7 Best Cruises and Boat Tours in Fuerteventura

The wild coastline and big waves attract thousands of water sports enthusiasts. If you're not familiar with the wind, you have two options: sign up for the best surfing lessons in Fuerteventura or take a boat trip.

There are several options available, from catamaran trips to routes aboard elegant Turkish schooners. All include a stop for a swim in the waters. With these credentials, it's impossible not to include sailing among the best things to see and do in Fuerteventura.

Lobos Island is located off the north coast of Fuerteventura, a short distance from Corralejos. In the past, these rocks were home to a large colony of sea lions, but today there are none left. This islet is now a bird sanctuary, where species such as ospreys, herring gulls and grey herons nest.

The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island are perfect for snorkelling, fishing, SUP and kayaking. In any case, organised excursions provide you with all the necessary equipment. Important: there are masks and snorkels for everyone, but other equipment is limited.

Excursions to Lobos Island from Fuerteventura depart from the port of Corralejo and arrive at their destination after a short sail. Before returning to Fuerteventura, you will have time to enjoy a seafood paella on board.

• Duration: around 4 hours
• Price: around £65. If you want to spend less, you can also buy a trip that includes only the return ferry tickets. In this case, the approximate cost is £20.
• Departure point: Corralejo

Also known as a motor sailboat, the Turkish schooner is a traditional wooden boat. Its length varies from 15 to 55 metres and it can carry up to 25 people.

The model used for the excursions has a large stern area that is used as a relaxation area. In short, it is a very elegant way to travel.

• Duration:
• Price: around £70. Also includes lunch (with vegetarian option) and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Departure point: Morro Jable

This route usually starts on the coast of Morro Jable, a tourist area with good connections to the airport and Puerto del Rosario. Its white sandy beaches are an irresistible attraction for both water sports enthusiasts and tourists looking for a combination of sun and a refreshing dip.

The Canary Islands archipelago is populated by cetaceans all year round. However, in spring and winter the numbers are even higher. During the boat trip you may encounter the following species:

• Pilot whales, which are small (reaching 8 metres in length) but very robust. Unlike other cetaceans, they are entirely black or dark grey in colour. They are very intelligent and sociable animals.
• Bottlenose dolphins. They love warm waters and are therefore a common sight in the archipelago. They enjoy interacting with humans, so the probability of seeing them is almost 100%.
• Orca, not the most common but also found in the waters of the Canary Islands. Its social habits are unique. Families stay together forever.
• Sperm whales are not whales, but they are enormous. In fact, they are the largest toothed animals on the planet. They prefer deep waters as their habitat, so the chances of seeing them increase if the boat trip reaches the open sea.

The price usually includes a beer or other drink. Bring a swimsuit as there will be a stop for swimming or snorkelling. To find out more about this topic, I recommend reading the post that lists the best dolphin watching tours in Fuerteventura.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Price: between £35 and £45
• Departure point: Morro Jable

An excursion that has it all: a boat with a transparent bottom, a bar, a slide into the water, a barbecue on board, paddle surfing... A well-rounded, inexpensive and ultimately perfect plan if you are travelling to Fuerteventura with children.

Normally, the boats sail through the Jandía Natural Park, a protected area on the southwestern tip of Fuerteventura. This is undoubtedly the most unspoilt and wild part of the island. On this boat, you will have the opportunity to see its rich marine fauna, including dolphins, leatherback turtles, bream, flying fish and other species.

After about four hours, you will return to the port of departure, Puerto Morro Jable. If you want to stay here after the boat trip, I recommend a few bars where you can relax after the crossing:

• Sun & Sand Snack and Bar Jandia. If you still have time, I recommend trying their sandwiches (Calle Bentejuy 4).
• Waikiki Restaurant Snack Bar Grill, the views are breathtaking (Avenida Tomás Grau Gurrea 27)
• Mis Abuelos Tapas, for a few well-poured beers (Calle Nuestra Señora del Carmen 4)
• Duration: 4 hours or a little more
• Price: around £60
• Starting point: Morro Jable

From the 16th century onwards, Fuerteventura was the target of many pirates. The most famous expedition was probably that of the Algerian corsair Xabán Arráez, who managed to plunder Betancuria, an inland town and the island's first capital.

The last attacks took place in the first half of the 19th century, and only then did the island enjoy greater tranquillity.

With such an important history behind it, a trip on a sailboat flying the Jolly Roger is a must. What's more, the crew are dressed in pirate costumes. You'll learn how to tie sailor's knots, lower the sails and jump into the sea with a rope. Not bad, right?

