Day Sail to La Graciosa

The best part of this outing is the change of pace. You leave Lanzarote by shuttle and ferry, then spend the afternoon on the water beside La Graciosa, a quiet island of white beaches, volcanic hills, and clear water. The main stop is Playa de la Francesa, where you can swim, kayak, relax on the catamaran, or take a water taxi toward the beach.

I like the easy all-in-one setup: hotel pickup, ferry tickets, lunch, drinks, and kayak use are covered. I also like the friendly human touch from guides such as Caroline and Cyril, who have been praised for keeping the day lively and helping with practical details.

The main caution is that this is not a guaranteed sail under canvas. Wind, weather, and the captain’s judgment may mean the catamaran uses its engine, and some departures offer less time under sail than you might expect. The boat can also feel lively and crowded, especially when many people are eager to swim, eat, or collect drinks.

Five things to know before booking

• La Graciosa is reached by ferry first: The day begins with a shuttle to Órzola, followed by a roughly 30-minute ferry ride.
• Playa de la Francesa is the main water stop: Plan on swimming, kayaking, sunbathing, or resting aboard rather than touring several beaches.
• Food and drinks are included: You receive snacks, lunch, champagne, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.
• The catamaran experience depends on conditions: The boat may sail, motor, or change its route because of wind and sea conditions.
• The day suits active adults and families with older children: Young children may find the late lunch, open water, wind, and busy boat difficult.

From Lanzarote to Órzola and across to La Graciosa

Your day begins with pickup in one of Lanzarote’s main resort areas. Listed pickup times range from about 8:40 a.m. in Playa Blanca to 9:55 a.m. in Costa Teguise, while the activity information gives an 11:30 a.m. start. That difference is worth checking before you book, because the shuttle schedule depends on where you are staying.

Pickup is offered from Playa Blanca, Puerto Calero, Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, and Costa Teguise. Some hotels use a nearby public bus stop rather than the hotel entrance. The hotels Vistamar, Lancelot, Tuscan, and Bluebay, for example, have designated pickup points on the main road.

The ride takes you to Órzola, at the northern end of Lanzarote. From there, you board the ferry to La Graciosa for a crossing of about 30 minutes. I see the ferry as part of the appeal, not just a transfer. It gives you a clear sense that you are leaving the resort island behind and heading toward a quieter, smaller place.

The downside is time. With hotel stops, the shuttle, the ferry, boarding, and the return trip, this is a full half-day commitment even though the main boat portion is shorter. If you are traveling with young children, take snacks for the morning. Lunch is served later, around the early afternoon, and the included snacks may not be enough for every child.

Champagne, snacks, and the catamaran departure

Once you arrive at La Graciosa, you board the catamaran and receive a welcome glass of champagne with light snacks. It is a pleasant start, though you should not expect a full drink service or a large meal at this point. One past participant described the champagne serving as a small sip in a plastic cup, so the welcome toast is more symbolic than luxurious.

The boat itself has room to sit, move around, and stretch out on the forward nets. There are toilets below deck, though only two facilities were noted during one departure. With up to 90 people on the activity, space can feel tight during busy moments, especially around lunch or when everyone wants to get into the water.

The crew and guides are a major part of the mood. Caroline and Cyril have both been singled out for their energy and humor on different departures, though the guide may vary. Commentary can be multilingual, and English is offered. Expect a social boat rather than a quiet sailing lesson. Music, jokes, food, and open drinks are part of the atmosphere.

If you want a calm, silent cruise, this may not be your best match. If you enjoy chatting with people, joining a lighthearted group, and letting the crew handle the details, the style works well.

The one-hour route around La Graciosa

After the welcome, the crew raises the sails when conditions allow, lifts anchor, and follows the coast for about an hour. From the water, you see white sand beaches, clear water, and the island’s volcanic hills. The views are the reason to take this trip rather than simply visiting La Graciosa by ferry and walking around Caleta del Sebo.

Keep your expectations realistic about the word sail. Some departures have traveled mainly under engine power, and the captain can change the route or limit activities if conditions require it. That is not unusual for a boat outing, but the difference matters if your main goal is a long, quiet sail.

The boat ride is also not the same as a full island tour. You see part of La Graciosa from the water, then spend time at one main beach before returning to the port. You do not get an extended tour of the island’s interior, and the main stop is Francesa Beach rather than a series of separate beaches.

Bring a light jacket, even on a sunny day. Wind was a recurring theme in the practical advice from past departures, and the boat can feel cool when moving. In February and March, the water may be chilly enough that a wetsuit is useful, particularly for children.

Playa de la Francesa: swimming, kayaking, and beach time

The catamaran anchors near Playa de la Francesa on the southern side of La Graciosa. This is the heart of the outing. You can stay on the boat, swim from the catamaran, use the included kayaks, or head toward the beach by water taxi.

The sea stop is flexible, which is useful for mixed groups. One person can stretch out on the boat while another kayaks, and stronger swimmers can get into the water while less confident swimmers stay aboard. The water is described as clear, and the beach setting provides the day’s most scenic pause.

You should not confuse included kayak use with included snorkeling equipment. A kayak is provided, but snorkeling gear is listed as an extra, so bring your own if you want to snorkel. Some past accounts refer to snorkeling activity, but the stated inclusions do not promise equipment.

The optional water taxi is a nice touch for anyone who does not want to swim to shore. It can take you toward the beach for a drink and some time on land. Check with the crew about how that transfer works on your departure, since the published information does not state an additional price or exact schedule.

This stop can be excellent for active families, couples, and friends who want a bit of movement. It can be less comfortable for very young children. The water may be cool, the boat can move with the swell, and the group may be eager to reach the kayaks or beach first. One family with children aged four and six found the arrangement difficult, with the late lunch and busy boat adding to the problem.

