Volcanic sailingin the Canary Islands

Black sand beaches, majestic volcanoes, lush vegetation, lava fields and desert,
in the Canaries there's something for everyone.

In brief

The Canary archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, north-west of the African coast, is made up of seven volcanic islands not far from each other. These are Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, El Hierro, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Each island has its own unique beauty.

The Canaries are a must for sailors preparing their transatlantic race. The islands are also very popular with Europeans looking for a mild climate in winter.

The Canary Islands offer a unique natural environment, volcanic landscapes, villages steeped in history and gastronomy. During your stopovers, explore the islands' volcanoes, discover trails winding through thousand-year-old trees, stroll through charming historic centers. And with a bit of luck, you'll be able to spot dolphins while you're sailing.

Information before you leave

The climate

The Canary Islands are the destination of eternal spring. The weather is very pleasant all year round. They enjoy one of the best climates in the world, with mild temperatures in winter and not too high in summer, clear skies and low rainfall. This climate is determined by the combination of trade winds and the Azores anticyclone.

The average annual temperature is 20°C (between 18 and 24°C). In summer, temperatures rarely exceed 30°C.

However, rainfall patterns vary from zone to zone. For example, Palma in the west has more rainfall than the eastern islands. Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are characterized by an arid, semi-desert climate.

Village Vallehermoso, La Gomero, Canary Islands

Prevailing winds

The Canaries are windy, especially in summer. They offer exceptional sailing conditions. The trade winds provide the archipelago with a constant, steady breeze, ideal for year-round sailing. Trade winds are cool, moist winds. In the Canaries, they are predominantly influenced by the north-easterly trade winds. It's easier to sail from east to west in the Canary Islands.

In addition, the calima, a warm wind from the Sahara, regularly raises temperatures by up to 10 degrees.

Swimming

The water temperature varies from 19 to 25°C on average throughout the year. Swimming is therefore possible all year round, with a more suitable period from June to December.

In September, when the sea is warmest for swimming, the water temperature varies from 22 to 25°C depending on the island.

In the Canary Islands, you'll find natural swimming pools, a series of natural rock pools on the coast, with sunbathing areas and steps leading down to the ocean. Ideal for safe bathing.

Fajana Natural Pools, La Palma Island, Canary Islands

The Canary Islands in pictures

Colonial Architecture, Capital De La Palma Santa Cruz, Canary Islands

Village De La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands

Volcanic cliffs, Tenerife, Canary Islands

De La Pared Volcanic Beach, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

The itineraries and anchorages we suggest are given for information only.

They can be adapted to suit your desires, weather and anchorage conditions (crowds, accessibility) and your departure base.

In the case of a skippered charter, the skipper, who is responsible for the smooth running of your cruise, will decide on the best navigation options in exchange with you.