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Canary Islands

Volcanic peaks rising from the Atlantic, golden sand dunes stretching to the horizon, and year-round sunshine awaiting your arrival—the Canary Islands deliver an extraordinary cruise experience unlike anywhere else in Europe.

Discover the Canary Islands by Cruise

Tucked in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa, this Spanish archipelago blends European sophistication with a subtropical climate that stays comfortable all year long. Seven main islands—each with a personality all its own—serve up volcanic wonders, pristine coastlines, and centuries of cultural heritage waiting to be explored. With temperatures hovering between 65-80°F in every season, there’s never a wrong time to set sail for the Canaries.

A large MSC cruise ship docked at the pristine Ocean Cay marine reserve in the Bahamas, with a white lighthouse and turquoise waters surrounding a white sandy beach.
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A modern, spacious cruise ship suite with a large angled window offering an expansive ocean view. The room features a plush gray sectional sofa, minimalist furniture, and a wall-mounted flat-screen television.
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View from inside a helicopter cockpit with two pilots flying over a snowy mountainous landscape with rocky peaks visible through the windshield.
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A picturesque historic street in Skagway, Alaska, featuring preserved gold rush-era buildings with snow-capped mountain peaks in the background. A small stream runs through the foreground, lined with purple lupine flowers.
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Volcanic Terrain

Towering calderas, moon-like lava fields, and Spain’s tallest summit—Mount Teide—paint a landscape you won’t find on any other European cruise itinerary.

Endless Sunshine

Over 300 sunny days a year and comfortable temperatures between 65-80°F mean the Canaries are ready for you whenever you’re ready to cruise.

Culture & Gastronomy

Sample wines grown in volcanic soil, feast on fresh Atlantic seafood, and immerse yourself in fiestas rooted in Spanish, African, and Latin American traditions.

Island-by-Island Cruise Guide

Each of the seven main Canary Islands has a distinct character—from resort-studded coastlines to remote wilderness. Our expert advisors have sailed these waters and can point you toward the itinerary that matches your interests perfectly.

A picturesque view of a colorful Alaskan fishing harbor with vibrant boats docked along wooden piers, backed by snow-capped mountains and a distant glacier at sunset.
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Tenerife & La Palma

Key Ports: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santa Cruz de La Palma

Known For: Mount Teide (Spain’s highest peak), lush laurel forests, world-class stargazing, black sand beaches

Ideal For: Nature enthusiasts and hikers craving dramatic scenery

Duration: 7-14 nights

A picturesque harbor view of Ketchikan, Alaska, featuring colorful waterfront buildings, fishing boats, and mountains at golden hour, showcasing the town's maritime character.
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Gran Canaria & Fuerteventura

Key Ports: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Puerto del Rosario

Known For: Maspalomas sand dunes, pristine beaches, water sports, charming colonial quarters

Ideal For: Beach lovers and families looking for sun-soaked relaxation

Duration: 7-14 nights

An intimate dining scene featuring a person in a red top holding a glass of red wine, with a blurred table setting and wine bottle in soft, warm lighting.
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Lanzarote & La Gomera

Key Ports: Arrecife (Lanzarote), San Sebastián de La Gomera

Known For: Timanfaya National Park, César Manrique art installations, volcanic vineyards, ancient laurel forests

Ideal For: Culture seekers and seasoned cruisers after something truly unique

Duration: 7-14 nights

Compare Canary Islands Cruise Highlights

Feature Tenerife & La Palma Gran Canaria & Fuerteventura Lanzarote & La Gomera
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 7–14 nights 7–14 nights
Common Departure Ports Southampton, Barcelona, Lisbon Southampton, Barcelona, Lisbon Southampton, Barcelona, Lisbon
Best For Hikers, nature lovers, stargazers Beach enthusiasts, families, water sports fans Art & culture lovers, wine enthusiasts
Top Highlights Mount Teide, laurel forests, whale watching, black sand beaches Maspalomas dunes, Vegueta old town, surfing, golden beaches Timanfaya volcanic park, César Manrique art, volcanic vineyards, ancient forests
A sleek and modern retail space within a cruise ship, featuring merchandise displays with blue and white branding, branded clothing, and souvenirs in glass cabinets with mood lighting.
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Let our team navigate the Canary Islands for you—so you can simply enjoy the voyage.

Seven islands, dozens of ports, and a seemingly endless menu of experiences—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when planning a Canary Islands cruise. That’s exactly why our team of 23+ expert advisors is here. We’ve sailed these itineraries ourselves, so we can give you real, first-hand guidance instead of generic recommendations.

Dream of standing at the summit of Mount Teide while Tenerife stretches out beneath you? Curious about tasting volcanic wines in Lanzarote’s lunar-like landscape? Hoping to windsurf the crystal waters off Fuerteventura or explore La Gomera’s misty ancient forests? We’ll match you with the right ship, the right cabin, and the right sailing date—then keep monitoring the price every week so you always get the best rate. Many itineraries also weave in visits to Madeira, Morocco, or mainland Spain, giving you even more to look forward to.

With our exclusive group rates, zero booking fees, and 365-day support, planning your Canary Islands escape has never been easier. Talk to a cruise expert today and let us turn your dream into a departure date.

Combine With Nearby Destinations

A Canary Islands cruise pairs beautifully with neighboring regions, turning a wonderful trip into an unforgettable multi-destination voyage.

