SAILING THE WATERS AROUND THE CANARY ISLANDS

There are thousands of ways to enjoy the sea and in the Canary Islands as a whole you will find each and every one of them. Crystal-clear, blue waters, full of all kinds of sealife, the seas around the islands remain at a constant temperature of between 18 & 23 degrees Celsius.

The islands provide you with the best possible conditions for sailing in any size of boat, whatever time of the year. The cooling trade winds moderate the temperature in the summer, however they also make it possible to make exciting trips with intense channels of wind often reaching strengths of up to six on the Beaufort scale.

You will often sail accompanied by free-living whales and dolphins, an unforgettable experience as you get close to these stunning creatures of nature. . Surfing, bodyboarding, water-skiing and jet-skiing are other excellent options available on all our Islands. 

The seven main islands of the Canary Islands are well spaced out so that it is only a day's sail between most of them. The logical route for most yachts arriving from the north is to visit Lanzarote and Fuerteventura first before sailing to Gran Canaria, then Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma.

The Canaries remain the logical jumping-off point for yachts crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean, ever since Columbus started the fashion over 500 years ago, and from November to January the islands are full of yachts preparing for their Atlantic crossing.

The Canary Islands are the birthplace of numerous Olympic sailing champions and have been the venue for several major sailing championships. These Islands are where they practice Vela Latina, a form of sailing unique to the Canaries. Handmade wooden boats are used to accommodate a crew of twelve to handle the very large sail. This form of sailing dates back to the last century and is a very deep-rooted tradition amongst the locals, throughout all the islands. It's a fascinating spectacle to watch. Usually held each year during the months of the summer trade winds (April to October). 

Facilities for yachts have improved considerably in recent years and more cruising yachts are now spending longer in the islands and some are permanently based here. Also on the increase is the number of yachts sailing down from Europe to spend the winter months in the Canaries' pleasant climate.The widest range of facilities is concentrated in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which has a yacht harbour administered by the port authority. Gran Canaria's south coast has several good marinas at Pasito Blanco, Puerto Rico and Puerto Mogan. There are crane facilities at all of them as well as at the fishing harbour Arguineguin.

Docking facilities in the capital of Tenerife have improved dramatically with the opening of Marina Santa Cruz in the very centre of the capital Santa Cruz. A smaller Marina Tenerife operates in the fishing harbour. Outside of Santa Cruz there are good facilities at the marinas at Radazul, Los Gigantes and Puerto Colon. The boatyard at Los Cristianos also has a crane and repair facilities.

Lanzarote now has two marinas: Puerto Calero and Marina Rubicon. Both have boatyards and a range of services.

On Fuerteventura there is a small marina with crane and some repair facilities as well as fuel at El Castillo and limited repair facilities in the capital Puerto Rosario.

San Sebastian, the capital of La Gomera, now has its own marina, located in the northern part of the commercial harbour. New marinas have also opened in the westernmost islands of La Palma and El Hierro.

Following the islands’ coastline, you will come across incredible landscapes rising out of the sea: volcanic bays with brilliant black volcanic sand, gigantic cliffs, mysterious rocks, peaceful beaches, endless expanses of dunes, grottos and natural swimming pools.  The underwater scenery of the islands open up an entire universe for lovers of diving. You will see striking and brightly-coloured plants and animal life, including rays, amberjacks and moray eels that are easily found in many parts of the Canaries.

The Atlantic, thanks to the Gulf Stream, known here as the Cold Canarian Current, is particularly rich in such highly-appreciated species as the blue marlin, specimens of which have been caught weighing over 800 kilos.

If you enjoy Deep-sea fishing, then the Canary Islands are the place to come . There is Big Game fishing, sport fishing, deep sea fishing and reservoir carp fishing! There are plenty of different excursion's or smaller private charter boats that will take you to your destination. Carp fishing guarantee that you will catch something! The main species to be found off the coast in these regions are several varieties of tuna and marlin, swordfish plus occasionally, sharks. There is also some good bottom-fishing available all year round. The best places to set out for Deep Sea Fishing is from Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria - With Puerto Rico’s more than 50 deep-sea fishing world records saying everything!!