Catlanza Catamaran Sail
It’s not often that we can steal time away from the desk but coming out of lockdown Lanzarote locals were encouraged to explore this beautiful place we call home. So we took time out to enjoy one of the experiences that we regularly recommend to our guests, a day trip with our friends at Catlanza Catamaran.
The luxury cat sails from the pretty marina of Puerto Calero on the south-east coast to the white, sandy shores of Papagayo Beach. For those of you who haven’t visited Playa de Papagayo, it’s undeniably one of the most beautiful in Lanzarote. The shell-shaped bay boasts calm, turquoise water and colourful marine life, sheltered by ochre-hued volcanic cliffs.
We gathered the whole family together including my parents (it seemed a great way to celebrate mum’s birthday) and set out for the most perfect day onboard their smaller, private charter catamaran. A bank holiday weekend when all of Lanzarote seemed to have taken to the water, we were treated to the sight of 50 or so boats out in full sail.
Lunch was local sparkling wine with tapas including Canarian potatoes, Pimiento de Pedron and croquetas followed by cheese and fruit. The snorkelling was amazing…the water temperature around 24 degrees and shoals of fish swimming around us. We all delighted in feeding the fish through a porthole. A few of us took the offer of diving down to the amazing Museo Atlántico, Europe’s first underwater museum. The incredible site features over 300 life-size human figures created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor.
Then we sailed back at a leisurely pace.
A day trip includes lunch, drinks, snorkelling and optional use of kayaks and paddleboards, all with a highly experienced crew. Trips can be geared at families or adults only, with private sailings for up to 15 people available on request. The diving experience can be booked as an optional extra. I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon or mark a special occasion.
Of course, we’re spoiled here with all the incredible water-based activities. Other favourites that we highly recommend include bodyboarding, surfing and windsurfing. Guests at eco-village Finca de Arrieta are welcome to borrow boards, and Josh is available as a surf guide and instructor.
