You’ve got a day off in Fuerteventura, you’ve already decided you want to go sailing, and there’s just one thing left to decide: should you book the morning trip or save it for the afternoon?
It’s the same Jandía coastline and the same Atlantic Ocean at any time of day, but the sea at nine o’clock is nothing like it is at five. And as we go out almost every day, we’ll tell you what really changes so that you can make an informed choice, rather than a blind one.
What really changes between the morning and the afternoon
The island, the boat and what you take on board remain the same. What changes are the sea, the light and the temperature.
The wind and sea conditions
Early in the morning, the sea off Jandía is usually calm, almost as smooth as oil. The trade winds, the prevailing winds in Fuerteventura, have not yet picked up.
As the sun rises, that wind picks up and gains momentum as we round the Jandía peninsula, so in the afternoon it’s normal to encounter a bit more of a breeze and some swell. It’s nothing to worry about: the boat sails with more vigour and the cool air is a welcome relief. But if it’s your first time on board or you know you get seasick easily, you’ll find the calm sea in the morning works in your favour.
Light, heat and water in the bathroom
In the morning, the light streams in clearly and the water takes on that catalogue-perfect turquoise hue. It’s the best time to take photos in the pool and to see the seabed when you peer down through your snorkelling goggles.
In the afternoon, it all gets warmer. The sun slowly sets over the volcanic mountains of Jandía, bathing them in golden light. In summer, though, the midday heat can be intense: on board, you’re always in the shade and the Atlantic is just a stone’s throw away for a quick dip, but some people prefer to get up early to avoid the worst of the sun.
Are dolphins and whales more commonly seen at any particular time of day?
It’s the million-dollar question, and the honest answer is no. Dolphins and whales are free and don’t keep to a timetable: there’s no specific time slot that guarantees you’ll see them.
What we do know from experience is that, when the sea is calm in the morning, a fin or a blow can be spotted from a distance sooner, and it’s easier to locate them. In the afternoon, when there’s a bit more swell, you have to keep a closer eye out, although sightings can happen at any time. That uncertainty is part and parcel of the experience: that’s why, when they do appear, the moment stays with you.
Morning or afternoon? Choose your plan – there’s no ‘right’ choice when it comes to enjoying your unforgettable experience with us
There isn’t a better shift – there’s a better shift for you.
If you’re travelling with children, are worried about the motion, or want the sea to be as calm as possible and the light to be as bright as possible for your photos, the morning is the best time for you.
If you’d rather not get up early, set off once the morning is well underway, sail with a gentle breeze and enjoy the warm light of the late afternoon, then the afternoon is the time for you.
Both trips feature the same boat, the same coastline and the same food and drink on board, and you can book either one without any further ado. So it’s not a question of getting it right, it’s a question of choosing the option that appeals to you most. And if you’re still unsure, do drop us a line before you book: we know what the sea’s like each day and we’ll tell you honestly which trip we’d choose ourselves.
We look forward to seeing you in Morro Jable, at a time of your choosing
Whether it’s in the morning or the afternoon, one thing never changes: the feeling you get when we cast off – the engine slowing down, the water shifting from blue to turquoise, and the south of Fuerteventura opening up just for you. Once you’ve decided on a time, check availability below or give us a call. We set off from the jetty at Morro Jable, in Fuerteventura, and we’ll take care of everything else to make your visit an unforgettable experience on any of our excursions.
