Best Anchorages in the Canary Islands
Spain's Atlantic archipelago, 1,000km off Africa, is the launchpad for Atlantic crossings and offers year-round sailing in NE trade winds. From La Graciosa's pristine lagoon to Los Gigantes' 800m cliffs — these 8 anchorages have been verified for depth, holding, and anchor alarm radius.
Year-Round
Sailing destination
NE 15–25
Trade wind speed (kt)
ARC
Atlantic start from Las Palmas
Free
Anchoring at most locations
Calima & Trade Wind Venturi — Critical Canaries Hazards
The Calima is a Saharan dust event that can reduce visibility to near zero within hours — not a fog, but a red-orange haze that coats everything. It occurs most often January–March when S winds bring Saharan air. Monitor AEMET for S wind forecasts. The venturi effect between islands can double wind speed in island channels — NE trades at 18 kt in open water can reach 35 kt in the channel between Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Plan inter-island passages for early morning before the trades build. La Graciosa offers the best free anchoring in the archipelago — clean volcanic sand, no Posidonia risk, and excellent holding.
About Sailing the Canary Islands
NE Trade Winds
The persistent NE trades blow at 15–20 kt year-round, strongest in summer (June–September: 20–28 kt). All islands have a windward NE side (rough, exposed, few anchorages) and a leeward SW side (calm, protected, good anchorages). Plan your circuit to spend time on the SW side of each island.
Island Hopping
Inter-island passages are straightforward but the channel winds can be demanding. The classic E→W circuit: Lanzarote → Fuerteventura → Gran Canaria → Tenerife → La Gomera → La Palma is all downwind in the trades. Returning E requires motoring or tacking upwind — consider flying crew home and sail back one way.
ARC Rally Season
November–December, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria fills with 200+ ARC yachts preparing for the Atlantic crossing. The marina is reserved for competitors — free anchorage off Playa de Las Canteras is the best option for visiting boats. The city chandleries are the best-stocked in the Atlantic for pre- passage supplies.
Best Timing
March–May: quietest and most comfortable — trades lighter, crowds minimal, Calima less frequent. September–November: excellent conditions and good provisioning for those doing the ARC or individual Atlantic crossing. June–August: strong trades, busy beaches, but reliable sailing conditions.
8 Verified Anchorages
La Graciosa — Caleta del Sebo
(Caleta de Sebo)Excellent HoldingLanzarote / La GraciosaLa Graciosa is the only inhabited island in the Chinijo Archipelago and offers the finest free anchorage in the Canary Islands.
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Crowds
Moderate
Full anchoring guide →
Playa del Papagayo
(Papagayo)Excellent HoldingLanzaroteThe Papagayo beaches on the SW tip of Lanzarote are among the most spectacular anchorages in the Canary Islands — pristine white sand bays at the foot of dramatic volcanic cliffs, crystalline turquoise water, and consistent NE trade winds providing just enough breeze to keep the temperature perfect.
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Crowds
Busy
Full anchoring guide →
Puerto de Mogán
(Mogán)Good HoldingGran Canaria (SW)Puerto de Mogán is often called the 'Little Venice of the Canaries' for its flower-draped bridges and interconnected marina.
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Crowds
Busy
Full anchoring guide →
Los Gigantes
(Acantilados de Los Gigantes)Good HoldingTenerife (SW)Los Gigantes (The Giants) anchorage is one of the most dramatic in Europe — you anchor in the shadow of 800m vertical volcanic cliffs, the tallest sea cliffs in Spain.
Depth
6–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
100m
Crowds
Moderate
Full anchoring guide →
Bahía de El Médano
(El Médano)Excellent HoldingTenerife (SE)El Médano is Tenerife's windsurfing capital — a small town on the SE coast that catches the consistent NE trade wind and has hosted multiple World Windsurfing Championships.
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Crowds
Moderate
Full anchoring guide →
Bahía de Corralejo
(Corralejo)Excellent HoldingFuerteventura (N)Corralejo on the N tip of Fuerteventura is the gateway to the Fuerteventura–Lanzarote channel and the closest point to La Graciosa (24nm NE).
Depth
3–9m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Crowds
Busy
Full anchoring guide →
Bahía de Las Palmas
(Las Palmas de Gran Canaria anchorage)Good HoldingGran Canaria (N)Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the ARC Rally start, the biggest city in the Canaries, and the primary stop for Atlantic-crossing boats.
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Crowds
Busy
Full anchoring guide →
Caleta de Famara
(Famara)Excellent HoldingLanzarote (NW)Caleta de Famara is the most dramatic day anchorage in the Canaries — a long Atlantic surf beach at the foot of the 400m Famara cliffs on the NW coast of Lanzarote.
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Crowds
Quiet
Full anchoring guide →
Canary Islands Anchoring Rules — Summary
- !Chinijo Archipelago (La Graciosa): National Park rules apply — no landing on uninhabited islands without permit. Speed limit 3 kt near shore. No fires on beach.
- !Calima watch: When S wind forecast and dusty haze appears, secure all gear and check AEMET immediately. Visibility can drop to near zero. Stay at anchor.
- !Inter-island channels: Wind accelerates through island gaps. Plan passages for early morning (before trades build 09:00–10:00). Always check local VHF weather from the nearest coast station.
- !COLREGS Rule 30: All-round white anchor light required at night. Set a GPS anchor alarm before going below.
Monitor Your Anchor Overnight
Safety Anchor Alarm watches your GPS position continuously — essential in the Canaries where trade wind chop can make a comfortable anchorage suddenly uncomfortable and where Calima can arrive in the night.
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