Destination comparison
Canary Islands vs Indonesia
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Canary Islands | Indonesia |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Atlantic & Offshore | South East Asia |
| Peak season | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Shoulder | Mar, Oct | Apr, Oct |
| Sailing difficulty | moderate | moderate |
| Recommended level | intermediate | intermediate |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 18 / 16 kn | 10 / 18 kn |
| Hurricane risk | None | None |
| Currency | EUR | IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $9,500 | $12,000 |
| Luxury tier price | $36,000 | $45,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
Year-round trade winds (NE 15-25kt) with reliable breeze April-October. November-March has cooler weather and occasional calima (Saharan dust events). Ideal training ground for Atlantic crossing — most ARC rally boats depart from Las Palmas in November.
- • 3 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 7 boats in our fleet database for this region
East Indonesia (Komodo, Flores, Raja Ampat) peaks June-September with calm seas and SE breeze. Bali and western islands are calmer April-October. Liveaboard / crewed charter is the norm; bareboat options are limited.
- • 2 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 12 boats in our fleet database for this region
Sailing Conditions
Canary Islands averages 18 knots in winter and 16 knots in summer. There's no hurricane season, which makes year-round planning easier.
Indonesia averages 10 knots in winter and 18 knots in summer. No hurricane season.
In terms of sailing difficulty, Canary Islands is generally rated moderate and Indonesia is moderate. They're at the same level — your decision will hinge on route and vibe, not on whether you can handle the conditions.
Cost Comparison
For a 7-day charter of a typical 45-ft catamaran (4 cabins, sleeps 8):
- Low season: $3,800
- Mid season: $9,500
- High season: $19,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $36,000+
- Low season: $4,500
- Mid season: $12,000
- High season: $24,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $45,000+
Bareboat base rates. Crewed typically adds ~$1,500/day (captain + hostess). Prices exclude fuel, provisioning, mooring fees, gratuity.
Anchorages & Must-Do
- Lanzarote - Papagayo beaches — White sand coves, turquoise water, steady wind
- Fuerteventura - Corralejo dunes — Sandy beaches, volcanic island hopping
- La Graciosa — Untouched, no cars; ferry or sail from Lanzarote
- Tenerife - Mount Teide — Spain's highest peak; dramatic backdrop
- Komodo National Park — Dragons, manta rays, Pink Beach — bucket-list dive area
- Raja Ampat — 75% of all marine species; liveaboard-only diving
- Gili Islands (NW Lombok) — Calm water, snorkelling, no cars
- Flores (Maumere / Labuan Bajo) — Gateway to Komodo; volcano hikes
Which Should You Choose?
Both work for first-timers. The default choice for the industry is BVI; choose that unless you have specific reasons to prefer Canary Islands or Indonesia.
Choose Indonesia. Warmer water year-round (often 75–85°F), palm-fringed anchorages.
Canary Islands has 1 cultural anchorages vs Indonesia's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Captain's Take
"The Canaries are the Atlantic's wind machine - 15-25kt trades most of the year, which is glorious if you plan for it and exhausting if you don't. The classic week is Gran Canaria to Lanzarote via the channel, or a loop out of Tenerife. November-April is the charter season; summer is quieter and windier. Reef to weather early and you will have the anchorages mostly to yourself."
"Raja Ampat is worth every mile of repositioning, but do not make it your whole trip. The classic Komodo route out of Labuan Bajo - Pink Beach, Padar, the dragons - is the more achievable week for most groups, and the sailing between islands is superb in the June-September SE trades. If you have 10+ days, add a Flores volcano day. Indonesia rewards slow: the anchorages are the destination."
Timing and Budget: Canary Islands vs Indonesia
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canary Islands or Indonesia better for a first-time charter? ▾
Which is cheaper to charter — Canary Islands or Indonesia? ▾
When is the best time to visit Canary Islands vs Indonesia? ▾
How do sailing conditions compare — Canary Islands vs Indonesia? ▾
Which has better flight access — Canary Islands or Indonesia? ▾
Which is more beginner-friendly, Canary Islands or Indonesia? ▾
Choose Between Canary Islands & Indonesia
Tell us your dates and group. We'll recommend the right one — honestly.