Canary Islands Cruises: Your Extraordinary Atlantic Escape

From the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote to the lush forests of La Gomera and the golden dunes of Gran Canaria, discover why the Canary Islands are one of the world’s most captivating cruise destinations – where year-round sunshine meets extraordinary natural beauty.

Your Extraordinary Canary Islands Adventure Awaits

The Canary Islands are a breathtaking Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa – a place where dramatic volcanic terrain, subtropical forests, golden sand beaches, and vibrant local culture converge in one unforgettable destination. Each island possesses its own distinct character, from the otherworldly lava fields of Lanzarote to the towering peak of Mount Teide on Tenerife, which rises over 12,000 feet above sea level. With year-round temperatures typically ranging between 65–85°F, the Canary Islands beckon travelers in every season.

A scenic view of the Canary Islands coastline with volcanic landscapes and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean.
Golden sand dunes of Maspalomas on Gran Canaria stretching toward the turquoise Atlantic waters under a bright blue sky.
Dramatic volcanic landscape of Lanzarote with dark lava fields and rugged terrain under clear skies in the Canary Islands.
Lush green laurel forest canopy in La Gomera, Canary Islands, with sunlight filtering through ancient trees.

Volcanic Landscapes

Walk across otherworldly lava fields, gaze up at towering volcanic peaks, and peer into dramatic calderas that make the Canary Islands feel like another planet entirely.

Year-Round Sunshine

There’s a reason locals call these the “Islands of Eternal Spring.” Temperatures rarely dip below 65°F or climb past 85°F, so no matter when you sail, the sun is waiting.

Spanish Culture & Cuisine

Fresh-caught seafood, wines grown in volcanic soil, and tapas shared at a sunlit plaza – the Canaries blend centuries of Spanish heritage with vibrant island traditions all their own.

Explore the Canary Islands

Seven main islands make up the Canary archipelago, each with its own personality and allure. Our cruise advisors will help you find the perfect itinerary to match your interests – whether you crave adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion.

Panoramic view of Santa Cruz de Tenerife with colorful buildings, the harbor, and Mount Teide rising in the background.

Tenerife & Gran Canaria

Key Ports: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Known For: Mount Teide (Spain’s highest peak), Maspalomas sand dunes, vibrant nightlife, botanical gardens, whale watching

Ideal For: First-time Canary Islands visitors seeking a blend of nature, culture, and resort-style beaches

Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lively carnivals, and diverse microclimates

The striking volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote, with red and ochre lava formations under a vast sky.

Lanzarote & Fuerteventura

Key Ports: Arrecife (Lanzarote), Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura)

Known For: Timanfaya National Park, César Manrique art installations, endless white sand beaches, world-class windsurfing

Ideal For: Adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts drawn to stark volcanic beauty and water sports

Highlights: Volcanic wine region of La Geria, Corralejo Natural Park sand dunes, Jameos del Agua cave

Sweeping view of the Caldera de Taburiente on La Palma, with steep green ridges and misty volcanic peaks in the Canary Islands.

La Palma, La Gomera & El Hierro

Key Ports: Santa Cruz de La Palma, San Sebastián de La Gomera, Valverde (El Hierro)

Known For: UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, ancient laurel forests, stargazing, unspoiled natural beauty, and the whistled language of La Gomera

Ideal For: Experienced travelers and nature lovers seeking off-the-beaten-path authenticity

Highlights: Caldera de Taburiente, Garajonay National Park, world-class dark-sky observatories

Compare Canary Islands Cruise Regions

Feature Tenerife & Gran Canaria Lanzarote & Fuerteventura La Palma, La Gomera & El Hierro
Main Ports Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas Arrecife, Puerto del Rosario Santa Cruz de La Palma, San Sebastián de La Gomera
Best For First-time visitors, families, culture seekers Adventure lovers, water sports enthusiasts, photographers Nature lovers, hikers, stargazers
Highlights Mount Teide, Maspalomas dunes, carnival celebrations Timanfaya lava fields, La Geria wine region, Corralejo dunes UNESCO laurel forests, Caldera de Taburiente, dark-sky observatories
Character Cosmopolitan with resort amenities Dramatic and artistic, volcanic terrain Untouched, intimate, and deeply natural

Colorful houses and palm trees lining a sunny promenade in a Canary Islands port town with volcanic hills in the distance.

Our Canary Islands cruise travel advisors will show you where to begin.

With seven unique islands to explore and a wealth of itinerary options, choosing the perfect Canary Islands cruise can feel overwhelming. That’s where our expert advisors come in.

On Tenerife, you’ll discover Spain’s highest peak – Mount Teide – alongside charming colonial towns, lush northern valleys, and world-famous carnival celebrations.

Gran Canaria is a continent in miniature, offering everything from the sweeping Maspalomas dunes to pine-forested mountain villages and the vibrant capital of Las Palmas.

Lanzarote mesmerizes with its lunar-like volcanic landscapes, César Manrique’s visionary art-meets-nature installations, and vineyards grown in black volcanic soil.

The western islands – La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro – reward travelers with ancient laurel forests, world-class stargazing, and an authenticity that feels wonderfully untouched by time.

If that sounds like a lot to navigate, rest assured – our dedicated cruise advisors provide complimentary, expert guidance at no booking fee to you. And for travelers who want comprehensive journey management including flights, hotels, and transfers, ask about our optional, paid White Glove Service – a premium tier beyond our complimentary cruise advisory. Call us today at (352) 432-8131!

