From Lanzarote: Sailing Day Trip Around La Graciosa

La Graciosa is the star here: a quiet island of volcanic hills, white sand, and remarkably clear water. You cross from Lanzarote by ferry, then trade the coach and ferry for a catamaran, with time for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming near Francesa Beach.

I like two things in particular: the trip includes far more than a boat ride, with lunch and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, and the crew seems to put real effort into keeping the day friendly and well organized. The catch is that you cannot currently step ashore at Francesa Beach, and the long coach ride from the southern resorts makes this a full-day commitment.

Key points at a glance

• A two-boat island day: Ride the public ferry from Órzola, then switch to a luxury catamaran for the main outing.
• Francesa Beach from the water: Swim, snorkel, or kayak near one of La Graciosa’s most appealing stretches of coast.
• Food and drinks included: Expect a welcome glass of Champagne, snacks, pasta, salad, fruit, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.
• Hotel pickup across Lanzarote: Pickup times range from about 8:30 a.m. in Playa Blanca to 10 a.m. in Costa Teguise.
• A useful environmental limitation: You can swim toward the beach, but current rules do not allow disembarkation there.
• Best for active sun-seekers: Families, couples, and groups can mix swimming and kayaking with easy time on deck.

Crossing from Lanzarote to La Graciosa

The morning begins with pickup near your accommodation. The operator serves a wide spread of resorts and bus stops, including Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Honda, Arrecife, and Costa Teguise. Pickup is listed from 8:30 a.m. in Playa Blanca and later in the eastern resorts, with the company confirming the exact point and time after booking.

From your pickup point, the coach takes about an hour to Órzola, Lanzarote’s northern ferry port. This transfer is useful because it removes the need to arrange a car, but it can feel long if you are staying in the south. From Playa Blanca, the complete trip to the harbor and back can take a sizeable part of the day before the sea excursion even begins.

At Órzola, you board the ferry for La Graciosa. The crossing takes about 25 to 30 minutes and gives you your first broad views across the water. The ferry is transport rather than a guided sightseeing cruise, so keep your expectations sensible. Its real value is getting you to the smaller island quickly and comfortably.

Once you reach La Graciosa, you transfer to the catamaran. The changeover is described as well organized, but you should be ready to remove your shoes when boarding. Wear footwear that is easy to take off, and keep your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a warm layer in a small day bag rather than buried in your luggage.

The catamaran route along La Graciosa

The catamaran sails along the island’s southern coast. This is where the day changes character. Lanzarote’s developed resort areas are behind you, and the view becomes volcanic hills, open sea, pale beaches, and very little built-up scenery.

The boat provides panoramic views of Lanzarote’s north coast as well as La Graciosa. The contrast is part of the appeal. Lanzarote is known for its dark volcanic terrain, while La Graciosa brings brighter sand and clear water close to shore.

You receive a welcome glass of Champagne, often served with snacks such as melon and other light bites. The service is one of the stronger parts of the outing. Staff circulate, help with equipment, and keep an eye on the practical side of the day rather than leaving you to figure everything out alone.

Live commentary is available in English, French, and Spanish. Guides have included Ami, Raquel, Amy, Deborah, and Cirilio on different departures, but the exact guide is not fixed. The better guides do more than repeat facts. They check in with people, help families organize activities, and keep the mood relaxed without turning the whole boat into a loud party.

Francesa Beach, swimming, and the marine reserve

The catamaran anchors near Francesa Beach for the main activity period. The stop lasts roughly three and a half hours when the guided sailing, lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking are taken together. That gives you enough time to try more than one activity instead of rushing from one to the next.

The water is the main attraction. You can swim from the catamaran, use the provided snorkeling equipment, or take one of the kayaks. The clear conditions can reveal fish close to the boat, although visibility and wind depend on the day. Bring your own mask if you prefer a familiar fit, but basic snorkeling gear is supplied.

Kayaking gives you a calmer way to enjoy the cove. It is also useful if you want to move around without committing to a long swim. Safety vests are available, and the crew has shown care with people who need extra assistance. One family reported that staff supported a disabled child who wanted to kayak and kept a small boat nearby for added reassurance.

There is one important change to the experience: you cannot currently get out on Francesa Beach. Environmental rules protecting the Archipielago Chinijo Natural Park prevent disembarkation. You may swim toward the shore, but the beach is viewed from the water rather than explored on foot.

That matters if your main goal is taking beach photographs or walking on the sand. One participant expected to spend time on land and was disappointed after arriving without swimwear. If you want an island walk, you do get free time in Caleta de Sebo later, but the beach stop itself is a water-based visit.

Wind can also change the plan. On one departure, conditions prevented the boat from taking its planned route, though snorkeling and the rest of the day continued. The crew can provide a good outing in mixed conditions, but this is still a sea trip, not a guaranteed calm-water beach day.

Lunch, drinks, and time on deck

Lunch is served on board after the water activities. The standard meal includes pasta, salad, bread, and fruit. Portions have been described as generous, which is welcome after swimming and kayaking. This is simple excursion food rather than a destination meal, but it fits the day and avoids the need to find a restaurant on a remote island.

Beer, wine, and soft drinks are unlimited during the catamaran portion. The package also includes the welcome Champagne and snacks. This can make the $81 price look strong, especially when you consider the ferry, hotel transportation, equipment, lunch, and guided sailing are all bundled together.

