La Graciosa feels like a postcard. From Lanzarote, you get a catamaran day on bright water, with a welcome drink, snorkeling gear, and time to play off Francesa Beach. It’s built for doing, not just watching.

Two things I especially like: the panoramic sail along Lanzarote’s north coast right before you reach the island, and the easy-on-the-holiday setup where lunch and drinks are handled on board. One thing to consider: you won’t be dropped onto the sand. Local rules mean no beach disembarking, so plan to swim from the boat instead.

Key things to know before you go

• Francesa Beach anchoring: you’ll spend your main swim/snorkel time off this white-sand area
• Snorkel gear + kayaks included: you can switch between floating, paddling, and watching fish
• Unlimited drinks with lunch: beer, wine, and soft drinks are part of the deal
• Free time in Caleta de Sebo: you’ll have about an hour on the island’s small main village
• No beach disembarkation: you can swim to shore, but don’t expect to walk off onto the beach
• Shoe-off catamaran rule: you’ll remove your shoes when boarding

From Lanzarote to Órzola: the easy start

Your day begins with hotel pickup across Lanzarote. The start times vary by area—think Playa Blanca around 8:30 AM, Puerto Calero closer to 9:20 AM, Puerto del Carmen about 9:30 AM, and later pickups toward Costa Teguise around 10:00 AM. Either way, the ride is by air-conditioned coach, and it’s a big part of why this feels like a low-effort outing.

You’ll head to Órzola, the harbor area where the ferry leaves for La Graciosa (about a 25-minute crossing). One practical tip: pack your swimwear in a way you can access quickly. Even if you feel like you’ll “get ready later,” the day moves from pickup to ferry to boat surprisingly fast.

The ferry crossing to La Graciosa: where the scenery does the work

That short ferry ride sets the mood. As you move toward La Graciosa, you get wide views of Lanzarote’s coast and volcanic surroundings—more “big sky” and rugged rock than postcard cliffs with crowds.

Once you arrive, you switch from transport mode to vacation mode. You’re not battling logistics at each step, which matters on a day trip. If you like the feeling of arriving somewhere already halfway relaxed, this is designed for you.

Boarding the catamaran: champagne, shoe rules, and on-board reality

When you step aboard the catamaran, you’ll be welcomed with a welcome glass of champagne plus snacks. After that, the cruise becomes your floating base. There’s also live commentary on board, which helps you connect the scenery to what you’re seeing.

Here’s a small rule that’s worth knowing: you’re asked to remove your shoes when boarding. That’s not a big deal if you pack for it mentally, but it can catch people off guard if they’re wearing stiff shoes they’re not used to taking off.

Also, if you’re sensitive to boat facilities: access to the toilet can involve an almost vertical ladder. It’s a detail that doesn’t sound exciting, but it matters for planning your comfort. And if you’re traveling with a wheelchair, this trip isn’t suitable.

Francesa Beach swim stop in a protected marine reserve

Your main water time is anchored off Francesa Beach. This is the heart of the day: sunbathing from the boat, snorkeling, swimming, and—if you want a little movement—kayaking.

Because you’re snorkeling in a natural marine reserve, the water clarity is the headline. You’ll use the provided snorkel gear, and you’ll have guided help on how to do it comfortably. Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, you can still participate by staying near the boat and adjusting your comfort level.

Kayaks are part of the included setup too, so you can go from “watching fish” to “paddling your own little loop” without negotiating rentals. The whole point is options: do one activity, then switch.

About shore time and why it feels different than other beach tours

There’s an asterisk here. Disembarking onto the beach isn’t allowed under local environmental regulations for the Archipielago Chinijo Natural Park. In practice, that means you shouldn’t plan on walking around on the sand. You can swim toward shore and use the available areas near the boat, but you won’t treat it like a land-based excursion with a beachwalk.

If you’re the kind of person who cares about stepping onto the sand for photos or strolling, that limitation may change your expectations. Still, plenty of people come for the water time—and this stop delivers on that.

Food, drinks, and the part of the day you’ll actually remember

Lunch is served on board after your swim time, and the menu is simple and solid: pasta, salad, and fruit. You’ll also have snacks and refreshing drinks throughout the outing.

What I like about the drink setup is the lack of friction. Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included while you’re on the catamaran. That turns the meal into part of the fun instead of a “wait for service” moment.

