Yachting in the Canary Islands: A Year-Round Adventure

The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, offer a unique sailing experience, and yachting Canary Islands provides a year-round adventure thanks to its subtropical climate and diverse landscapes. With average temperatures ranging from 20°C in winter to 26°C in summer, steady trade winds of 10-20 knots, and 2,000 km of coastline across seven main islands, the Canaries are a sailor’s paradise. In this guide, we’ll explore the best yachting spots, marinas, activities, and practical tips for an unforgettable sailing journey in the Canary Islands as of April 2025.

Why Choose Yachting Canary Islands?

Yachting Canary Islands is ideal for sailors seeking consistent weather and diverse destinations. For starters, the islands’ location in the Atlantic ensures steady trade winds, making sailing conditions reliable throughout the year. Moreover, the Canaries offer a mix of volcanic landscapes, sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life, from Tenerife’s towering Mount Teide to Lanzarote’s black-sand shores. Consequently, yachting Canary Islands appeals to both novice and experienced sailors looking for adventure in a stunning setting.

The Appeal of Year-Round Sailing

The Canaries’ year-round appeal lies in their climate and variety. For instance, you can sail in January under sunny skies with 22°C temperatures, a stark contrast to mainland Europe’s winter chill. Additionally, the islands are a biodiversity hotspot—whale watching is common, with pilot whales spotted off Tenerife 80% of the time on tours costing $40 per person. This combination of reliable weather and natural wonders makes yachting Canary Islands a top choice for a sailing escape.

Starting in Tenerife: A Hub for Yachting Canary Islands

Tenerife, the largest Canary Island, is a perfect starting point for yachting Canary Islands, offering modern marinas and access to diverse sailing routes. Begin at Marina del Sur in Las Galletas, where mooring fees are $60 per night for a 40-foot yacht. The marina has excellent facilities, including a chandlery for supplies—life jackets cost $50 if needed—and is a 15-minute drive from Tenerife South Airport. Also, the nearby town of Los Cristianos offers cultural attractions like the Sunday market, where local crafts cost $5-$10.

Exploring Tenerife by Yacht

Tenerife provides a mix of sailing and exploration. For example, sail 5 nautical miles west to Los Gigantes, where dramatic cliffs rise 600 meters above the sea, and anchor for free to swim in 24°C waters. Next, book a whale-watching tour from Los Cristianos—trips cost $40 per person and often spot dolphins alongside pilot whales. Transitioning to dining, enjoy fresh fish at El Cine in Los Cristianos for $15 per person, with views of the harbor. Thus, Tenerife sets the stage for your Canary Islands yachting adventure.

Gran Canaria: A Vibrant Stop in Yachting Canary Islands

Gran Canaria, known for its diverse landscapes, is a vibrant stop for yachting Canary Islands, offering bustling marinas and natural beauty. Moor at Puerto de Mogán, often called “Little Venice” for its canals, where fees are $65 per night for a 40-foot yacht. The marina is surrounded by whitewashed buildings and has a sandy beach perfect for a swim. Also, the nearby Dunas de Maspalomas, a 20-minute drive away, feature stunning sand dunes—entry is free, and guided tours cost $10 per person.

Activities in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria offers a range of experiences. For instance, sail 10 nautical miles south to Pasito Blanco, a quieter marina with mooring fees of $60 per night, and enjoy paddleboarding in calm waters—rentals cost $20 per hour. Next, explore the island’s interior by renting a car for $40 per day to visit Roque Nublo, a volcanic rock with panoramic views, a 45-minute drive from Mogán. Transitioning to relaxation, the marina’s restaurants serve Canarian dishes like papas arrugadas with mojo sauce for $8 per person. Therefore, Gran Canaria blends vibrant port life with serene sailing.

Lanzarote: A Volcanic Gem in Yachting Canary Islands

Lanzarote, with its otherworldly volcanic landscapes, is a unique destination for yachting Canary Islands, offering dramatic scenery and clear waters. Moor at Marina Rubicón in Playa Blanca, where fees are $70 per night for a 40-foot yacht, and enjoy its upscale amenities, including boutiques and a market—fresh produce costs $5 for a picnic. The marina is near Timanfaya National Park, a 30-minute drive away, where volcanic landscapes and geothermal demonstrations cost $12 per person to explore.

Discovering Lanzarote by Yacht

Lanzarote is a sailor’s delight. For example, sail 3 nautical miles to Playa Papagayo, a series of sheltered coves with golden sand and turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling—free to anchor, with visibility up to 20 meters. Next, visit the Jameos del Agua, a volcanic cave turned cultural center by artist César Manrique, a 40-minute drive from the marina—entry costs $15 per person. Transitioning to dining, enjoy grilled octopus at Casa Rafa in Playa Blanca for $20 per person, with marina views. Thus, Lanzarote offers a striking backdrop for yachting.

Fuerteventura: A Windswept Haven for Yachting Canary Islands

Fuerteventura, known for its strong winds and sandy beaches, is a haven for yachting Canary Islands, especially for sailors who enjoy a challenge. Moor at Puerto del Rosario, where fees are $55 per night for a 40-foot yacht, and take advantage of its proximity to the island’s capital. The marina has a small chandlery for supplies—sunscreen costs $10—and the trade winds here average 15-20 knots, ideal for experienced sailors. Also, the nearby Playa Blanca, a 10-minute walk, is perfect for a family swim.

