Boat holidays in Canary Islands

It may be because of its wild beauty, its volcanic nature, its attractive contrasts, the friendliness of its people or its mild climate throughout the year, but we cannot think of any reason why not to choose the Canary Islands as a holiday destination.

And what better way than to get to know these wonderful archipelago than by boat? If you want to maximize the adventure of exploring the characteristics that make each of its eight islands unique, sailing in the Canary Islands on your vacation is the best alternative. Discover the Atlantic live!

Apart from its pleasantly warm and stable temperatures throughout the year, the Canary Islands have so much to offer that it would be a shame to limit yourself to exploring them only on foot or by car. If you don't want to be an ordinary tourist, be a non-conformist: choose nautical tourism.

Some of the many reasons why sailing in the Canary Islands by boat is the best alternative for your holidays, is to enjoy the coexistence directly with its extraordinary nature. Entering fully into the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and experiencing the incredible sensation of how insignificant we are before the greatness of the sea, is an incomparable experience. Imagine waking up to the sea breeze, sleeping rocked by the sound of the waves, finding some friendly dolphins that come to greet you... It's a fascinating way of traveling.

Another reason is the exclusivity that the ship allows you, exploring isolated secret places, far from crowds and even unattainable for regular tourism, especially in summer. There are places like the island of La Graciosa where you can only enter the port or anchor with a special navigation permit, otherwise you must adapt to the limited schedules of some of the ferry companies that offer visits to this small island.

In addition, whether to do any activity on the boat or to stay on board during your vacation, what better way is there to optimize time so as not to miss any of the eight wonderful Canary Islands ?

Tenerife is the most touristic island of the Canary archipelago, offering a magnificent environment where you can sail 365 days a year. Whether sailing or motorized, joining a group of crew members will allow you to explore incredible unknown places and practice all kinds of exciting water activities, without being overwhelmed by the overcrowding of tourists.

If you want a different vacation, Tenerife is a good option to whet your appetite. At Sailwiz , we leave you the best 4 plans to do by boat on this island:

• Excursion for whale watching. Observing these marine animals in their own habitat is a sensation that will make your hair stand on end. Both for adults but especially for families with children, it is an amazing plan,

• Navigation crossing to La Gomera. The experience of a sailing trip to La Gomera will be an adventure sailing the waters of the Atlantic.

• Fishing trips in the south of Tenerife. Encouraging yourself to experience for a few hours what live bottom fishing or deep-sea fishing is like at the hands of professionals will be an incredible way to learn.

• One week sailing and diving cruise . What could be better than embarking on a whole seafaring experience with the security that a local skipper gives you and immerse yourself in the ocean to closely observe turtles, fish, dolphins... Incredible!

Being the second Canary Island that receives more visits each year and it is not for less, knowing everything that Gran Canaria has to offer from the sea will be a pleasure for the senses.

If you want to get away from the beaches built up by hotel complexes and the most touristy beaches to anchor on beaches where you are practically alone, we recommend the 5 best beaches to go sailing in Gran Canaria :

1. Playa Sardina del Norte : this beautiful corner seems paradisiacal since it is surrounded by turquoise waters that impresses. The best thing is that it is sheltered from the wind and very close you can find El Roquete beach.

2. Playa Medio Almud or Tititaña: only accessible on foot by a very stony path, this beach is ideal to be visited by boat. Its location, its unspoiled undeveloped environment and its crystal clear waters create this magical place.

3. Guayedra Beach: if you love black sand beaches, this is yours. Its difficult accessibility by road means that hardly any tourists come to this wonder of nature, so anchoring here will be a pleasure.

4. Playa Dedo de Dios: named after a rock that jutted out of the sea, this beach surrounded by cliffs and black sand, is frequented almost exclusively by locals.

5. La Aldea Beach: located in the Aldea de San Nicolás, the town that gives it its name, it is a pebble beach and fairly calm waters. Recommended to go with children, yes, do not forget the booties.

If you are one of those who prefer to postpone summer holidays to more autumnal months but still enjoy summer temperatures, Lanzarote is your destination. Its climate, which does not drop below 20ºC, is ideal to go to sea and enjoy a dreamlike environment without haste. What are you waiting for? We leave you some of the recommended places to go sailing in Lanzarote:

• Punta del Papagayo. Crossed through almost two kilometers of small coves and beaches such as the well-known Playa Mujeres or Playa Papagayo, you will enjoy a relaxing atmosphere due to the quality of its waters and its little-frequented atmosphere, since reaching this place by land is somewhat complicated. The most recommended way to admire its beautiful views is from a sailboat or catamaran.