Beyond the Canary Islands

Many Canary Islands itineraries can be extended or combined with nearby destinations for an even more extraordinary voyage.

  • Morocco – Exotic Moroccan ports like Casablanca and Tangier, with vibrant souks and rich history
  • Madeira – The “Garden Isle” of Portugal, famed for its lush botanical gardens and terraced hillsides
  • Azores – Remote Portuguese archipelago offering dramatic volcanic lakes, hot springs, and whale watching
  • Western Mediterranean – Extend to Spain, Portugal, and the Mediterranean coast for a grand European voyage
The coastal city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria at sunset, with golden light over the harbor and Atlantic coastline.

Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Our specialty cruise advisors will ensure your voyage is everything you dreamed.

Rarely will any of us make it to these extraordinary places more than once. So, if you’re going to do it at all, you should do it right. Let the experts at Extraordinary Adventures ensure that your voyage to these remote destinations is everything you dreamed it would be.

They don’t call us Extraordinary Adventures for nothing, you know.

Best Time to Cruise the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands enjoy mild, pleasant weather year-round, making them a true four-season destination – though each period has its own distinct appeal.

Peak Season (November – March): While much of Europe endures cold winters, the Canaries bask in comfortable temperatures between 65–75°F. This is the most popular time for cruise itineraries, as northern Europeans and Americans seek winter sun. Booking well in advance is wise, as preferred cabins fill quickly.

Spring (April – June): Wildflowers bloom across the islands, temperatures are ideal for hiking, and crowds thin compared to winter. An excellent time for travelers who love nature and outdoor adventure.

Summer (July – September): Warm and dry with temperatures reaching 80–85°F. Perfect for beach-focused visits, though the eastern islands can experience the calima – a haze of Saharan dust carried on warm winds from Africa. Many repositioning cruises pass through during this period.

Autumn (October – November): Warm seas, pleasant weather, and the start of the new cruise season make this an appealing shoulder period when availability tends to be strong.

Warm sunset over the Atlantic Ocean viewed from a Canary Islands cliffside, with volcanic rock formations and calm seas.

Why Book with Extraordinary Adventures

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Canary Islands Cruise FAQs

The Canary Islands are a year-round destination with comfortable temperatures ranging from 65–85°F. Peak cruise season spans November through March, making the islands a perfect escape from northern winters. For more detailed seasonal guidance, see our Best Time to Cruise section above. Your cruise advisor can help you choose the ideal time for your voyage.

The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 60 miles off the northwest coast of Africa and about 800 miles south of mainland Spain. Despite their African proximity, the islands are fully part of Spain and the European Union, making them a unique blend of European culture and subtropical climate.

Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the most popular islands for first-time visitors. Tenerife offers the majestic Mount Teide, diverse landscapes, and vibrant towns, while Gran Canaria features the stunning Maspalomas dunes, charming mountain villages, and a cosmopolitan capital city. Both islands provide an excellent introduction to the archipelago’s diversity.

Canary Islands cruises typically range from 7 to 14 nights. Shorter itineraries may focus on the main islands, while longer voyages often combine the Canaries with Madeira, the Azores, or Moroccan ports. Transatlantic repositioning cruises that include the Canary Islands as a stop can last 14 nights or more. Your cruise advisor can help you find the ideal duration.

Yes, a valid U.S. passport is required for all Canary Islands cruises. The islands are part of Spain and the European Union, so standard EU entry requirements apply. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor can guide you through all necessary travel documentation.

Pack layers for the Canary Islands – while daytime temperatures are warm and pleasant, evenings can be cooler, especially at higher elevations. Bring comfortable walking shoes for volcanic terrain and hiking trails, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a windbreaker, and smart-casual attire for evening dining onboard. If you plan to visit Mount Teide or highland areas, a warm jacket is essential as temperatures at altitude can drop significantly.

Several major cruise lines offer Canary Islands itineraries, including luxury options like Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania, as well as premium lines such as Celebrity, Princess, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. Smaller expedition and boutique lines like Ponant and Windstar also visit the archipelago. Our advisors will match you with the perfect cruise line for your style and preferences.

Absolutely. The Canary Islands offer something for every generation – from adventurous volcanic hikes and water sports to relaxing beach days and cultural exploration. Couples enjoy the romantic sunsets, wine tasting in Lanzarote’s volcanic vineyards, and intimate port towns. Families appreciate the diverse excursion options and year-round pleasant weather. Your cruise advisor can tailor an itinerary that delights everyone in your party.

Popular excursions include visiting Teide National Park on Tenerife for stunning panoramic views, exploring the fire mountains at Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote, hiking through the ancient laurel forests of La Gomera, whale and dolphin watching off the coast of Tenerife, touring César Manrique’s architectural wonders on Lanzarote, and wandering the colorful streets of Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. Wine tasting in La Geria and stargazing on La Palma are also unforgettable experiences.

Yes! Many Canary Islands itineraries include stops in Madeira (Portugal), Morocco, the Azores, or mainland Spain and Portugal. Transatlantic repositioning cruises often feature the Canary Islands as a key port of call between Europe and the Caribbean. Ask your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor about options for combining the Canaries with other extraordinary destinations.

Not sure which specialty cruise is right for you?

Take our short quiz to discover the perfect specialty cruise for your travel style and bucket list.