Exploring Fuerteventura by Yacht

Fuerteventura offers adventure and relaxation. For instance, sail 8 nautical miles south to Caleta de Fuste, a sheltered bay with shallow waters, and anchor for free to enjoy windsurfing—rentals cost $25 per hour, and the winds are perfect for beginners. Next, explore the island’s interior by visiting the Betancuria village, a 30-minute drive from Puerto del Rosario, where the 15th-century Santa María Church is free to enter. Transitioning to nature, the Corralejo Dunes, a 40-minute drive away, offer stunning views for free. Therefore, Fuerteventura provides a windswept escape for yachters.

La Gomera: A Tranquil Stop in Yachting Canary Islands

La Gomera, a smaller island known for its lush forests, is a tranquil stop for yachting Canary Islands, offering a peaceful retreat. Anchor in Valle Gran Rey, a sheltered bay with free anchoring, where the calm waters are ideal for swimming and paddleboarding—rentals cost $20 per hour. The bay is surrounded by terraced hills, and a short hike leads to a viewpoint with stunning ocean views, free to access. Also, the nearby Garajonay National Park, a 45-minute drive, is a UNESCO site with ancient laurel forests—guided tours cost $15 per person.

Activities in La Gomera

La Gomera is perfect for nature lovers. For example, take a dinghy to shore and explore the town of Valle Gran Rey, where local markets sell Canarian cheeses for $5. Next, sail 5 nautical miles to Playa de Santiago, another quiet spot for a swim in 23°C waters, with free anchoring. Transitioning to culture, visit San Sebastián de La Gomera, a 20-nautical-mile sail, where Christopher Columbus stopped in 1492—his house, now a museum, costs $3 to enter. Thus, La Gomera offers a serene yachting experience.

Practical Tips for Yachting Canary Islands

A few tips can enhance your yachting adventure. First, be prepared for the trade winds—sail in the morning when winds are lighter, around 10 knots, to avoid stronger gusts of 20 knots in the afternoon. Next, bring snorkeling gear—the Canaries’ clear waters are perfect for underwater exploration, and rentals cost $15 per day. Also, pack layers—while days are warm at 24°C, evenings can cool to 18°C, especially in winter months like January.

Timing Your Yachting Trip

The Canaries are truly year-round, but each season has its perks. For instance, spring (March-May) offers mild 22°C weather and blooming landscapes, ideal for hiking in La Gomera. Transitioning to events, November hosts the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) in Gran Canaria, a transatlantic race starting in Las Palmas—spectator events are free, and the festive atmosphere is electric. Therefore, timing your trip can enhance your yachting experience.

The Cost of Yachting Canary Islands

A 7-day yachting trip in the Canary Islands can be budget-friendly. A 40-foot yacht charter costs $2,800 per week, or $700 per person for four people. Mooring fees average $60 per night, totaling $420 for seven nights, though anchoring in free spots like Valle Gran Rey saves costs. Fuel for 100 nautical miles costs $180, and meals at coastal restaurants average $15 per person daily, or $420 for four people. Activities like snorkeling ($15) and park tours ($15) total $120 per person. Total: about $4,648 for four, or $1,162 per person.

Budget-Saving Tips

Save by anchoring in free spots instead of marinas—anchoring off Playa Papagayo in Lanzarote saves $70 per night compared to Marina Rubicón. For example, a free anchorage at Caleta de Fuste avoids marina fees entirely. Also, cook onboard using local markets—ingredients for a seafood stew in Tenerife cost $12 for four, versus $60 at a restaurant. Transitioning to charters, book early to secure discounts, often 10% off. Thus, smart budgeting makes your trip affordable.

Challenges of Yachting Canary Islands

Yachting in the Canaries can present challenges. First, the trade winds, while reliable, can be strong—gusts of 25 knots are common between islands like Tenerife and Gran Canaria Asco wind, which can make navigation tricky. Additionally, inter-island passages, like the 30-nautical-mile trip from Tenerife to La Gomera, can be rough due to ocean swells. Also, limited marina space in smaller islands like La Gomera means you may need to anchor more often. However, these challenges can be managed.

Overcoming Yachting Challenges

Sail early in the day to avoid stronger winds—by 10 AM, winds are typically 10-15 knots, making passages smoother. For rough seas, ensure your yacht has a deep keel for stability—most charter yachts in the Canaries, like those from Dream Yacht Charter, are designed for Atlantic conditions. For marina space, book ahead in popular spots like Puerto de Mogán, or opt for free anchoring in sheltered bays. Transitioning to solutions, you can enjoy a smooth yachting trip. Thus, preparation ensures a stress-free adventure.

Why Choose Yachting Canary Islands?

Yachting Canary Islands offers a year-round sailing adventure, with steady winds, diverse islands, and a subtropical climate that makes every season a good time to sail. From Tenerife’s whale-filled waters to Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes, the Canaries deliver variety and beauty. Whether you’re snorkeling in Fuerteventura or hiking in La Gomera, this archipelago captivates. For an unforgettable sailing journey, this is the place. Therefore, yachting Canary Islands is a dream for sailors.

A Canary Islands Yachting Journey

Every island creates lasting memories. For instance, watching whales off Los Gigantes in Tenerife feels magical. Or, exploring Timanfaya’s lunar landscapes in Lanzarote offers a sense of wonder. This variety ensures a spectacular trip. Thus, yachting Canary Islands is an adventure you’ll cherish.

Final Thoughts on Yachting Canary Islands

Yachting Canary Islands provides a year-round opportunity to explore a stunning archipelago, from vibrant marinas to tranquil bays, with every stop offering a new adventure. With careful planning, a good itinerary, and a love for the sea, you’ll create a sailing trip that’s both thrilling and relaxing. So, charter your yacht, set sail, and let the Canary Islands captivate you—one wave at a time.