Ferry from Gran Canaria to La Palma

For your trip from Gran Canaria to La Palma, you can take advantage of regular discounts for cheaper ferry tickets. While these discounts differ from one company to another, the ferry companies usually offer lower ticket prices to certain passenger categories, such as:

• Children (aged 4-11)
• Young travelers (under 26)
• Seniors (60+)
• Large families (Spanish citizens)

Additionally, there are discounts for Canary Island residents on trips within the archipelago and between the Spanish mainland and the Canaries.

Note: infants and children up to 3 years old normally travel free of charge.

There is no direct ferry from Gran Canaria to La Palma, but you can travel between the islands with a ferry and port change in Tenerife. Here's how you complete the journey:

• Gran Canaria - Tenerife: you begin your journey from either Agaete or Las Palmas, and arrive at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, on the northern end of Tenerife.
• Tenerife - La Palma: you get off at Santa Cruz de Tenerife and travel to the port of Los Cristianos, on Tenerife's southern coast, where catch the ferry to Santa Cruz de la Palma.

If you are traveling as a foot passenger, both operators offer a free bus transfer from Santa Cruz to Los Cristianos, or if you are bringing your own vehicle, you can complete the 75-km drive in around 1 hr.

The Gran Canaria - La Palma route via Tenerife is served by high-speed catamarans and conventional ferries athat are equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable and relaxed journey.

 On the high-speed vessels, such as the Bañaderos Express, Bencomo Express and Mercedes Pinto, you can expect:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and outdoor decks, where you can enjoy the sea view
• Snack bars and cafés offering drinks, light meals, and quick snacks
• Wi-Fi hotspot, to stay connected during the trip

On the conventional ferries, such as the Al Andalus and Volcan de Tamadaba, you will usually find additional amenities, including:

• Bars and restaurants, where you can get drinks, snacks and full meals with a variety of menus on offer (including for celiacs and children)
• Shops for gifts and souvenirs, as well as essentials and other last-minute purchases for the trip
• Onboard entertainment, such as children’s play areas and seasonal events during the high season

Good to know: you can find more details in our guide regarding on-board ferry services in Spain.

Accessibility

The vessels operating the Gran Canaria - La Palma ferry route via Tenerife are generally accessible to travelers with disabilities, featuring ramps and elevators to move between decks, and accessible amenities in common areas, as well as accessibel cabins with adapted amenities.

Baleària and Fred. Olsen offer assistance for boarding and disembarkation upon request and prior notification at least 48 hr before your journey.

Note: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

What cabins can I book?

Yes, you can book a cabin on the conventional ferries running from Gran Canaria to Tenerife. Typically, you have a choice between:

• Standard interior cabins
• Exterior cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins with sea view and double bed
• Cabins for travelers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins with bedding and water bowl

All cabins have air conditioning, a wardrobe, TV and private bathroom.

Cabin prices start at around €128.

What seats can I book?

On Fred. Olsen ferries, you can book a standard seat, upgrade to standard ticket with priority boarding, and book a reclining seat in the VIP lounge.

With Baleària, you can book a standard seat in the Sirena lounge, or a VIP seat in the Neptuno lounge with complimentary snacks and drinks.

Prices for VIP seats start at around €70.

Luggage

Each ferry company serving the routes from Gran Canaria to Palma has its own luggage policy:

• When traveling with Baleària, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on the ferry yourself, for free.
• On Fred Olsen ferries, you are allowed up to 20 kg of luggage, free of charge.

Can I travel with my pet?

Yes, pets are allowed on ferries from Gran Canaria to La Palma, provided you include it in your booking.

Don’t forget to bring along the necessary health documents, tickets and any pet supplies you may need for the journey.

Good to know: for more information, you can check out our guide on traveling with your pet in Spain.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

Your pet accommodation options with Baleària and Fred Olsen are:

• Pet-friendly seat with you throughout the crossing, inside its own carrier. 
• Onboard kennel on the ferry.
• Pet-friendly cabin with access to designated pet areas.

Keep in mind that options vary depending on the route, operator and vessel type.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Gran Canaria to La Palma:

• The ports in Gran Canaria are some of the busiest in the region. We suggest arriving at the port at least 1.5 hr before departure, especially if you’re traveling with a vehicle.
• The sea can get a bit rough, so if you are prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication before the journey. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• To really get close to La Isla Bonita's striking landscapes, we recommend lacing up and exploring the scenic hiking trails in La Palma!
• Don't forget to pack a towel and sunscreen if you plan on visiting Playa de Nogales or Puerto Naos, which are 2 of the best beaches in La Palma.
• For more information about ferry trips from mainland Spain to the Canaries, take a look at our Spain ferries guide.
• La Palma is arguably the most picturesque Canary Island, but there are many more gems to discover! To learn more, check out our guide on island hopping in the Canaries and then visualize and book your trip with our Map of ferries.

