La Graciosa: Island Cruise with Lunch for Cruise Passengers

The best part of this outing is the change of scenery: you leave Lanzarote’s port, cross to La Graciosa, and spend the main part of the day on the water near French Beach. The island stop, coastal views, swimming, and kayaking give you more than a simple ferry ride.

I like the practical all-in-one setup, especially the round-trip port transfer and the onboard meal. I also like the mix of activities: you can swim, paddle a kayak, or simply sit with a drink and watch the coast pass by.

The main thing to consider is the boat’s size. Despite the catamaran image used to promote the trip, the vessel may be a large, two-level boat with many people and mostly seated areas. This is a social cruise, not a quiet day on a small sailing yacht.

Key points to know before booking

• A 30-minute ferry crossing takes you from Órzola to Caleta de Sebo on La Graciosa.
• Caleta de Sebo gives you 45 minutes to walk around before the main cruise.
• French Beach is viewed from the water, with no beach access included.
• Kayaks are provided, but snorkeling equipment is not.
• Lunch includes Spanish paella, fruit, and unlimited drinks, including beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.
• The boat may feel crowded, and the stated six hours includes transfers and ferry time.

From Marina Lanzarote to La Graciosa

Your day begins with pickup near Marina Lanzarote or Los Mármoles. If you arrive at Marina Lanzarote, the bus collects you from parking area 3. At Los Mármoles, pickup is at the bus stop. You need to be there 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

This transfer is useful if you are visiting Lanzarote from a cruise ship. You do not need to arrange a taxi to Órzola or work out the ferry connection yourself. A minimum of eight people is required to confirm port pickup, so check that this part of the booking is confirmed before setting your plans around it.

From the port, you travel by road to Órzola, then take an express ferry to La Graciosa. The ferry crossing takes about 30 minutes. It is a straightforward connection, but remember that the full six-hour duration includes transport and ferry time, not six full hours aboard the catamaran.

That distinction matters. One description of the day suggests roughly three hours and 45 minutes at La Graciosa, while one of the more critical assessments put the actual boat and island time closer to four hours once transfers were removed. If you want a long, lazy day at sea, this may feel shorter than expected.

Caleta de Sebo gives you a quick look at island life

The first stop on La Graciosa is Caleta de Sebo, the island’s small settlement. You have about 45 minutes here before boarding the catamaran.

This is your chance to stretch your legs and get a quick sense of the island beyond the water. The stop is short, so I would treat it as a brief orientation rather than a full village visit. You can walk around, take photographs, and enjoy the contrast between the port area and the open coast you will see later.

Do not expect a long independent exploration period. The schedule has to fit the ferry, the catamaran, lunch, and the return connection. Keep an eye on the meeting time, and wear comfortable shoes rather than treating this as a beach day from the start.

The stop also helps break up the transport. After the road transfer and ferry ride, 45 minutes on land gives you a little room to move before the main cruise begins.

Boarding the catamaran at French Beach

Once aboard, you receive a welcome mojito and settle in for the coastal cruise. The boat carries Wi-Fi, and the guide provides information in English, Spanish, German, or French.

The French Beach section is one of the prettiest parts of the day. You cruise near the beach, see La Graciosa from the water, and get the kind of wide views that are hard to appreciate from a road. The coast is the main attraction here, with the sea, pale shore, and open island setting providing the backdrop for lunch and the water activities.

There is an important limitation: beach access is not permitted. You can see French Beach from the boat, but you should not expect to walk ashore or spend time on the sand. The stop is built around being on the catamaran and using the water nearby.

The boat itself may not match your mental picture of a small catamaran. Some passengers have found it larger than expected, with two levels and a high number of people. Seating is available, but there may not be much room to lie down. If you value space and silence, this is the point where expectations matter most.

If you enjoy a lively group setting, the larger vessel can be a plus. You have more room to move between areas than on a tiny boat, and the crew can serve a full meal and drinks. If you picture a private sailing trip with a handful of people, choose something else.

Swimming and kayaking in the marine reserve

The main water stop lasts within the roughly three-hour-and-45-minute La Graciosa portion of the outing. You can swim in the marine reserve and use the kayaks supplied by the operator.

This is a good arrangement for mixed groups. You can paddle if you want an active hour, swim if the conditions suit you, or remain aboard and enjoy the scenery. The activity is not only a sightseeing cruise, but it is also not a serious kayaking trip. The day gives you a taste of several activities rather than extended time for one of them.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own if you want to look beneath the surface, but the available information does not promise a dedicated snorkeling session or supplied masks and fins. The provided kayaks are the more certain water activity.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sun hat, camera, and a jacket. The jacket is worth packing even on a warm day because the boat ride can feel breezy. Comfortable shoes are useful for the port and Caleta de Sebo, while swimwear makes the water stop easier.

The itinerary can change with weather conditions. That is especially relevant for swimming and kayaking, since wind and sea conditions affect what the crew can safely offer.

Paella, fruit, and an open drink station

Lunch is served onboard and includes traditional Spanish paella and fresh fruit. Drinks are unlimited, with beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water available from the bar. Coffee is not included.

