A catamaran day off La Graciosa changes the pace. I love the quick ferry hop that sets you up for clear-water swimming fast, and I also love how the trip packs in real time on the Francesa Beach area with snorkel gear and kayaks. One thing to plan around: you can’t disembark on the beach, so you’ll swim in from the boat instead of strolling onto the sand.

The ride itself is part of the payoff. As you sail, you get big views over Lanzarote’s north coast and the volcanic backdrop, and onboard hosts guide the day in a friendly, hands-on way (I’ve seen names like Ami, Raquel, Deborah, Pedro, and Cirilio Lopez mentioned in guest feedback).

For me, the value is strongest if you want a low-effort day that still feels outdoorsy. Your schedule is tight—about 3.5 hours in the main water/anchor time plus roughly an hour of free time in town—so if you’re hoping for a long land exploration day, you might feel a bit time-crunched.

Key things to know before you go

• La Graciosa waters and Francesa anchor time: snorkel gear and kayaks are included, and you’ll swim from the catamaran.
• Panoramic sailing views of Lanzarote’s north coast: the cruise isn’t just transfer time.
• Unlimited onboard drinks: beer, wine, and soft drinks are included, plus a welcome glass of champagne.
• Lunch you don’t have to think about: pasta, salad, and fruit are served while you’re relaxing.
• Free time back on the island: you get time in La Graciosa’s small capital (Caleta de Sebo area).
• A practical heads-up: shoes come off when boarding, and the onboard toilet access is via an almost vertical ladder.

Lanzarote to La Graciosa: why this day trip feels special

La Graciosa has that rare “you’re somewhere else” feeling. It’s close enough to Lanzarote to do in a half-day format, yet it’s different in mood—more quiet, more coastal, and focused on the water. If your idea of a great Canary Islands day includes swimming and snorkel time more than museum time, this fits.

What makes it feel worthwhile is that you’re not just getting a scenic boat ride. You’re also getting gear for snorkel time and kayaks, and the day includes both a lunch and enough drink to keep things relaxed. I like that the experience leans practical: you show up, get set up, and spend the day outside.

The flow: pickup, Órzola, ferry, then catamaran

Your day starts with hotel pickup on Lanzarote, then an air-conditioned coach ride to Órzola. From there, it’s a short ferry crossing (about 25–30 minutes) to La Graciosa. This is one of those routes where the logistics don’t feel like a chore—because the transfer time is short and the reward is immediate.

Pickup timing depends on your area (for example, the trip lists 8:30 AM from Playa Blanca, 9:30 AM from Puerto del Carmen, and 10:00 AM from Costa Teguise). The company will confirm your exact pickup point and time after you book, so I’d treat the published window as a starting point, not a guarantee.

Once you arrive on La Graciosa, you don’t hang around. You board a catamaran quickly, and the day turns into cruise mode almost right away, which matters if you don’t want a “waiting day” that mostly lives in ports.

Catamaran sailing with welcome drinks and live commentary

The catamaran part is where the trip clicks. You get an air-conditioned setup onboard, live commentary, and a welcome glass of champagne with snacks as you settle in. That welcome moment isn’t just fancy—it gives you a buffer to get comfortable, stow your things, and be ready for water time.

While the boat moves, you’re cruising along the south coast of the island, with views that connect Lanzarote and La Graciosa. Expect a mix of white sand beaches, clear water, and volcanic scenery in the background. I like that you’re seeing the island from multiple angles without changing plans every 20 minutes.

One practical detail I appreciate: the crew asks passengers to remove their shoes when boarding. It sounds small, but it’s a good sign that the boat is run with comfort and safety in mind—especially around wet decks.

Francesa anchor time: snorkel, swim, kayak, and realistic expectations

This is the heart of the trip. The catamaran anchors near Francesa Beach, and you have time to sunbathe from the boat, swim, snorkel in a marine-reserve area, and use the included kayaks. In practice, this means you can match the day to your comfort level: hardcore snorkeler one minute, relax-on-deck the next.

Here’s the big consideration: disembarking on the beach isn’t allowed under local environmental regulations tied to the Archipielago Chinijo Natural Park. So you won’t get that postcard moment of walking the sand from a beach entrance. Instead, you’ll swim to shore where possible—or use the water access from the boat and any small dinghy option that’s made available during the stop.

Snorkeling gear is provided, and the water clarity is the kind that makes you want to keep your mask on. If you’re new to snorkeling, the main advantage of this setup is convenience: you don’t have to bring equipment or hunt around for it. If you’ve snorkeled before, you’ll still enjoy it because the trip is built around time in the water, not time in lines.

Kayaks are included too, and this is one of those activities that makes the day feel active without being complicated. If you’ve never tried kayaking, you’ll likely find it easier than you expect once you’re out there. The crew runs the stop in a way that keeps people moving and safe while still letting you explore at your own pace.

Lunch onboard plus unlimited drinks: the part you’ll actually remember

Food and drink are a big deal on catamaran days, and this one takes it seriously. You get unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus a welcome glass of champagne earlier in the trip. The day doesn’t feel like a “one drink and you’re done” routine.

Lunch is served while you’re in the relaxed cruising/sailing rhythm—typically pasta with salad and fruit. For people who need it, there is a non-gluten meal option available if you arrange it in advance, and you’re asked to inform the company beforehand if you’re gluten intolerant.

