W05-26: Sailing holidays western Canary islands.   

Escape the winter – sail in the sun
While the UK is grey and drizzly, we cast off from sunny southern Tenerife, sheltered by the island’s coastline. Here, the steady north-easterly trade winds and spring-like temperatures of 22–27°C create perfect sailing conditions. Between the islands, the wind accelerates through the ‘Venturi effect’, giving us spectacular blue-water sailing on the deep azure Atlantic swell. Along the way, we often spot dolphins and have an excellent chance of encountering pilot whales.

La Gomera – green, tranquil, and full of charm
Our first stop is likely San Sebastián on lush La Gomera – far from the mass tourism of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. We spend a full day here to explore the island’s interior, hiring a minibus for a scenic tour. The highlight is Parque Nacional de Garajonay, home to one of the oldest forests in the world. High in the clouds, its ancient laurel and heather trees create a magical, misty atmosphere. We take a walk to a rustic forest hut with a wood-burning stove – a cosy spot to warm up and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Valle Gran Rey – sunsets beneath the red cliffs
The next day we sail further along La Gomera’s coast to Valle Gran Rey, an authentic harbour nestled beneath towering red cliffs. Narrow, winding streets lead to tapas bars with sweeping views over the Atlantic – the perfect spot for a sunset drink. The harbour at Puerto Vueltas has a laid-back atmosphere, still home to a handful of old hippies.

El Hierro – the skipper’s favourite
From here, we cross to El Hierro – a full day’s downwind sailing. Remote and rarely visited, this beautiful island lies well off the tourist trail. Even with its excellent marina, few yachts make the trip, so it feels wonderfully peaceful. We spend a day touring its most spectacular spots: the dramatic Mirador de la Peña viewpoint designed by César Manrique, rugged volcanic coastlines, lush green forests, and sheer cliffs with breathtaking views. Every stop is different – and unforgettable.

Return via La Gomera – with more wildlife
Our journey back takes us along La Gomera’s south coast, where we may anchor or visit a small harbour. This stretch offers another excellent chance of dolphin encounters. We end our voyage back in Tenerife, rounding off the trip with a friendly farewell dinner in a local Spanish restaurant.

A perfect blend of sailing and exploring
This island-hopping route offers the best of the Western Canary Islands: steady trade winds, comfortable sailing temperatures, spectacular scenery, unique wildlife, and authentic Spanish culture – all without the crowds.

The daily sailing distances are between 18 and 54 miles. The above schedule is subject to weather, wind and tide.

Read more about our Sailing holidays to the Canary islands

Information about this sailing holiday

Participants of this sailing holiday

Sailing holiday Prices 

The price is the rental cost for the ship with crew, including food and drinks on board, hence full board. The price mentioned is per person.

Included in the price:

– Food and drinks on board.
– Fuel, water, shore power, harbour fees and tourist tax.
– 1 towel set and bedding incl. duvet and, of course, a life jacket.
– For after sailing there is also wine and beer on board, based on average use. Should we run out, then you can purchase more yourself.

Not included:

– Your transfer, meaning your journey to and from the ship
– Sailing clothes and boots, you can rent these from us if you would like.
– Possible shore excursions such as renting a van, or visiting a museum etc.
– Food and drinks ashore, the last evening we will go out for dinner and this will be at your own expense. ( Should you wish to treat the crew as a thank you for a lovely sailing holiday, it would of course be greatly appreciated!)

On some of our sailing holidays, it is possible to book an extra overnight stay on board based on Bed & Breakfast (B&B, so without dinner) for €75 per person. This automatically applies when booking multiple trips in a row.             

Duration & Time on Board

The listed trip duration refers to full calendar days. Since you embark on the first evening and disembark on the final morning, your actual time on board is on average about 1.5 days shorter. We use this format to keep our trips comparable with other providers – but we like to be transparent about the real time you’ll spend on board.

Sailing holidays discount

Customer Discount:
If you book a second sailing holiday with us within a year, you’ll get 2.5% off the ‘board price’.

Group discount:
If you book a sailing holiday as a group (more than 3 passengers), you will receive 2.5% discount per person on the ‘board price’.

Youth Discount:
If you are under 29 years old, you will get 5% discount on the ‘board price’.

Discounts can not be combined with each other.

Bonus Discount:
€25 extra discount when you choose a vegetarian menu on board.

Sailing holiday with your own private cabin

If you are a solo traveller and wish to enjoy the comfort of a private cabin (small room), then you can reserve it for 1.6 times the price (for crossings, category A, the rate is 1.9x).

Sailing holiday categories

Category A:
Offshore crossings, includes also sailing throughout the nights. Passengers will also be grouped in the watch system.

Category B:
Offshore sailing holidays, there will be no sailing throughout the nights, but occasionally a late arrival at the harbour (or an early departure), depending on the weather.

Category C:
Relaxed sailing holidays with shorter sailing distances, including more time for sightseeing and sometimes a nice land excursion.

Category D:
Sailing holiday specials, from ‘Sailing holidays with Yoga’ up to expedition sailing. Not every season available.

Category E:
Sailing holiday’s with extra sailtraining.

Category F:
Sailing holidays with also small children on board.