Sailing Trip with Snorkelling and Dolphin Watching Morro Jable

Morro Jable harbour and its rays

Before boarding, the trip begins on the quay of Morro Jable, the fishing port at the southern tip of Fuerteventura. The water inside the harbour is calm and clear, and a group of large rays lives here, locally called mantas, that glide slowly over the sandy bottom, drawn by the scraps from the fishing boats.

Watching these graceful animals ripple their wing-like fins just a few metres below the surface is a wonderful start, and a favourite moment for children. Your guide explains how to tell the species apart and why they gather here. It is a short stop of a few minutes, after which you walk to the sailing boat for the briefing on the day's route and safety.

Under sail along the southern coast

Leaving the harbour, the boat heads out towards open water, and once clear of the coast the skipper hoists the sails and switches off the engine. Suddenly the only sounds are the wind, the creak of the rigging and the water along the hull, which is what makes a sailing trip in Fuerteventura so different from a motorboat excursion.

The steady north-east trade winds that blow across the Canaries are ideal for sailing, while the southern coast in the lee of the Jandía mountains keeps the sea relatively gentle. From the deck you see the long golden beaches of the peninsula and the ridges of the Jandía Natural Park, and guests who are curious can lend a hand with the sails.

Dolphin and whale watching off Morro Jable

During the sail the crew listens to radio communications from local fishermen, who often report where dolphins and whales have been seen. If animals are nearby, the skipper sets a course towards them so you can admire and photograph them up close, always at a respectful distance and speed.

Bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins are the most common sightings off southern Fuerteventura, with pilot whales and Bryde's whales passing in some seasons. Dolphin watching from Morro Jable under sail is especially rewarding because the quiet boat does not disturb the animals, which sometimes swim along the bow. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the fishermen's tips noticeably improve the odds of an encounter.

Anchor stop: swim, snorkel and paddleboard

After about two hours of sailing, the skipper drops anchor in a sheltered spot with clear blue water. Masks and snorkels are provided, and below the surface you can see shoals of fish moving over sand patches and volcanic rock. A stand-up paddleboard is also available for those who want to try balancing on the gentle swell.

Snorkelling off Morro Jable is best on calm days, which are common on this protected coast. The water is around 18 °C in late winter and up to 23 °C in late summer and autumn, the best time for a long swim. Non-swimmers can relax on deck, soak up the sunshine and watch the others from the shade of the sails.

Tapas from local recipes on the sail back

On the way back to Morro Jable, the crew serves a selection of tapas made from local recipes, together with a drink. Canarian cooking is simple and full of flavour, built on fresh fish, potatoes cooked in salted water and served with mojo sauces, and the island's famous goat's cheese, one of the treasures of Fuerteventura.

Sharing small plates on deck as the boat heels gently in the wind is the perfect end to the day. Wind jackets are provided for the return, when the breeze can feel cool after a swim. An optional photo collection of the trip can be purchased on board. Our transfer then takes you back to your pickup point in the Morro Jable area.