Private Yacht Tour with Gourmet Barbecue and Sunset at Papagayo Beaches

Papagayo is best seen from the water, where Lanzarote’s volcanic coast opens into bright coves and clear swimming spots. This private cruise aboard the yacht Arual combines a long stop at Papagayo with a barbecue, drinks, water sports, and a sunset sail back to Marina Rubicón.

I especially like the small private group, limited to eight people, and the unusually generous food and drink plan. The crew, Paco and Alicia, are also a real part of the experience, welcoming families and helping children feel at ease. The main caution is the sea itself: if you are prone to motion sickness, vertigo, or seasickness, this may not be your best day on Lanzarote.

Key points to know before booking

• Private yacht for up to eight: You get the boat and crew for your own group, rather than sharing a large excursion vessel.
• Papagayo swimming stop: Plan on about three hours and 15 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, lunch, and time on deck.
• Canarian barbecue on board: The meal includes pork tenderloin, salad, wrinkled potatoes, mojo sauces, and roasted bananas.
• Sunset included: Departures are arranged to finish at sea, with a drink in hand and the coast behind you.
• Insta360 X3 camera: You can record 360-degree photos and videos in and out of the water, followed by an edited video sent by email or WhatsApp.
• Marina Rubicón departure: You meet the boat Arual at the outer harbor, near the harbor master’s office.

Starting at Marina Rubicón in Playa Blanca

The trip begins at Marina Rubicón, one of the more polished ports in southern Lanzarote. You will need to make your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided. On arrival, head to the harbor master’s office and look for Arual at the pier in the outer harbor.

That meeting point matters. Marina Rubicón is easy to recognize, but a marina can still contain several piers and boats. If you cannot spot Arual, ask the marina staff or contact the crew by WhatsApp or phone. Arrive ready to board, with your swimwear under your clothes and sunscreen already applied.

Shoes are not allowed indoors on the yacht, so wear something easy to remove. Bring a hat, towel, swimwear, and sun protection. You will spend much of the outing outdoors, and reflected sunlight from the water can be strong even when the air feels comfortable.

The boat is reserved for your group of up to eight. That makes the trip a good match for families, couples traveling together, or a small group of friends who want a private day without strangers sharing the seating, meal, or swimming platform.

A gentle cruise past the south coast

After leaving the marina, the yacht cruises along the southern coast toward Papagayo. The route takes in views of Las Coloradas Castle, Las Coloradas Beach, Playa Mujeres, Playa del Pozo, and Playa de la Cera before reaching Playa Papagayo.

The first 30 minutes work as a scenic introduction rather than a rushed sightseeing circuit. You can settle into the yacht, enjoy a drink, and watch the coast change from the marina area to low volcanic cliffs and sandy coves. The crew provides service in Spanish and English, and the private format means you can ask questions or simply enjoy the ride without following a large group schedule.

Do not expect a full guided tour of every beach. The main reward is seeing these coves from offshore and then having time to enjoy the water at Papagayo. If you want a packed sightseeing program with constant commentary, a land tour may give you more facts. If you prefer a relaxed day with scenery, food, and swimming, the pace works well.

Three hours at Papagayo for water and lunch

The yacht anchors near the Papagayo Beaches for the central part of the outing. This is where the experience earns most of its time. You get about three hours and 15 minutes for an aperitif, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, the barbecue, and time on the deck or floating solarium.

Papagayo is known for clear water and sheltered beach coves, but conditions can vary. The boat provides two stand up paddleboards and snorkeling equipment for up to eight people. You can take turns on the boards, swim from the yacht, or use the floating platform as an easy place to get in and out of the water.

The floating solarium is a useful touch for anyone who wants a break from active swimming. You can lie back on the water, sunbathe on deck, or simply watch the group from a comfortable spot. Parents may appreciate having several ways for children to enjoy the stop, although all water activities still require normal care and supervision.

Snorkeling is included, but the experience is not presented as a guided marine-life excursion. The attraction is the clear water and freedom to swim at your own pace. Bring realistic expectations: visibility and sea conditions can change, and the boat’s main purpose is a private coastal outing rather than a specialist snorkeling trip.

A Canarian barbecue with plenty of small plates

Food is served as part of the time at anchor. Before lunch, the crew brings out Manchego cheese, Iberian cold cuts, Spanish potato omelet, and crystal bread. Drinks include cava, water, soft drinks, juices, white wine, beer, coffee, and tea.

The menu has a clear Spanish and Canarian feel without becoming fussy. The barbecue centers on pork tenderloin, served with fresh salad and wrinkled potatoes with Canarian mojo sauces. Wrinkled potatoes are a local staple, usually cooked in salted water and served with sauces that can range from mild to spicy. Dessert is roasted Canarian bananas prepared on board.

I like this setup because lunch is part of the day rather than a break that sends you back to shore. You can eat after swimming, keep the water nearby, and return to the deck without losing time to a restaurant transfer. The crew prepares the barbecue live, which adds a bit of theater to an otherwise laid-back meal.

Premium alcoholic drinks are not included. Cava, white wine, beer, and the other listed beverages are provided, while higher-end alcoholic drinks cost extra. That is worth noting if your group expects a full premium bar. For most people, the included selection should cover the basic drinks during lunch and sunset.

The Arual camera adds something useful

The Insta360 X3 camera is available on board for photos and video both above and below the water. The crew later edits a video with your best moments and sends it by email or WhatsApp.

