Boat Tours and Cruises in Fuerteventura

The wild coastline and big waves attract thousands of water sports enthusiasts. If you are not familiar with the wind you have two options: sign up for the best surfing lessons in Fuerteventura or take a boat trip.

There are several options available, from catamaran rides to routes aboard elegant Turkish schooners. All include a stop for a dip in the waters. With these credentials, it's impossible not to include sailing in the top things to see and do in Fuerteventura.

Isla de Lobos is located off the north coast of Fuerteventura, a short distance from Corralejos. In the past, these rocks were home to a large colony of sea lions but nowadays there is not a single one left. This islet is now the realm of birds: species such as the osprey, herring gull and grey heron nest here.

The crystal-clear waters that surround it are perfect for snorkelling, but also for fishing, SUP or kayaking. In any case, the organised excursions provide you with the necessary equipment. Important: there are masks and snorkels for everyone, but other equipment is limited in number.

The excursions to Lobos Island from Fuerteventura depart from the harbour of Corralejo and arrive at the destination after a short sail. Before returning to Fuerteventura, you will have time to enjoy a seafood paella on board.

• Duration: about 4 hours
• Price: about 65 €. If you want to spend less, you also have the opportunity to buy an excursion that includes only the return ferry tickets. In this case, the cost is approximately €20
• Starting point: Corralejo

Also known as a motor sailboat, the Turkish gulet is a traditional wooden boat. It varies in length from 15 to 55 metres and can carry up to 25 people.

The model used on excursions has a large stern area used as a relaxation area. All in all, it is a very elegant way to travel.

• Duration:
• Price: around 80 €. Also includes lunch (with vegetarian option) and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Starting point: Morro Jable

This route usually starts on the coast of Morro Jable, a tourist area with good connections to the airport and Puerto del Rosario. Its white sandy beaches are an irresistible attraction for water sports enthusiasts as well as for tourists in search of sun and refreshing swims. The Canary archipelago is inhabited by whales and dolphins at any time of the year. However, in spring and winter the number is even higher. During the boat trip you may encounter the following specimens:

• Pilot whale, small in size (up to 8 metres) but very robust. Unlike other cetaceans, they are entirely black or dark grey in colour. It is a very intelligent and sociable animal
• Bottlenose dolphin. It loves temperate waters and is therefore a regular in the archipelago. It likes to interact with humans, so the probability of seeing it is close to 100%
• Orca, it is not the most frequent but it also passes through the waters of the Canary Islands. Its particularity lies in its social habits. Families are united forever
• Sperm whale, it is not a whale but it is huge. In fact, it is the largest toothed animal on the planet. As a habitat, it prefers deep water and therefore the chances of seeing it increase if the boat trip reaches the open sea

A beer or other beverage is usually included in the price. Bring a swimming costume because a stop for swimming or snorkelling is planned. To find out more about this, I recommend you read the post listing the best dolphin watching tours in Fuerteventura.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Price: between 40 € and 50 €
• Starting point: Morro Jable

An excursion that has it all: boat with transparent bottom, bar, water slide, barbecue on board, paddle surfing... A great, cheap and perfect plan if you are travelling to Fuerteventura with children.

Normally, the boats sail through the Natural Park of Jandía, a protected area on the southwestern tip of Fuerteventura. This is undoubtedly the most unspoilt and wildest part of the island. On this boat, you will have the opportunity to see its rich marine fauna including dolphins, leatherback turtles, bream, flying fish and other species.

After about four hours you will return to the port of departure, i.e. Puerto Morro Jable. If you want to stay here after the boat trip, I recommend some bars where you can relax after the trip:

• Sun & Sand Snack and Bar Jandia. If you still have time, I recommend you to try their sandwiches (Calle Bentejuy 4)
• Waikiki Restaurant Snack Bar Grill, the views are breathtaking (Avenida Tomás Grau Gurrea 27)
• Mis Abuelos Tapas, for some good beers (Calle Nuestra Señora del Carmen 4)
• Duration: 4 hours or a little more
• Price: around 70 €
• Starting point: Morro Jable

From the 16th century onwards, Fuerteventura was the target of many pirates. The most famous expedition was probably that of the Algerian corsair Xabán Arráez, who sacked Betancuria, the inland town and first capital.

The last attacks took place in the first half of the 19th century and it was only from then on that the island was able to enjoy greater tranquillity.

With such an important history behind it, an excursion on a sailing ship flying the Jolly Roger was a must. What's more, the luggage is made up of a crew in pirate costumes. You'll learn how to tie knots, lower the sails or throw yourself into the sea with a rope. Not bad, right?

