From Lanzarote: Sailing Day Trip Around La Graciosa

The best part is the water. This six-hour outing combines a ferry ride, a catamaran cruise, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, lunch, and open-bar drinks into one easy day from Lanzarote. I especially like the views of Lanzarote’s north coast and the chance to see La Graciosa from the sea rather than only from its small harbor.

I also like how much is included for $81: hotel pickup, both ferry crossings, snacks, lunch, equipment, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. The main consideration is time. If you are collected in Playa Blanca, the bus ride to Órzola can make the day feel long, and current conservation rules mean you cannot simply step ashore at Francesa Beach.

Key points to know before booking

• Francesa Beach is viewed from the water: You anchor offshore, then swim, snorkel, kayak, or relax on the boat. Landing directly on the beach is currently not allowed.
• The package is unusually full: Ferry tickets, coach transfers, catamaran sailing, snacks, pasta lunch, drinks, kayaks, snorkel gear, and commentary are included.
• The crossing starts at Órzola: The ferry to La Graciosa takes about 25 to 30 minutes, with a second ferry ride back later in the day.
• Pickup times vary widely: Playa Blanca pickups begin around 8:30 a.m., while Costa Teguise pickups are around 10 a.m.
• Guides are praised for personal service: Guides named Ami, Amy, Amira, Raquel, Rachel, Cirilio, and Deborah have all been singled out for being friendly and attentive.
• It is best for active swimmers and relaxed families: Kayaking and snorkeling are optional, but wheelchair users should not book because of access problems.

Why La Graciosa makes a good day at sea

La Graciosa sits just north of Lanzarote, separated by the narrow El Río channel. It feels different from the main island: smaller, quieter, and marked by pale beaches and volcanic hills rather than resort development. This trip gives you a quick look at that contrast without requiring you to arrange ferries, transfers, food, and water equipment separately.

The appeal is not a long list of formal sights. It is the simple pleasure of being on clear water with the island’s dry volcanic scenery around you. From the ferry and catamaran, you get broad views back toward Lanzarote’s north coast, followed by a slower cruise along La Graciosa’s southern side.

I would choose this outing if you want a full day with several choices. You can sit in the sun, have a drink, swim near the catamaran, paddle a kayak, or use the snorkeling gear. You do not need to take part in every activity, which makes it easier for a mixed group to enjoy the same day.

From your hotel to Órzola and across the channel

Pickup is offered near a long list of hotels and bus stops across Lanzarote. The stated collection times start at about 8:30 a.m. in Playa Blanca, 9:20 a.m. in Puerto Calero, 9:30 a.m. in Puerto del Carmen, 9:55 a.m. around Playa Honda and Arrecife, and 10 a.m. in Costa Teguise.

The exact pickup point matters. Lanzarote Sea Tours contacts you after booking to confirm the time and location, and that message is the information you should follow. Do not rely only on the broad list of possible hotels.

The air-conditioned coach takes about an hour to reach Órzola, although the total road time can be longer for people staying on the opposite side of the island. One person staying far from the port described almost three hours of coach travel in total, so check your location before assuming this is a short excursion.

At Órzola, you board the public ferry for La Graciosa. The crossing takes about 25 to 30 minutes. It is a useful part of the day rather than dead time, since you start seeing the coast from the water and get a sense of how close, yet distinct, La Graciosa is from Lanzarote.

Boarding the catamaran in La Graciosa

The ferry arrives at Caleta de Sebo, La Graciosa’s small capital and fishing village. From there, you transfer to the catamaran. Staff ask you to remove your shoes when boarding, so wear something easy to slip off and keep your towel and swimwear handy.

The welcome sets a cheerful tone. You receive a glass of champagne or Cava, along with snacks. Specific food noted by people on recent trips includes melon, tapas, and other light bites. The crew then takes the boat along the island’s southern coast.

The catamaran is described as clean and comfortable, with room to sit, sunbathe, eat, and watch the views. Music may be part of the atmosphere, and the mood can become lively, especially when people are enjoying the drinks and dancing. If you prefer a quiet sailing trip, this is worth knowing in advance. It is a social boat outing, not a silent private charter.

Live commentary is offered in English, French, and Spanish. Guides such as Ami, Amy, Amira, Raquel, Rachel, Cirilio, and Deborah have received especially warm praise for helping people, chatting with families, and checking around the boat to make sure everyone is comfortable. The exact guide changes, but multilingual support is part of the experience.

Francesa Beach from an offshore anchorage

The main stop is offshore from Francesa Beach. The setting is the reason to book: pale sand, clear water, and volcanic hills rising behind the shore. The catamaran anchors in a natural marine reserve, giving you time to swim and see fish beneath the surface.

Here is an important change to the advertised picture. You cannot currently disembark on the beach because of environmental rules protecting the Archipiélago Chinijo Natural Park. Older descriptions may suggest that you can swim ashore or use a small boat to reach the sand, but the current information says beach landing is not allowed.

That does not make the stop pointless, but it changes the experience. You will enjoy Francesa Beach as a beautiful backdrop and swim area rather than as a place where you can walk along the sand. If taking photographs from the beach is your main goal, this trip may disappoint you.

The boat carries snorkeling equipment, and you can also bring your own mask and snorkel. Several people have found the water clear enough to see fish near the catamaran. Conditions can change, though. One trip had to adjust its plans because of strong wind, so do not treat snorkeling or kayaking as guaranteed in every detail.