If you’re dealing with dietary restrictions, this is one place where planning pays off. A non-gluten meal option is available if ordered in advance, and gluten-intolerant passengers need to inform the company so the lunch matches what you can safely eat.

Also, the vibe on board tends to be relaxed with music. It’s not a party tour first—more like a comfortable “fun in the sun” day where people naturally mix because you’re all facing the same water.

Cruising back toward Caleta de Sebo: time to reset and look around

After the main anchored swim period, the catamaran sails back toward Caleta de Sebo, the island’s main village area. You’ll relax while sailing and often notice the contrast: bright water up close, then sharp volcanic lines and steep mountains further back.

This is also when the day shifts from “activity-heavy” to “island-viewing.” You still have onboard commentary, but the tempo slows a touch.

And then you get your land time: about an hour of free time in the small fishermen village before returning by ferry. It’s enough to wander, snack, take photos, and pick up a small souvenir—but it’s not enough to feel like you’ve “explored the island.” Think of it as a taste.

Who this La Graciosa sailing day trip is best for

This trip fits best if you want a sun-and-water day without a lot of decision-making. If you enjoy snorkeling, this is a straightforward way to get into the marine reserve with gear included. If kayaking is your thing, the included kayaks let you try it without booking separately.

It also works for families in the sense that the activities are built around different comfort levels: swim, snorkel, paddle, or just hang out on board. (Just remember the rules: pets aren’t allowed, and the boat setup has limited options for wheelchair users.)

Watch-outs to consider

• No beach disembarkation: you’re swimming from the boat, not walking onto sand
• Toilet access can be tricky due to the ladder
• Wheelchair users: not suitable
• Wednesdays in Jul–Oct: the excursion is adults only (so check day-of-week before you book)

If you’re coming on a day with less calm water, you might find snorkeling and some activities feel more comfortable depending on conditions. The good news is you’re not locked into one thing; the boat stay is part of the experience too.

Price and value: why $81 makes sense for this setup

At around $81 per person for a 6-hour outing, the value comes from what’s bundled together. You’re paying for:

• Round-trip ferry to and from La Graciosa
• A luxury catamaran cruise with live commentary
• Snorkel gear + kayaks
• A welcome drink and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
• A full on-board lunch (pasta, salad, fruit)

If you’ve ever priced ferry tickets and then tried to add a boat activity on top, you’ll see where the savings come from. One review point that rang true for me is that the ferry alone can cost around what you’d pay for the transport portion of many day trips—so getting the catamaran time plus gear and meal included feels like the main win.

The real question is whether you’ll use the included activities. If you’ll snorkel or kayak at least once, this price tends to feel fair fast. If you mainly want to land on beaches and hike around, you might feel boxed in by the disembarkation rule and the short island free time.

Should you book this sailing day trip from Lanzarote?

Book it if you want a high-comfort day on the water with minimal logistics: pickup, ferry, catamaran, drink flow, lunch, and gear all handled. It’s a great way to see La Graciosa without committing to a longer stay on the island. And if you’re the type who loves snorkel time, anchoring off Francesa Beach is exactly the kind of stop you’ll be happy you chose.

Skip it (or choose carefully) if beach strolling and easy shore access are your top priorities. The inability to disembark onto the beach changes the experience. Also, if you need wheelchair-friendly facilities, this one won’t work due to the boat access setup.

FAQ

How long is the sailing day trip?

It runs about 6 hours total.

Where do you pick up from in Lanzarote?

Pickup is offered from many Lanzarote locations, including areas like Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero, Playa Honda/Arrecife, and Costa Teguise.

How do you get to La Graciosa?

You travel by coach to Órzola, then take a ferry to La Graciosa.

What happens once you arrive on La Graciosa?

You board a luxury catamaran and sail along the island’s coast, with a main swim/snorkel stop off Francesa Beach.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkelling gear is included.

Are kayaks included?

Yes. Kayaks are included for use during the La Graciosa portion of the day.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a welcome glass of champagne, snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. Lunch is included, typically pasta with salad and fruit.

Can you disembark onto the beach?

No. Disembarking on the beach isn’t allowed under local environmental regulations.

Is this trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. Toilet access can also involve an almost vertical ladder.

Are there any age restrictions on certain days?

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