From Lanzarote: Sailing Day Trip Around La Graciosa

La Graciosa is the star here: a small volcanic island reached by ferry, then explored from a catamaran anchored off Francesa Beach. You get clear water, white sand, and volcanic peaks without having to plan several separate connections yourself.

I like the easy all-in-one setup, with hotel pickup, ferry tickets, equipment, lunch, and drinks included. I also like the friendly multilingual guides, including Ami, Raquel, Deborah, and Amira, who keep an eye on people in the water. The main drawback is that the full day can involve a long coach ride, especially from the south of Lanzarote, and you cannot currently step ashore at Francesa Beach.

Key points to know

• Three ways to enjoy the water: Swim from the catamaran, use the snorkeling equipment, or take a kayak out with a safety vest.
• Francesa Beach is viewed from the sea: Environmental rules now prevent the catamaran group from landing on the beach.
• Food and drinks are unusually generous: A welcome glass of champagne, snacks, pasta, salad, fruit, beer, wine, and soft drinks are included.
• The journey begins early in some resorts: Pickup starts around 8:30 a.m. in Playa Blanca and reaches Costa Teguise around 10 a.m.
• Caleta de Sebo adds a short land break: You get about an hour to look around La Graciosa’s small capital before the ferry home.
• This suits active sun-seekers best: Wheelchair users cannot join, and the toilet is reached by an almost vertical ladder.

Crossing from Lanzarote to La Graciosa

The day starts with pickup near your accommodation. The company serves a long list of hotels and bus stops across Lanzarote, including Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Playa Honda, and Puerto Calero.

The exact pickup point and time are confirmed by Lanzarote Sea Tours after booking, so do not rely only on the general schedule. As a guide, the first collections begin at about 8:30 a.m. in Playa Blanca, with later departures from Puerto Calero, Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, and Costa Teguise.

The coach ride to Órzola takes roughly one hour from the listed pickup area, though the total morning journey can be much longer if you are collected in the south and share transport with people from several resorts. One person staying on the far side of Lanzarote described almost three hours on the coach before reaching the sailing portion. That is the real price of an island-wide pickup system.

At Órzola, you board the public ferry for the short crossing to La Graciosa. The ferry ride is listed as 25 to 30 minutes, giving you your first open-water views toward the smaller island. The transfer from coach to ferry, and then from ferry to catamaran, is organized as part of the same outing, so you are not left to arrange separate tickets or find the marina alone.

If you are prone to seasickness, have breakfast lightly and bring warm clothing. The ferry and catamaran are different boats, and the water can feel cooler and windier than the beach weather in Lanzarote.

Boarding the catamaran in Caleta de Sebo

La Graciosa’s main settlement, Caleta de Sebo, is the handover point between the ferry and the catamaran. Once on board, you remove your shoes before entering the boat. Wear sandals or other footwear that is easy to take off, and keep your belongings tidy around your seat.

The catamaran is presented as a luxury sailing boat, but the appeal is less about formal luxury and more about having space to sit, stretch out, and enjoy the sea without arranging anything yourself. The crew serves a welcome glass of champagne, or cava, along with snacks such as melon and small tapas-style bites.

The onboard commentary is available in English, French, and Spanish. The individual guide changes by departure. Ami, Amy, Raquel, Deborah, Amira, Cirilio Lopez, and Pedro have all been praised for being warm, funny, attentive, and comfortable across several languages. You should not book on the assumption that one particular guide will be present, but the range of languages is useful for mixed groups.

The best guides do more than explain the route. Deborah was noted for checking around the whole boat, while Ami helped children identify fish and kept them involved with games. On another departure, the crew supported a young person with a disability during kayaking and helped carry her meal. That does not change the formal accessibility limits, but it does suggest a willing and attentive crew when a participant needs extra help.

Sailing past La Graciosa’s volcanic coast

The catamaran follows the south coast of La Graciosa. From the water, you see pale beaches, clear shallows, and dark volcanic mountains rising behind them. This is the sort of scenery that makes the boat worthwhile even if you spend very little time in the water.

The route is designed for a relaxed day rather than a fast sightseeing circuit. You can sit on deck, take photographs, listen to music, and watch the coastline slide past. Some departures have had a lively party feel, with dancing and music, while others have felt quieter and more focused on swimming and sunbathing. The mood depends on the group and the crew.

Keep your camera ready during the crossing, but protect it from spray and strong sun. If your main goal is photography on land, note an important change: you cannot currently disembark at Francesa Beach because of environmental regulations in the Archipelago Chinijo Natural Park.

That rule matters. The tour takes you close to the beach and gives you a good view from the catamaran, but you should not expect to walk across its white sand. You may swim toward shore when conditions allow, but the supplied information specifically warns that beach disembarkation is not permitted. A small boat may assist in the water, but it is not a way to land on the beach.

Francesa Beach: swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking

The catamaran anchors near Francesa Beach for the main activity period, which forms the heart of the trip. You have about three and a half hours for the boat outing, including sailing, lunch, and time in the water.

The sea is the attraction. You can swim directly from the catamaran, use the provided snorkeling gear, or take a kayak. Safety vests are available for kayaking, and the crew can help first-timers get started. You do not need to be an experienced kayaker to take part, but you should be comfortable around open water.

The snorkeling area is within a marine reserve. Conditions and visibility vary with wind, but the water has often been clear enough to see fish beneath the boat. Bring your own mask if you prefer a familiar fit, though equipment is supplied.

You can also simply remain on deck. This is important for mixed groups, since not everyone has to swim or kayak. Children have enjoyed the activities, and the crew has taken time to supervise and encourage them. At the same time, this is not a supervised children’s club, so adults remain responsible for their children.

