When sailing in Canary Islands
it would be good to know where to anchor your charter yacht. These
are some of the best yacht charter bases in the Canary
Islands.
Los Gigantes
Marina
Puerto Los Gigantes is a privately
run marina and yacht charter base on the southwest coast of
Tenerife. The marina was named after the giant cliffs, Los
Gigantes, which rise hundreds of feet above the sea. The port was
created for the residents and most of the berths are owned
privately. However, some 20 percent are reserved for short term
visitors.
The marina is well connected
by road: buses are frequent and connect Reina Sofia airport, Santa
Cruz and the rest of the island.
Plenty of bars and restaurants can
be found close to this yacht charter base and provisions are
readily available from the many local shops. Due to local tax laws
allow a lot cheaper refueling than in many Northern European
countries. There is the main hospital in the capital Santa Cruz.
There are also several banks with ATMs and a post
office.
Las Palmas
Marina, Gran Canaria
Las Palmas is the capital of the
island and the administrative centre of Gran Canaria. The city was
founded in 1478 and has many museums and interesting
sites.
There are many shops and
supermarkets offering fresh, frozen and canned provisions. Gran
Canaria International Airport or the Las Palmas - Gando
International Airport is located 18 km away. The main commercial
harbour is in Las Palmas.
The port where the marina is
situated is the largest in the Canaries. It is very busy and
constantly undergoing extension programs. The yacht charter base is
famous for being the starting point of the ARC, the annual
transatlantic rally starting each November. This is the largest
ocean sailing event in the world.
Puerto del
Rosario Marina, Fuerteventura
Puerto del Rosario is the capital
and main port of Fuerteventura. It was formerly known as Puerto de
Cabras. The city is the main commercial centre of the island.
Tourism is quickly developing with the expansion of the port
allowing it to accept some of the largest passenger ships. The city
itself is also undergoing a large expansion program. This expansion
includes both new residential and commercial buildings and the
infrastructure to support it.
The old part of the city with its
narrow streets and traditional houses is located close to the
harbor. There are plans to build a new marina in the port with up
to 600 berths. The islands main hospital is located here. The
international airport is just a five minute drive to the south of
the city. The coast of North Africa is a short ferry ride
away.
Marina Rubicon,
Lanzarote
Marina Rubicon is part of a new
development, Castillo del Aguila. This also includes luxury housing
and a 5 star hotel. The marina opened in May 2003 and provides 500
berths for boats up to 70m in length. The yacht charter base also
offers free use of a swimming pool and tennis court for those who
want to enjoy thair sailing holidays to the maximum. There is also
a dive center and various water sport activity
centers.
Communications are excellent both
between the islands and the rest of Europe with the main airport on
Lanzarote is just 30 minutes away by car. All the islands are
connected by ferries from the major ports. Two regular ferries from
Playa Blanca operate to nearby Fuerteventura which is just a 30
minute journey from Lanzarote and inexpensive. Provisions are
available from the well stocked supermarket while medical needs are
met by a first aid center. Lots of bars and restaurants can be
found close to the marina.
Puerto Colon
Marina Canary Islands, Tenerife
One of the top yacht charter bases
on Canary islands is Puerto Colon marina situated right in the
middle of the busy tourist town of Playa de las Americas. It has
many bars, clubs, restaurants and shops. Both the town and the
yacht charter base are always very busy so it would be smart to
call ahead to enquire about free berths.
This port is an ideal crew change
destination since it is close to the international airport. The
marina has a Spanish "blue flag" and its facilities include lift
out, hard standing, chandlers, engineers and yacht club. Road
communication is good with a highway that runs around the
island.
Bus services are frequent, whereas
several car hire firms can be found in the town. The southern
airport, Reina Sofia, is located some 16km to the east of the town
while the northern airport is about an hour's drive away. From
nearby Los Cristianos ferries operate to Gran Canaria, La Gomera,
La Palma and El Hierro.
All the provisions are available
from the many supermarkets and local shops. Medical and dental
facilities are provided by private clinics in the town. A lifeboat
rescue service is stationed in Los Cristianos.
Related
articles:
Sailing in Canary
Islands
Sailing Routes