Kayaks are included, with safety vests provided. You can paddle near the boat while the crew keeps an eye on the activity. One family found the crew especially helpful when a child with a disability wanted to try kayaking. Staff also carried food and arranged a more suitable eating area, showing the kind of attentive service you may receive, though the excursion is not formally suitable for wheelchair users.

Swimming is also optional. You can use the ladder or jump from the catamaran into the sea, then return to the boat. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about the safest way to enter and exit the water. A towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and a warm layer belong in your day bag.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of the package

Lunch is served aboard the catamaran after the water activities. The main dish is pasta, accompanied by salad, bread, and fruit. Portions have been described as generous, and the meal is more substantial than the phrase snacks and lunch might suggest.

Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included during the catamaran portion. That is a major part of the value, particularly for anyone who would otherwise buy several drinks on a boat trip. A welcome glass of champagne and snacks are included too.

At $81 per person, the price looks strong when you count the ferry ticket alone, along with the coach ride, catamaran, food, drinks, equipment, and guide. It is not the cheapest way to see La Graciosa if you only want to reach the island and walk around. It is good value if you want a catered day on the water with activities included.

The tradeoff is that the inclusive setup shapes the day. You are following a set schedule, eating what is prepared, and sharing the catamaran with a group. People looking for an independent island visit should take the ferry separately and make their own plans.

A gluten-free meal can be arranged if you contact the supplier in advance. Do not wait until boarding, since the alternative needs to be ordered before the trip.

Sailing back to Caleta de Sebo

After lunch and time in the anchorage, the boat returns toward Caleta de Sebo. The itinerary allows about an hour of free time in the village before the ferry back to Órzola.

This is not a long island exploration period. You will have enough time to look around the harbor area, take in the fishing-village setting, and buy or enjoy something if available, but not enough time for a full walk across La Graciosa. Keep your expectations modest here. The sea portion is the main event.

The return ferry takes another 25 minutes or so. From Órzola, the coach brings you back to your pickup area. Because the trip includes several transfers, good organization matters. The strongest praise has gone to the staff for keeping the bus, ferry, and catamaran connections running smoothly. One family experienced a late first bus but said that a phone call to the company brought reassurance and the rest of the day worked well.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and groups where some people want activity while others prefer to relax. Children aged 8 and 11 enjoyed the ferry, kayaking, snorkeling, food, and boat time on one family outing. The range of choices means nobody has to spend the whole day swimming.

It is also a good match for first-time kayakers. You receive the equipment and safety vest, and the crew can help you get started. You should still be comfortable around open water, or be ready to remain on the boat while others take part.

The trip suits people who want a sociable day. Music, drinks, food, and shared activities give it a holiday atmosphere. It is less suitable for someone seeking a quiet sail, a private experience, or a serious wildlife cruise. A dolphin sighting has occurred, but wildlife is not promised.

Mobility needs deserve careful thought. Wheelchair users should not book this activity. Access to the toilet is by an almost vertical ladder, and boarding, ferry transfers, and water activities can be difficult for anyone with reduced mobility. The crew may offer practical help, but the boat is not designed as an accessible excursion.

From July through October, Wednesday departures are for adults only. Do not book a child or baby on a Wednesday during that period. Also note that glass objects, pets, fishing, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

What to bring for a comfortable day

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, beachwear, and warm clothing. The last item matters even on a sunny day because the ferry and catamaran can feel cool when moving.

A waterproof phone pouch is useful if you want photographs from the boat or while kayaking. You may bring your own snorkeling gear, though equipment is provided. Since you cannot currently land at Francesa Beach, focus your camera plans on the ferry, the catamaran, the clear water, and the island viewed from offshore.

Wear clothing that handles a little spray and choose footwear you can remove easily. The catamaran is barefoot on boarding, so avoid complicated laces or boots.

Should you book the La Graciosa catamaran day?

Book it if you want a well-organized day with excellent value for food, drinks, transport, and activities. The strongest part is the combination of clear water, a clean catamaran, helpful multilingual guides, and enough free time to swim or kayak without having to arrange each piece yourself.

Think twice if your dream is to walk on Francesa Beach, explore much of La Graciosa independently, or avoid a long coach ride. The beach restriction is important, and the day involves a bus, two ferry crossings, and a shared boat.

For most people who want an easy, active sea day from Lanzarote, I would consider this a strong choice. Just book it for the offshore experience, not for a beach landing, and confirm your pickup details before setting out.

FAQ

How long does the whole excursion last?

The activity is listed as six hours. The schedule includes coach transfers, two ferry crossings, about three and a half hours of guided La Graciosa activities, and about one hour of free time in Caleta de Sebo.

How much does the trip cost?

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 company confirms your exact pickup time and point after booking.

How long is the ferry ride to La Graciosa?

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

Can I walk onto Francesa Beach?

No. Disembarking on the beach is currently not allowed under environmental rules protecting the Archipiélago Chinijo Natural Park.

Are snorkeling equipment and kayaks included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and kayak use are included. Safety vests are provided for kayaking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes pasta, salad, and fruit. Snacks are also provided, and a gluten-free option is available if requested in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The catamaran includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus a welcome glass of champagne or Cava.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

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