A popular destination for winter sun, but venture beyond the beach resorts and the Canary Islands offer volcanic landscapes, national parks and a surprising variety between the islands. A luxury small ship cruise lets you explore several islands in one trip without the logistics of inter-island flights and ferries. With Madeira and the Azores extending the region further into the Atlantic.
Canary Islands & Azores Small Ship Cruises
Find a cruise
Our top picks
Sea Cloud Cruises
Ponta Delgada, Azores to Ponta Delgada, Azores
From Ponta Delgada to Ponta Delgada
26 Jul - 2 Aug 2026 (7 Nights)
From £4,644 per guest
Sea Cloud Cruises
Ponta Delgada, Azores to Ponta Delgada, Azores
From Ponta Delgada to Ponta Delgada
2 Aug - 9 Aug 2026 (7 Nights)
From £4,644 per guest
Sea Cloud Cruises
Ponta Delgada, Azores to Lisbon
From Ponta Delgada to Lisbon
9 Aug - 13 Aug 2026 (4 Nights)
From £2,921 per guest
Crystal Cruises
Roundtrip Lisbon
From Lisbon to Lisbon
11 Oct - 17 Oct 2026 (6 Nights)
From £2,892 per guest
Our Insight
Highlights of a luxury Canary Islands and Azores cruise
A cruise is a great way to see the Canary Islands. Most itineraries will include the best-known islands, such as Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, but one of the real joys of a small ship Canary Islands cruise is visiting some of the lesser-known gems in the archipelago like La Palma, La Gomera or El Hierro.
The islands offer a surprising amount of variety, in terms of both landscape and climate. La Palma is lush and fertile, almost Caribbean in appearance, while Lanzarote is characterised by arid, otherworldly lava fields. The islands are of course famous for their beach resorts but also offer dramatic mountain scenery and a host of outdoor pursuits, from hiking to windsurfing. The unique Canarian style of architecture is another pleasant surprise to many visitors, with a colonial feel that is quite distinct from the Spanish mainland, and the larger towns offer plenty of cultural enrichment too, with some excellent galleries and museums.
The Azores are a lesser-travelled holiday destination. The archipelago's isolated location in the Atlantic means that the capital, Ponta Delgada, is often a call for ships sailing between the Caribbean and Europe. Characterised by dramatic volcanic landscapes and beautiful scenery, the islands are a nature lovers' paradise and well worth exploring although a voyage visiting more than one or two of the islands is more difficult to come by, but not impossible!
The small ship difference in the Canary Islands and Azores
A small ship cruise is more likely to offer a more in-depth exploration of the islands including visits to less commonly visited isles like El Hierro - the smallest of the Canaries - and La Gomera, home to mystical laurel forests in the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park.
Luxury small ship Canary Islands and Azores itineraries
Most itineraries will be around seven to ten days in duration, and if they are solely exploring the Canary Islands, will likely sail round-trip either from Tenerife, the largest island, or Gran Canaria. You might also see itineraries starting or ending in Lisbon or voyages combining the Canaries with ports in Spain or Morocco. Repositioning sailings between North America and Europe, and occasional Southern Africa and Europe, visit on longer itineraries.
Luxury cruise lines sailing the Canary Islands and Azores
Many cruise lines visit the Canary Islands as part of wider itineraries in the Mediterranean, Atlantic Coast, or Africa but fewer operate voyages that purely focus on the islands. The laidback yachts of Windstar Cruises are visitors, operating lovely 10-day sailings from Tenerife and including beautiful Madeira. Sea Cloud Cruises also operate Canary Islands voyages on their magnificent tall ships, and Ponant Explorations sail the Canaries on their Explorer Yachts. The classic ships of Cunard offer a larger ship experience, with convenient UK departures.
A cruise in the Azores - aside from the transatlantic visits - is a rarer prospect but there are some interesting options. Sea Cloud Cruises operate a couple of week-long itineraries exclusively sailing the islands and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offer some unusual expedition itineraries in the Azores that are covered by our sister brand Mundy Adventures.
The best way to compare options is to explore our Canary Islands and Azores cruises or speak to us for tailored recommendations.
When is the best time to cruise the Canary Islands and Azores?
The archipelago's beautiful sub-tropical climate means that there is not really a bad time to visit, but you will find that most Canary Islands cruises operate during our winter months, with repositioning cruises passing through en route to or from the Americas and Africa in spring and autumn.
Travel tips and FAQs for Canary Islands and Azores cruising
What will the weather be like on a Canary Islands cruise?
The Canary Islands have a subtropical climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year, which is why they are a popular destination for some winter sun. Bear in mind that their location in the Atlantic means that they can be windy so you may experience some movement when the ship is sailing and the conditions between the islands can vary dramatically despite their relative proximity to each other. If you are concerned about feeling the movement of the seas, choose a stateroom or suite which is centrally located and lower down the ship.
Do you offer no-fly Canary Islands cruises?
Cunard is a great option if you would like to have the convenience of sailing out of the UK rather than flying. Cunard's Canary Islands cruises from Southampton are typically between 12 and 14 nights in duration, visiting 3 to 4 Canaries plus Madeira and Lisbon. Cunard also operates 1 or 2 voyages a year which feature the Azores. The ships are larger than we usually recommend, but their classic style and service on board coupled with great accommodation in the Grills Suites, as well as the convenience of no-fly cruises, means that Cunard are a popular option.
Which Canary Islands are quieter and less touristy?
La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma are all quieter than Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote. Small ships are more likely to include these lesser-visited islands on their itineraries.
Can I combine the Canary Islands with other destinations?
Yes. Many itineraries include Madeira, which pairs naturally with the Canaries. Some voyages link to Lisbon, the Spanish coast or Morocco. Longer repositioning cruises connect the region to the Mediterranean, West Africa or the Caribbean.
Are dedicated Azores cruises available?
Dedicated Azores sailings are less common but do exist. Sea Cloud Cruises operate week-long itineraries exclusively sailing the islands, and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offer expedition itineraries. Transatlantic crossings can call at Ponta Delgada.
What should I pack for a Canary Islands cruise?
Light layers work well. Daytime temperatures are warm but evenings can be cooler, especially at sea. Comfortable walking shoes for volcanic landscapes and hiking. Sun protection. Smart-casual for dinners on board.
What our clients say
“I would recommend them. Very efficient and excellent service.”Mr Garston
collections
You may also like
Western Mediterranean
Boasting the chic French and Italian Rivieras, the Western Mediterranean’s elegant seaside ports are also the gateway to historic cities such as Florence and Pisa.
Caribbean
Due to its warm seas, delightful islands, picturesque bays and stunning beaches, a Caribbean cruise remains the firm favourite for those wishing to enjoy winter sun in true luxury.
Greek Islands & Eastern Mediterranean
Discover enchanting white-washed villages, golden-sand beaches, quiet coves, and a wealth of historically significant sites on small ship cruises through the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean.
