Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Huelva Ferry

The crossing from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Huelva is the fast-growing western gateway between the Canary Islands and mainland Spain, landing at the Andalusian port of Huelva rather than the traditional hub of Cádiz. Since 1 June 2026 the route has been operated exclusively by Fred. Olsen Express, which took over the connection after the previous Baleària-Armas partnership (marketed as Canary Bridge Seaways) was unwound following competition concerns. It is Fred. Olsen's first venture onto the long mainland run.

The ships and the journey

The flagship of the service is the Buenavista Express, a modern ferry Fred. Olsen positions almost as a mini-cruise, supplemented at busy periods by the chartered ro-pax Marie Curie. A direct crossing takes around 33 hours, though sailings that call at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria en route can run from roughly 36 up to about 50 hours depending on the departure. The ferry docks at Huelva's Outer Port on the South Pier.

Frequency, vehicles and facilities

The route offers up to three to four departures a week, and it carries cars, vans and motorcycles in a dedicated hold as well as foot passengers. Onboard, the Buenavista Express is unusually well equipped for an Atlantic ferry:

• Cabins including pet-friendly and premium options, plus ergonomic seats and sleep lounges
• Cafeterias, a buffet and a sports bar
• A swimming pool, coworking area and children's play zone
• A boutique shop and Wi-Fi throughout the ship

With Huelva's shorter road links towards Seville and western Andalusia, this route has quickly become an attractive alternative to the longer-established Cádiz crossings.