Catamaran Sailing Day To La Graciosa with Lunch

La Graciosa is best seen from the water, and this catamaran day trip gives you a relaxed way to reach it. You cross from Órzola by ferry, then spend time sailing around the island, swimming at Playa Francesa, and walking through Caleta del Sebo.

I like the simple all-in-one setup: lunch and an open bar are included, so you do not need to organize a picnic. I also like the mix of activities, with a scenic sail, a beach stop, and free time ashore. The main concern is transport time, especially if you use the pickup service. One poor experience involved a long bus ride and a crowded boat, so ask about pickup timing and group size before booking.

Key points to know before booking

• The day begins with a ferry from Órzola: You board Biosfera Express for the crossing to La Graciosa before joining the catamaran program.
• Playa Francesa is the main water stop: You can swim, relax, snorkel, and possibly kayak in clear water within the marine reserve.
• Snorkeling gear is not included: Bring your own equipment if you want to spend more time looking below the surface.
• Lunch is served onboard: Expect pasta with tomato sauce, with or without tuna, plus fruit, salad, and bread.
• Caleta del Sebo gives you time on land: The quiet village is a pleasant change after several hours on the sea.
• Pickup covers the major resort areas: Collection is offered from Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, Puerto Calero, Costa Teguise, and Playa Blanca.

Why La Graciosa works so well from a catamaran

La Graciosa is a small island reached from Lanzarote by sea, and the boat journey is part of the appeal. From the water, you get a different view of the island than you would from a road or a short walk through the village.

This trip is built around an easy rhythm. You ride the ferry from Órzola, move onto a catamaran, enjoy a welcome drink and snacks, stop at Playa Francesa, eat lunch onboard, and then spend a little time in Caleta del Sebo. You are not trying to cram several towns and attractions into one day.

The total experience lasts about five and a half hours. That makes it a substantial outing, but not really a full-day expedition despite the day-trip format. You will get a proper taste of La Graciosa rather than hours to explore every corner.

The catamaran has room for up to 60 people. That is a useful figure to know. The boat may feel pleasantly social when the group is spread out, but it can feel busy when everyone is eating, boarding, or gathering around the same part of the deck. If you want a very quiet sailing experience, this may not be the right fit.

Getting to La Graciosa from Órzola

The listed meeting point is Biosfera Express at C. la Quemadita 2 in Órzola. The scheduled start time is 11:30 a.m., and the activity finishes back at the meeting point.

You first board the Biosfera Express ferry for a crossing of about 30 minutes. The ferry is included, and this keeps the day straightforward. You do not have to arrange a separate boat ticket or work out how to connect with the catamaran independently.

Pickup is available from Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, Puerto Calero, Costa Teguise, and Playa Blanca. If you are staying elsewhere, you need to make your own way to Órzola port.

Here is the practical catch: resort pickup can add a great deal of road time. One account describes nearly two hours on the bus before reaching the port, followed by a rushed guide introduction close to arrival. That will depend on your pickup point and the day’s routing, but you should not assume the transfer is quick.

If you are staying near Órzola, meeting there directly may give you a calmer start. You will also avoid spending part of your outing collecting people from several resort areas. If you are staying in Playa Blanca or another distant resort, pickup may still be worth the convenience, since arranging transport to Órzola can be a hassle.

Sailing around La Graciosa with a welcome drink

Once aboard the catamaran, the crew serves a glass of champagne and snacks. You then spend about an hour sailing around La Graciosa.

This is the scenic heart of the outing. You can settle into the boat, watch the coastline pass, and get a sense of the island before going ashore. The trip is more about a gentle sea experience than a formal sightseeing cruise packed with commentary.

The guide explains how the day will work, including the timing of the swim stop, lunch, and village visit. That information matters because you have several transitions, from ferry to catamaran to beach and then back to the port. A clear briefing helps you decide when to eat, when to swim, and when to keep your belongings close.

The crew also handles the boat and food service. Reports of the staff are generally positive, with particular praise for professional boat handling and friendly service. One practical warning is that explanations may be delivered too quickly, especially during a busy transfer. If you miss an instruction, ask for it to be repeated before the boat moves on.

Playa Francesa: the main hour in the water

The catamaran anchors at Playa Francesa for about an hour. This is your chance to slow down and use the water rather than simply look at it.

You can swim, snorkel, relax, and possibly kayak. The water is described as clear, and the beach sits within a marine reserve. That gives the stop a more natural feel than a standard resort beach break, although the one-hour window passes quickly.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to make the most of the stop. If you do not have gear, you can still swim or sit back on the catamaran, but you may feel that you are missing part of the point.

You can also visit the beach by water taxi. The supplied details do not state whether that costs extra, so ask the crew before choosing it. The same applies to kayaking. Kayaking is mentioned as an available activity, but no equipment inclusion is specified.

The swim stop will suit you if you enjoy unhurried time on the water more than a long beach stay. It may disappoint you if you expect several hours onshore. With only about an hour at anchor, you should be ready to get changed and return to the boat when the crew calls time.

