Sailing cruise in the Canary Islands

With favorable winds, currents and a strategic location on the classic transatlantic route, the Canary Islands are a prime destination for ocean travelers and a favorite cruise destination.

Yacht cruise in the Canary Islands

Mountains that reach two miles in the middle of the ocean, magnificent volcanoes, deep gorges and high cliffs provide an impressive backdrop for a cruise in the Canary Islands. There is an amazing variety of landscapes: lush green slopes on the northern shores and dramatic desert landscapes in the south, where you will feel like on the moon. If you are lucky you will see humpback whales, dolphins and turtles. And the night sailing here is simply amazing, you will enjoy the cleanest, clearest skies in Europe, millions of stars, the cleanest air and water.

Canary Islands have the best climate in the world, and it does not change over the years: eternal spring, sea of sunny days, blue sky and air temperature, which remains practically unchanged throughout the year. Sailing here is a pleasure, stable, reliable trade winds thanks to The Gulf Stream and Azores anticyclone, will provide you with the most comfortable swimming experience.

Trade winds most dominant in spring and summer, and strongest in July. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, just 60 miles from Africa, also affected by the southeastern Sirocco. This autumn wind can create slightly erratic conditions, but generally only for short periods. There are areas where the wind is concentrated between the islands. Wind speeds usually increase by 10-15 knots, so it is worth knowing where they are in advance to avoid surprises. The proximity to North Africa also means that Lanzarote and Fuerteventura there is practically no rain. And the further you head west towards the Atlantic, the islands become greener.

Although Canary Islands closer to the Equator than Mediterranean, the average temperature is milder here. Chilled by trade winds, temperatures rarely rise above 29 ° C in July. In winter, the weather on the islands is equally mild, with even sea temperatures averaging 18 ° C in January.

There are 36 ports on seven islands - Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Each island is unique and has its own character. You will discover enchanting locations and luxurious marinas with upscale amenities in wild surroundings. Canary Islands - an ideal place for a long yacht mooring or wintering, you will not find a safer place and service of such a high level. Another advantage is that Canary Islands are a duty free zone. With 8,500 berths for yachts of all sizes, you are sure to find the perfect one - just choose your favorite island.

Lanzarote

Most yachts sail directly to Lanzaroteas it is the easternmost of the islands and offers excellent leisure facilities. On the south coast are two of the most popular marinas in the archipelago - Puerto Calero and Marina Rubicon... In total, Lanzarote has seven marinas with 1,700 berths. The island has incredible lava landscapes, and strict control over the development of land, so the nature is relatively untouched. Playas de Papagayo Lanzarote is home to many beautiful sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, sheltered from the prevailing northeasterly winds.

North of Lanzarote on a small green island Graciosa there is a great place Playa Francesca... Graciosa is a marine reserve and boasts some of the most unspoilt locations in the Canary Islands.

Fuerteventura

On the island Fuerteventura, near the coast Costa Calma there are several bays that are protected from the winds, while being open to the ocean. The island is very reminiscent of Africa, with its sand dunes, cacti, palms and wide plains, there are 152 beaches and sunny weather all year round. Fuerteventura's five marinas provide space for 930 yachts. To the north of Fuerteventura is the tiny island of Lobos, with a neat bay, well protected from the north and northeast, and a sandy beach Playa de LobosAlso Lobos is famous for its turquoise lagoons.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria island Is the most diverse place in the Canary Islands, with everything from banana plantations in the north to sand dunes in the south. But the disadvantage is that the island is actively being built up, as it is one of the most popular tourist spots. You will find 2,600 berths in seven marinas in Gran Canaria.

Gran Canaria

Tenerife

Heading north of the capital Santa cruz, on the island Tenerife you will find high cliffs and a volcano Teidewhich is 3,718 m high. True, Teide boosts the trade winds to 25 knots on the eastern side of the island, so this is not the best place to swim as you only have to swim clockwise and not in any direction. South of the northeastern tip of the island, there is a sheltered bay Bahia de Antequera which is part of the national park and is protected from all but southern winds. The island has ten ports with a capacity of 2,110 yachts.

Tenerife

On La Palma many springs, so the island has a very lush vegetation, and here you can see the largest volcanic crater in the world. Volcanoes on the island are still active and Canary current here is the strongest. On La Palma there are 2 marinas with 520 berths.

La Palma

La Gomera island is full of history and is considered the most "Canary" of all the islands. The interior of the island has black sandy beaches and high mountains that contribute to the variability of coastal winds as well as strong tidal currents. La Gomera's three marinas can accommodate a total of 390 yachts.

La Gomera

In the far west, on the tiny and most remote island of El Hierro, with stunning kilometer-long cliffs, there are 2 marinas that can accommodate 140 yachts. This is the most unspoiled island, which also gives the feeling that you are at the end of the world.

On the way to the Canary Islands, there is an opportunity to visit the Portuguese islands Madeira and Porto Santo... Also Moroccan ports are becoming more and more accustomed to visiting European yachts. 30 miles from the African coast to Agadir, there is a new marina Essaouirawhich is another good point with an attractive traditional Moroccan town.

Some sailing schools in the Canary Islands can arrange for the delivery of your yacht or provide a skipper for a 750 mile sail from Portugal or the Mediterranean. Best time to leave Europe for the Canary Islands - from June to October, when the prevailing northerly winds are most reliable. Southwest winds and calm can be found in spring and late summer. Between December and March, the winds are more varied in direction and strength.

Canary culture immersed in age-old maritime traditions, so yachtsmen are treated here with special respect. This is a truly inspiring place for sea lovers.