From Lanzarote: Sailing Day Trip Around La Graciosa

La Graciosa is the star here: a quiet volcanic island reached by ferry from Lanzarote, with pale beaches, clear water, and very little development. Once aboard the catamaran, you cruise along the southern coast, anchor near Francesa Beach, and spend your time swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lying in the sun.

I like the all-in-one transport and the generous food and drinks. You are picked up near your accommodation, guided onto the ferry and catamaran, then returned to your hotel. I also like the friendly multilingual staff, including guides such as Ami, Amira, Raquel, Rachel, and Cirilio, who have been praised for being attentive and good with families.

The main catch is distance. If you stay in Playa Blanca, the coach ride to Órzola can take about an hour, and the total day may feel long from the island’s southern resorts. Also, environmental rules currently prevent you from stepping onto Francesa Beach, so you reach it by swimming or viewing it from the boat.

Key points at a glance

• Francesa Beach anchorage: Swim and snorkel beside the catamaran in clear water near one of La Graciosa’s best-known beaches.
• Ferry and catamaran combination: Your day includes the ferry from Órzola and a separate sailing trip around La Graciosa.
• Lunch and open drinks: Pasta, salad, fruit, snacks, Champagne, beer, wine, and soft drinks are included.
• Kayaking included: You can use the onboard kayaks, with safety vests provided.
• Caleta de Sebo stop: You get about an hour of free time in La Graciosa’s small capital.
• Hotel pickup across Lanzarote: Pickup points cover Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Arrecife, and other resort areas.

Why La Graciosa makes a fine day away from Lanzarote

La Graciosa feels different from the more built-up parts of Lanzarote. Its appeal is simple: pale sand, volcanic hills, open water, and a small fishing settlement rather than a line of large resorts.

The island forms part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, which helps explain the limits on beach access. This is not a beach landing trip in the usual sense. You anchor near Francesa Beach, then enjoy the water from the catamaran or swim toward shore. That rule may disappoint anyone expecting a long barefoot walk on the sand, but it also protects the setting that makes the stop special.

I like this arrangement for people who want a relaxed sea day rather than a busy sightseeing schedule. You get scenery from the water, time for swimming, and a short chance to look around Caleta de Sebo. You do not spend the day racing between several attractions.

The morning coach ride to Órzola

Pickup is offered near a large number of hotels and bus stops. Listed areas include Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Honda, Arrecife, Costa Teguise, Puerto Calero, and several resort hotels. The supplier confirms the exact pickup point and time after booking, so use that information rather than relying only on the broad location list.

The early pickup varies by resort. Playa Blanca pickups begin around 8:30 a.m., while Costa Teguise pickups are listed at about 10 a.m. From the south, the coach journey to Órzola takes roughly an hour, though the full transfer can feel longer once hotel collections are included.

The coach is air-conditioned, which matters on a full day in the sun. One useful tip is to keep your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and warm layer in an easy-to-reach bag. You will change from coach to ferry and then to catamaran, and there is no reason to bury your essentials in luggage.

Crossing from Órzola to La Graciosa

The ferry ride from Órzola takes about 25 to 30 minutes. It is a short crossing, but it gives you your first broad views toward La Graciosa and the northern coast of Lanzarote.

At La Graciosa, you transfer to the luxury catamaran. The changeover is organized as part of the tour, so you are not left to find your own boat or arrange another ticket. Round-trip ferry travel is included in the price.

You are asked to remove your shoes before boarding the catamaran. Wear comfortable footwear for the coach and ferry, but expect to go barefoot onboard. A light jacket is sensible too. The sea can feel cooler than the beach, especially during the outward crossing or on the return sail.

Welcome aboard with snacks and Champagne

The catamaran portion begins with a welcome glass of Champagne, often served with snacks such as melon or small tapas-style bites. This is a pleasant change from the practical ferry crossing and sets a leisurely tone for the rest of the day.

The boat then sails along La Graciosa’s southern coast. You can look back toward Lanzarote, watch the volcanic hills pass, and take photographs of the white beaches and clear water. The scenery is best appreciated from the deck, so keep a camera or phone handy, but protect it from spray and strong sun.

Live commentary is offered in English, French, and Spanish. The guide is not only there to explain the route. Staff have been praised for checking on people around the boat, helping with food, and keeping children involved. Guides called Ami, Amira, Raquel, Rachel, and Cirilio have all received especially warm personal praise, though the guide on your departure may be different.

The Francesa Beach stop

The main stop is near Francesa Beach, where the catamaran anchors for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. This is the part of the day that gives the trip its strongest sense of place. The water is described as clear, and several people have seen plenty of fish while snorkeling near the boat.

You can jump or climb into the sea from the catamaran, swim toward shore, or stay onboard and enjoy the view. Kayaks are provided, and safety vests are available. If you have never kayaked before, the crew can help you get started. One family even found the staff willing to support a child with a disability during kayaking, although the wider activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

It is important to understand the current beach rule. You cannot disembark on Francesa Beach because of environmental regulations protecting the natural park. Older descriptions of the outing may suggest beach time on land, but the present arrangement is water-based. If photography on the sand is your main goal, this may not be the right excursion.

Bring your own goggles or snorkel if you prefer familiar equipment, although snorkeling gear is included. The water stop depends on sea conditions. Strong wind can affect the route or limit some activities, so you should treat swimming and kayaking as planned possibilities rather than absolute guarantees.

