4 Reasons to Book a Canary Islands Cruise

Canary Islands cruises are a great way to make the most of year-round sunshine. With so many great destinations to explore, there’s no finer way to do it than from the comfort of a cruise ship.

Imagine the excitement of waking up each morning to find yourself in a completely new destination, with all the anticipation of not knowing exactly what you will discover.

If you’ve got your sights set on a Canary Island cruise, here are some of the reasons why you should take the plunge.

The convenience of a Canary Island cruise from Southampton

There are fly-cruises to the Canaries, or you can decide to depart from home shores. If you choose a Canaries cruise from Southampton, you won’t even need to head to the airport. Simply turn up at the terminal on embarkation day and hop aboard your Canary Island cruise – what could be simpler than that?!

No shortage of shore excursions

Regardless of which Canary Island cruise you select, there will be plenty to keep you occupied on and off your ship. The number of available shore excursions is vast and varied, so whether you fancy trying out a Sea Trek in Lanzarote’s Costa Teguise, or one of Madeira’s famous wicker sledges, it’s all possible when you’re cruising the Canaries. Here is a breakdown of our stand out shore excursions.

Shore Excursions Tenerife

Mount Teide
Mount Teide is one of Tenerife’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It spans 47,000 acres, making it the largest national park in the Canary Islands, and sits right in the centre of the island. The park is known for its stunning natural beauty, and visitors can take a cable car to enjoy incredible views from 3,555 meters up. If that’s not high enough for you, there are hiking trails that lead all the way to Spain’s highest point. Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to see unique reptiles like the Tenerife gecko and Canarian lizard, while birdwatchers can spot kestrels and the great grey shrike. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Corsican Mouflon, though they tend to keep their distance from people.

Siam Park
Siam Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves thrills. Spanning 43 acres, it has something for everyone. If you’re after an adrenaline rush, you’ll want to check out rides like the Tower of Power, the Dragon, and the Vulcano. For those who prefer a slower pace, the park’s lazy river – the largest in the world – is perfect for a more laid-back experience. If you enjoy the beach, Siam Park has its own, complete with a wave pool for just the right amount of excitement.

Loro Parque
Loro Parque is one of the top spots to visit in Tenerife. There’s something for everyone, from the fun Sea Lion Shows to Planet Penguin, where you can see over 200 penguins. The Katandra Treetops is a great place to see colourful birds from Asia and Australia. If sharks are more your thing, the aquarium has 12 themed exhibitions that are sure to impress.

Shore Excursions Lanzarote

Timanfaya National Park
Timanfaya National Park is an incredible place to visit, with its dramatic landscape and colourful terrain. One of the best experiences is visiting the ‘Montanas del Fuego’ (Mountains of Fire), where you can see the lava fields up close and watch geothermal demonstrations. If you’re looking for something fun, you can also take a camel ride around the park. For those who like to explore on foot, there are guided tours as well as independent walking routes to enjoy.

Jameos del Aqua
Jameos del Agua is a fascinating place to explore, with its lava caves, underground salt lake, and beautiful emerald green pool. Known as the ‘Tunnel of Atlantis,’ it offers incredible views from the different caves and openings throughout. You’ll also get to see some amazing local art and culture, all created by the talented César Manrique.

Shore Excursions Gran Canaria

Playa de Madpalomas
Playa de Maspalomas is a one-of-a-kind place in the Canary Islands, known for its breathtaking beauty and variety of ecosystems. The Maspalomas Dunes cover 400 hectares and are protected as a Nature Reserve because of their special value. Here, you’ll find a stunning beach, a dynamic sand dune system, a palm grove, and a brackish lagoon. This mix of desert and oasis is located at the southern tip of Gran Canaria, right next to the famous Maspalomas resort.

Palmitos Park
Palmitos Park is a botanical and zoo-themed park located just 10 km from Faro de Maspalomas, set in a beautiful subtropical oasis. The park showcases a variety of animals and plants from all over the world, bringing together the best of nature in one spot. You can enjoy the new dolphinarium with its incredible show, explore the aquarium, wander through the butterfly house, and watch exciting birds of prey and parrot displays. There are also meerkats, crocodiles, and much more to discover. It’s a perfect place to experience nature at its best!

Shore Excursions Fuerteventura

Oasis Park
If you’re heading to Fuerteventura, don’t miss Oasis Park – it’s a must-see! Located on the southeast coast, this nature reserve covers 800,000m2 and is home to over 3,000 animals from 250 different species. It’s also got a stunning Botanic Garden, including the largest cactus garden in Europe. You can enjoy live shows with parrots, sea lions, birds of prey, and reptiles, with the chance to learn all sorts of interesting facts from the keepers. For something really special, you can even get up close to lemurs in the Madagascar area, watch sea lions underwater, or take a camel ride along the coast. The park is open every day and has three restaurants, a children’s play area, and a farm with domestic animals.

Parque Natural de Corrlejo
Corralejo Natural Park is the best place to soak in the desert beauty of Fuerteventura. Located in the northeast of the island, this 2.5 by 10.5-kilometer park offers two very different but equally stunning landscapes. To the north, next to the lively resort town of Corralejo, you’ll find the biggest sand dunes in the Canary Islands—endless stretches of white sand that meet the turquoise waters of the Atlantic. Head south, and the scenery changes to a dramatic volcanic landscape, with rugged red and ochre tones that create a striking contrast.

Plenty to see at sea on a Canary Islands cruise

Whether you have a week to enjoy a Canary Islands cruise or perhaps a little longer, you’ll be able to cover some serious ground – or should that be sea – during that time. The benefit of these Atlantic islands is they are relatively close together, so you can really make the most of your holiday.

During a seven-night Canary Island cruise, for example, you can take in Tenerife, Madeira, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, all having only unpacked just the once. And there aren’t many types of holiday where you can say that!

Take your pick of cruise line

We are often asked “what cruise lines go to the Canary Islands?”. In short,  you are spoilt for choice for cruise lines that cover the Canary Island. P&O Cruises, Cunard, MSC, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises are just some of those travelling this part of the world. Take a look at some of the itineraries.