Lunch and the open bar

Lunch is served aboard the catamaran after the water activities. Food is generally described as filling and well received, with snacks and passed appetizers earlier in the day. The precise menu is not provided, so I would not book this expecting a particular dish or a special dietary menu unless you confirm it directly.

The open bar includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. This helps explain much of the value of the $82.90 price, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for ferry travel, a boat trip, lunch, and drinks. It also shapes the mood. This is a social excursion with a holiday feel, not a strictly nature-focused boat ride.

The open bar does not mean the trip is necessarily a party cruise. Some departures have been described as friendly and relaxed, with families and older children enjoying swimming and kayaking. Other departures may feel louder, especially on the return to port. If you prefer a quiet afternoon, sit away from the main music and bar area if the crew allows it.

Food service can also be affected by timing. The day includes a long morning of transport before lunch, so a small breakfast and extra child-friendly snacks are sensible. If you have dietary needs, ask the operator before departure rather than assuming the standard meal will cover them.

Caleta del Sebo and the return ferry

After lunch and the water stop, the catamaran returns to the port of La Graciosa. You then get some free time in Caleta del Sebo, the island’s small main community. This is a short but worthwhile chance to walk among white houses, flowers, fishermen, and simple local streets.

The village is not a major sightseeing center, and that is precisely its appeal. You are not being rushed through a large attraction. Instead, you get a brief look at everyday island life and time to browse the handicraft market for a small souvenir.

Do not expect this free time to replace a full visit to La Graciosa. The schedule is built around the catamaran and beach stop, so your walk through Caleta del Sebo is limited. If your priority is cycling, hiking, or seeing several parts of the island, a dedicated land-based visit would give you more freedom. Bike rental is not included in this excursion.

From the port, you take the ferry back to Órzola and then the shuttle to your accommodation. Transfer timing can vary because the bus serves several resort areas. The return is included, which saves you the trouble of arranging a taxi or rental car after a day on the water.

What the $82.90 price really includes

At $82.90 per person, this is a fair package if you use the included features. You are paying for hotel pickup and drop-off, the ferry crossings, catamaran access, a champagne welcome, snacks, lunch, an open bar, live commentary, and kayak use.

The value is strongest if you want a carefree day. You do not need to organize transport to Órzola, buy ferry tickets, find a boat at La Graciosa, or arrange lunch and drinks. For a visitor staying in a resort area, that convenience has real worth.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long sailing session. The full activity is about five and a half hours, but that includes transfers and time in the village. The actual catamaran sailing may be around an hour in one direction, with the rest of the boat time spent anchoring, eating, swimming, kayaking, and returning to port. Some departures have had less time under sail than the advertised description suggests.

A group of up to 90 people is allowed, so ask yourself how much crowding you can tolerate. Some departures feel spacious enough, with room on the nets and a clean, updated boat. Others can feel busy around food, drinks, toilets, and water equipment.

Who should book this La Graciosa day sail?

I would recommend it to you if you want to combine scenery, food, swimming, and transport in one simple booking. It works especially well for adults, couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who can handle wind, sun, a later lunch, and time on open water.

You will probably enjoy it most if you like a social atmosphere. The crew may use humor, music, and games to keep the day moving, and guides such as Caroline or Cyril can add plenty of personality. Several departures have been praised for friendly service, generous food, smooth transfers, and good organization.

I would be cautious if your main wish is a peaceful, low-key sail. I would also think twice if you have very young children, need a quiet boat, want a detailed island tour, or expect several beach stops. The route is focused: ferry, catamaran, Francesa Beach, lunch, Caleta del Sebo, ferry home.

For weather, keep your plans flexible. Poor conditions can cancel the trip, alter the route, or restrict swimming and other activities. The operator may offer a different date or a full refund when weather prevents the outing. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, but a late cancellation or no-show is charged in full.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a convenient, food-and-drink-inclusive sea day with one beautiful beach stop and a glimpse of Caleta del Sebo. The combination of ferry travel, clear water, kayaking, lunch, and an open bar makes the price reasonable for many visitors.

Skip it if you want a serious sailing trip, a quiet natural outing, or a full exploration of La Graciosa. Before booking, confirm your pickup time, ask about the expected sailing conditions, and bring sunscreen, a jacket, and extra snacks for children. Those small preparations can make the difference between a smooth day and a tiring one.

FAQ

How long does the Day Sail to La Graciosa last?

The activity lasts approximately five hours and 30 minutes, including transfers, the ferry crossing, the catamaran trip, beach time, and the return journey.

Where does the tour start?

Pickup is offered from hotels or apartments in the main tourist areas of Lanzarote. The listed areas include Playa Blanca, Puerto Calero, Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, and Costa Teguise.

What time is pickup?

Listed pickup times range from 8:40 a.m. in Playa Blanca to 9:55 a.m. in Costa Teguise. The activity information also gives an 11:30 a.m. start, so confirm the exact pickup time for your accommodation.

Is the ferry to La Graciosa included?

Yes. The excursion includes the ferry journey from Órzola to La Graciosa and the return ferry trip.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served aboard the catamaran, and snacks are also included.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes a welcome glass of champagne and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Is kayaking included?

Yes. Kayak use is included. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Can children join the tour?

Most travelers can participate, but from July to October the Wednesday departure is for adults only. The activity may be challenging for very young children because of the wind, open water, late lunch, and busy boat.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The route may be changed, or activities may be restricted, if conditions are unsuitable. If the excursion is canceled because of poor weather, you can request another date if available or receive a full refund.