From Lanzarote: Sailing Day Trip Around La Graciosa

La Graciosa is best seen from the water, where white beaches, volcanic hills, and clear turquoise sea make a fine counterpoint to Lanzarote’s dark volcanic coast. This six-hour outing combines a ferry crossing with a catamaran cruise, time for swimming and snorkeling, and a generous lunch with unlimited drinks.

I like the easy door-to-door setup and the chance to use kayaks and snorkeling gear without paying extra. I also like the unhurried mood aboard the boat, with welcome cava, snacks, music, and plenty of time near Francesa Beach. The main catch is important: you cannot currently step ashore at the beach, so anyone expecting a long beach visit may be disappointed.

Key points at a glance

• A full water day for $81: Coach transport, two ferry rides, the catamaran, food, drinks, and equipment are included.
• Francesa Beach from the sea: You anchor offshore near a protected marine area, with swimming from the boat rather than walking onto the beach.
• A good mix of activity and rest: Kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, music, and sailing all fit into one outing.
• Strong guiding: Guides including Ami, Raquel, Deborah, and Cirilio Lopez have been praised for friendly, attentive service. Your guide may be different.
• Longer coach rides from the south: Pickup from Playa Blanca begins around 8:30 a.m., and the bus journey to Órzola takes about an hour once underway.
• Plan for sun and wind: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, warm clothing, and comfortable shoes.

Why La Graciosa works so well by boat

La Graciosa sits just north of Lanzarote, separated by the narrow El Río channel. It is a small, dry island with volcanic hills and pale beaches. From the water, you get a clean view of the island’s natural shape without spending the day driving between scattered sights.

The first reward comes during the ferry crossing from Órzola. The ride takes about 25 to 30 minutes, and the route gives you broad views toward Lanzarote’s northern coast. The ferry is transport rather than a sightseeing cruise, but it sets up the day well and avoids the need to arrange your own island crossing.

At La Graciosa, you transfer to a luxury catamaran and spend roughly three and a half hours sailing along the southern coast. The boat gives you several ways to enjoy the day. You can sit in the sun, find a shaded place to rest, listen to music, chat with the crew, or get into the water when conditions allow.

I like this balance. You are not locked into a string of timed stops, yet the day has enough structure to keep things moving. The boat ride is the main event, not a short extra added to a land tour.

From hotel pickup to Órzola

Pickup is offered near a long list of hotels and transport points around Lanzarote. The earliest listed pickup is around 8:30 a.m. from Playa Blanca. Departures follow later from Puerto Calero, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Honda, Arrecife, and Costa Teguise, with Costa Teguise pickups around 10:00 a.m.

You travel to Órzola by air-conditioned coach. The direct bus ride is listed at about an hour, though the full pickup route can make your morning longer. If you stay in the south, allow extra patience. One person staying on the far side of Lanzarote described almost three hours of coach time in total because of the pickup pattern.

That is the biggest practical weakness for some people. The coach makes the trip simple, but it is not the fastest way to reach the north. The upside is that you do not need to rent a car, find the ferry terminal, or arrange parking.

Keep your phone nearby on booking day. Lanzarote Sea Tours confirms the exact pickup point and time, and that message is the information you should follow. The many listed pickup locations are useful, but they are not a substitute for the final confirmation.

The ferry crossing to La Graciosa

At Órzola, you board the ferry for the short trip to La Graciosa. The crossing is about 25 minutes, with the return taking a similar amount of time. The handover from coach to ferry and then from ferry to catamaran is organized as part of the excursion.

The ferry section also gives you a glimpse of how close La Graciosa is to Lanzarote. You are not losing half a day at sea. Instead, the crossing acts as a pleasant change of pace before the more relaxed catamaran portion begins.

Once you reach La Graciosa, you board the catamaran. Shoes must be removed when you step aboard, so wear something easy to take off and bring comfortable footwear for the coach and ferry sections.

Welcome drinks and the catamaran route

The catamaran welcomes you with a glass of champagne, described in some departures as cava, along with snacks. Past departures have included items such as melon and light tapas-style food. The crew may bring refreshments around the boat rather than leaving you to find everything yourself.

The route follows the island’s southern coast, where the pale beaches contrast with volcanic hills. You get the best views from the open deck, but the breeze can be strong, even on a warm day. Pack a light layer rather than relying on swimwear alone.

Live commentary is offered in English, French, and Spanish. The guide does more than announce the route. Good guides such as Ami, Raquel, and Deborah have been praised for checking on people, helping with activities, and keeping an eye on families. Cirilio Lopez has also been singled out for a fun French-language departure. Guide assignments change, so treat these names as examples, not a promise.

The boat has music and a social holiday feel. Some departures have included dancing, while others have felt quieter. You can take part or simply sit back. That makes the trip suitable for couples and groups, but it may be less appealing if you want a silent sailing trip focused on nature.

Francesa Beach and the protected water

The catamaran anchors near Francesa Beach, one of the most attractive parts of the outing. The water is clear, the beach is pale, and the volcanic surroundings give the scene a stark, almost graphic look.

This is where you can swim, snorkel, or use the kayaks. Snorkeling gear and kayaks are included, and safety vests are available for kayaking. You can also jump from the catamaran into the sea, then climb back aboard when you are ready.

The water is a natural marine reserve, so conditions and wildlife matter more than a fixed promise of what you will see. Fish have been spotted around the boat, and one departure even reported wild dolphins, but neither is guaranteed. Bring your own mask if you prefer a familiar fit, although equipment is provided.

Here is the key change to your expectations: you cannot currently disembark on Francesa Beach. Local environmental rules protect the Archipiélago Chinijo Natural Park. You may be able to swim toward the shore, but you cannot walk onto the beach as part of the excursion.

