there:
    • Public transport: Lines 2, 3 and 6 connect Puerto del Carmen with Arrecife, while 161 and 162 also serve the resort from the airport and southern Lanzarote.
    • Car/taxi: Drive to Puerto del Carmen harbor or take a taxi directly to the pier. Allow extra time for parking if driving.
  • Famous for: A lively resort harbor with restaurants, shops and plenty of activity around the waterfront. It's also a common departure point for Papagayo and sunset cruises.
  • Name: Órzola Pier
  • Address: Muelle de Órzola, Órzola, Lanzarote, Spain. Google Maps
  • Getting there:
    • Public transport: Line 9 runs from Arrecife to Muelle de Órzola, passing through Tahiche, Guatiza, Mala, Arrieta and Punta Mujeres.
    • Car/taxi: Drive north to Órzola and follow signs for the ferry terminal, or take a taxi directly to the pier.
  • Famous for: The main departure point for La Graciosa, with a quiet fishing-village feel and views across the channel to the island.
  • Name: Caleta de Sebo Pier
  • Address: Muelle de Caleta de Sebo, La Graciosa, Las Palmas, Spain.
  • Getting there:
    • Public transport: There is no road or bus connection from Lanzarote. Take the ferry from Órzola, which takes around 25 minutes.
    • Car/taxi: Cars cannot travel directly from Lanzarote to La Graciosa. Once on the island, Caleta de Sebo is compact enough to explore on foot.
  • Famous for: The main settlement of La Graciosa, known for its unpaved streets, low-rise buildings, and relaxed island atmosphere.
  • Name: Puerto Calero Marina
  • Address: Edificio Antiguo Varadero, 35571 Puerto Calero-Yaiza, Lanzarote, Spain. Google Maps
  • Getting there:
    • Public transport: Lines 24 and 25 connect Puerto Calero with Arrecife, while 161 and 162 link it with Puerto del Carmen, the airport and Playa Blanca.
    • Car/taxi: Drive to Puerto Calero Marina or take a taxi directly to the marina entrance.
  • Famous for: A polished marina lined with yachts, waterfront restaurants and a quieter, more upscale atmosphere.
  • Name: Playa Blanca Pier
  • Address: Muelle de Playa Blanca s/n, 35580 Yaiza, Lanzarote, Spain. Google Maps
  • Getting there:
    • Public transport: Line 60 is the fastest bus connection from Arrecife, while Line 6 also runs to Playa Blanca via Puerto del Carmen and Yaiza.
    • Car/taxi: Follow the LZ-2 toward Playa Blanca and continue to the harbor, or take a taxi directly to the pier.
  • Famous for: Lanzarote's southern ferry gateway, with a busy waterfront and easy access to Playa Blanca's restaurants, beaches and resort area.

Plan your Lanzarote cruise down to the last detail

  • Arrival and check-in: Arrive well before departure. You must have your voucher verified 10 minutes before the scheduled departure, so arriving at the last minute can lead to delays.
  • Tickets: All tours accept a digital voucher displayed on your phone for verification, so you won't have to carry a printed copy.
  • Documents: If your itinerary includes the La Graciosa ferry, bring the required identification. An ID card, passport or NIE may be requested.
  • Security: You generally won't encounter the kind of security queues associated with major attractions. The important thing is to reach the correct pier and complete check-in before the boarding cutoff.
  • Seating: Where and how you sit depends on the boat and sailing. Check your ticket for any specific seating instructions.
  • What to bring: For Papagayo cruises, pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection and beach shoes. For sunset sailings, bring a light jacket, as it can feel cooler once you're out at sea.

Papagayo cruises include daytime departures, with an official 11am sailing from Puerto del Carmen lasting around 4 hours. Sunset cruises leave according to the time of sunset, so their departure times change throughout the year. La Graciosa excursions generally take around 5–6 hours.

For the best experience, start by deciding how you want to spend your day, then choose a departure time that suits it.

Best time of day: Choose a daytime Papagayo cruise if swimming and coastal sightseeing are your priorities. Choose a sunset sailing if you want to watch the coastline glow in the evening and keep your daytime free.

Best season: Demand can be stronger from January to March, July to August and November to December. Booking 3–7 days ahead is recommended when possible, particularly during school holidays.

What facilities you'll have access to depends entirely on the cruise you choose and the type of boat included. Key facilities you'll generally encounter include:

  • Food & drinks: Daytime sightseeing cruises generally include food and drinks on board, so you won't have to carry your own on the day.
  • Water sport equipment: Most experiences that include a stop for a swim and water sports also include the equipment needed, such as a kayak, snorkelling equipment, and so on.
  • Wi-Fi: Certain boats also include Wi-Fi on the boat, so you can remain connected at all times and access information about your destination on the go.
  • Restrooms: some larger catamarans and ferries also include restrooms on board to maximize convenience, especially on longer cruises.
  • Wheelchair access: Most cruises are not suitable for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility.
  • Guests with seasickness: Guests prone to seasickness are advised not to join these cruises, as the water can sometimes be choppier than usual.

Insider tips for a memorable cruise in Lanzarote 

  • Pick by purpose: Choose Papagayo for swimming, lunch and a relaxed half-day, La Graciosa for a fuller island outing, or sunset for a shorter evening on the water.
  • Check the actual pier: A cruise may be marketed under Arrecife or Lanzarote even when the boat departs from Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero or another marina.
  • Allow for the journey to La Graciosa: A full-day excursion includes the trip to Órzola, the ferry crossing and the time needed to board the catamaran, so the sailing itself is only one part of the experience.
  • Treat dolphins as a bonus: Even cruises that look specifically for dolphins cannot guarantee a sighting, so think of any dolphin sightings as an add-on to an otherwise already memorable experience.
  • Leave room for weather: Rough seas can make the journey less comfortable and may mean that swimming, snorkelling or other water activities cannot take place.
  • Carry a warm layer for sunset cruises: The breeze can feel noticeably cooler once you're away from the island, particularly in the evenings, when the sea breeze picks up.
  • Book 3–7 days ahead: Reserving in advance gives you more flexibility when choosing your departure time or arranging pickup.
  • Consider hotel pickups if you're traveling without a car: A cruise that includes one-way or round-trip transfers from your resort can save you the hassle of arranging transport to the marina, and of finding parking once you're there.
  • Keep water activities weather-dependent: If swimming or snorkelling is the highlight you're looking forward to, remember that these activities depend on the sea conditions on the day.

Frequently asked questions about Lanzarote cruises

Papagayo cruises usually last around 4 hours, La Graciosa excursions take 5–6 hours, and sunset cruises generally last about 2–2.5 hours.