Lunch, drinks, and time to relax

Lunch is usually served after the water activities. The meal includes pasta, salad, fruit, and bread, with a non-gluten option available if you request it in advance. Tell the company about gluten intolerance when booking, not after boarding.

Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included during the catamaran portion. This is a meaningful part of the value, especially for anyone comparing the excursion with a basic ferry ticket and a self-arranged boat trip. Snacks and the welcome drink are included too.

The food is simple rather than gourmet, but it suits an active day at sea. Pasta provides a filling meal after swimming, and the portions have been described as generous. You can eat at the onboard tables, then return to the deck for music, sun, and views.

I would not book this solely for the menu. I would book it because the meal and drinks remove the need to plan lunch, carry supplies, or pay for every refreshment separately. That makes the day easier, particularly for families and groups.

Caleta de Sebo and the final ferry

After the sailing and water stop, the catamaran returns to Caleta de Sebo, the main settlement on La Graciosa. You get about an hour of free time here before boarding the ferry back to Lanzarote.

This is a short visit, not a full island tour. You can walk around the small fishing village, take photographs, and get a feel for La Graciosa on land. The stop helps balance the water activities with a little independent time.

If you hoped to spend several hours exploring the island’s beaches or interior, this outing will feel too limited. The focus is the catamaran and the sea, with Caleta de Sebo as a brief extra. If that sounds right, the hour is enough to stretch your legs and see the village without turning the day into a walking excursion.

The ferry returns you to Órzola, where the coach takes you back toward your hotel. Drop-offs cover the same broad resort areas as pickup. Allow for traffic and multiple hotel stops, especially if you are staying in the south.

Is the $81 price good value?

At $81 per person, the package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, two ferry crossings, a catamaran cruise, a welcome drink, snacks, lunch, unlimited drinks, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, commentary, and free time in Caleta de Sebo.

That is strong value if you would otherwise pay separately for the ferry, a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and water equipment. One person specifically noted that the ferry alone can cost around €25, which puts the rest of the package into perspective.

The value is less clear if you do not drink alcohol, do not want organized activities, or live close enough to visit La Graciosa independently. The coach transfer also adds time, especially from Playa Blanca. Still, for a six-hour organized day with transport handled from start to finish, the price is reasonable.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. The operator confirms your pickup details after booking, which is important because the exact meeting point is the only valid one.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and groups who want a social day on the water. Children aged 8 and 11 have enjoyed the ferry, kayaking, snorkeling, food, and open drinks, and the staff are used to helping families settle in.

It also suits first-time kayakers and casual swimmers. You do not need to be an experienced sailor, and you can choose to relax onboard instead of joining every activity.

The trip is less suited to anyone seeking quiet solitude, a long walk, or a proper beach landing. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users. People with reduced mobility may find the toilet difficult to reach because access involves an almost vertical ladder.

From July through October, Wednesdays are adults-only. Do not book children or babies for a Wednesday departure during that period.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and comfortable shoes. Add a warm layer for the ferry and the return sail, even if the forecast looks hot.

A personal snorkel mask can be useful if you prefer your own fit, but the tour provides snorkeling equipment. Keep valuables secure and avoid bringing glass objects, which are not allowed onboard.

If you need a gluten-free lunch, arrange it in advance. Pets, fishing equipment, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

Should you book the La Graciosa catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a well-organized sea day with a strong mix of scenery, swimming, kayaking, food, and drinks. The best features are the clear water near Francesa Beach, the helpful multilingual crew, and the fact that nearly every practical detail is bundled into one price.

Think twice if your main goal is to walk on Francesa Beach, explore much of La Graciosa on foot, or avoid a long coach ride. The current environmental rule means you stay on the catamaran or in the water at the main beach stop.

For most visitors who want an easy day from Lanzarote, I think the $81 price is fair. Pack for sun and wind, confirm your pickup carefully, and choose this for the boat experience rather than a traditional beach excursion.

FAQ

How long does the full experience last?

The activity lasts about six hours, including transport connections, the ferry crossings, the catamaran outing, and free time in Caleta de Sebo.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available near many hotels and bus stops in Playa Blanca, Puerto Calero, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Honda, Arrecife, Costa Teguise, and other listed areas. Lanzarote Sea Tours confirms the exact pickup point and time after booking.

What time does pickup begin?

The listed pickup times begin at about 8:30 a.m. from Playa Blanca, 9:20 a.m. from Puerto Calero, 9:30 a.m. from Puerto del Carmen, 9:55 a.m. from Playa Honda and Arrecife, and 10 a.m. from Costa Teguise.

Is the ferry to La Graciosa included?

Yes. The price includes a round-trip ferry ticket between Órzola and La Graciosa. Each crossing takes about 25 to 30 minutes.

Can I walk onto Francesa Beach?

No. Current environmental regulations do not allow disembarkation on Francesa Beach. You can swim toward the shore or enjoy the beach from the catamaran.

Are snorkeling equipment and kayaks included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and kayaks are available during the catamaran stop. Safety vests are also provided for kayaking.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes snacks, a welcome glass of Champagne, pasta, salad, fruit, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks during the catamaran trip.

Can I request a gluten-free meal?

Yes. You must contact the company in advance and request the alternative lunch option when booking.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

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

Can children join the Wednesday tour?

From July through October, Wednesday departures are for adults only. Children and babies should not be booked for those Wednesday trips.