From Lanzarote: Sailing Day Trip Around La Graciosa

La Graciosa is the star here: a quiet volcanic island with pale beaches, clear water, and very little development. You cross from Lanzarote by ferry, then switch to a luxury catamaran for a relaxed day of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing.

I like the easy door-to-door transport and the fact that lunch, snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included. I also like the friendly multilingual guiding, with guides such as Ami, Raquel, Amira, and Deborah praised for keeping an eye on everyone. The main drawback is simple: you cannot step onto Francesa Beach under current environmental rules, so this is more a boat-and-water outing than a beach visit.

Key things to know before booking

• The beach stop is from the water: You can swim toward Francesa Beach, but you cannot disembark there.
• The catamaran is the main event: Expect about three and a half hours aboard, with swimming, kayaking, food, drinks, and views.
• The price covers a lot: At $81 per person, transport, ferries, lunch, equipment, and drinks are all included.
• The day starts early in some resorts: Pickup begins at 8:30 a.m. in Playa Blanca and reaches Costa Teguise at about 10 a.m.
• The crossing is short but the day is active: The ferry takes about 25 to 30 minutes each way, while the full excursion lasts six hours.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel: You can swim from the catamaran, but the sea may be your only way to reach the beach area.

Why La Graciosa makes a good boat trip

La Graciosa sits just north of Lanzarote, separated by the narrow El Río channel. It feels more spare and open than much of the main island, with volcanic hills, white sand, and water that can look almost tropical in calm weather.

The appeal is not a long list of sights. It is the change of pace. You spend the day looking outward, watching the coastline slide past, then stopping in a marine reserve where the main decisions are whether to swim, snorkel, kayak, or stay on deck with a drink.

That makes this a good choice if you want scenery without a demanding hike. It also works well for families and mixed groups. One person can kayak, another can snorkel, and someone else can stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The setting is protected, and that shapes the experience. You should not expect a conventional beach landing at Francesa Beach. The boat anchors offshore, and you can swim in the area, but current regulations protect the natural environment of the Archipiélago Chinijo Natural Park.

From your hotel to Órzola

The excursion begins with pickup near your accommodation. The list of collection points covers much of Lanzarote, including Playa Blanca, Puerto Calero, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Honda, Arrecife, and Costa Teguise.

The earliest listed pickup is around 8:30 a.m. from Playa Blanca. Puerto del Carmen is around 9:30 a.m., Arrecife and Playa Honda around 9:55 a.m., and Costa Teguise around 10 a.m. Your exact point and time are confirmed by Lanzarote Sea Tours, so use that confirmation rather than relying only on the general schedule.

The coach ride to Órzola takes about an hour, though your total bus time can be longer if you are staying on the far side of the island or are among the first pickups. One person staying on the opposite side of Lanzarote described almost three hours of coach travel in total. That is the trade-off for having hotel transport included.

I like the convenience, especially if you do not want to rent a car or work out the ferry connection yourself. Still, check your pickup location carefully. A stop near your hotel is not always the same as a stop directly outside the entrance.

At Órzola, you board the public ferry for the short crossing to La Graciosa. The journey takes about 25 to 30 minutes. It adds a second boat ride before the catamaran, but it is also a pleasant introduction to the island and gives you broad views back toward Lanzarote’s northern coast.

Boarding the catamaran in La Graciosa

After arriving on La Graciosa, you transfer to the catamaran for the central part of the day. Shoes must be removed when boarding, so wear something comfortable and easy to take off.

The welcome sets the tone. You receive a glass of Champagne, described in some accounts as Cava, along with snacks. Past departures have included melon, tapas-style bites, and other light refreshments. It is a useful start because the swimming stop comes later, and you are not waiting for lunch while hungry.

The catamaran gives you several ways to spend the crossing. You can sit in the sun, find shade, listen to music, chat with the crew, or watch the volcanic coastline. Live commentary is provided in English, French, and Spanish.

The guide is an important part of the day. The team has included Ami, Raquel, Amira, Cirilio Lopez, and Deborah, with particular praise for guides who moved around the boat, checked on people, and helped families with activities. The tone is friendly rather than formal, but the commentary gives the sailing some local context.

The boat is described as clean and well maintained, though you should remember that a catamaran is still a working boat. Deck space, seating, steps, and the toilet arrangement may not suit everyone. The toilet is reached by an almost vertical ladder, which is a serious consideration for anyone with reduced mobility.

Sailing the south coast toward Francesa Beach

The catamaran follows La Graciosa’s southern coast, where the views come in broad, simple shapes: pale sand, dark volcanic slopes, and bright water. This is a good stretch for photographs, so keep your camera ready before the swimming stop.

You can expect a relaxed cruise rather than a tightly packed sightseeing circuit. The scenery is the attraction, and the boat gives you time to watch it without rushing from one landmark to another.

The crossing can be affected by wind. On one departure, strong conditions limited the planned sailing, although the swimming and boat experience still went ahead. Lanzarote is known for wind, and the sea conditions can change the feel of the day. If you are prone to seasickness, sit in a stable central area, take normal precautions, and avoid drinking too much before the boat gets moving.

The route also gives you a useful contrast with Lanzarote. Lanzarote’s coast is famous for its volcanic drama and developed resorts, while La Graciosa feels more open and lightly built. From the water, that difference is especially clear.

Francesa Beach, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking

The catamaran anchors near Francesa Beach for the main activity period. The water is clear, and the area is part of a natural marine reserve. Snorkeling gear is supplied, and you can look for fish around the boat and nearby water.

You can also use the kayaks. Life jackets are available, and the crew helps people get started. This is a nice touch for beginners. Several people used the kayaks for the first time, and the crew has assisted participants who needed extra help getting in or out.

