Canary Islands: Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera & La Palma

One archipelago, many different worlds

The Canary Islands belong to one archipelago, but they do not feel like variations of the same place.

Some rise steeply from the Atlantic in layers of green forest, deep ravines and cloud. Others are shaped by black lava, golden sand, dry volcanic hills and immense open horizons.

Travelling between them aboard Arctos reveals the islands as parts of one continuous ocean journey. Once your belongings are in your cabin, they remain there. There are no inter-island flights to coordinate, no ferry timetable controlling every change of island and no repeated cycle of packing, transferring and checking in again.

The passage itself becomes part of the experience. We leave one island from the sea, move through open Atlantic water and watch the next volcanic coastline slowly take shape on the horizon.

Across five departures, Arctos follows two different routes. The Western Islands Route connects Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera and La Palma: a journey toward greener, steeper and increasingly dramatic landscapes. The Eastern Islands Route begins among Lanzarote’s lava fields, reaches the quiet shores of La Graciosa and continues through Fuerteventura toward Gran Canaria.

Why travel between the islands aboard Arctos?

The Canary Islands are separated by real stretches of Atlantic water. Aboard Arctos, that distance becomes part of the adventure rather than a transport problem.

Departure options

Western Islands Route

Gran Canaria -> Tenerife -> La Gomera -> La Palma

Available departures: 31 October-8 November 2026, 28 November-6 December 2026 and 2-10 January 2027.

The Western Islands Route moves toward some of the archipelago’s steepest, greenest and most dramatic landscapes. The voyage begins in Gran Canaria and continues toward Tenerife, where the immense volcanic scale of the island can dominate the horizon long before arrival.

From Tenerife, Mirabo sails toward La Gomera: an island of deep ravines, mountain forest and small settlements held between steep slopes and the sea. The final passage leads toward La Palma, one of the greenest and most vertically dramatic islands in the Canaries.

This route combines active inter-island sailing with selected time ashore, trekking possibilities, photography and local exploration. Open Atlantic water, acceleration zones between the high islands and ocean swell can make the sailing energetic.

Western Route – the rhythm of the voyage

Day 1 – Embarkation in Gran Canaria

Joining Arctos, settling into the cabins, safety briefing, provisioning and review of the forecast.

Days 2-3 – Gran Canaria to Tenerife

The first open-water passage and selected time around Tenerife.

Days 4-5 – Tenerife to La Gomera

Sailing toward La Gomera, followed by selected local exploration or trekking when the schedule permits.

Days 6-7 – La Gomera to La Palma

The final major passage, with La Palma’s high volcanic landscape gradually appearing ahead.

Days 8-9 – La Palma and disembarkation

Selected exploration, final sailing or harbour time according to the route, followed by disembarkation.

The skipper may change the island sequence, reduce time ashore, omit a stop or select alternative harbours according to wind, swell, harbour conditions, safety and the progress of the voyage.

Eastern Islands Route

Lanzarote -> La Graciosa -> Fuerteventura -> Gran Canaria

Available departures: 14-22 November 2026 and 12-20 December 2026.

The Eastern Islands Route explores the drier, more open and strongly volcanic side of the archipelago. The voyage begins in Lanzarote, where black lava fields, pale villages and geometric vineyards create one of the Atlantic’s most distinctive landscapes.

From northern Lanzarote, Arctos reaches La Graciosa: a small island of golden shores, volcanic cones and sandy tracks. After La Graciosa, the route continues south along or near Lanzarote before opening toward Fuerteventura. The final passage leads toward Gran Canaria.

Eastern Route – the rhythm of the voyage

Day 1 – Embarkation in Lanzarote

Joining Arctos, safety briefing, provisioning and review of the route and weather.

Days 2-3 – Lanzarote and La Graciosa

Sailing toward northern Lanzarote and La Graciosa, with selected time ashore according to conditions.

Days 4-5 – South along Lanzarote

Returning south along or close to Lanzarote and preparing for the passage toward Fuerteventura.

Days 6-7 – Fuerteventura

Arrival and selected exploration, followed by preparation for the final passage.

Days 8-9 – Gran Canaria and disembarkation

Final sailing toward Gran Canaria, arrival procedures and disembarkation.

The skipper may change the route sequence, shorten island visits, omit a stop or select alternative harbours and anchorages according to wind, swell, safety and harbour conditions.

Sailing between volcanic islands

The Canary Islands are separated by real stretches of open Atlantic water. The passages may involve ocean swell, changing visibility, acceleration zones near high islands, stronger local wind, lighter sheltered areas, early or late departures and changes in the planned harbour.

Participants should expect active sailing rather than flat-water transport. The skipper will adapt the route according to wind, swell, visibility, harbour safety, crew condition, forecast development and appropriate arrival timing.

From ocean passages to volcanic trails

When the sailing schedule allows, selected time ashore may include trekking, volcanic viewpoints, coastal paths, local villages, photography, regional food, small harbours, swimming and local culture. The final programme depends on weather, sea state, arrival time, berth or anchorage, trail access, transport availability, group ability and the skipper’s navigation plan.

Highlights

Life aboard Arctos

Arctos is a 56-foot aluminium expedition sailing yacht designed for offshore passages and access to places beyond conventional tourism. Her lifting keels and rudders provide useful flexibility around island coasts, shallower waters and suitable anchorages.

During the voyage, Arctos becomes our shared home. Participants take part in everyday life aboard according to their experience and the conditions: helming, keeping lookout, helping with sails and lines, following the route, observing weather and sea conditions, assisting with anchoring or mooring, preparing shared meals and keeping communal spaces organised.

Some passages may begin early, continue after sunset or change according to the weather window. This is not a luxury cruise. It is an active small-group sailing experience combining Atlantic passages, volcanic islands and real life aboard.