Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Las Palmas Ferry

Sailing from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the return leg of the archipelago's flagship capital-to-capital route. Ships leave the sheltered port of Tenerife's capital, below the Auditorio and the Anaga hills, and cross the strait to Gran Canaria's big commercial harbour, the busiest in the Canary Islands. For many islanders this is the practical way to reach Gran Canaria for work, appointments or onward connections while keeping their own car.

Who operates it

Naviera Armas (Armas Trasmediterranea) is the principal carrier, deploying the same Volcan de Tagoro and Volcan de Taidia fast ro-pax ferries that work the eastbound direction, each able to load over 1,000 passengers plus a few hundred vehicles. Balearia Canarias also operates the corridor with a fast catamaran, giving travellers a choice of timings.

Crossing time

The Atlantic passage from Santa Cruz across to Las Palmas takes in the region of two and a half to three and a half hours, according to the vessel; the high-speed craft cover it more quickly. Sailings are scheduled throughout the day, every day of the year, so the connection stays reliable in and out of the summer peak.

Practical notes

• Bring a car, campervan or motorbike across on the vehicle deck, or travel as a foot passenger.
• On-board comforts include reclining seats, lounges, cafeterias and Wi-Fi on the larger ships.
• The port of Santa Cruz sits beside the city centre, so boarding is straightforward without a long drive to an outlying terminal.

Choose this route if you want to arrive in the middle of Las Palmas rather than at an airport on the edge of Gran Canaria, or if you are relocating a vehicle between the two main islands.