From Lanzarote: Sailing Day Trip Around La Graciosa

La Graciosa feels like a different planet. This 6-hour sailing day trip from Lanzarote mixes catamaran cruising, swimming, and snorkel time in some seriously clear water. You’ll also get an easy rhythm to the day, with pickup, ferry connections, and a proper lunch onboard.

I love the Francesa Beach stop at a relaxed mooring point. You get time to sunbathe on the boat, swim right from the catamaran, and snorkel with supplied gear in the protected waters off La Graciosa.

One consideration: you cannot disembark on the beach right now due to local environmental rules in the Archipiélago Chinijo Natural Park. If you’re hoping for a full walk-on beach break, plan for a swim-and-sun day instead.

Key Things That Make This Sail Day Work

• Champagne plus snacks right after boarding, so the day starts pleasantly
• A catamaran cruise that gives panoramic views of Lanzarote’s north coast en route
• Snorkeling gear and kayaks included, so you can build your own water plan
• A main water stop in front of Francesa Beach with time to swim and snorkel
• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks paired with a simple, solid lunch
• A final loop back via Caleta de Sebo and free time in La Graciosa’s capital

First, What You’re Really Buying: 6 Hours of Water Time

This isn’t a “sit on a bus and look out a window” excursion. It’s built around a long stretch of time in the water plus a catamaran ride that makes the whole day feel like you’re living on Island Time.

For $81 per person, you’re basically paying for four things together: hotel-area pickup, the ferry crossing to La Graciosa, a guided catamaran cruise, and the onboard extras like lunch and drinks. The math gets even better because you’re not buying those separately. One detail that stuck with me from the feedback I read is that the ferry alone can feel pricey, which makes the included onboard food and drink part the better deal.

And you’re not just doing one activity either. You can keep it simple, or you can go full water mode with snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking.

Lanzarote Pickup to Órzola: Why the Route Matters

Your day starts with pickup from a wide set of Lanzarote hotels and meeting points. In plain terms, it saves you from figuring out how to get to the ferry port on your own. The day is scheduled around transport timing, with a coach ride taking about an hour before you reach Órzola.

Once you’re there, you hop the ferry for about 25 to 30 minutes across to La Graciosa. This connection is quick enough that the trip still feels like a day trip, not an all-day logistics project. It also helps the overall pacing, because you reach the catamaran with energy still intact.

If you’re staying far from the pickup zones, you might feel that coach time more than someone closer to the main routes. Still, the payoff is that the catamaran portion feels like the centerpiece rather than an afterthought.

The Catamaran Cruise: Views You Can’t Replicate From Shore

After you arrive on La Graciosa, the catamaran portion begins with a welcome glass of champagne and snacks. It’s a small touch, but it changes the vibe right away. You settle in, you get your bearings, and you start enjoying the coastline before anyone even talks about the rules for the water stop.

As the catamaran cruises along the south coast, you get panoramic views back toward Lanzarote’s north coast. This is one of those details that matters more than it sounds. From land, Lanzarote can be dramatic, but from water you see how the volcanic coastline curves and how the light plays across it.

Two practical notes that also shape the ride:

• You’ll be asked to remove your shoes when boarding.
• There’s live commentary onboard, offered in English, French, and Spanish depending on the group.

So even if you just want to relax, you’re still getting context for what you’re looking at.

Francesa Beach Stop: Protected-Water Snorkel, No Walk-On Beach

The main water time centers around a mooring point in front of Francesa Beach. This is the part that most people remember, because the water is clear enough for real snorkeling fun, and the beach area is known for its bright sand and pale colors.

Here’s the big rule that you need to understand early: disembarking on the beach is not allowed under local environmental regulations protecting the Chinijo area. That means your beach time is mostly from the boat. You can sunbathe onboard, swim into the water, and snorkel around the marine reserve area.

What I like about this setup is that it keeps the experience simple and avoids long lines or rushed transitions. You’re anchored, you get gear, and you can choose your own tempo:

• Swim at your pace
• Snorkel for as long as you want
• Use kayaks if the crew has them ready and conditions allow

If you’re the type who loves photos, keep your expectations realistic. You’ll get plenty of scenery from the water, but you’re not stepping out for long stretches on sand.

Also, bring your water-day basics, because this stop is about being in and around the sea. Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Warm clothing can help too, especially if the breeze picks up.

Kayaking on Your Terms, With Real Gear Included

The trip includes the use of kayaks, and it’s one of those inclusions that makes the day feel active instead of purely passive. You’re not relying on a shore excursion where you wait for equipment. You can usually go when you’re ready, and that helps if you’re traveling with a mix of experience levels.

You’ll also have snorkelling gear provided. That’s a quality-of-life upgrade. If you’ve ever rented gear for a short stop, you know how annoying it can be. Here, you can go straight to the water time.

From the feedback, people really liked the staff support during water activities. In a couple of notes, crew members were described as attentive and safety-focused, including helping passengers who were trying kayaking for the first time. If you’re nervous about being new to snorkeling or kayaking, this is exactly the kind of tour that can lower the pressure.

Just keep one reality in mind: wind and sea conditions can affect how much time you can spend in and around the water. Even on a perfect day, you’re on the ocean, so build in some flexibility.