The drinks are also part of the atmosphere. Music may be played, and some departures feel lively, with people dancing or socializing on deck. Other departures are quieter and more focused on the scenery. You can usually choose your own pace: swim and kayak, or stay on deck with a drink and watch the coast go by.

A practical note: tell the company in advance if you need a gluten-free meal. It is not something to assume will be available without notice. Also bring water protection for phones and cameras. You will be near spray, wet equipment, and swimmers, and the best views are often from the exposed deck.

Caleta de Sebo and the return crossing

After the catamaran returns toward La Graciosa, you have about an hour of free time in Caleta de Sebo, the island’s small capital and fishing village. This is your chance to step onto La Graciosa itself, take photographs, and get a brief feel for the island away from the water.

Do not expect a long cultural tour. The free time is short, and the village visit is more about atmosphere and orientation than museums or major sights. It provides the land-based part of the day that the Francesa Beach rule removes.

You then board the ferry back to Órzola and rejoin the coach for the return to your hotel or designated drop-off point. The full activity lasts about six hours, but the day can feel longer once transfers are counted. Some southern pickup points may involve close to three hours of combined coach travel, while visitors staying near the north or east coast spend less time on the road.

The operator provides return drop-off to many of the same areas served in the morning. Exact pickup and drop-off instructions come from Lanzarote Sea Tours, so do not rely only on a general hotel list. Keep your phone available on the day in case the company needs to confirm a meeting point.

What the $81 price really buys you

At $81 per person, this is not simply a ferry ticket with a short boat ride added. You are paying for hotel transportation, the round-trip ferry, a catamaran cruise, a welcome drink, snacks, lunch, unlimited drinks, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, live commentary, and free time in Caleta de Sebo.

The package is especially good value if you would otherwise pay separately for a ferry, a boat excursion, meals, and transport. The ferry alone is a meaningful part of the cost, and the unlimited drinks make the total easier to justify for adults who plan to spend much of the afternoon on board.

The value is weaker if you do not drink alcohol, dislike group excursions, or mainly want to walk on a beach. The catamaran includes a social, hosted atmosphere rather than a quiet private sailing trip. You also have little control over the departure time, route, or length of each stop.

Still, the high overall rating of 4.4 from more than 1,000 bookings reflects a consistent pattern: the transport is usually well handled, the crew is attentive, and the food and drinks exceed what many people expect from a standard day excursion. The strongest praise centers on organization, staff, generous catering, and the chance to combine several water activities in one outing.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this trip to families with older children, couples, and groups who want an easy day by the sea without arranging each part themselves. Children aged 8 and 11 have enjoyed the ferry, kayaking, snorkeling, and catamaran, and guides have helped younger participants feel involved.

It also suits you if you want flexibility during the stop. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, sunbathe, eat, or simply watch La Graciosa pass by. You do not need to be an expert swimmer or kayaker, though you should be comfortable around open water and boat ladders.

It is less suitable for wheelchair users. The activity is specifically not recommended for wheelchair users, and the toilet is reached by an almost vertical ladder. People with reduced mobility may find boarding, moving around the boat, and accessing facilities difficult, even though the crew may offer practical assistance in individual cases.

From July through October, Wednesday departures are for adults only. Do not book that day with children or babies. The company can also advise about exact pickup details and meal requirements before you travel.

What to pack for a smoother day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, beachwear, and warm clothing. A warm layer matters because the sea crossing and catamaran ride can feel cool even when Lanzarote is sunny.

I would also pack a waterproof phone pouch, sunglasses, and a hat. Use reef-conscious sunscreen if you have it, since you will be swimming in a protected marine area. Avoid bringing glass objects, fishing equipment, or pets, all of which are not allowed.

Take only what you need onto the catamaran. Shoes come off when boarding, and wet gear takes up space. A small soft bag is easier to manage than a hard suitcase.

Should you book the La Graciosa catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a well-organized day that combines the ferry crossing, island scenery, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, lunch, and drinks for one price. The crew service is a major part of the appeal, and guides such as Ami, Raquel, Amy, and Deborah have been praised for being friendly, attentive, and good with families.

Think twice if you want a long beach visit, a quiet sailing trip, or a short excursion from the south of Lanzarote. The road transfers can be tiring, Francesa Beach cannot currently be visited on foot, and the group setting will not suit everyone.

For most active visitors who enjoy a generous, sociable day on the water, I consider the $81 cost fair. Pack a swimsuit, accept that the sea and wind control some details, and you will get a fuller La Graciosa experience than a simple ferry ride.

FAQ

How long does the La Graciosa sailing trip last?

The activity lasts about six hours. This includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the coach transfers, both ferry crossings, the catamaran trip, water activities, lunch, and 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. Listed pickup times begin around 8:30 a.m. in Playa Blanca and reach about 10 a.m. in Costa Teguise. Lanzarote Sea Tours confirms the exact time and meeting point.

Can I get off the catamaran at Francesa Beach?

No. Current environmental regulations do not allow disembarkation at Francesa Beach. You can swim toward the beach, but you must remain on the catamaran or in the water there.

Are snorkeling equipment and kayaks included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and use of kayaks are included during the La Graciosa stop. Safety vests are also available for kayaking.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive a welcome glass of Champagne, snacks, pasta, salad, fruit, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks during the catamaran portion. A gluten-free meal can be arranged if you contact the company in advance.

What languages are available on the tour?

Live commentary is available in English, French, and Spanish. The specific guide varies by departure.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. People with reduced mobility may also find access difficult, including the almost vertical ladder leading to the toilet.