Huelva to Santa Cruz de Tenerife Ferry

The Huelva to Santa Cruz de Tenerife ferry is a mainland Spain to Canary Islands crossing that has become a mainstream, high-frequency option rather than an obscure one. From the port of Huelva in Andalusia, ships head out into the open Atlantic bound for Tenerife's capital, the principal port of the western Canaries.

Who runs it and recent changes

Since 1 June 2026 the service is operated exclusively by Fred. Olsen Express, which assumed sole control of the Huelva-Canaries link after Baleària left the previous joint venture. The main vessel is the Buenavista Express, a 172-metre ferry with capacity for around 944 passengers and 390 vehicles, backed by a chartered ship through late 2026. Some weekly Naviera Armas sailings have also historically connected Huelva with Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Schedule and duration

Tenerife is served on most of the up-to-four weekly rotations out of Huelva; on certain days the sailing calls only at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, while others pair it with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The crossing takes around 34 hours or more, extending when the ship first calls at Gran Canaria. Summer months usually see the fullest schedule.

Facilities and vehicles

These are long-distance ro-pax ferries equipped with cabins, reclining seats, a restaurant, bars and shops for the overnight passage, and they carry cars, motorbikes, vans and cargo. For drivers relocating to or touring Tenerife, the Huelva route is a practical alternative to the traditional Cádiz crossing. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the main port of the western Canaries and a springboard for onward sailings to La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro, making it a useful arrival point for anyone planning to explore beyond a single island.