  • Madeira – Terraced gardens, towering sea cliffs, and world-famous fortified wine
  • Morocco – Bustling souks, ancient medinas, and exotic North African flavors
  • Western Mediterranean – Extend your trip through Spain, Portugal, and the French Riviera
  • Cape Verde – Tropical Atlantic islands blending African and Portuguese culture
A breathtaking coastal scene featuring a small boat, seals on rocky shores, and bald eagles soaring against a vibrant sunset in a lush Alaskan landscape with snow-capped mountains.
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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.

When to Sail the Canary Islands

Thanks to a subtropical climate shielded from extremes, the Canary Islands welcome cruisers comfortably every month of the year—though each season brings its own perks.

Peak Season (October – March): Northern Europeans flock south to escape winter, and for good reason. Daytime temperatures sit around 65-75°F—perfect for hiking Teide or exploring Timanfaya without breaking a sweat. Book early for the widest selection of sailings.

Shoulder Season (April – May, September): Fewer visitors, fantastic weather, and more competitive rates make these months a savvy choice. Outdoor excursions are especially enjoyable as temperatures gently climb.

Summer Season (June – August): Temperatures push past 80°F, ideal for beach-centric port days on Fuerteventura or Gran Canaria. Some cruise lines shift ships to Mediterranean routes in summer, so selection may be more limited.

Holiday voyages over Christmas and New Year are a highlight, with festive celebrations both on deck and in the charming island plazas. Our advisors can help you lock in these popular sailings well in advance.

A large group of emperor penguins gathered on a snowy landscape with a massive white ice shelf in the background under a cloudy gray sky. The penguins are densely clustered across the frozen terrain, showcasing the harsh Antarctic environment.
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Why Book with Cruise Help

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 sit in the Atlantic Ocean roughly 60 miles off the northwest coast of Africa. Although they’re geographically close to the African continent, they are a fully autonomous community of Spain and part of the European Union. This unique location creates a captivating crossroads of Spanish, African, and Latin American influences that you’ll notice in everything from the architecture to the food.

The beauty of the Canaries is that they’re genuinely a year-round destination. Temperatures seldom fall below 65°F or climb above 85°F. The busiest cruise season spans October through March, when travelers from northern Europe head south for winter warmth. If you’d prefer quieter ports and better rates, look at April, May, or September—the weather is beautiful and crowds thin out noticeably. Our advisors can help you weigh the trade-offs and find the sailing that’s right for you.

Quite a few! Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and P&O Cruises all include the Canaries in their rotation. For a more intimate experience, luxury lines like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, and Seabourn offer smaller-ship itineraries. With 23+ expert advisors on our team, we’ll narrow the options to the cruise line that fits your style and budget—and we never charge fees for our guidance.

Yes. Because these are international sailings, a valid passport is essential. U.S. citizens should carry a passport valid for at least six months beyond the travel date. The good news is that since the Canary Islands belong to Spain and the EU, no separate visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens staying under 90 days. If you have questions about documentation, your Cruise Help advisor is happy to walk you through everything.

Most itineraries range from 7 to 14 nights. A 7-night sailing typically covers a handful of the most popular islands along with a bonus port in Madeira or Morocco. If you want to explore more islands in depth—or add mainland Spain and Portugal to the mix—a 10- to 14-night voyage gives you the breathing room to do it all. Talk to one of our advisors and we’ll help you pick the length that matches your vacation goals and budget.

There’s no shortage of memorable things to do ashore. Favorites include riding the cable car up Mount Teide in Tenerife, touring the fire-and-lava demonstrations at Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, camel-trekking across the Maspalomas dunes in Gran Canaria, and whale and dolphin watching off Tenerife’s southwestern coast. Wine lovers gravitate toward Lanzarote’s volcanic vineyards, while culture enthusiasts enjoy the César Manrique Foundation and the historic Vegueta quarter in Las Palmas. Our advisors are happy to recommend excursions tailored to your interests.

Layers are your friend. While daytime temperatures are warm, evenings—especially at higher elevations like Mount Teide—can get surprisingly cool. Pack comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and volcanic terrain, plus swimwear, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for beach days. If formal nights are part of your ship’s schedule, bring appropriate evening attire. Your advisor can send a personalized packing checklist based on your exact itinerary and time of year.

Absolutely. The mild climate, safe beaches, and wide variety of outdoor activities make the Canaries a hit with all ages. Kids love the camel rides, water parks, and whale watching, while teens enjoy surfing and water sports. Several cruise lines running Canary Islands itineraries feature dedicated kids’ clubs and family-friendly programming. Our team specializes in multi-generational trip planning, so let us know the ages in your group and we’ll find a sailing that keeps everyone entertained.

As part of Spain, the Canary Islands use the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and tourist venues. That said, it’s smart to carry some cash for smaller vendors and local markets. ATMs are easy to find in every port town. Your advisor can share additional tips for managing spending money during your shore days.

Definitely—and many itineraries are designed to do exactly that. Popular add-on ports include Funchal in Madeira, Casablanca or Marrakech gateway ports in Morocco, and Cape Verde for a true Atlantic crossing feel. Repositioning cruises between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean frequently call at Canary Islands ports, creating a wonderful way to combine multiple regions in one trip. Ask your Cruise Help advisor about multi-destination options and we’ll craft the ultimate voyage for you.