Catamaran Sailing Day To La Graciosa with Lunch

La Graciosa makes a fine escape from Lanzarote’s busy resort areas. This outing combines the ferry from Órzola, a catamaran sail around the island, a stop at Playa Francesa for swimming and kayaking, and time in the small port village of Caleta del Sebo.

I like the easy all-in-one setup: lunch, snacks, drinks, and ferry fare are included, so you can focus on the sea rather than the day’s logistics. I also like the mix of activity and quiet time. You can swim or kayak, then simply sit back with a drink and watch the dry coast slide past.

The main caution is the transport time and group size. Pickup from the resort areas can make this a long day, and one account described the bus ride as taking two hours. The advertised maximum is 60 people, but the same account felt the boat was more crowded than expected.

Key points to know before sailing

• The day begins with a ferry from Órzola: You board Biosfera Express at the port before continuing by catamaran around La Graciosa.
• Playa Francesa is the main water stop: You get about an hour to swim, snorkel, kayak, or relax beside the marine reserve.
• Lunch is served onboard: Expect pasta with tomato sauce, with or without tuna, plus fruit, salad, and bread.
• An open bar is included: Champagne and snacks are served during the sailing, with drinks available onboard.
• Caleta del Sebo gives you time ashore: The quiet village is a pleasant change from the boat and beach.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: Equipment is not included, although a kayak and water taxi are mentioned as available activities.

Why La Graciosa works so well as a day trip

La Graciosa feels different from the main island. You reach it from Órzola, at Lanzarote’s northern tip, and the crossing gives the outing a clear sense of leaving the resort strip behind. The island portion is not built around a long list of sights. It is about open sea, pale beaches, a quiet village, and time to slow down.

That makes this a good choice if you want a simple sea day rather than a tightly packed sightseeing tour. You will not spend the day visiting several monuments or rushing from one lookout to another. Instead, the appeal comes from the change of pace.

The advertised price is $87.72 per person. I consider that fair if you would otherwise need to arrange transport to Órzola, buy the ferry separately, plan lunch, and organize a boat outing on your own. The value is strongest for someone staying in Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, Puerto Calero, Costa Teguise, or Playa Blanca, since pickup is offered from each of those areas.

If you are already near Órzola and only want the ferry, this package may be more than you need. But for a full outing with food, drinks, a catamaran, and time on La Graciosa, the price covers the main pieces.

Getting to Órzola and boarding the ferry

The stated meeting point is Biosfera Express at C. la Quemadita, 2, in Órzola port. The scheduled start time is 11:30 in the morning. If you use the pickup service, you will be collected from Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, Puerto Calero, Costa Teguise, or Playa Blanca.

That pickup is handy, but you should think about the extra time it adds. The excursion itself lasts about five and a half hours, while resort transfers can make your total day considerably longer. One poor account described spending two hours on the bus, so I would not choose this outing if you dislike long shared transfers.

At Órzola, you board the Biosfera Express ferry to La Graciosa. The ferry segment is listed at about 30 minutes, and the fare is included. This is a practical start to the day because you do not need to buy a separate boat ticket or find your own way across.

The timing can feel a little unusual. The ferry and catamaran portions are part of the same outing, but the day is not one continuous cruise from Lanzarote. You first reach La Graciosa, then continue with the catamaran program around the island.

Champagne, snacks, and the first hour at sea

Once aboard the catamaran, the crew serves champagne and snacks while you enjoy about an hour around La Graciosa. This is the most relaxed part of the outing, and it gives you time to settle into the boat before the beach stop.

I like that the sailing is not treated only as transport. The views are part of the point. La Graciosa is best appreciated from the water, where you can see its dry coastline and the changing shape of its beaches without having to walk under the sun.

The crew is described as professional, and one particularly positive account praised both the boat staff and the day guide for explaining how the outing would run. That matters on a group sailing. A clear introduction helps you understand when to eat, when to swim, and when to return to the boat.

The guide is described as friendly and entertaining, but no guide name is provided. One negative account had trouble understanding the guide because he spoke very quickly and joined the group only shortly before arrival. If clear spoken instructions are important to you, stay close during the briefing and ask for anything you missed.

Playa Francesa, swimming, and the marine reserve

The catamaran anchors at Playa Francesa for about an hour. This is the active part of the day, but you can use it in several ways. You may swim, snorkel, kayak, relax on the beach, or visit the shore by water taxi.

The water is described as clear, and the setting is the sort of place where you will want to leave room in your schedule for doing very little. You can take a swim, dry off in the sun, and still have time to watch the coast from the boat.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if snorkeling is a priority. The tour description does not promise equipment rental, so you should not book this expecting a complete snorkel setup.

The one-hour stop is useful but not generous. If you want to swim, snorkel, kayak, and visit the beach, you will need to choose your priorities. I would treat it as a relaxed water break rather than a full beach day.

The water taxi is another point to clarify before you go. It is mentioned as a way to visit the beach, but the available information does not specify whether it costs extra or how often it runs. If you have limited mobility or simply want to stay dry, ask the crew about the beach transfer when you board.

