Lanzarote without the sea makes no sense. Not in a tourist sense, but in a much deeper one: the island owes its existence to the Atlantic; it erodes it, nourishes it, and connects it to everything.

The Majos, the area’s first inhabitants, lived off the sea. The limpets served today in the bars of fishing villages were one of their main foods as far back as two thousand years ago.

The La Santa shrimp, that culinary treasure now resting 300 meters below the surface, wouldn’t exist without the Atlantic. Even the aloe vera that grows in the volcanic fields owes something to the water surrounding the island. And yet, most people who come to Lanzarote stay “on land.” They do swim at the beaches, take photos of sunsets as the Atlantic changes color, and view it from lookouts like the one at Río. But few end up sailing or enjoying the sea as it deserves.

But now, with Aylanz and Maora, that can change through experiences where the sea takes center stage as you sail the Atlantic and discover the other side of Lanzarote that many people overlook.

The island looks different when you see it from the outside

There's something that always happens when you leave the harbor and the coastline gets smaller and smaller.

The volcanoes recede, the lava formations begin to come into view, the cliffs grow sharp and imposing… And the coves and hidden gems that only the sea reveals cease to be hidden.

Maora: sail slowly, take it all in

This is the idea behind the nautical experiences offered by Maora, Aylanz’s new partner for those who want to discover this side of Lanzarote.

These aren’t mass-tourism excursions. There’s no shouting, no crowds of forty people on deck, and no stops at typical restaurants or beaches. Maora works with small groups, embracing the same philosophy we champion at Aylanz: that true luxury lies in tranquility, privacy, and the time you spend enjoying yourself without pressure, at your own pace.
Every voyage is different. It depends on the sea, the afternoon light, and of course, what you prefer. It could be a morning anchored in a cove up north where the water is so clear you can see the seabed clearly.

It could be exploring the volcanic coastline as you head south, with a guide explaining the geology of what you’re seeing. It could be watching the sunset from the water while sipping a drink as the Timanfaya volcanoes turn orange and red. There are a thousand ways to enjoy Maora—we’re waiting for you to choose yours.

What can you do on board?

The honest answer is that it depends on what you want. Maora doesn't operate with a set itinerary that you have to stick to. It operates on the principle that sailing should serve those on board, and not the other way around.

Even so, here are a few things you can try if you're not sure where to start:

• Coves and anchorages: reaching corners of the coastline that would otherwise be inaccessible. You’ll anchor in crystal-clear waters and enjoy the tranquility by swimming, snorkeling to discover all the island’s marine life, or simply floating while the breeze and peace surround you.
• Tour of the Volcanic Coast: Sailing close to the coast will give you insight into the geology that shapes the island. The lava flowing into the water, the cliffs, and the formations hidden from view on land.
• Sunsets from the water: the afternoon light over the Canary Islands’ Atlantic is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Anchoring or sailing slowly as the sun sets over the volcanoes and shifts from grayish hues to warm tones is something difficult to put into words.
• Family outings or private group tours: when you want the boat all to yourselves. No strangers, no need to adjust your plans to accommodate anyone else. You’ll enjoy custom catering, at your own pace, with the sea as your private oasis.

Set sail and return to your villa: that’s what makes the experience complete

There’s one combination that works especially well—and not everyone is lucky enough to be able to do it: spending the day in the water and the night in your own space, with your own pool, without a hotel lobby or a shared dining room.

Waking up early to go out sailing when the sea is calm and returning to town in the afternoon after you’ve enjoyed the water just the way you like it.

Guests at Villas Alondra and Villa Tenor can experience just that: from Aylanz, we can arrange a reservation at Maora before you arrive, during the pre-arrival phase, so that your day at the beach is planned from the start and isn’t a last-minute idea. Because experiencing the island with intention changes everything. 

Sleep well, eat well, and take it slow. You decide the order, but these three things together are the closest we’ve come to an accurate description of what it really means to be in Lanzarote.

Why do we recommend it?

At Aylanz, we have a very clear vision of hospitality: our work doesn’t end when a guest walks through the villa’s door. It ends when they leave Lanzarote having experienced something they will never forget.

And sometimes that happens right in the town, but other times it happens three kilometers off the coast, with the engine turned off and the sea completely calm.

That's why we recommend Maora, because it aligns with what we believe doing things right entails: small groups, attention to every detail, respect for the environment, and the feeling that when you finish an experience with them, what remains are memories and moments you’ll never forget.

The sea off Lanzarote is right there, waiting for you. Tell us how you want to experience it, and we’ll take care of the rest.