Bring practical beach items. A swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a waterproof way to protect valuables are sensible choices. These are not supplied in the tour details, so plan as if you need to bring them yourself.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar onboard

Lunch is served on the catamaran, which is one of the better features for a trip of this length. You do not need to leave the boat searching for food, and you can use the meal as a break between the swim stop and the village visit.

The meal includes pasta with tomato sauce, with or without tuna, along with fruit, salad, and bread. Snacks are also included, as is an open bar.

This is useful rather than fancy. You are paying for a complete outing, not a restaurant cruise, and the food is designed to be easy to serve to a group on a moving boat. If you have strict dietary needs, ask before booking because the available meal information is limited.

The open bar adds value, particularly because drinks are available throughout the sailing portion rather than requiring separate purchases. It also helps explain the relaxed party atmosphere noted in the feedback. If you prefer a quiet, formal cruise, the social side may feel stronger than expected.

Eat when lunch is served rather than waiting until late in the day. After the meal, you still have time in Caleta del Sebo, but the trip eventually returns to the port, and there is no indication of another substantial meal.

Caleta del Sebo: a short walk through the village

After lunch, the boat sails along the coast and disembarks at La Graciosa’s port. You then have about 30 minutes to walk around Caleta del Sebo.

This is a short visit, but it gives the outing some balance. Without it, the day would be almost entirely about the boat and the beach. A quick stroll lets you get your bearings, see the island’s main settlement, and experience a quieter side of La Graciosa.

Do not expect a long village tour. Thirty minutes is enough for a walk and a few photographs, but not enough for a detailed exploration or a relaxed stop at several places. Keep an eye on the time and stay close enough to return to the port when asked.

The village visit is also a good reason to wear shoes that can handle both the boat and a short walk. The details do not specify the ground conditions, so comfortable footwear is the safe choice.

What the $87.72 price really covers

At $87.72 per person, the price is reasonable if you use most of what is included. You receive the transfer when departing from one of the listed resort areas, the ferry to La Graciosa, the catamaran trip, snacks, lunch, an open bar, and time at both the beach and the village.

The cost becomes less attractive if you mainly want a quick boat ride or a long stretch of free time on the island. The outing has a set schedule, and the beach and village portions are fairly short. You are paying for convenience and a planned combination of transport, food, sailing, and water time.

The open bar and included lunch also help control spending during the day. You are less likely to face a string of extra charges once onboard. Snorkeling equipment is the notable omission, so budget for your own gear if that activity matters to you.

The average booking lead time is about 20 days. That suggests you should not leave this until the last moment, especially if your dates are fixed. The group limit of 60 gives you a clear idea of the scale, but not a promise that the boat will feel spacious.

The good and the less good

The strongest part of this experience is the combination of sea time and easy logistics. You can reach La Graciosa, enjoy a scenic catamaran ride, swim at Playa Francesa, eat lunch, and see Caleta del Sebo without planning each piece yourself.

The crew also receives strong praise for professional boat handling and friendly service. A good guide can make a difference here because the day has several moving parts. Clear instructions are especially important when the boat is busy.

The weaker point is the possible transfer time and crowding. A distant pickup can take much of the morning, and a group of up to 60 may feel tight during popular parts of the trip. One poor account also describes the guide speaking too quickly, which is a reminder to ask questions if the schedule is not clear.

Weather is another consideration. The experience requires good conditions. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Who should book this La Graciosa sailing trip

I would choose this outing if you want a convenient introduction to La Graciosa without arranging ferry tickets, food, and activities separately. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who like a mix of swimming, scenery, drinks, and a short village visit.

It is also a good fit if you want to spend time on a catamaran rather than simply take a ferry to the island. The sailing portion, open bar, snacks, and lunch make the boat central to the experience.

I would think twice if you dislike group outings, long transfers, or fixed schedules. You may also want a different option if your main aim is extended snorkeling, since Playa Francesa receives only about an hour and equipment is not included.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran trip if you value convenience and want several La Graciosa highlights in one organized outing. The price covers the major transport and food costs, and the best parts are the relaxed sailing, the clear-water stop at Playa Francesa, and the chance to walk through Caleta del Sebo.

Before paying, check your pickup location and ask how long the transfer is expected to take. Bring snorkeling gear if you want to swim properly, and set realistic expectations about the group size and limited time ashore. With those points understood, this is a practical and enjoyable way to add La Graciosa to a Lanzarote holiday.

FAQ

Where does the experience start?

The meeting point is Biosfera Express, C. la Quemadita 2, 35541 Órzola, Las Palmas, Spain. The scheduled start time is 11:30 a.m.

Is pickup available from Lanzarote resorts?

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 Órzola port.

How long does the experience last?

The outing lasts approximately five hours and 30 minutes.

Is the ferry to La Graciosa included?

Yes. The Biosfera Express ferry from Órzola to La Graciosa is included.

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.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.