Lanzarote: La Graciosa island cruise with lunch and water activities

If you’re looking for a memorable day combining scenic boat rides, a charming island visit, and water-based fun, the Lanzarote La Graciosa cruise might just be your perfect match. This 5-hour adventure offers a blend of relaxing cruising aboard a classic catamaran, independent exploration of a pristine island village, and plenty of water activities like kayaking and swimming. The experience is well-rated (4.5/5 from over 530 reviews), highlighting its popularity among travelers seeking an immersive, fun-filled day.

What we love most about this tour is the combination of beautiful scenery, delicious local food, and interactive water fun. The open bar serving sangria, beer, and mojitos definitely boosts the relaxing vibe, and the chance to explore La Graciosa’s quiet streets is a real highlight. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the boat trip involves some choppy seas, which might pose a challenge if you’re prone to seasickness. This tour suits those wanting a mix of leisure, adventure, and cultural charm in a compact day out.

Key Points

• Scenic Cruises & Island Exploration: The voyage offers stunning views along Lanzarote’s south coast and a chance to explore La Graciosa’s charming village independently.
• Water Activities & Relaxation: Kayaking, swimming, and sunbathing are included, providing active fun alongside relaxing on deck.
• All-Inclusive Experience: Tasty paella, unlimited drinks, and knowledgeable guides make this a value-packed trip.
• Flexible & Convenient: Pickup options (excluding some days from specific resorts), mobile tickets, and a well-organized itinerary.
• Customer Feedback: Consistently praised for friendly staff, great food, and the memorable atmosphere created onboard.
• Weather Dependence: As with any outdoor trip, weather can impact your experience, especially the sea conditions.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point & Logistics

Your adventure kicks off at the Orzola port, with departure scheduled for 11:00 am. The journey begins with a 30-minute bus transfer, which some reviews note can be a bit lengthy (around 50 minutes from certain resorts). This transportation convenience makes the trip accessible, especially for those staying in Lanzarote’s northeast areas. The tour includes pickup options, but it’s worth noting that pickups aren’t available from Playa Blanca on Sundays and Mondays—so plan accordingly or head directly to the meeting point.

The Ferry & Village Arrival at Caleta de Sebo

Once at Orzola, the highlight is the ferry transfer to La Graciosa, which takes about 25 minutes. Reviewers have shared mixed experiences here — some found the ferry full and a bit uncomfortable (especially in high season), but most agree it’s part of the adventure.

Upon arrival at Caleta de Sebo, you’ll have about an hour to explore on your own. This quiet village offers sandy streets, a charming church, and small shops. Reviewers enjoy wandering at their leisure, soaking up the tranquility and snapping photos of the colorful houses. Several comment on how beautiful the beach and village are, making it a peaceful escape from busy tourist spots.

Water & Beach Time at Playa La Francesca

Next is the cruise along La Graciosa’s south coast, stopping at Playa La Francesca — a highlight for many. Here, you get the option to swim, snorkel, kayak, or just sunbathe. Equipment is provided, making water fun accessible for most. Reviewers say the water is crystal clear and perfect for a refreshing dip, although some mention the sea can be choppy, especially if the weather isn’t perfectly calm. Kayaking is a popular activity, with many noting it’s a great way to explore the coastline from a different perspective.

Lunch on Board & Water Activities

After the water activities, a traditional paella is served on the boat, accompanied by beer, sangria, and mojitos. Multiple reviews highlight the deliciousness of the food — one reviewer even called the paella “super tasty,” with drinks flowing freely to enhance the relaxed mood.

The boat remains anchored for a couple of hours, giving ample time for swimming, sunbathing, or just lounging and enjoying the scenery. A reviewer raved about the crew’s friendliness, noting that the staff made the day fun and engaging, adding to the overall positive vibe of the trip.

Return & Final Stop

The return journey involves cruising along the coast before heading back to Caleta de Sebo, where the boat departs at 4:00 pm. The last leg allows for some final photos and perhaps a last swim or walk along the beach. Most travelers found the day well-organized, although some mentioned the sea can be quite choppy, which might not suit everyone, especially those with seasickness.

What the Tour Includes & What to Keep in Mind

Included

• Return bus transfer (excluding some days from Playa Blanca)
• Ferry transfers to La Graciosa
• Cruise along the southern coast with stops at beaches
• Traditional paella lunch served onboard
• Open bar with beer, sangria, and mojitos
• Water activities, including kayaking
• Professional multilingual guides, adding local insights

Not Included

• Towels: Remember to bring your own for the water
• Snorkeling equipment: Available but not included
• Beach access: Not permitted for disembarking on the actual island beaches

Practical Tips

• Book at least two weeks in advance — this popular tour tends to fill up fast.
• Be prepared for possible choppy seas; bring medication if prone to seasickness.
• Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.
• Arrive early for smooth boarding, especially if not using pickup service.
• Consider bringing a light jacket or jumper, especially if you’re sensitive to wind or cooler temperatures.

Authentic Experiences & Review Insights

What sets this tour apart, beyond the picturesque scenery, is the genuine friendliness of the crew and guides. Many reviewers, such as Joy_K and Philip_W, mention the exceptional service and how the staff’s enthusiasm enhances the trip. The delicious paella and unlimited drinks are consistently praised, adding real value for the price.

Some comments highlight the water activities as a major plus, with kayaking being a favorite. However, a few mention encountering rough sea conditions, especially on windy days, which can make kayaking or swimming less enjoyable for sensitive travelers.

A notable insight from one reviewer is that the island stop is brief — about an hour — which is enough for a quick wander but not for exploring in depth. That said, most agree that the cruise and water fun compensate for the short island visit, especially considering the overall value and scenic beauty.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of boat cruising, water activities, and a peaceful island escape. It’s perfect for those looking for an active yet relaxed day, with plenty of options to swim or kayak. The all-inclusive drinks and tasty lunch make it great for groups or couples seeking a fun, social atmosphere.

However, if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer longer island explorations, you might find the brief time on La Graciosa a bit limiting. The boat trip can be rough in windy weather, so be prepared or consider if you’re comfortable with choppy seas.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own water gear?
No, kayaking equipment is provided, but towels are not included, so bring your own to dry off after water activities.

Is there an option for vegetarian or vegan meals?
Yes, a vegan and vegetarian option is available if requested at the time of booking.

What’s the best way to get to the meeting point?
Most travelers opt for the included bus transfer, but you can also head directly to Orzola port if you’re not on the pickup list. Be aware that pickups are not available from Playa Blanca on Sundays or Mondays.

How long is the boat journey from Lanzarote to La Graciosa?
The ferry takes about 25 minutes, and the bus transfer from some resorts can take around 50 minutes.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to weather, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

How many people typically go on this tour?
The maximum group size is around 150 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable atmosphere.

Is the water safe for swimming?
Yes, most reviewers find the water safe and enjoyable, but be mindful of sea conditions, which can be choppy and windy.

Final Thoughts

This Lanzarote to La Graciosa cruise offers a well-rounded day of scenic views, water fun, and delicious local food. It’s particularly suitable for those seeking an active and social experience, with the bonus of seeing a quieter side of the Canary Islands. The friendly guides, tasty paella, and endless drinks create a relaxed, joyful atmosphere that many travelers remember fondly.

While the journey involves some choppy seas and a brief island visit, these small considerations are balanced by the overall quality and value of the trip. If you love boat rides, water activities, and picturesque landscapes, this tour might well be your next favorite day in Lanzarote.

Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or as a couple, this trip combines adventure with comfort, giving you a taste of authentic island life and sea-side fun. Just be sure to pack your essentials and prepare for a day full of memorable sights and experiences.