 

• La Graciosa and Isla de Lobos. You cannot navigate Lanzarote without taking an excursion to its neighboring islands, La Graciosa and Isla de Lobos. And the best way to savor it without haste is to go on your own, with the flexibility that a private crossing offers you. These places keep the authentic essence and the wild nature characteristic of the lucky islands.

 

• Barranco del Quíquere. If you want to snorkel this is your beach. Its rocky bottoms are home to all kinds of fish and marine fauna, especially for scuba diving. There will hardly be people as it can only be accessed on foot through a steep rocky ravine, making it ideal for anchoring and enjoying the freedom that this place breathes.

 

• Playa del Rey. Also known as El Ancla beach, it was declared a National Heritage. It is a place very frequented by the people of Lanzarote, so if you visit it after noon the best option is a boat excursion, since the shore is narrow and stony so it is easily completed.

Cuando hablamos de alquiler de barco en Canarias con patron , manyas personas imaginan and yate private para ellos solos. It exists in Sailwiz , but it is not the only option. También can reserve a plaza in a barco compartment with other tripulantes, which reduces much of the cost and converts the route in different ways: conoces gente, navegas juntos y compartís la experiencia.

In cualquiera de los dos casos, the patron is included. It is the person who plans the route según el viento, decide si fondear or seguir navegando, gestiona la seguridad y, en manyos casos, se convierte en quien más te enseña durante el viaje. Marcel, who sailed on the catamaran of Barcelona in Lanzarote with Sailwiz, described what he was saying in his translation: "Carlos, a professional captain in the sport. Participas activamente en navegación, guardias, maniobras, según tus habilidades."

No hace falta title. Sí hace falta ganas.

Both types of boats are in use in the Canary Islands, and the choice depends on what you really want.

• Catamarans are more stable in the water, offer more space, more light in the cabins, and a larger platform for relaxation. Those prone to seasickness or who simply want to spend a lot of time on deck in the sun will find them ideal. The Alisei carries the catamaran smoothly across the Atlantic.
• Monohull yachts are more sporty. They heel over, react more strongly to the wind, and give the sailor the feeling of truly being at sea. Jokin, who sailed from Tenerife to Mallorca with Sailwiz, wrote: "Very interesting and educational. I wanted to feel and learn, and I came out very satisfied."

For families or groups with children, Sailwiz skippers generally recommend the catamaran. For those who really want to sail, they recommend the monohull.

The Canary Islands are suitable for sailing all year round, but conditions vary greatly.

From October to March is the peak season for sailors. The northeast trade winds blow steadily, anchorages are almost empty, and prices are significantly lower than in summer. December has something special about it: Las Palmas becomes the starting point for transatlantic fleets. Anyone who experiences this from the water understands why so many people want to sail the Atlantic.

From April to September, conditions are more pleasant for beginners: less wind, warmer water, more light. But there are also more boats at the most popular anchorages and more activity in the harbors.

There is no bad time of year to visit the Canary Islands. There are only different ways to experience it.

Having no sailing experience is not a problem. It's the norm. Most Sailwiz participants aren't sailors—they simply want to experience the Canary Islands in a different way.

The skipper handles navigation, safety, and route planning. What's expected of the crew is assistance: setting sails, keeping watch, and dropping anchor. Those who participate from the beginning will learn more about sailing in just a few days than in any course on land.

Christine, who sailed from Gibraltar to the Canary Islands, summed it up succinctly: "Highly recommended." Steven, who sailed from Málaga to Tenerife, added: "The skipper has over 30 years of experience at sea and is a charming person. He does everything to ensure everyone enjoys the trip."

Sailing is just one way to discover the Canary Islands from the water. Sailwiz also offers diving trips in the archipelago, where you sleep on board and dive daily at different spots—an underwater world teeming with turtles, rays, and volcanic lava caves. Fishing trips are perfect for those who want to experience deep-sea fishing firsthand, with local guides who know exactly where the best spots are. And for those looking for a sailing course, the Canary Islands offer one of the best training environments in Europe, thanks to the stable trade winds.

• Do you need a sailing license? No. All Sailwiz offers in the Canary Islands include a skipper on board.
• Can I travel alone? Yes. Many participants come as individuals and become part of a mixed, international crew.
• Is this suitable for families? Yes, especially on catamarans. Stability, space, and comfort make catamarans the best choice for families with children.
• When is the quietest time? October to March — fewer tourists, more wind, emptier anchorages.