If you're travelling to Fuerteventura with children or a group of friends, this is a highly recommended option. The sailboat usually leaves twice a day from Morro Jable and travels along the southern coast. You can find more information on the Traum Fuerteventura website .

• Duration: approximately 4 hours
• Price: between £60 and £70. The price also includes a buffet lunch
• Departure point: Morro Jable

Travel in style. Lie back in the sun and enjoy sailing along the Jandía Natural Park. In addition to classic water activities such as snorkelling and paddle surfing, you will be treated to tapas accompanied by beer, cava or a delicious cocktail.

The highlight of this experience is the size of the boat. You will travel with a maximum of nine other people, which is ideal for getting the most out of this experience.

If you are interested, I recommend booking well in advance. This experience is in high demand.

• Duration: between 3 and 4 hours
• Price: around £120
• Starting point: Morro Jable

Do you love the sea and want to enjoy a more authentic experience? With all the advantages of a motorboat trip, there's nothing like sailing.

Feeling the breeze on your face as you hold the helm is a fantastic feeling. Don't worry, the captain will guide you along the coast and let you take the helm under his supervision.

This route includes a stop for swimming or snorkelling. It's worth putting on a mask and snorkel to enjoy the marine life. You'll see clownfish, sea bream, gueldes (you'll recognise them by their blue, green and orange colours) and other species. After your dip, you can recharge your batteries with tapas and a cold beer.

You can also enjoy a glass of cava or white wine. The sailboat departs from Morro Jable, a village on the Jandía peninsula famous for its long white sandy beaches. It is located in the south of Fuerteventura, the most unspoilt part of the island.

• Duration: approximately 4 hours
• Price: around £70. Also includes snorkelling equipment hire
• Departure point: Morro Jable

Yes and no. Let me explain: as a general rule, it depends on where you are staying. Let's say you have chosen a tour that departs from the port of Corralejo. If your hotel, rental house or B&B is located in the central-northern area, pick-up is usually guaranteed at your door.

However, if you are spending your holiday in Morro Jable or Costa Calma, for example, pick-up is done differently. In this case, the agency will indicate a meeting point reasonably close to your hotel.

Thanks to the warm climate all year round, there really is no best time to sail the seas. It's always worth it.

Due to daylight hours, summer is the best option. However, if you want to see whales, it's best to book a boat trip in spring or winter.

Yes, there are regular connections between the islands of the archipelago. However, if you don't have much time, the easiest option is Lanzarote.

Ferries leave from the port of Corralejo and reach the Lanzarote port of Playa Blanca. You can choose between three companies:

• Líneas Romero
• Naviera Armas
• Fred Olsen

Fuerteventura is an island with very little rainfall. In the event of heavy rain, boat trips are cancelled. If this happens, you have two options: change the date or request a refund.

If you are unlucky, you can do the following indoor activities:

• Majorero Cheese Museum, where you can learn all about Fuerteventura's most typical dairy product (Calle Virgen de Antigua, km 20, 35630 Antigua, Las Palmas)
• Tour the island. If you have a rental car, you can spend a day exploring the wildest areas (Cofete and Betancuria Natural Park) and the inland villages. Betancuria is a must-see
• Admire the graffiti in Gran Tarajal, a small village with many decorated façades
• Eat at a traditional restaurant. Take advantage of the bad weather to try Canarian cuisine at El Luchador - Casa Tino Matoso (Calle Gairia, 16, 35638 Valles de Ortega, Las Palmas) or Restaurante Mahoh (Sitio de Juan Bello s/n, 35640 Villaverde, La Oliva).

If you have never sailed before or are afraid of the sea, I recommend taking a seasickness pill, at least on the first day.

If you already know that the sea affects you, avoid sailing and opt for a more stable catamaran. Alternatively, you can always stay on dry land and book a buggy tour in Fuerteventura.

Now you have all the most important information you need to plan your trip. Here are a few final suggestions:

• Always wear sunscreen or at least a hat. You don't want to go home with a sunburn, do you?
• Drink frequently. It's important to stay hydrated.
• If you're looking for a more dynamic activity, it might be better to choose something else. Personally, I always recommend the best kayaking routes in Fuerteventura.
• Bring a spare swimsuit.
• Be careful with jellyfish. The waters of the Canary Islands are home to around 40 different species, but only a few of them sting very painfully. If you are stung, wash the area with saline solution (never with fresh water) and remove any tentacles with tweezers.
• To prevent your mask from fogging up, you can use an anti-fog protector, such as the one from Cressi
• Want to immortalise your exploits under the sea? Then I recommend buying a disposable waterproof camera. You won't have to spend much, around £20 is more than enough.
• As far as possible, do not swim against the current or you will tire quickly