The food makes the price easier to judge. You are not paying only for transport and a boat ride. The package combines transfers, two ferry crossings, a guided cruise, lunch, a welcome drink, the bar service, and kayak use.

Still, keep your expectations practical. The meal is designed for a group excursion, not a restaurant tasting menu. One account found the food and drinks average, while another described the meal as good and the crew as pleasant. I would view the paella as a convenient, filling lunch that keeps the day moving, rather than the reason to book the trip.

The unlimited drinks are useful in the sun, especially because water is included. Sangria and beer can add to the holiday mood, but avoid arriving intoxicated, since intoxication is not allowed on the activity. Glass objects are also prohibited.

Vegetarian and celiac diets can be catered for with advance notice. Make that request before the day of the cruise. Do not assume the crew can make changes at the last minute.

How the $95 price works out

At $95 per person, this cruise sits in the middle range for a full-day port excursion, but the value depends on how much of the advertised six hours you count as the actual cruise.

The price is strongest for you if you want convenience. You get port pickup, transport to Órzola, the ferry crossings, the La Graciosa stop, a catamaran ride, lunch, drinks, a guide, and kayaks in one booking. For a cruise passenger with limited time in Lanzarote, that simple plan has real value.

The price is less compelling if your priority is a small boat, long swimming time, or access to the beach. You cannot go ashore at French Beach, and part of the six-hour schedule is spent in road and ferry transfers. You are also paying for unlimited drinks and a group meal, so the package suits you best if you plan to use those inclusions.

The mixed ratings point to a clear lesson: the crew and food can make the day enjoyable, but the boat size and pickup arrangements can affect the experience. I would book it for the included logistics and variety, not for a private or especially refined sailing atmosphere.

Pickup details matter for cruise passengers

Port excursions leave little room for confusion. Confirm which pickup location applies to your ship and arrive 10 minutes early. The two stated points are at Marina Lanzarote, Carretera Muelle los Marmoles, 30A, and the Los Mármoles bus stop.

One weak spot has been the pickup process, so keep your confirmation details handy and allow time to locate the meeting point. The transfer is included, but the smoothness of the day depends on getting onto the correct bus.

The return uses the same general route, with drop-off back at the Arrecife area or Carretera Muelle los Marmoles. Since the excursion includes a ferry and road transfer, you should avoid planning an immediate, tight connection after the stated end time.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Mobility needs should be considered before booking, since the day includes bus transport, ferry boarding, time in the port settlement, and movement around a large boat.

Who will enjoy this six-hour outing

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a simple day away from Lanzarote’s main island and like having several activities bundled together. Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the choice between kayaking, swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing with lunch.

It also suits cruise passengers who do not want to plan separate taxis, ferry tickets, and boat reservations. The multilingual guide is useful if your group includes English, Spanish, German, or French speakers.

You may want to skip it if your dream day means quiet sailing, plenty of deck space, or direct access to a beach. The large boat can feel crowded, and most seating is upright rather than designed for stretching out. You should also look elsewhere if snorkeling is your main goal, since equipment is not provided.

Bring a jacket even if the forecast looks warm. Pack a towel and sunscreen. Give advance notice for vegetarian or celiac meals. Those small steps will make the day easier.

Should you book the La Graciosa cruise?

Book this trip if you want convenience, scenery, lunch, drinks, and light water activities in one package. The island crossing and short Caleta de Sebo stop add variety, while the catamaran gives you a comfortable way to see La Graciosa from the coast.

Do not book it expecting a small private yacht or a full six hours of uninterrupted sailing. The larger vessel, limited beach access, seated layout, and transport time are the key trade-offs.

At $95, I see it as a fair package for cruise passengers who value an organized day and want to avoid handling the connections themselves. Your best chance of enjoying it is to arrive with realistic expectations: this is a busy, social catamaran excursion with a pleasant crew, a group lunch, swimming, kayaking, and good coastal views.

FAQ

How long does the La Graciosa cruise last?

The advertised duration is six hours. This includes the road transfers, two 30-minute ferry crossings, the 45-minute visit to Caleta de Sebo, and the catamaran portion of the outing.

Where does pickup take place?

There are pickup options at Marina Lanzarote and Los Mármoles. At Marina Lanzarote, the bus collects you from parking area 3. At Los Mármoles, pickup is at the bus stop.

How early should I arrive for pickup?

You should be at the pickup location 10 minutes before your scheduled time.

Is transportation from the port included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from Marina Lanzarote is included, along with the ferry crossings between Órzola and La Graciosa.

What food is served?

Lunch includes traditional Spanish paella and fresh fruit. Vegetarian and celiac diets can be accommodated if you notify the operator in advance.

What drinks are included?

The onboard bar includes unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. A welcome mojito is also included. Coffee is not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included. Kayaks are provided for use during the water stop.

Can I access French Beach?

No. Beach access is not permitted. You can cruise near French Beach and use the water for swimming or kayaking when conditions allow.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. The itinerary includes bus and ferry transport, a port visit, and time aboard the catamaran.