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Canary Islands
58
boats available · live
500 € – 200,000 €
500 €200K €
1 – 42 guests
142
0 – 42 berths
042
14.76 – 56 m(48–184 ft)
14.76 m56 m
2000 – 2028
20002028
0 – 20 toilets
020
5 – 7,296 hp(4–5,436 kW)
5 hp7,296 hp
Yacht charter and Boat rental in the Canary Islands
58 boats available
Prices shown are each boat's cheapest available 7-night week. Choose your dates for exact prices.
Why charter a yacht in the Canary Islands?
Welcome to the Canary Islands Sailing Destination
The Canary Islands represent one of Europe's premier sailing destinations, offering year-round warm weather, consistent trade winds, and dramatic volcanic landscapes that make every voyage unforgettable. Located off the northwest coast of Africa, this Spanish archipelago comprises seven main islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro. Boat4You provides comprehensive yacht and catamaran charter solutions throughout the region, catering to sailors of all experience levels.
Whether you're planning a leisurely inter-island hop or an ambitious Atlantic crossing, the Canary Islands deliver world-class sailing conditions, world-renowned cuisine, and welcoming anchorages. The archipelago's position as the gateway to the Atlantic makes it the traditional starting point for the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), attracting thousands of offshore sailors each November.
Sailing Conditions and Wind Patterns
The Canary Islands benefit from the trade winds, a reliable northeast wind system that blows 15-25 knots throughout the year. These consistent winds provide ideal sailing conditions for both day trips and longer passages between islands. The Atlantic swell, typically from the northwest, averages 1-2 meters but can build during winter storms, making the eastern and southern shores of each island the preferred sailing destinations.
Summer months (June to September) bring lighter winds and calmer seas, making conditions perfect for families and less experienced sailors. Winter (November to March) features stronger trade winds, attracting more experienced crews and those preparing for Atlantic ocean crossings. Spring and autumn offer a balanced blend of good winds and manageable swell conditions.
The average water temperature ranges from 17°C in winter to 21°C in summer, making wetsuits advisable for regular swimming and diving. Tidal ranges are minimal, typically less than 1.5 meters, simplifying navigation and anchoring throughout the archipelago.
Island-by-Island Sailing Routes
Tenerife, the largest island, dominates the eastern horizon with Mount Teide (3,718 meters), Spain's highest peak. The south coast, including resort towns like Costa Adeja and the charming fishing village of Los Gigantes with its dramatic 600-meter sea cliffs, offers excellent anchorages and vibrant provisioning opportunities. Las Galletas and Marina del Sur provide well-equipped charter bases for exploring the southern coastline.
Gran Canaria circles a scenic sailing area with Las Palmas as the major charter hub and traditional starting point for the ARC. The island's western coast, sheltered from Atlantic swells, provides calm anchorages ideal for swimming and water sports. Puerto de Mogán, a picturesque village on the southwest coast, remains a favorite overnight destination for charter sailors.
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, the easternmost islands, offer dramatic desert landscapes and excellent visibility for navigation. Arrecife (Lanzarote) and Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura) serve as secondary charter bases. The waters between these islands and their neighbors provide moderate sailing distances ideal for a week-long charter.
La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro appeal to adventurous sailors seeking quieter anchorages and less-visited harbors. Inter-island passages from these western islands typically range from 4-8 hours, making them accessible day sails. Vallehermoso (La Gomera) and Puerto de las Nieves (Gran Canaria) serve ferry traffic and occasional charter boats.
Marine Life and Diving Opportunities
The Canary Islands attract diverse marine life, including sperm whales, pilot whales, and Atlantic dolphins. The southern coast of Tenerife, particularly the Costa Adeja region, is renowned for whale and dolphin watching, with guided excursions departing daily from resort towns. Charter sailors often spot cetaceans during passages, particularly November through February.
Diving enthusiasts will discover vibrant underwater ecosystems featuring parrotfish, groupers, and colorful sea fans. The volcanic topography creates dramatic underwater pinnacles and reef formations. Pico Teide National Park designates numerous protected diving sites. Boat4You partners with local dive operators offering scuba certifications and guided dives from your charter vessel.
Vessel Types and Charter Options
Our partner network operates diverse fleet options tailored to different sailing styles. Sailing yachts provide traditional offshore performance, ideal for ocean passages and the ARC rally. Catamarans offer spacious cabins, shallow draft for exploring lesser-known anchorages, and remarkable stability in Atlantic swell conditions. Motor cruisers suit sailors preferring auxiliary engine reliability during calm spells.
Monohull sailing yachts (32-50 feet) dominate offshore sailing culture, with many charter yachts equipped with modern navigation systems, SSB radios, and comprehensive safety gear. Catamarans (34-48 feet) provide accommodations for larger groups and families, splitting crew between bridge deck and dual hulls.