Where to take the ferry from Gran Canaria to La Palma

Ferries to La Palma via Tenerife depart from 2 ports in Gran Canaria: Las Palmas and Agaete.

• If you travel with Baleària, your itinerary starts in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with ferries to Tenerife departing from Muelle Nelson Mandela, in the La Esfinge area of the Port of Las Palmas. This quay is about 5 km from Santa Catalina and Las Canteras and around 25 km from Gran Canaria Airport. The urban Santa Catalina area has numerous cafés, restaurants, hotels and shops, as well as El Muelle Shopping Centre.
• If you travel with Fred. Olsen Express, the ferry to Tenerife leaves from Puerto de las Nieves in Agaete. The port is around 33 km from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and approximately 55 km from Gran Canaria Airport. At the port, you wil find a ticket office and pre-boarding area, as well as parking, a café, car-rental services and tourist information in or around the port.

How to get to the ports in Gran Canaria

Getting to Las Palmas port

• By car: follow signs for Puerto de Las Palmas / La Esfinge / Muelle Nelson Mandela. Allow extra time for the drive through the port and for vehicle check-in.
• By Ferry Bus: Baleària operates a free Ferry Bus between its Fundación Puerto service point and Muelle Nelson Mandela for selected sailings. For departures, buses can run from around 45 min to 1.5 hr before departure.
• By city bus: municipal buses serve the wider port area, including line 18. As the Port of Las Palmas is extensive, check that your bus serves the correct terminal rather than the Santa Catalina cruise pier.
• From the airport: Global line 60 connects Gran Canaria Airport with San Telmo and Santa Catalina, with the ride taking 30 min. From there, continue to the ferry terminal by taxi or, when available, the operator's shuttle.

Getting to Agaete port (Puerto de las Nieves)

• By car: from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, take the GC-2 north towards Agaete and follow the signs for Puerto de las Nieves and the ferry boarding area. From Gran Canaria Airport, take the GC-1 towards Las Palmas and then continue on the GC-2. The drive from the airport is roughly 45-50 min.
• By bus: Global line 103 connects San Telmo bus station in Las Palmas with Puerto de las Nieves in around 1 hr. The semi-direct line 130 also serves the port at selected times.
• By Ferry Bus: Fred. Olsen Express provides a free shuttle between Parque Santa Catalina in Las Palmas and the Agaete ferry terminal its passengers, with the journey taking around 25 min. The bus normally leaves Santa Catalina around 1 hr before the ferry.

How to get from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Los Cristianos

The Gran Canaria - La Palma ferry connection requires a port change in Tenerife, so you need to travel from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to the port of Los Cristianos, which are about 75 km apart.

• By car: follow the TF-1 southbound from Santa Cruz and take exit 72 for Los Cristianos and the port. The trip usually takes around 50 min.
• Fred. Olsen Express Ferry Bus: if you are traveling with Fred. Olsen Express, you can use the company's free Ferry Bus between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Los Cristianos. The service is coordinated with ferry departures to La Palma, and you need to reserve your seat in advance, as places are limited.
• Baleària FerryBus: Baleària Canarias also operates a FerryBus from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Los Cristianos for selected La Palma sailings.
• By public bus: TITSA line 112 connects the Santa Cruz transport interchange with Los Cristianos in around 50 min, with frequent services throughout the day. Some services on lines 110 and 111 also stop in Los Cristianos, so check the timetables before traveling.

Where does the ferry arrive in La Palma?

Ferries from Gran Canaria via Tenerife arrive at the Maritime Terminal (Terminal Marítima) at the Port of Santa Cruz de la Palma. This is the main passenger ferry port in La Palma and is less than 1 km from central Santa Cruz de La Palma and about 9 km from La Palma Airport. 

At the ferry terminal you can find toilets, a café, vending machines, luggage trolleys, parking and a vehicle pre-boarding area, as well as an EV charging point. There are also public parking areas, restaurants, cafés and shops nearby. The adjacent marina has additional restaurants and shops, while central Santa Cruz offers hotels, ATMs and other useful services within walking distance.

Onward travel from Santa Cruz de la Palma

The Santa Cruz bus station is about a 5-min walk from the ferry terminal, giving you connections to other parts of the island. Bus line 500 runs between Santa Cruz, Los Cancajos and the airport. You can also find taxis and car-rental services around the port, making it straightforward to continue towards Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso and other parts of the island.