Canary Islands
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Revision as of 15:17, 11 February 2012
Canary Islands Cruising Guide
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing in the Canary Islands
| Canary Islands | |
 Map - click for larger view | |
 Flag | |
| Capitals: | Santa Cruz 28°28′N, 16°15′WLas Palmas 28°9′N, 15°25′W
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| Language: | Spanish |
| Currency: | Euro (EUR) |
| Timezone: | UTC+0 (DST observed) |
| More notes about the country | |
 Latest News
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| Content - news items, etc. | |
Overview
The Canary Islands, also known as the Canaries (Spanish: Islas Canarias), are a group of islands located just off the northwest coast of mainland Africa. The cities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are joint capital cities.
The islands are an autonomous region of the kingdom of Spain. There are two theories on the derivation of the name: one is that it was the name of a north African tribe (the Canarii) and the other that it comes from the Latin term Insularia Canaria meaning Island of the Dogs. The islands were known to the Carthaginians and it is believed that they were found by he Carthaginian captain Hanno the Navigator in his voyage of exploration along the African coast. The Greeks knew about the island and called them the Hesperides. Archaeological excavations have found several Roman artifacts so it is established there was some trade with the Romans. In the late middle ages Europeans "discovered" the islands. The Spaniards conquered the island in the period between 1402 and 1496. They colonized the islands and cultivated them first with sugar cane and then with vineyards. In the 1500s the islands were an important stopping point in the trade routes with America, Africa, and India, and the port of Las Palmas became one of the most important ports of the Spanish Empire. They brought great prosperity to the island as evidenced by palaces and churches still remaining.
Today tourism is the main industry. This has led to overexploitation of the land and the destruction of many of the beautiful coastlines now covered by ugly concrete high-rise buildings.
The islands are outside European Union customs territory, though politically within the EU. That means that parts imported from Europe are subject to customs and considerable bureaucratic delays.
Many yachts congregate in the Canaries from November to January to prepare for crossing the Atlantic.
Canaries Climate & Weather
The climate of the Canaries can be mild and wet or very dry. It depends on the trade winds. The north-easterly is the prevailing wind over the Canaries.
Sources for weather forecasts:
- Weather on Line gives detail 7 day forecast charts for the Canaries
- Wind GURU is a surfer's site with worldwide wind forecasts
- BA1869 Gran Canaria to Hierro
- Imray E2 Canary Islands
- NIMA 51260 Islas Canarias (Western Group)
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Canaries Arrival and Departure Procedures
The Canary Islands are part of Spain and as such are members of the European Union. The islands are however outside the VAT region. The normal EU regulations apply, though the authorities tend to treat all arriving vessels as if coming from a non-EU country.
On arrival, the skipper must report to the Port Authority or marina office who will advise on procedures. Marinas will contact the relevant authorities on your behalf. As the Canaries are duty-free, yachts are not required to clear customs.
You can cruise around the islands (after having checked in) with no restrictions - documents may however be checked at subsequent ports.
Note: If you intend leaving the Canaries by any other means (i.e. by air) you must ensure that Immigration stamps your passport on entry.
Immigration, Visas & Customs
Immigration
Visa exemptions and requirements are the same as for Spain.
Passports of crew are not normally stamped on arrival.
Visas are not required for nationals of West European countries, Canada and the United States, as well as Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Uruguay and Venezuela. Children under 14 of any nationality do not require visas if they have their own passports.
Most nationalities are given 90 days' stay on entering Spain. Visas are required for all other nationals, or for stays longer than 90 days, to be obtained in advance from a Spanish consulate abroad.
Customs
- There is no restriction on firearms.
- You may lay up your yacht in the Canaries - the authorities must be informed and they will "seal" the boat so that duty is not liable.
- PETS: The Canary Islands fall under the Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) and animals are allowed in and out providing they have a "Pet Passport", microchip, current Health Certificate and Rabies Vaccination Certificate issued by a recognised Veterinarian. They should also have been blood tested prior to travel as detailed under the scheme.
Dues and Fees
- Harbour Tax
Health & Security
Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.
Islands in the Group
= Port of entry, 
= Marina, 
= Anchorage, 
= Needs data.
| Lanzarote | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Tenerife |
| La Gomera | El Hierro | La Graciosa | La Palma |
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Cruiser's Friends
Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".
References & Publications
- Anne Hammick, RCC Pilotage Foundation, Atlantic Islands Cruising Guide, Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire, ISBN 085288 761 2
- RCC Pilotage Foundation, Atlantic Crossing Guide, Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire, ISBN 9780713660753
Links to Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
- Canary Islands (Wikipedia)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- January 2005 --Istioploos
15:22, 10 June 2008 (MDT)
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Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos |
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | North Atlantic | Spain | Canaries | |