Seasons, Pricing, and Booking
The high season (November-March) coincides with the ARC rally period and northern European winter holidays. Charter prices peak during these months, reflecting strong demand. The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer exceptional value with favorable sailing conditions and fewer competitors for anchorages.
Summer (June-August) brings reduced rates and lighter winds, appealing to families seeking relaxed sailing. This period is ideal for beginners and those preferring gentler sea conditions. Winter storm systems occasionally disrupt schedules, but modern forecasting allows advance planning.
Pricing typically includes bareboat charter (yacht and standard insurance), provisioning assistance, and 24/7 support during your voyage. Optional extras include skipper hire, professional crews, and specialized equipment (fishing gear, inflatable toys, dive gear).
Local Cuisine and Provisioning
Canarian cuisine blends Spanish, North African, and maritime traditions. Papas arrugadas (small boiled potatoes served with salt) and mojo sauce (garlic, chili, and olive oil condiment) accompany nearly every meal. Fresh fish—grouper, dorado, and tuna—features prominently in local markets and waterfront restaurants.
Modern supermarkets in Las Palmas, Puerto de Mogán, and resort areas stock international provisions. Local pescaderias (fish markets) offer daily catches at modest prices. Wine from mainland Spain and local craft beers enhance provisioning flexibility. Boat4You includes pre-arrival provisioning coordination, ensuring your charter yacht arrives stocked with essentials.
Getting There and Immigration
Major airports in Tenerife (TFS, TFN) and Gran Canaria (LPA) connect to European capitals daily. Flight durations from mainland Spain range 4-5 hours; from the UK, 5-6 hours. Car rental is advisable for pre-charter exploration, though taxis and public transport serve urban areas. Ferry services between islands provide scenic travel alternatives.
EU and US citizens require valid passports but no visas for Spain. Non-EU citizens should verify visa requirements beforehand. Boat4You handles all charter documentation and marina reservations, simplifying your arrival logistics.
Why Charter with us in the Canary Islands
Boat4You maintains established partnerships with local marinas, provisioning suppliers, and emergency services throughout the archipelago. Our partners' fleet undergoes rigorous maintenance and safety inspections, ensuring reliability in Atlantic conditions. Professional booking agents coordinate arrival logistics, yacht orientation, and departure procedures, maximizing your vacation experience.
We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, comprehensive insurance coverage, and responsive customer support. Whether your charter spans a weekend or an entire month, Boat4You delivers the expertise and resources to transform your Canary Islands sailing dreams into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sailing experience is required to charter in the Canary Islands?
Most charter companies require a skipper with valid certification (RYA, USCG, or equivalent) for bareboat charters. Day sailing in calmer conditions suits beginners with basic competence; offshore passages and ARC participation require advanced ocean-sailing skills.
When is the best time to visit the Canary Islands for sailing?
November through March delivers consistent trade winds and calm seas, ideal for most sailors. June-September suits families preferring lighter winds and warmer water. April-May and September-October offer excellent conditions with lower costs. Hurricane season does not affect the Canaries; Atlantic storms occasionally disrupt November-February passages.
Can I charter a yacht for an Atlantic ocean crossing?
Yes. Charters modern offshore yachts fully equipped for transatlantic voyages. The ARC, departing Las Palmas in November, provides organized passage to the Caribbean. We arrange comprehensive insurance, navigation systems, safety equipment, and pre-departure briefings to ensure your ocean passage meets international maritime standards.
Are inter-island passages difficult or dangerous?
Inter-island passages (4-12 hours) are generally straightforward, with established shipping lanes and reliable forecasting. Trade wind conditions favor downwind sailing. Occasional Atlantic swell builds crossing comfort; modern catamarans handle conditions well. Our booking agents match crews to vessel types and weather windows, minimizing risk.
What marine wildlife might we encounter?
Whale and dolphin sightings are common, especially during November-February migrations. Sperm whales, pilot whales, and Atlantic spotted dolphins frequent the southern coasts. Fishing excursions yield tuna, grouper, and dorado. Diving reveals colorful reef fish, moray eels, and octopuses. Sharks are rare in charter waters and pose no typical threat to sailors.
Start Your Canary Islands Adventure
The Canary Islands await your exploration. Whether you envision leisurely inter-island hops, challenging offshore passages, or family-friendly beach-hopping, Boat4You delivers tailored charter solutions. Our experienced team handles logistics, insurance, and support, allowing you to focus purely on the joy of sailing.
Search for your Canary Islands yacht charter with us today and discover why sailors worldwide return to these magical islands year after year.
Learn more about how we work, read our about us page, or visit our FAQ for additional details.
Plan your charter
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