Lunch on the catamaran

Lunch is served onboard after the beach stop. The meal includes pasta with tomato sauce, with or without tuna, along with fruit, salad, and bread. Snacks are also included, and an open bar is part of the package.

This is a useful inclusion. You do not need to search for a restaurant on La Graciosa, and you can keep your time ashore for walking around Caleta del Sebo. The food is straightforward rather than fancy, which suits a boat outing. Pasta, fruit, salad, and bread make a practical meal after swimming.

If you do not eat tuna, the tomato pasta option is available. The information does not give details about other dietary needs, so contact the provider before booking if you require a special meal.

The open bar adds to the value, especially for anyone who wants a drink while sailing. Still, you should pace yourself. The day includes a boat ride, a beach stop, and a ferry, and too many drinks can make the sea less comfortable.

A short walk through Caleta del Sebo

After lunch, the catamaran sails along the coast before disembarking at La Graciosa’s port. You then have time to stroll around Caleta del Sebo, the island’s quiet village.

Do not expect a long guided city tour. The listed time here is about 30 minutes, so this is a chance to stretch your legs, see the port area, and get a feel for the village before returning to the meeting point.

That short stop is valuable because it breaks up the time on the water. A boat trip can become repetitive if you never step ashore. Caleta del Sebo gives you a brief look at local island life and a chance to take photos away from the catamaran.

The tradeoff is limited time. If you want to browse slowly, sit for coffee, or explore beyond the immediate port, half an hour will feel tight. I would use this stop for a quick walk rather than planning a full village visit.

Group size, comfort, and the mixed experience

The maximum group size is listed as 60 people. That is not a small private sailing, and the feel of the day will depend heavily on how full the boat is.

One positive account described the crew as professional and the guide as a major reason the day worked well. The guide explained the schedule, and the crew handled the boat and service smoothly. Another account felt packed in and said the group was larger than expected.

Both points are worth taking seriously. A catamaran gives you more room than a standard ferry, but 60 people can still feel busy during boarding, lunch, or the beach transfer. If you want peace, privacy, and plenty of empty deck space, choose a smaller sailing if one is available.

On the other hand, a group of this size can make the outing feel social. The open bar, snacks, music or conversation, and shared water stop may suit you if you enjoy an easygoing day with other people around.

Weather also matters. The outing requires good weather and can be moved to another date or refunded if conditions force a cancellation. A positive account described concern about the weather at pickup, followed by a much better day once conditions improved. I would keep some flexibility in your schedule rather than booking this on the only day you have available.

Who should book this La Graciosa sailing?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A low-effort island outing with pickup, ferry tickets, food, and drinks handled together
• A boat-centered day with swimming and a beach stop
• A first look at La Graciosa without arranging several separate activities
• A relaxed schedule that includes both time on the water and a short village walk
• A social group setting rather than a private cruise

I would think twice if you want a long beach stay, a quiet small-group boat, or a detailed guided tour of the island. The beach stop lasts about an hour, the village visit about 30 minutes, and the overall schedule includes shared transport.

The outing also suits people who are comfortable with basic onboard food and a fixed schedule. You can choose between swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxing, but you cannot spend the whole day on the beach or decide to stay ashore for several hours.

Booking details and cancellation terms

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the activity is offered in English. Most people can take part, although the available information does not provide a detailed accessibility description.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 11:30 start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff uses local time, so check the time carefully if you are arranging the outing from another time zone.

The tour is commonly booked around 20 days ahead. I would reserve early during busy periods, especially if hotel pickup matters to you, but the cancellation terms give you some room to adjust plans before the deadline.

Should you book this catamaran trip?

Book it if you want the easiest way to pair La Graciosa, a catamaran, lunch, swimming, and an open bar in one outing. The strongest parts are the sea views, the clear-water stop at Playa Francesa, the capable crew, and the simple meal and drink setup.

Skip it if you dislike group boats or long pickup transfers. The advertised 60-person maximum can still feel crowded, and the beach and village stops are brief. Bring snorkeling gear if you want to use it, listen carefully to the safety briefing, and confirm your pickup time.

For a reasonably priced introduction to La Graciosa, this is a sensible choice. Just book it for a social, organized sea day, not for a private cruise or an unhurried island exploration.

FAQ

How much does the catamaran trip to La Graciosa cost?

The listed price is $87.72 per person.

How long does the experience last?

The outing lasts approximately five hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the activity start?

The scheduled start time is 11:30 in the morning.

Where does the activity begin?

The meeting point is Biosfera Express, C. la Quemadita, 2, 35541 Órzola, Las Palmas, Spain.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, Puerto Calero, Costa Teguise, and Playa Blanca. If you are staying elsewhere, you should go directly to the meeting point in Órzola port.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes pasta with tomato sauce, with or without tuna, plus fruit, salad, and bread. Snacks and an open bar are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Is the ferry to La Graciosa included?

Yes. The ferry to La Graciosa and the catamaran tour around the island are included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.