Sailboat Charter in the Canary Islands

Weather conditions to know before chartering au sailboat in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are an archipelago like no other in the world. Consisting of 7 unique islands, each having UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and one entire island being a World Biosphere Reserve, this will not be your typical sailing excursion. Each island is within a day’s sail of each other. These islands’ pleasant weather is what gives them the nickname “Islands of Eternal Spring.” The perfect sailing winds of Force 3-4, warm weather and sunshine all year-round, there is no ideal time to visit. However, to enjoy a proper beach holiday you should visit during the warmer months from May to October. The water temperatures on average are 71℉ in the summer and 66℉ in the winter. There are on average 10 hours of sunshine each day in the summer. The islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are drier, warmer and guarantee more sunshine because of their proximity to the African coast and the Sahara Desert. Sailboat charter in the Canary Islands allows you to break away and experience a little peace when it is most ideal for you.

A Closer Look at the smaller Canary Islands

Starting with the smallest island in the Canary Islands, El Hierro also known as the Meridian Isle, will enchant anyone willing. Up until 1885 the cape marked the Zero meridian and was used in most 16th and 17th century maps. It is well known for its unique flora and fauna like the endangered El Hierro giant lizard. Its marine reserve, La Restinga, is a diving sanctuary and every year numerous animal species such as turtles, tunas, stingrays, dolphins and occasionally whale sharks frequent the area. The next island is La Gomera, boasting 650 km of trails, where you can roam freely. Keeping pace, you can roam through the Garajonay National Park, named after the rock formation, Garajonay which is the highest point on the island. Here you can take a hike through ancient laurel forest, where the largest laurel trees can be found. By chartering a sailboat in the Canary Islands, you can view the monument, Los Órganos Natural Monument. Located on the north coast of the Vallehermoso municipality and only visible by boat, this volcanic sea cliff made of vertical lava pipes mirrors church organ pipes, is a natural phenomenon. Moving north to the island of La Palma, approaching the south of the island from your sailboat, you will be able to see the volcanic rock that’s houses the Fuencaliente Salt Pans. These salt fields are one of the biggest tourist attractions on the island for their beauty because of the contrasts of the blue sea, the black volcanic earth, and the white of the salt painting a whimsical picture. Moving inland, follow the Volcano Route of the island. Its highest point of 1,932 meters gives way to a scenic view of the entire island. Hiking during the beginning of summer when the indigenous Lotus hillebrandii is flowering is spectacular. Moving to the 4th largest island in the Canary Islands the island of Lanzarote, this islands special Designation of Origin (DO) wines are a great way to get in touch with the island. Many of its wines, made in the protected landscape of La Geria, are of the Malvasía grape, one of the oldest known grape varieties. It is an extraordinary view not only because of the way the vine is grown, covered with black volcanic ash, the vineyards seem to be from another planet. The vines are planted and then covered by low semicircular walls built by the Lanzaroteños. Another iconic landmark is the Green Lagoon, El Golfo. Here sea water has become trapped and turned a shocking acidic green because of the algae that thrive there. Featuring red rock and beaches with black sand, this area is postcard worthy.

The Largest Canary Islands

Starting with the largest island that you can visit by sailboat charter in the Canary Islands, Tenerife holds so many treasures that are waiting to be discovered. Skip the common tourist spots and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teide National Park. Here the 3rd largest volcano in the world, the Teide Volcano is 3,718 meters high and is Spain’s highest peak. Also, vividly beautiful is the Teno Rural can be seen from your sailboat as it is almost surrounded by the sea. This ecological treasure is an ancient volcanic massif and is home to an array of animal species such as the Osprey. This island also hosts a famous carnival, Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife once a year. Navigating to the second largest island, Fuerteventura is home to unique fauna and flora. Some notable species living on the island are: Canarian Egyptian vultures, geckos, collared doves and barbary ground squirrels. Head to Corralejo Natural Park to discover two very different landscapes. In the north, the expansive sand dune gives way to extensions of white and cobalt blue waters; to the south, a volcanic landscape, red dramatic and rugged await. The Designation of Origin cheese, the majorero, is a staple ingredient on the island. It is made from milk of the majoreras goats, indigenous of the island, and follows a specific technique. The last of the largest islands is Gran Canaria, is the perfect family destination with so much to offer. Visit the Dunes of Maspalomas which were designated a national park in 1994. Close in proximity to the beach these dunes are constantly changing due to the wind and are one of the main attractions in Gran Canaria. There is little to no vegetation, fauna or flora, except for in small pockets further away from the ocean!