Lunch and Unlimited Drinks: The Part That Makes It Feel Like a Treat

The onboard meal is built to refuel you after time in the water. You’ll get lunch with pasta, salad, and fruit. It’s straightforward, but it works. After swimming and snorkeling, you want food that’s not weirdly complicated.

The drinks are where the tour feels like a full-on package. You get a welcome glass of champagne, and then unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks onboard. That’s a lot to include, and it’s part of why this feels like better value than tours that charge extra for every comfort.

Two details worth flagging for your planning:

• If you have gluten needs, there’s a non gluten option available if you order in advance and inform the supplier.
• People are often asked to remove shoes when boarding, so you’ll want to wear something easy to manage.

This isn’t a gourmet meal tour. It’s a water day with a proper lunch and the kind of drinks policy that makes the afternoon feel relaxed rather than transactional.

Caleta de Sebo and Capital Time: A Little Land Break

After the snorkeling and swim time, the catamaran sails back toward Caleta de Sebo. This is when you’ll enjoy the coast as you head back, rather than constantly thinking about the next water activity.

Then you get a land break in the form of time in La Graciosa. The schedule includes free time in the capital for about an hour, plus a chance to explore a small fishermen village before boarding the ferry back.

This is intentionally light. The tour is not trying to become a full sightseeing itinerary. It gives you enough time to wander, grab a few photos, and feel the island vibe without eating up the day you came for.

If you want a deeper exploration of La Graciosa itself, you’ll likely need a separate day trip. For this one, think of it as the pause button between water segments.

Guides and Crew: Friendly Hosts That Keep the Day Moving

A big reason this tour scores high is how smoothly people are handled onboard. The guides and crew manage the transitions, help with snorkeling and kayaking, and keep an eye on everyone’s comfort.

From names that showed up in the feedback, you might be led by hosts such as Ami, Raquel, Rachel, Deborah, Amira, or Pedro. Even if your guide is different, the recurring pattern is that the host is friendly, attentive, and good at explaining what to look for.

One practical comfort detail that came up: crew members were described as going out of their way to ensure passengers were cared for during activities, including assisting with food service and making sure people were okay during kayaking trials. That’s the kind of support that can make a difference if you’re traveling with kids, first-timers, or anyone who just doesn’t want stress.

Price and Value: Why This Feels Like More Than a Boat Ride

At $81, it’s fair to ask what you’re getting. Here’s the honest breakdown:

• Ferry crossing to and from La Graciosa
• A catamaran cruise portion with onboard live commentary
• Use of kayaks
• Use of snorkelling gear
• Lunch with pasta, salad, and fruit
• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus a welcome champagne glass
• Free time in La Graciosa’s capital

When you put it all together, the cost feels reasonable because the experience isn’t just transportation. It’s a whole set of add-ons that normally cost extra on other tours.

A helpful way to think about it: if you already know you’ll want the ferry, and you know you’ll want drinks and snorkeling gear, you’re not paying for a bunch of surprises later. That is what makes this feel like good value.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a strong match if you want an easy day that centers on water fun. Couples like it because it’s relaxed and scenic. Families often enjoy it because the activities are straightforward, and the schedule gives kids a fun mix of ferry, boat, and sea time.

It also fits solo travelers who want the experience without having to plan everything. The pickup and included gear reduce decisions. You show up and follow the day.

It’s less of a fit if you need wheelchair access. The information provided says it is not suitable for wheelchair users, and even the toilet access can be difficult, with access through an almost vertical ladder.

And if you’re determined to step onto the sand at Francesa Beach, you should know that’s not currently allowed. Your best plan is to enjoy the beach area from the water, swim in, and keep your feet on the boat.

Should You Book This La Graciosa Sailing Day Trip?

If you want a day that’s mostly about clear water, snorkel gear, kayaks, and an included lunch plus drinks, I think this is an easy yes. The schedule is built around the best part of the destination, and the value is strong for how much is included.

Before you book, check two things: whether you can handle no walk-on beach time at Francesa, and whether your travel needs fit the boat setup (especially if accessibility is a concern). Also note that on Wednesdays from July to October, it’s adult-only, so make sure your dates match if you’re traveling with children.

If you’re ready for a sea day that feels well-run and scenic, this is one of the most straightforward ways to experience La Graciosa from Lanzarote.

FAQ

How long is the Lanzarote to La Graciosa sailing day trip?

The total duration is about 6 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from many locations around Lanzarote.

How do you get to La Graciosa?

You take a coach to Órzola and then a ferry across to La Graciosa.

What activities are included on the catamaran day trip?

You can swim and snorkel using the included snorkelling gear, and you can use the kayaks. There is also time to relax on board.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included onboard, with pasta, salad, and fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. You get a welcome glass of champagne, plus unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks onboard.

Can you get off onto Francesa Beach?

No. Disembarking on the beach is currently not allowed due to local environmental regulations.

Are snorkelling and kayaking gear provided?

Yes. Snorkelling gear and kayaks are included for use during the trip.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users, and access to the toilet involves an almost vertical ladder.

Are there any limits for children on certain days?

Yes. From July to October on Wednesdays, the excursion is adult-only.