How to Take the Ferry Around the Canary Islands

It’s easy and convenient to use the ferry system to get around the Canary Islands.

I’ll be using the ferry from Tenerife to La Gomera as an example down below.

Whichever path you’re taking, look for dolphins riding the waves along the way!

If you’re driving around the Canary Islands, I’d suggest going with CICAR, a local company with plenty of offices and a huge selection of rental cars!

🚘 Click to Search Rental Car Rates

Booking a Ferry in the Canary Islands

You can book on one of the two ferry companies’ websites (Armas and Fred Olsen), or on an app like FerryHopper, which is what I use.  It’s easy to search the departure schedules, and when you board, all you need is to have your passport scanned.

The 2 Ferry Companies: Armas & Fred Olsen

Both of the ferry companies operating between the Canary Islands are reliable and safe.  Your choice will just come down to the schedules and prices during your trip.

Canary Islands Ferry Distances & Times

The Canary Islands are fairly spread out, so a trip between them will take between one hour and six hours.

Here are a few examples of the ferry travel times between the islands:

Fuerteventura ↔ Lanzarote

• 25–35 minutes

Tenerife ↔ La Gomera

• 50 minutes

​​​​​​​Tenerife ↔ Gran Canaria

• 1 hr 20 min (fast ferry)
• 2–2.5 hours (slower ferry)

Gran Canaria ↔ Fuerteventura

• 2 hours (fast)
• 5–6 hours (slower route)

Tenerife ↔ La Palma

• 2.5 hours (fast)
• 3.5+ hours (slow)

Tenerife ↔ El Hierro

• 2.5 hours

Gran Canaria ↔ Lanzarote (direct)

• 5–6 hours (usually Armas) 

Onboard the Ferries

You’ll board the ferry 30 minutes prior to departure.  The line moves quickly, and depending on what kind of ticket you’ve purchased, you’ll either show a QR code on a printout, OR just your passport (if you purchased on FerryHopper).

Seating is comfortable and spacious.  I think each ferry holds up to a thousand people.

There are snack bars and tables to sit at, which are first-come, first-served.

Don’t bother buying “premium” or “reserved” seating, if it’s offered. The seats onboard are all basically the same, and you’re free to move about.

Tenerife to La Gomera

I wanted to lay out what an entire ferry ride will look like, from the parking to the dock to the ship.

Here are the basics for this ride:

• Cost: $50 each way
• Time: One hour

You’ll be going from Los Cristianos on Tenerife (below) to San Sebastian de La Gomera.

Parking in Los Cristianos

There’s a large lot that serves the ferry port and the local beach in Los Cristianos. 

It’s a resort town where a lot of people from the UK have seasonal apartments.  The beaches get packed! If you’re looking for a more charming town on Tenerife, check out Garachico.

The parking lot at the port often fills up.  If that’s the case, drivers can wait in a line of cars, which are let in individually once sports open up.

The cost is about $25 per day to park here.

The payment machines take cash only, which is strange. 

Plus, the parking spots are tiny!  It’s another reason to rent a compact car on Tenerife!

Driving Your Car Onto the Ferry

A few things to keep in mind if you’re taking a car:

• Book early, or ensure a spot.
• Arrive early to line up at the dock.
• Confirm your rental car policy allows a trip on a ferry.

Prices

Prices vary by route and vehicle size, but generally, expect to pay $100 to $200, depending on:

• Your route
• The ferry line (Fred Olsen might be a few dollars more expensive)
• Your vehicle
• The number of passengers with you

Canary Islands residents get huge discounts, like 75% off the price tourists pay.

Is It Worth Driving Your Car Onboard?

If you’re on a longer trip, visiting multiple islands and doing a lot of driving, it’s worth taking your car onto the ferry.

Otherwise, it might be easier to walk onto the ferry and rent a car on the island when you arrive at the other island.

Sea Sickness Warning

I was surprised, even on a short ferry ride, by how many people got sick!  Granted, a storm had come through the day prior, but the waves were pretty significant.

• If you’re remotely prone to sea-sickness, take Dramamine or something similar before boarding.
• There’s minimal outdoor standing room, but fresh air will help if you’re feeling sick. Plus, the boat’s rocking will be less severe toward the back.
• They do have “Oops Bags” up by the snack bar if you start feeling sick.