This is more useful than a standard souvenir photo service because the camera can capture paddleboarding, swimming, and group scenes from unusual angles. It also means you can put your phone away instead of worrying about dropping it in the sea. Ask the crew how they want the camera handled before heading into the water.

The final video is a nice extra, but I would not book the trip solely for the footage. The main value is the private yacht, the long Papagayo stop, the meal, and the sunset. Treat the camera as a bonus that helps preserve the day.

A sunset at sea, not just a sunset drink

The departure timing is arranged so the cruise ends with sunset at sea. After the Papagayo stop, the yacht makes the short return cruise toward Marina Rubicón, with about 15 minutes listed for the final boat ride back.

Exact timing can vary because the experience is offered in different durations, from four to eight hours, and starting times depend on availability. Check the time offered for your date rather than assuming every departure follows the same clock. The supplied route adds up to roughly four hours and 20 minutes, but the longer options may allow more time on the water or a different schedule.

Sunset is the emotional finish, but it is also one of the practical reasons this trip suits a special occasion. You are not rushing from a beach back to a hotel or trying to find a viewing point among crowds. You can stay on the yacht, hold a drink, and watch the coast turn softer as the light fades.

The return is described as a gentle cruise. If someone in your group gets motion sick, the later part of the day can still be tiring, especially after swimming and eating. Sit where the crew recommends, look toward the horizon, and tell them early if you feel unwell.

How the private format changes the day

A private booking costs $1,115 for a group of up to eight people. That is a serious price for a half-day outing, but the calculation changes when your group fills the boat. At eight people, the cost works out to about $139 per person. At four people, it is roughly $279 per person.

The price includes the private boat, professional crew, fuel for the stated route, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, floating solarium, food, listed drinks, and the camera service. It also includes the sunset rather than treating it as a separate add-on. For a full group that wants privacy and a meal on the water, the package can offer solid value.

For only two people, the cost is much harder to justify unless the private setting is the main point. A shared catamaran, short sunset cruise, or standard Papagayo boat trip may cost less. Those options will usually give you less control over the atmosphere, but they may suit a smaller budget.

The private format also helps families. During a family sunset trip, Paco and Alicia made a point of speaking with a child who was learning Spanish, while keeping the adults comfortable and well served. That kind of personal attention is difficult to guarantee on a large boat, and it is one reason the experience can work well for a family celebration.

Who will enjoy this Papagayo cruise most

I would choose this trip for a group that wants several experiences in one day without constant movement. You get sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, lunch, drinks, photography, and sunset, all from one boat.

It suits:

• Families with children who enjoy swimming and simple water sports
• Couples or friends marking a birthday, anniversary, or holiday
• Groups of up to eight who value privacy
• People who want Canarian food without leaving the water
• Anyone who prefers a calm day over a packed island tour

It is less suitable for anyone who dislikes boats or feels ill at sea. The trip is also not suitable for wheelchair users, people with vertigo, or people prone to motion sickness. The yacht has no hotel transfer, so you need to handle transport to and from Marina Rubicón yourself.

There is no need to be highly athletic. Paddleboarding and snorkeling are optional, and you can relax on deck or use the floating solarium instead. Still, you should be comfortable getting into the water from a boat if you want to make full use of the stop.

Small practical details that make the difference

Book the sunset timing only after checking the date and departure hour. The activity is sold in a range of four to eight hours, so the schedule is not identical every day.

Pack light. You need a towel, hat, sunscreen, and swimwear, but bulky bags will only get in the way on a yacht. Since shoes are not worn indoors, simple footwear is best.

Keep valuables limited. The onboard camera is designed for recording in and out of the water, but your own phone and wallet still need sensible care. Ask the crew where they would like personal items stored.

The free cancellation period is up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. That gives you some flexibility, but sea conditions and your own comfort still matter when deciding how far ahead to reserve.

Should you book the Arual private yacht tour?

Book it if your group can share the cost and wants a polished, private day built around Papagayo. The strongest points are the long stop, the good spread of food and drinks, the floating platform, and the sunset finish. Paco and Alicia add a warm, personal touch, especially for families.

Skip it if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget, or if the thought of several hours at sea makes you uneasy. In that case, a shorter coastal cruise or a shared trip may be a better fit.

For a full group of eight, this is a well-rounded Lanzarote splurge. You get time to swim, a real meal, local flavors, and a memorable end to the day without the noise and crowding of a large excursion boat.

FAQ

Where does the private yacht tour start?

The tour starts at Marina Rubicón in Playa Blanca. Go to the harbor master’s office and look for the boat Arual at the pier in the outer harbor.

How many people can join the private tour?

The yacht is reserved for a private group of up to eight people.

How long does the tour last?

The activity is offered for four to eight hours, depending on the available departure and schedule. The described route includes a 30-minute cruise, about three hours and 15 minutes at Papagayo, and a 15-minute return cruise.

Is the barbecue included?

Yes. The barbecue includes Canarian pork tenderloin, fresh salad, wrinkled potatoes with Canarian mojo sauces, and roasted Canarian bananas for dessert.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are cava, water, soft drinks, juices, white wine, beer, coffee, and tea. Premium alcoholic drinks are available at an extra cost.

Can I swim and use water sports equipment?

Yes. The tour includes two stand up paddleboards, snorkeling equipment for up to eight people, and a floating solarium. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or relax on the yacht.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to travel to Marina Rubicón yourself.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Shoes are not allowed indoors on the yacht.

Is the tour suitable for people with motion sickness?

The experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. It is also not suitable for people with vertigo or wheelchair users.