Canary Islands Ferry Map

How to plan ferry travel between the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands form a useful ferry network, but not every island is directly connected to every other island. Start with your departure island and destination, then check whether the most practical journey is a direct crossing or a connection through Tenerife or Gran Canaria.

Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the main hubs

Tenerife and Gran Canaria provide the widest choice of onward routes, but the port location matters. On Tenerife, Los Cristianos is the main gateway to La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is better positioned for Gran Canaria and several longer connections toward the eastern islands.

Gran Canaria also has two important ports. Las Palmas is the larger network hub, with routes toward Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and mainland Spain. Agaete mainly provides a fast alternative for travel between northwestern Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Check the exact port before reserving accommodation or a rental car. Los Cristianos and Santa Cruz are on different sides of Tenerife, while Las Palmas and Agaete are also a considerable drive apart.

Short island-hopping routes

The simplest island combinations are usually between neighboring islands. The crossing between Playa Blanca on Lanzarote and Corralejo on Fuerteventura takes around half an hour, making it one of the easiest two-island trips in the archipelago.

Tenerife-La Gomera is another practical combination. Ferries leave from Los Cristianos and arrive at San Sebastián de La Gomera, with some services continuing between ports on La Gomera itself.

These shorter crossings are suitable for day trips in some cases, although an overnight stay gives you more time once transfers, check-in and onward transportation are included.

Traveling between the eastern and western islands

Journeys across the full archipelago require more planning. Traveling from Lanzarote or Fuerteventura to La Palma, La Gomera or El Hierro may involve a long sailing, a connection through Gran Canaria or Tenerife, or a combination of ferry and driving between ports.

Do not assume that a route shown as geographically possible is also a convenient same-day journey. Check the complete itinerary, including transfer time, port changes and the risk of missing the second ferry.

Taking a car or camper

• Most major inter-island ferries carry vehicles: confirm this for the exact vessel, as some smaller passenger boats do not.
• Book vehicle space ahead: car decks can fill before passenger seating during weekends and holiday periods.
• Enter the full dimensions: include bicycle racks, roof boxes, trailers and anything attached to a camper.
• Check rental-car conditions: some rental agreements restrict taking a vehicle to another island.
• Compare driving distance: the fastest ferry is not always best if it arrives at the wrong side of a large island.

Fast ferry or conventional ferry?

Fast ferries reduce the time at sea and are widely used on important inter-island routes. Conventional ferries may take longer but can provide more outside space, larger passenger areas and greater vehicle capacity.

Sea conditions can also affect the experience. The Canary Islands are exposed to Atlantic wind and swell, and a fast catamaran may feel less comfortable when the water is rough. Travelers who are sensitive to motion may prefer a larger vessel when both options are available.

Weather and connecting ferries

Weather can affect crossing comfort, departure times and occasionally the operation of a route. This