Christmas Sailing in the Canary Islands

As winter grips and temperatures drop close to freezing, the Canary Islands offer the perfect escape. With warm sunshine, steady trade winds, and calm seas, it’s no surprise that many sailors choose December to take an RYA sailing course or enjoy a relaxed holiday afloat. Christmas in the Canaries isn’t just about getting away from the cold — it’s about spending the festive season doing what you love, on the water.

Perfect Conditions for Training

December weather in the Canary Islands is ideal for sailing. Average daytime temperatures sit around 22°C, with reliable winds that make for excellent training conditions. The seas are comfortable, and visibility is typically superb — giving both beginners and experienced sailors the chance to sharpen their skills in pleasant, consistent conditions.

Whether you’re working towards your RYA Competent Crew or RYA Day Skipper course, or looking to progress to RYA Coastal Skipper level, the festive period provides the same professional instruction and safety standards you’d expect throughout the year. The difference is you’ll be in shorts and sunglasses instead of thermal layers.

A Festive Atmosphere at Sea

Sailing over Christmas doesn’t mean missing out on the holiday spirit. Many marinas in our neighbourhood are decorated with lights, and you’ll often find fellow sailors celebrating the season with small gatherings onboard. A Christmas Day sail might include a quiet anchorage, a festive lunch on deck and even a dip in the ocean, a memorable alternative to grey skies and crowded shopping centres back home.

If you’d rather take things at a slower pace, Canary Sail’s Exclusive Cruising Weeks offer a more relaxed experience. You can enjoy the festive atmosphere while exploring the islands, visiting charming coastal towns, and soaking up the winter sunshine at your own rhythm.

Combine Learning with a Holiday

With numerous direct flights from most major airports all over Europe and beyond, to Tenerife South airport (TFS), just a 15 minute taxi ride from our home base – making it easy to swap the cold winter climate for warm and sunny ocean sailing in just a few hours. For many, the Christmas break is one of the few times of year when it’s possible to get away for a full week or more. That makes it an excellent opportunity to complete an RYA sailing course or Canary Islands Exclusive Yacht Cruise without taking extra time off work.

Sailing courses at this time of year are typically small and friendly, offering plenty of hands-on experience and personal instruction. You’ll be learning alongside like-minded people who share the same passion for adventure, making it a rewarding way to spend the festive season.

Plan Your Christmas Sailing Adventure

If you’ve ever thought about learning to sail or improving your qualifications, there’s no better time to start planning than now. Spaces for Christmas and New Year sailing courses tend to fill quickly, especially for RYA Competent Crew Practical and RYA Day Skipper Practical Courses.

You can explore all available options on the RYA Practical Courses page or get in touch directly via the contact form to check availability for December dates.

Swap the Snow for Sunshine

This Christmas, trade coats and scarves for shorts and sunglasses, and gift yourself the experience of sailing beneath blue skies and warm trade winds. Whether you’re training for your next qualification or simply want a week of sunshine and sea air, sailing in the Canary Islands is the perfect way to end the year on a high note.