The four islands that make up the Chinijo archipelago have recently been opened up to visitors by a new excursion. Alegranza, Montaña Clara, La Graciosa and Roque del Oeste form the rocky promontories that lie off the northern end of Lanzarote which are designated a Marine Reserve.
Not only are the waters rich with a variety of fish and mammal species, but Alegranza and Montaña Clara are also teeming with bird life. These two islands are uninhabited and have been classified as protected areas since 1994, making them the ideal place for nesting seabirds to raise their offspring.
This new boat excursion takes visitors around the coastal waters of the archipelago, exploring some extremely inaccessible corners of the islands to reveal a variety of dramatic sights. The island of Alegranza, for instance, has what is called a ‘jameito’ – a miniature volcanic bubble in its surface, similar to those found at the Jameos del Agua on Lanzarote. This ‘jameito’ was formed when an air pocket formed under the ground during a volcanic eruption. The roof of the air pocket then blew off leaving a stretch of sea water tunnel in the middle of the island’s side.
The excursion visits the tunnel formed by this volcanic activity from the sea, with visitors guided right inside the incredible rock formation. The dimensions of the tunnel give it a cathedral like feeling, partly due to the sheer cliffs that form its sides.
The boat journey begins in Orzola, at the northern most tip of Lanzarote, where one of the smaller ferries embarks on the tour of the Marine Reserve every Wednesday at 9.00 am. The party sizes are restricted to small groups of up to twelve people to ensure that there is a minimal environmental impact and also to make the trip more personal and enjoyable. During the day, guests are accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, with an excellent command of several languages, who can provide interesting local information concerning the islands history and flora and fauna.
Having set off from Orzola, the ferry then heads in a northerly direction to explore the islands of Alegranza, Montaña Clara and Roque del Oeste, which all lie behind La Graciosa. The Roque del Este which stands out on its own to the east of Orzola is not included in the itinerary. This part of the journey often gives passengers on board the chance to spot dolphins and pilot whales.
Once the boat has navigated the waters round Alegranza, visiting the ‘jameito’ and stopping to allow those onboard to visit the chocolate brown beach on Montaña Clara, the journey continues. There is also the option to try a spot of snorkelling off these islands, in the shallower coastal waters. The beautiful white sand beach of La Concha on the north west side of La Graciosa forms part of the scenery as the boat loops round La Graciosa to Montaña Amarilla.
At Montaña Amarilla, called this due to the golden yellow colour of the mountain’s side, the boat weighs anchor. There is then the option to go ashore via a motorised dinghy at Playa Francesa and walk back to Caleta del Sebo over one of the smaller volcanoes that La Graciosa is home to. Or visitors can take a sea bound route to the town, using a sit-on-top kayak to paddle round the coastline. Either way, participants will have a chance to explore the island of La Graciosa in more depth. La Graciosa is the only island in this archipelago to be inhabited, with all six hundred residents living in Caleta del Sebo.
The excursion culminates in a three course meal in Caleta del Sebo at 15.00, with fresh fish the order of the day. The meal also includes wine, water and coffee and rounds off this unique day out, before visitors get the ferry back across to Orzola. Visitors who decide to book the Marine Reserve Excursion should make sure that they bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, a snack, walking shoes and an extra layer to wear during the sea journey. The trip lasts all day, with guests arriving back at Orzola at approximately 17.00. The cost is €65 per person and includes transport to and from Orzola, the ferry journey and the three course meal.
Contact Information
Tel :: 0034 650819069 or 0034 928590407
Email :: portella.carmen@gmail.com
