The Atlantic Crossing Guide: Canary Islands to the Caribbean — Everything You Need to Know

Cameron Hunt

— 3 min read

The Atlantic crossing from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean is the passage that defines bluewater cruising. It's the dream that pulls sailors from moorings around the world — a 2,800-nautical-mile bluewater passage that, done right, is one of the most rewarding experiences in sailing.

Done wrong, it's 14 to 21 days of miserable.

The difference is in the planning. This guide covers everything you need to know to cross the Atlantic intelligently: when to go, how to plan the route, what weather to look for, how to provision, what communication and safety gear you actually need, and what to expect once you're out there.

This is the guide I wish I'd had before my first ocean crossing.

Why the Canary Islands to the Caribbean?

The route: Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) → Cape Verde → Caribbean

The Atlantic crossing from Europe to the Caribbean is the most traveled bluewater route in the world, for good reason:

  • Predictable wind: The NE trade winds are reliable 90% of the time from November through March.
  • Legitimate stops: Madeira, the Azores, and Cape Verde give you real options.
  • Distance: 2,800 nautical miles — a real passage, manageable for most well-found boats.
  • Infrastructure: The ARC has been running this route for 40 years.

When to Go

The window: November through December is the classic departure window.

  • Best departure: Late November to early December
  • Acceptable departure: Mid-November, late December
  • Don't depart: January through March (active winter systems)

The Route

Leg 1: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Most boats departing from Europe clear out of Las Palmas. The ARC rally typically departs in late November.

What to do:

  • Complete provisioning — this is your last major port before the Caribbean
  • Get a weather forecast window of at least 5 days of stable NE winds before you leave
  • Top off fuel, water, and check your engine hours

Leg 2: Gran Canaria to Cape Verde — ~850 nm (Optional)

Cape Verde is a critical waypoint — Mindelo, São Vicente is the most cruiser-friendly port. A stop here lets you reprovision, check your boat, and get a proper weather window.

Leg 3: Cape Verde to the Caribbean — ~1,900 nm

This is the main event. 10 to 18 days depending on conditions.

Typical conditions:

  • NE trade winds, 15 to 25 knots
  • Wind shifts more easterly as you approach the Caribbean
  • Building seas — expect 2 to 4 meter swells

Weather Planning

November-December crossings are governed by the Azores High. When it's strong and settled, you get classic NE trades.

Before departing Gran Canaria: Minimum 5-day stable wind forecast from NE at 15-25 knots.

Before departing Cape Verde: Minimum 10-day stable forecast for the full route.

Tools: PredictWind — run GRIB files for the full route before departing. Industry standard for offshore weather routing.

Safety Gear: What You Actually Need

  • Life raft — 6-person minimum, recent service
  • EPIRB — PLB-300 or equivalent. Register before departure.
  • Satellite communication — Iridium GO Exec or Garmin inReach
  • AIS transponder — must be transmitting
  • Jack lines and harnesses
  • Heavy weather jib or storm trisail
  • MOB recovery gear

Provisioning

The rule: bring more than you think you'll need, and bring things that are calorie-dense and don't require refrigeration.

Basics: Pasta, rice, couscous, oats, canned tuna, chorizo, hard cheeses, nuts, peanut butter, olive oil, powdered milk, hardtack bread. For a 3-week passage with 2 crew, plan $1,500-$2,500 in provisioning in Las Palmas.

Communication Offshore

The modern offshore stack:

  • Iridium GO Exec — email, voice, data. Gold standard.
  • Garmin inReach — tracking and SOS. Lower cost.
  • PredictWind — weather GRIB files and route planning.

What It Actually Feels Like

Days 1-3 are the hardest. Everyone's adjusting to watch schedules and offshore routines.

By day 4, you've found your rhythm. By day 10, you're tired — offshore sailing is fatiguing.

And then you see the islands.

That's the moment that makes every tired watch, every wet passage worth it. You're in the Caribbean. You're a bluewater cruiser now.

Final Checklist

  • Weather window confirmed — 5+ days of stable NE winds
  • EPIRB registered with NOAA
  • Life raft serviced — within 2 years
  • Engine serviced — fuel filters, oil, impeller
  • Standing rigging inspection
  • Safety gear in cockpit — jack lines, life raft, flares, MOB gear
  • Communication gear tested
  • Provisions aboard — 3 weeks plus 20% contingency
  • Zarpe from Spanish authorities
  • Crew briefed
  • Insurance notified
  • AIS transmitting

Fair winds and clear horizons — Navigator Bluewater

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