This matters if your main aim is beach photography or a stroll on the sand. One person joined expecting to take pictures on land and felt let down. If you want a beach day with your feet on the beach, book a different outing. If you mainly want clear water, a boat platform, and a view of the shore, this restriction is less troublesome.

Weather can also change the water program. Strong wind has caused a planned boat activity to be shortened on at least one departure. The crew may adjust the route or activities for safety.

Lunch, drinks, and time to slow down

Lunch is a substantial pasta meal with salad, bread, and fruit. The portions have been described as generous, and several departures have received especially strong praise for the food. A non-gluten meal can be arranged, but you must tell the company in advance.

Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available without an additional charge during the catamaran portion. This adds real value to the $81 price, especially when you also count the round-trip ferry and coach transfers. The package is not just a boat ticket with one sandwich.

I would still keep expectations sensible. This is prepared excursion food, not a restaurant tasting menu. The advantage is convenience and quantity. You can eat after swimming, sit down with a drink, and avoid spending your limited time looking for lunch on an unfamiliar island.

Lunch timing can vary, but one departure served the main meal around 2:00 p.m. Have the welcome snacks, and bring a small personal snack if you know you need food earlier. You should also drink water and use sunscreen, even when the breeze makes the sun feel mild.

The return to Caleta de Sebo

After the swimming and lunch stop, the catamaran sails back toward Caleta de Sebo, La Graciosa’s small fishing village. You have about an hour of free time here before the ferry back to Lanzarote.

This is not a long guided town tour. It is a chance to get off the boat, walk around, and see a little of the island’s everyday character. The village is a useful contrast to the protected water and empty beach views. Keep an eye on the time, since the ferry departure controls the rest of the schedule.

You then take the ferry back to Órzola and rejoin the coach. Hotel drop-off follows the same general network as the morning pickup, with stops around Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Arrecife, and other resort areas.

The advertised duration is six hours, but your actual day can feel longer if you are picked up early or dropped off late. That is normal for a cross-island excursion. Check your evening plans before booking, especially if you have a dinner reservation or flight connection.

What the $81 price really buys

At $81 per person, this is strong value if you plan to use the included activities and drinks. A self-arranged day would require transport to Órzola, ferry tickets, and some way to organize a catamaran or water activity on La Graciosa. Here, the coach, ferry, boat, lunch, drinks, kayak, and snorkeling equipment come together in one booking.

The value is also in the simplicity. You do not need to coordinate ferry times or wonder how to get from the port to the catamaran. The crew handles the day while you focus on the sea.

The price is less compelling if you dislike group excursions, rarely drink, or mainly want to walk on Francesa Beach. You are paying for a complete hosted day, not a quiet private charter. The catamaran can feel social, with music and shared seating.

The overall rating of 4.4 from more than 1,000 ratings fits the experience well. The strongest points are consistent: smooth transport, warm guides, generous food, unlimited drinks, and fun water activities. The main complaints are practical rather than dramatic: long coach time from some resorts, wind affecting the route, and no walking ashore at the beach.

Who should book this La Graciosa trip?

I would choose this excursion for families with older children, couples who want an easy day on the water, and groups looking for a mix of scenery and activity. Children aged 8 and 11 have enjoyed the ferry, kayaking, snorkeling, and catamaran time on previous departures.

It also works for first-time kayakers. The crew provides equipment and safety vests, and one departure offered extra care to a passenger with a disability during kayaking and lunch. That said, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and people with reduced mobility may have difficulty reaching the toilet, which is accessed by an almost vertical ladder.

You should bring comfortable shoes, a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, beachwear, and warm clothing. Pets, fishing, glass objects, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. From July through October, Wednesday departures are for adults only, so do not choose a Wednesday with children or babies during that period.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. These terms help if your Lanzarote schedule is still taking shape, but the weather can still affect the sailing itself.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want La Graciosa scenery with very little planning, and if swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, lunch, and an open-air boat ride all sound appealing. The combination of a ferry crossing and catamaran cruise gives you a fuller day than a simple beach transfer, and the included food and drinks make the price fair.

Skip it if you need a quiet private boat, dislike organized schedules, or specifically want to walk on Francesa Beach. For most people who want an easy, active day at sea, this is one of the better-value ways to add La Graciosa to a Lanzarote holiday.

FAQ

How long does the La Graciosa sailing trip last?

The advertised duration is six hours. Pickup and drop-off times can make the total day longer, especially if you are staying in the south of Lanzarote.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from or near many hotels and transport points across Lanzarote. The company confirms your exact pickup time and location after booking.

What time are pickups from different resort areas?

Pickup begins around 8:30 a.m. in Playa Blanca, 9:20 a.m. in Puerto Calero, 9:30 a.m. in Puerto del Carmen, 9:55 a.m. in Playa Honda and Arrecife, and 10:00 a.m. in Costa Teguise.

How do I reach La Graciosa?

You travel by coach to Órzola, then take a ferry to La Graciosa. The ferry crossing takes about 25 to 30 minutes each way.

Is the catamaran cruise included?

Yes. A sightseeing cruise around La Graciosa on a luxury catamaran is included, along with live commentary.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. You receive welcome refreshments and snacks, pasta with salad and fruit for lunch, plus unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks during the catamaran trip.

Can I snorkel and kayak?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and kayaks are provided. Safety vests are available for kayaking.

Can I walk onto Francesa Beach?

No. Disembarking on the beach is currently not allowed under environmental regulations protecting the Archipiélago Chinijo Natural Park. You can swim near the shore when conditions allow.

Is a gluten-free meal available?

A non-gluten meal option is available if requested in advance. Contact the supplier when booking and clearly explain the dietary requirement.

Is the excursion suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. People with reduced mobility may also find access difficult, including the almost vertical ladder leading to the toilet.