Caleta de Fuste Catamaran Sailing Trip Fuerteventura

Caleta de Fuste and its marina

Caleta de Fuste is a friendly resort on the east coast of Fuerteventura, just south of the airport, built around a sheltered sandy bay and a small marina. Next to the harbour stands an 18th-century round defensive tower, often called the castle, which once protected the coast from pirates and gave the town its old name, El Castillo.

The catamaran trip starts at the marina, where you meet the crew about 20 minutes before departure and board the red catamaran moored along the pontoons. If you are staying in Caleta de Fuste or Costa de Antigua, you can walk to the marina in a few minutes; this boat trip from Caleta de Fuste is one of the most popular ways to see the coast from the sea.

Sailing south along the east coast

Once out of the harbour, the catamaran raises its sails and heads south along a coastline of brown volcanic hills, low cliffs and tiny coves that are hard to reach by land. The east coast is protected from the strongest Atlantic swell, so the sea is usually calm and the sailing is smooth and comfortable, even for first-timers.

The waters between Fuerteventura and the African coast are rich in marine life, and on many trips guests spot dolphins, pilot whales or sea turtles near the boat. Sightings are never guaranteed, as these are wild animals in their natural habitat, but the crew knows where to look and will point them out when they appear.

The bay of Pozo Negro

Pozo Negro is a small fishing village at the mouth of a valley, with a handful of white houses, a dark beach of sand and pebbles and a few simple fish restaurants. Its name, "black well", comes from the dark volcanic rock of the area, and nearby lies one of the island's most important archaeological sites, the remains of an ancient native village.

The catamaran anchors in the calm, clear water of the bay, far from the crowds of the bigger beaches. It is the highlight of the trip: a quiet, almost secret corner of Fuerteventura that most visitors never see. Is Pozo Negro worth visiting? From the deck of a catamaran, with the village and the hills in front of you, it is a perfect stop.

Snorkelling and swimming at anchor

At anchor you are free to jump in for a swim, put on the snorkelling equipment provided and explore the volcanic seabed, where small reef fish dart between the rocks. The water of the Canary Islands is remarkably clear, and in this sheltered bay visibility is often excellent, so even a short swim with a mask reveals a surprising variety of colours and shapes.

If you prefer to stay dry, the large deck nets are ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the view of the coast. The crew helps beginners with the snorkelling gear and keeps an eye on swimmers. Bring swimwear, a towel, a hat and sunscreen, as the sun is strong on the water all year round, and keep your phone in a dry bag if you want photos.

Paella lunch on board

While you swim, the crew prepares lunch in the boat's galley: a freshly cooked paella, served with salad and Canarian potatoes, the small wrinkled potatoes boiled in salted water that are a speciality of the islands. Dessert is fresh seasonal fruit, and soft drinks and water are served throughout the trip.

Lunch on deck, anchored in a quiet bay with the volcanic hills around you, is the moment many guests remember most. After the meal there is time to relax before the catamaran sails back north to Caleta de Fuste, where the trip ends at the marina about 4 hours after departure. Please tell us about any food allergies when you book, so the crew can prepare.