My advice: eat when it’s served, not when you’re starving. The timing is designed so you’re fueled after water time, and it also helps you avoid the feeling of “I skipped lunch because I was busy in the water.” You’ll also want to stay topped up with water and sunscreen—both because it’s easier and because the day is built around heat and sun.

Caleta de Sebo free time: a small capital moment on the island

After the main water stop, you sail back and get about an hour of free time in La Graciosa’s small capital area (Caleta de Sebo). This is enough time to stretch your legs, take a slower walk than you could onboard, and get a feel for island life without turning the day into a full-on island tour.

Since you can’t rely on getting off onto the Francesa sand area, this town time becomes a nice alternative for photos and local atmosphere. You can also regroup here—use it to get water, refuel your snacks, and just enjoy the quieter pace away from the boat deck.

If you’re someone who loves mixing activities—some water, some wandering—this hour is a good balance. If you’re hoping for lots of sightseeing, it won’t be long enough to feel like a detailed exploration, but it is a thoughtful add-on.

Price and value: what $81 buys you in real terms

At around $81 per person, you’re paying for more than “a boat ride.” The trip includes:

• round-trip ferry to La Graciosa
• a sightseeing cruise on a luxury catamaran
• a welcome glass of champagne
• unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
• snacks and lunch (pasta, salad, fruit)
• snorkeling gear
• kayaks
• live commentary
• hotel pickup and drop-off
• and that extra hour of free time in town

That’s why the price can feel fair even if you’re comparing it to a solo ferry ticket. The big cost drivers here are the catamaran time and the included activities plus the drinks. If you’d otherwise spend money renting snorkel gear, paying for a separate water activity, and buying food and drinks on your own, the bundle starts making sense quickly.

The one thing that can soften the value for some people is the beach limitation. If your dream is walking onto Francesa Beach as a destination, you won’t get that. But if your dream is swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in clear water from a stable platform, then the value leans strongly in your favor.

Tips that make your day smoother (and more comfortable)

A few details will help your experience feel effortless:

• Bring a towel and swimwear: you’ll use them. The stop is long enough that drying off and changing matters.
• Sunscreen and warm clothing help: even in warm months, being out on open water and transitioning between sun and shade can feel cooler than you expect.
• Expect shoes off when boarding: if you’re wearing footwear that’s annoying to remove, wear something easy to slip off and back on after the catamaran time.
• Plan for the onboard toilet access: the info notes access is through an almost vertical ladder, and people with reduced mobility might find it difficult. If this is relevant for you, it’s worth thinking about before you go.

Also, the tour rules include no pets and no fishing, and glass objects aren’t allowed onboard. It’s standard for boats, but it’s good to know so you don’t get surprised.

Who should book this La Graciosa catamaran day trip

This trip is a great fit if you want:

• a short escape from Lanzarote with a big water payoff
• included water activities (snorkeling and kayaking)
• a day built around comfort onboard: drinks, lunch, and time to relax

It’s also a solid “everyone finds something to enjoy” kind of day. Some people focus on snorkeling, others kayak, and others just hang out on the catamaran with the music and drinks.

The main “skip it” situation is if you’re a beach-walker type who wants long shore time on land. Here, the island connection is strong, but the beach experience is mostly from the water. If you want sand time as in-hours-from-the-dock strolling, you’ll want to plan something else.

Should you book this sailing day trip?

I’d book this if your ideal day in the Canaries looks like clear water, snorkel time, and an included lunch with drinks—without the stress of planning rentals or routes. The combination of catamaran sailing, hands-on water activities, and a real schedule makes it feel like a complete experience for the money.

I’d think twice if you’re strongly focused on being able to land on Francesa Beach itself and spend a long stretch walking there. Because beach disembarking isn’t allowed, your day will be centered on swimming and kayaking from the boat instead.

If you’re happy with that trade-off, this is one of those Lanzarote-area days that’s easy to justify and hard to forget.

FAQ

How long is the Lanzarote to La Graciosa sailing day trip?

It runs about 6 hours.

What’s included in the price?

You get hotel pickup and drop-off, the round-trip ferry ticket to La Graciosa, a luxury catamaran cruise, a welcome glass of champagne, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, snacks and lunch (pasta), live commentary, use of kayaks, snorkeling gear, and free time in La Graciosa’s capital.

Can I get off on Francesa Beach?

No. Disembarking on the beach is not allowed due to local environmental regulations.

What activities can I do on La Graciosa?

You can swim, snorkel in the marine reserve area, and use kayaks during the main anchor time.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included.

What is served for lunch?

Lunch includes pasta, salad, and fruit.

Are drinks included besides lunch?

Yes. You’ll have a welcome glass of champagne, plus unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks while onboard.

How much free time do I have on the island?

You get about 1 hour of free time in La Graciosa’s capital.

What are the pickup times from different areas on Lanzarote?

The tour lists pickup times such as 8:30 AM from Playa Blanca, 9:20 AM from Puerto Calero, 9:30 AM from Puerto del Carmen, 9:55 AM from Playa Honda and Arrecife, and 10:00 AM from Costa Teguise.

Is it adults-only at certain times of year?

From July to October on Wednesdays, the excursion is for adults only.