How to have family fun on a Canary Islands cruise
With year-round sunshine, superb beaches and a host of attractions to keep everyone amused, a cruise around the Canary Islands makes a great family holiday. These are a few of the many experiences you could enjoy on shore
Siam Park, Tenerife
Siam Park is one of the biggest aquatic theme parks in Europe. Its attractions range from the Lost City where children can tackle 15 water slides, bridges and towers, to The Dragon whose mammoth jaws reward visitors with a sensation of zero gravity. Adrenaline junkies may also enjoy hurtling down the 28m-tall Tower of Power through a huge aquarium full of sharks. For a gentler ride, there’s the world’s longest lazy river and the Wave Palace where you can splash in the shallows or surf the monster waves.
Visit Siam Park during P&O Cruises’ 12-night Spain, Portugal and Canary Islands cruise departing Southampton on several dates in 2019/20. The August 10, 2020, departure, for example, costs from £1,129pp and calls at Madeira, La Palma, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Lisbon and Southampton (pocruises.com).
Sioux City, Gran Canaria
A Western is filmed here every day – and you are the star. Sioux City in Gran Canaria is a theme park that transforms you into a cowpoke in a Wild West town. Country music booms from the saloon, a posse of outlaws attacks the bank and the sheriff rounds them up. Entertainment here is like a runaway horse, it never stops. In the Saloon are cowboys who hold Guinness World Records in lasso and knife-throwing. There is also the chance to meet animals such as bison, cows, goats, donkeys, hens and ponies. As an optional extra, visitors can go riding in the enclosure or countryside.
Visit Sioux City during Tui’s seven-night A Canarian Christmas cruise also calls at Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, Fuerteventura and Madeira. From £1,265pp (including flights from Gatwick or Cardiff), departing Tenerife on December 20, 2019 (tui.co.uk/cruises).
Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote
The Fire Mountains in Timanfaya National Park were created when more than 100 volcanoes erupted in the 18th century. An exciting way to experience the park’s moonscape terrain and natural geysers is on a camel safari. The park also offers audio-visual presentations and at El Diablo restaurant you can enjoy a volcano-powered barbecue meal.
Visit Timanfaya National Park during Royal Caribbean’s 10-night Sunshine in the Canaries cruise round-trip from Southampton on board Anthem of the Seas. The cruise calls at Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Vigo. From £1,365pp, departing on October 17, 2020 (royalcaribbean.co.uk).
Yellow submarine, Lanzarote
The Yellow Submarine, based in Puerto Calero, dives to the floor of the Atlantic giving you an incredible insight into the marine world around Lanzarote. A diver further enhances the experience by feeding the fish, attracting even more marine wildlife to the large viewing windows. Dives take place four times a day, seven days a week (see submarinbesafaris.com).
Take a trip on the Yellow Submarine during Cruise and Maritime Voyages’ 15-night Canary Islands and Madeira cruise round-trip from Tilbury Calling at Rotterdam, Gibraltar, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Madeira and Lisbon. Departures from August 2019 to October 2020, from £1,089pp (cruiseandmaritime.com).
Go Karting, Lanzarote
Lanzarote Karting boasts a Grand Prix track set on a hillside with interesting cambers, climbs, descents and tricky corners. The track’s twists and turns provide a challenge for over 16s who feel the need for speed. Those not racing can watch the action from the bar terrace where a games area keeps younger children occupied. Book at excursionslanzarote.com with free pick-up and drop.
Visit Lanzarote Karting during Princess Cruises’ 11-day Canary Islands cruise round trip from Southampton. Calling at Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Madeira and Vigo. From £1,199pp, departing September 26, 2020 (princess.com).
Whale and dolphin safari, Tenerife
On a boat tour off the south-west coast of Tenerife you may spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Although sightings cannot be guaranteed, common visitors to this Atlantic region include a number of whale species, including pilot whales, and several types of dolphin. In all, there’s the possibility to spot up to 29 different kinds of cetaceans, and the boat’s crew will be on hand to share information about the environment and its inhabitants.
Take a boat trip during Celebrity Cruises 11-night Spain, Portugal and Canary Islands cruise round-trip from Southampton on board Celebrity Silhouette. The cruise also calls at Vigo, Lisbon, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Madeira. From £1,299pp, departing October 19, 2020 (celebritycruises.com).
Beach life in the Canaries
You are spoilt for choice for Canary Islands beaches, so get those buckets and spades ready and prepare yourself for a spot of windsurfing or snorkelling. Las Palmas in Gran Canaria has three stretches of sand, including Playa de las Canteras, which is ranked among the world’s best. Or for miles of golden dunes head to Maspalomas on the island’s southernmost tip.
The fishing village of Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote also boasts pristine golden sand. The sea here is considered to be the most tranquil in the Canary Islands, so perfect for swimming and other water sports.
Offering the brightest and finest golden sand of all the beaches in Tenerife is Playa de las Teresitas on the island’s north-west corner. An artificial reef attracts colourful fish, the shallow water is ideal for paddling and the beach is backed by the Anaga mountains, great for hiking and other adventures.
You’ll find a swathe of volcanic beaches around Santa Cruz – La Palma’s little capital and one of the Canaries’ prettiest towns. One is La Cancajos, which boasts fine black sand and gentle waves – perfect for cave diving and snorkelling.
Visit these and other beaches during Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s 14-night Islands of the Canaries cruise round-trip from Southampton on board Black Watch. Calling at Lisbon, Cadiz, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma and Madeira. From £1,649pp, departing January 17, 2020 (fredolsencruises.com).