If you are travelling to Fuerteventura with children or a group of friends, this is a highly recommended option. The sailing boat usually leaves twice a day from Morro Jable and sails along the southern coast. You can find more information on the Traum Fuerteventura website .

• Duration: about 4 hours
• Price: between 60 € and 70 €. The price also includes a buffet lunch
• Departure point: Morro Jable

To travel in style. Lie back in the sun and enjoy a sailing trip through the Jandia Natural Park. In addition to the classic water activities - snorkelling and paddle surfing - you will be entitled to some tapas accompanied by beer, cava or a delicious cocktail.

The highlight of this experience is the capacity. You'll be travelling with nine other people (at most), which is ideal to get the most out of this experience.

If you are interested, I recommend booking well in advance. This experience is in high demand.

• Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Price: around 120 €
• Starting point: Morro Jable

Do you love the sea and fancy a more authentic experience? There's nothing like a sailing boat, but there's nothing like a sailboat.

Feeling the breeze on your face while holding the helm is a fantastic feeling. Don't worry, the commander will guide you along the coast and leave you at the helm under his supervision.

This route includes a stop for swimming or snorkelling. It's worth wearing a mask and snorkel to enjoy the marine life. You'll see clownfish, bream, wahoo (you'll recognise them by their shades of blue, green and orange) and other species. After the dip you can recharge your batteries with tapas and a cool beer.

You can also enjoy a glass of cava or white wine. The sailing boat departs from Morro Jable, a village on the Jandia peninsula famous for its long white sandy beaches. It is located in the south of Fuerteventura, the most unspoilt part of the island.

• Duration: about 4 hours
• Price: about 80 €. Also includes snorkelling equipment rental
• Starting point: Morro Jable

Yes and no. Let me explain better: as a general rule, it depends on where you are staying. Let's say you have chosen a tour that departs from Corralejo harbour. If your hotel, rented house or B&B is located in the central-northern part of the island, the pick-up is usually guaranteed at the door.

However, if you are going to spend your holidays in Morro Jable or Costa Calma, for example, the pick-up is done in a different way. In this case, the agency will indicate a meeting point reasonably close to your hotel.

Thanks to the warm weather in all seasons, there really is no better time to sail the sea. It's always worth it.

In terms of daylight hours, summer is the best option. However, if you want to see cetaceans, it's best to book a boat trip in spring or winter.

Yes, there are regular connections between the islands of the archipelago. However, if you are short of time, the easiest option is Lanzarote.

Ferries depart from the port of Corralejo and reach the Lanzarote port of Playa Blanca. There are three companies to choose from:

• Líneas Romero
• Naviera Armas
• Fred Olsen

Fuerteventura is an island with very little rainfall. In case of heavy rainfall, boat trips are cancelled. If this happens, you have two options: change the date or ask for a refund.

In case of bad luck, you can do the following activities under cover:

• Museo del Queso Majorero, where you can learn all about Fuerteventura's most typical dairy product (Calle Virgen de Antigua, km 20, 35630 Antigua, Las Palmas)
• Drive around the island. If you have a rental car, you can dedicate a day to see the wilder areas (Cofete and the Betancuria Nature Park) and the inland villages. Betancuria should be a must see
• Admire the graffiti in Gran Tarajal, it is a small village but has many decorated facades
• Eat a traditional restaurant. Take advantage of the bad weather to try the Canarian cuisine of El Luchador - Casa Tino Matoso (Calle Gairia, 16, 35638 Valles de Ortega, Las Palmas) or Restaurante Mahoh (Sitio de Juan Bello s/n, 35640 Villaverde, La Oliva).

If you have never sailed before or are afraid of the sea, I recommend you to take an anti-seasickness pill, at least for the first day.

If you already know that the sea affects you, avoid the sailing boat and opt for a more stable catamaran. Alternatively, you can always stay on land and book a buggy tour in Fuerteventura.

Now you know all the most important information to plan your trip. Here are a few last tips:

• Always bring sunscreen or at least a hat. You don't want to go home with a sunburn, do you?
• Drink regularly. Stay hydrated
• If you're looking for a more dynamic activity, it might be better to opt for a different one. Personally, I always recommend the best kayaking routes in Fuerteventura
• Take a spare swimming costume
• Beware of jellyfish. The waters of the Canary Islands are home to about 40 different species but only a few of them sting painfully. If you are stung, wash the area with saline solution (never with fresh water) and remove the remains of the tentacles with tweezers
• To prevent the lenses of your mask from fogging up, you can use an anti-fogging protector such as the one from Cressi
• Do you want to immortalise your exploits under the sea? Then I recommend you buy a disposable underwater camera. You won't have to spend much, about 20 € is more than enough
• As far as possible, don't swim against the current or you'll get tired quickly.