You get off the plane in January, still wearing your coat out of habit, and within ten minutes you realise you don’t need it. It’s at that moment – when you’re taking off layers in the airport car park – that you realise why people go sailing here almost every day of the year.
Winter here is nothing like the one you left behind at home
Whilst half of Europe wakes up to frost on their windscreens, in the south of Fuerteventura you can enjoy winter in short sleeves. The sun is shining, the temperature is just right, and it’s absolutely lovely on board. This isn’t just any old off-season trip: it’s the same old plan, but in a different light.
What are sea conditions like in January and February?
The southern part of Jandía is sheltered, and it shows: for much of the winter, the sea is calm at dawn and the sailing is superb. On some days the wind is strong and we decide on the spot, because the sea has the final say, but we go out every month of the year. If you’re interested in the details, we’ll tell you which months are the windiest in Fuerteventura.
What about the bathroom? Won’t the water be freezing?
That’s the question we’re asked most often by those who visit in winter. The Atlantic off the Canary Islands doesn’t suffer the same cold spells as the Mediterranean: the temperature here is pleasant all year round, so a dip in the sea is still appealing in January. That said, here’s a tip from someone who sails every day: take a light jacket with you for the return journey, because it gets chilly out at sea even when the sun is shining (it’s something to take with you on a boat trip).
Fewer people on board, more sea for you
There’s one advantage that hardly anyone mentions: in winter, sailing is a more peaceful experience. There are fewer crowds on the quay, the decks are less crowded, and you get the feeling that you have the boat a little more to yourself. It’s the same trip, but enjoyed with a greater sense of tranquillity.
Dolphins don’t go on holiday
Cetaceans remain in Jandía during the winter; it’s their home all year round. And there’s one thing we’ve noticed trip after trip: with the water a little cooler, it’s easier to spot large, playful groups. We can never guarantee it, as they’re wild animals, but winter is by no means a bad time of year. Here’s where and how to see them.
See you at the quay, also in January
If you’re spending the winter in Fuerteventura and were wondering whether a boat trip makes sense at this time of year, now you know: sunshine, calm seas, a lovely swim and cetaceans in their natural habitat. Take a look at our boats and choose the one that’s right for you. We set sail from the Morro Jable jetty in Fuerteventura all year round (we’re only closed on 25 December and 1 January).
- Sailing in winter in Fuerteventura: in short sleeves and on a calm sea - 25 September 2026
- What lies beneath our waters? What you’ll see when you take a dip on our excursions in Fuerteventura - 18 September 2026
- Sea turtles in Fuerteventura: the visit nobody expects - 7 September 2026
