As a result of its geographical location and mild climate, the Canarian archipelago offers exceptional conditions for sailing throughout the whole year, from attractive routes between islands, for enjoying the scenery, to more demanding offshore sailing.
Sailing all year round
The constant thrust of the trade winds, seen as the driving force of the Atlantic for hundreds of years now, is perfect for sailing at any time of year. This force means one can enjoy anything from calm crossings to excursions on the high seas, in order to fully experience a sensation of total freedom.
In addition, the islands’ exceptional climate is an invitation to explore them thoroughly. The clear, bright sky, with scant rainfall thanks to the trade winds and the Azores High, produces sunny days with long hours of daylight, more than anywhere else in Europe, in fact.
Routes between islands
One of the main advantages of sailing in the Canary Islands is that the distances between the eight islands are fairly short, less than a day’s sail away.
This means one can travel between the islands and explore each one at any time of year, enjoying the variety and abundance of their scenery, culture and gastronomy.
The Canary Islands have more than 30 ports and marinas with capacity for boats of all lengths. They are equipped with modern, state-of-the-art installations offering a wide range of services for both the boats themselves and crews. These include hull cleaning and repairs, watchmen, cranes, workshops and schools, multiple nautical leisure options, routes for discovering the islands, restaurants for eating out on land, on-board catering,...
Here you can find a full summary of the blue flag marinas and all the necessary information for enjoying sailing in the Canary Islands.
Attractive, demanding sailing
But sailing in the Canary Islands is so much more than travelling between the islands: it is about being in contact with nature at its purest, a unique encounter you experience with all five senses.
A modality that is more like offshore sailing, far away from land and equally attractive and demanding. A continual challenge, and a chance to demonstrate our expertise and stamina at sea, and be able to enjoy the waters of the archipelago to the full.
Absolute safety
The Canary Islands are famously a very safe tourist destination which also champions a form of tourism that is committed to the environment. The archipelago as a region is vulnerable to climate change, which is why the tourism sector has increased its commitment to sustainability, placing the focus on climate neutrality.
The measuring of carbon footprints, decarbonisation and the regeneration and protection of ecosystems are some of the main areas of action designed to achieve net zero as soon as possible. And in any case, by 2050.
A long nautical tradition
Because of their condition as islands, the Canaries have a long nautical tradition going back hundreds of years. As a natural gateway between Europe, Africa and America, numerous seafaring peoples have left their mark on the coastline. This is evidenced by the influence of the lateen sail on the region’s vessels.
In addition, the archipelago is a cradle for great athletes, and Olympic medal winners have trained in the waters of the archipelago, due to the modern, extensive installations that are distributed among all the islands.
Modalities such as Optimist, 420, 470, Laser, 29er, Snipe or Lateen Sailing have deep roots and a grand tradition in the islands, as a result of which there is a wide variety of schools and qualified instructors for learning and perfecting the sport.
Transparent waters, full of life
The waters of the Canary Islands are renowned for their transparency and high visibility. A veritable paradise for diving, with a water temperature that oscillates between a winter average of 19 degrees and 25 degrees in summer - yet another incentive for sailors, as well.
In addition, the archipelago is home to three Marine Reserves which protect the flora and fauna: The Marine Reserve around the island of La Graciosa area and the islets north of Lanzarote, the Marine Reserve around the La Punta de La Restinga-Mar de las Calmas in El Hierro, and the Marine Reserve of the island of La Palma.
A privileged setting where one can enjoy nature and sail accompanied by the numerous species of cetaceans that inhabit the area. Dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales and rorquals, many of which habitually reside around the islands, making sightings easy.