The weather can alter the plan. Strong wind may reduce the time available for kayaking or prevent the boat from taking the most exposed route. Even on a windy day, the catamaran portion can still offer a pleasant outing, but you should treat the water activities as weather-dependent rather than guaranteed in perfect conditions.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and beachwear. Comfortable shoes and a warm layer are also wise, since the return sailing can feel cool after you have been wet. There is no need to pack fishing gear, and fishing is not allowed on the trip.

Lunch, champagne, and unlimited drinks

The food is one of the stronger parts of the package. After the main swimming period, the crew serves pasta with salad, bread, and fruit. Portions have been described as generous, and the meal is more substantial than the light snack often offered on a boat excursion.

Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available without an extra charge during the catamaran portion. That changes the value calculation. At $81 per person, you are not paying only for a boat ride. The price also covers hotel transport, two ferry crossings, the catamaran, a welcome drink, snacks, lunch, water equipment, kayaking, commentary, and drinks.

I would not choose the trip solely because of the alcohol. The better value is the removal of small costs and planning jobs. A separate ferry ticket, local transport, boat trip, lunch, and equipment rental could add up quickly, while this package keeps them together.

The meal is pasta rather than a choice-based restaurant lunch. If you need a gluten-free or gluten-intolerant meal, contact the supplier before the trip and request the alternative in advance. Do not wait until boarding, since the crew needs notice.

People who do not drink alcohol have beer, wine, and soft drinks listed as the included choices, and soft drinks are available. The champagne-style welcome serving is a small opening touch, not the reason to choose the excursion.

An hour in Caleta de Sebo

After the catamaran returns to Caleta de Sebo, you get about an hour of free time before taking the ferry back to Órzola. This is a useful pause after several hours on the water.

Caleta de Sebo is a small fishing village rather than a large resort. You can walk around, take photographs, and get a feel for the island settlement before returning to the ferry. Keep an eye on the meeting time, since the ferry connection is part of the organized return journey.

This short stop also helps explain what the tour does and does not offer. You see the island from the sea, then get limited time in its main village, but this is not a full land tour of La Graciosa. If you want long walks, remote beaches, or a quiet day exploring inland, arrange a separate visit.

The ferry crossing back to Órzola takes about 25 minutes. From there, the coach returns you to your original pickup area, with drop-offs at many of the same hotels and stops. The whole experience lasts around six hours, though the exact return time depends on transport connections and your starting point.

Who will get the most from this day

I would recommend this trip to couples, families with older children, and groups who want a simple day by the water. It works especially well if you want to try kayaking or snorkeling but do not want to rent equipment, find a boat, or plan ferry connections yourself.

It is also a good fit for people who enjoy a social boat atmosphere. Music, drinks, friendly guides, and time on deck give the day a holiday feel. If you prefer a silent sail with very few people, this may feel too organized or lively.

Families should note a seasonal rule. From July through October, Wednesdays are adults-only, so do not choose a Wednesday departure with children or babies during that period.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users. People with reduced mobility may face difficulties, particularly because the toilet is reached by an almost vertical ladder. Boarding and moving around a boat also require care, even when the crew is helpful.

You should also think about the coach time. From Playa Blanca, pickup begins around 8:30 a.m., while Costa Teguise pickups are around 10 a.m. The schedule spreads across the island, so the route to Órzola can be tiring from the south. For many people, the included transport is still worth it. For others, driving independently to Órzola and taking a shorter local boat outing may be more appealing, though that would be a different experience.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Check the confirmed pickup message carefully. The supplier’s confirmation is the valid source for your meeting point and time.
• Bring a warm layer even on a sunny day. Wind is part of a catamaran trip, and you may feel cold after swimming.
• Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, beachwear, and comfortable shoes.
• Bring a waterproof phone pouch or small dry bag if you plan to photograph the water.
• Tell the supplier about gluten intolerance when booking.
• Expect to remove your shoes on the catamaran.
• Do not plan on walking onto Francesa Beach. The current environmental rules prohibit disembarking there.
• If you are traveling with children, check the Wednesday adults-only rule from July through October.
• If kayaking is your priority, listen carefully to the crew’s instructions and be ready for the activity to change with wind conditions.
• Leave room in your schedule after the advertised six hours in case the long return transfer takes time.

Should you book the La Graciosa sailing day trip?

At $81, this is strong value if you want a full, social day with transport, food, drinks, and water activities bundled together. The best parts are the clear water near Francesa Beach, the easy ferry connection, the attentive multilingual crew, and the choice between swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relaxing on deck.

I would book it if you are happy to see Francesa Beach from the water and accept a possible long coach ride. I would skip it if walking on the beach is essential, if you need step-free access, or if you want a quiet independent visit to La Graciosa. For everyone else, it is a practical way to add a bright, sea-focused day to a Lanzarote holiday.

FAQ

How long does the La Graciosa sailing trip last?

The advertised duration is six hours. The schedule includes coach transfers, two ferry crossings, the catamaran outing, and free time in Caleta de Sebo.

What is the price of the excursion?

The listed price is $81 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How long is the ferry ride to La Graciosa?

The ferry crossing takes about 25 to 30 minutes each way.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes pasta, salad, and fruit. Snacks are also served, including welcome refreshments when you board the catamaran.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The catamaran includes a welcome glass of champagne, plus unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks during the boat portion.

Can I snorkel and kayak?

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

Can I get off at Francesa Beach?

No. Current environmental regulations prevent disembarking on the beach. You can swim toward the shore when conditions allow, but the tour does not permit you to land there.

What languages are available?

Live commentary is available in English, French, and Spanish.

Can wheelchair users join the tour?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. People with reduced mobility may also find boarding and access to the toilet difficult because the toilet is reached by an almost vertical ladder.