Sailing to the Canary Islands: Everything you need to know

Hi guys!

It paid off to wait two days in Gibraltar. We are in the final approach in Lanzarote after 80 hours sail in constant wind of 20 Knots from Gibraltar.

Perfect sailing, great experience, delicious food, caught a tuna and had fun. Happy sailors need some rest…..

Most visiting sailors use the Canary Islands as a staging post for an Atlantic crossing, often as part of a cruise in company, such as the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers 22 (ARC) from Las Palmas, in Gran Canaria to St Lucia in the Caribbean. Some transatlantic crews have said they wished that they’d have more time to explore the potential of the Canary Islands archipelago before sailing west over the horizon.

The islands offer a spectacular cruising ground, with a varied backdrop. All of the seven main islands – Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro – are within a day’s sail of each other, yet they each have their own unique character and some even have a difference in climate. Our first impression: The Canary Islands are very diverse! Stay connected for more 💋

First stop: Lanzarote!

Due to its long stretches of sandy beaches, balmy all-year-round temperatures (Water temperature 24 degrees and perfect climate), palm-filled resorts, and close proximity to Europe, there’s no doubting Lanzarote’s eternal popularity with adventurers. Although it’s also an extraordinary place in its own right with 300 volcanic cones and vast black lava fields!