Swimming is from the catamaran. You can use the ladder, then paddle around the boat or swim toward the shore, but you cannot land on Francesa Beach. This rule is easy to miss if you picture a normal beach picnic, so keep it in mind when packing and choosing the tour.

If you are mainly interested in photography, this restriction may disappoint you. You will be able to photograph the beach from the water, but you will not get time to walk along the sand or pose on shore. If your priority is swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking, the rule matters much less.

The stop is flexible enough for different energy levels. I like that you are not forced into one activity. You can spend the whole time in the water, try kayaking for a few minutes, or stay on deck and enjoy the setting.

The crew has also shown care with children and people who need extra support. One family described staff helping a child with a disability try kayaking and making sure she was safe from a nearby boat. That does not make the tour fully accessible, but it does suggest a helpful attitude on board.

Pasta lunch and an open bar

Lunch is served after the water activities, usually with pasta, salad, bread, and fruit. Portions have been described as generous, and the meal is practical for an active day at sea. It is not a gourmet restaurant lunch, but it is more substantial than a snack and saves you from bringing a packed meal.

The drinks package is one of the strongest value points. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are unlimited while you sail. You also receive the welcome drink and snacks at the start.

I would still pace yourself. The sun, wind, salt water, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly. Drink water when available, use sunscreen often, and eat before reaching for another beer or glass of wine.

The meal suits most people, but anyone with gluten intolerance must tell the company in advance. A gluten-free option is available if ordered ahead. Do not wait until boarding, since the crew needs notice to prepare an alternative.

Free time in Caleta de Sebo

After the catamaran returns toward La Graciosa’s main settlement, you get about an hour of free time in Caleta de Sebo. This is the island’s small fishing village and gives you a short chance to walk around on land.

The free time is not long enough for an ambitious visit, but it is useful. You can stretch your legs after the boat, take photographs, see the harbor, and get a feel for the village before returning to the ferry.

This hour also partly balances the no-beach-landing rule. You do get some time on La Graciosa itself, just not at the Francesa Beach anchorage. Keep an eye on the meeting time, since the ferry and coach connections follow a fixed schedule.

The return ferry takes another 25 minutes or so. At Órzola, you board the coach for the ride back to your drop-off point. The official activity time is six hours, but pickup and return transport can make the day feel longer, especially from Playa Blanca.

Is $81 good value?

At $81 per person, I consider this a strong package if you want a full day on the water. A ferry ticket alone accounts for part of the cost, and here you also get hotel pickup, return transport, the catamaran cruise, a welcome drink, snacks, pasta lunch, unlimited drinks, snorkel equipment, kayaks, commentary, and free time in Caleta de Sebo.

The value is clearest for people who would otherwise need to arrange a car, ferry tickets, meals, and water activities separately. Families may also find the included food and drinks useful, since there are fewer small expenses during the day.

The price is less attractive if you only want to visit La Graciosa on foot. This excursion gives you limited land time and puts the catamaran at the center. If you want a long beach visit, independent walking, or quiet photography from shore, a different ferry-based plan may suit you better.

The overall rating is 4.4 from 1,043 reviews, and the repeated strengths are clear: friendly staff, reliable organization, good food, generous drinks, and plenty of time for swimming and kayaking. The occasional concerns are also consistent: long coach time from some resorts, wind affecting the route, and disappointment about not being allowed onto Francesa Beach.

Who should book this La Graciosa sailing trip?

I would choose this for couples, families with older children, and groups who want an easy day with activities built in. You do not need to plan every detail, and you can be as active or lazy as you like once the catamaran anchors.

It is especially good for first-time kayakers and casual snorkelers. Equipment is provided, life jackets are available, and the crew can offer help. You do not need to be an experienced sailor.

I would hesitate if you use a wheelchair, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and the toilet access is difficult. I would also think twice if your main goal is walking on Francesa Beach or spending several hours ashore.

From July through October, Wednesday departures are for adults only. Do not book that day with children or babies. On other days, the experience can work well for families, with the usual warning that sea conditions and wind may affect how much time you spend in the water.

Bring comfortable shoes for transfers, warm clothing for the ride back, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Glass objects, fishing, and pets are not allowed. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a well-organized boat day rather than a long beach day. The combination of ferry, catamaran, food, drinks, snorkeling, kayaking, and hotel transport makes $81 a fair price.

I would book it with realistic expectations: Francesa Beach is viewed from the water, the coach ride may be lengthy, and the sea can be windy. If those points do not bother you, this is one of the easiest ways to enjoy La Graciosa’s coast without arranging the details yourself.

FAQ

How long does the La Graciosa sailing trip last?

The activity lasts six hours, not counting possible variation in pickup and drop-off times. The catamaran portion around La Graciosa lasts about three and a half hours, with about one hour of free time in Caleta de Sebo.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup begins at about 8:30 a.m. from Playa Blanca. Listed times are around 9:20 a.m. from Puerto Calero, 9:30 a.m. from Puerto del Carmen, 9:55 a.m. from Playa Honda and Arrecife, and 10 a.m. from Costa Teguise.

How do I reach La Graciosa?

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

Can I get off the catamaran at Francesa Beach?

No. Disembarking on Francesa Beach is currently not allowed under environmental regulations protecting the Archipiélago Chinijo Natural Park. You can swim toward the shore, but you cannot walk onto the beach.

Are snorkeling equipment and kayaks included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and kayaks are included, and life jackets are available for kayaking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes pasta, salad, and fruit, with bread also provided on some departures. A gluten-free meal can be arranged if you contact the company in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes a welcome glass of Champagne or Cava, snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks on the catamaran.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. People with reduced mobility may also have difficulty with the catamaran, especially because toilet access involves an almost vertical ladder.