fast ferry Avemar Dos Balearia
fast ferry Avemar Dos
âš“ The Avemar Dos is a fast ferry catamaran operated by Baleària linking the Balearic Islands with mainland Spain, mainly on the Ibiza–Valencia and Ibiza–Dénia routes. With a cruising speed of up to 36 knots, she is one of the fastest vessels in the Baleària fleet and cuts journey times considerably compared with the conventional ferries on those same routes. Her name refers to the Catalan shipping group Aucona-Avemar, from which she was acquired along with her sister ship, the Avemar Un, when Baleària absorbed that company into its fleet.
The Avemar Dos was built at the Incat shipyard in Hobart (Australia), a world specialist in high-speed aluminium catamarans. Incat is the global benchmark builder for this type of vessel, and its craft have been taken up by ferry operators worldwide for their combination of speed, capacity and structural efficiency. The Avemar Dos belongs to Incat's 86-metre catamaran series, with an aluminium hull that keeps weight down and speed up.
Since joining the Baleària fleet, the Avemar Dos has run continuously on the routes between Ibiza and the Valencian coast, and she is especially important in high season — the summer months — when demand for the white isle peaks. In low season the ship may be redeployed on other routes around the Mediterranean, depending on the operator's needs.
History and background of the ship
The Avemar Dos is the last of a series of four sister catamarans, launched on 11 October 1997 at the Austal shipyard in Fremantle (Australia) under the name Superstar Express. She was delivered on 21 November to the Malaysian company Star Cruises, which put her into service on the Butterworth–Langkawi route — inaugurating its ferry operation — and shortly afterwards moved her to the Butterworth–Tanjung Balai–Phuket route. In May 1998, after less than a year in the Andaman Sea, she was chartered to P&O Ferries, which renamed her Superstar Express and deployed her on the Portsmouth–Cherbourg route. Over the following years she continued to run summer seasons for P&O, and in 2000 she was transferred to the services between Larne and Cairnryan, extended to Troon in 2003.
On 1 August 2005, after seven years on British routes — the last three in the Irish Sea — the catamaran was sold to the Spanish subsidiary of the Uruguayan operator Buquebus. Taken to the Algeciras shipyards for a full refit, she was renamed Avemar Dos in October that year and joined the Algeciras–Ceuta route on 1 November. In November 2006 she was involved in a collision with the Express Atlas in the Strait of Gibraltar. In 2008, when the Spanish arm of Buquebus closed, she was chartered to Baleària, which bought her outright in April 2010. She worked the Algeciras–Ceuta route until 8 May 2025, when she was moved to the Tarifa–Tangier route.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Aluminium fast ferry catamaran |
| Shipyard | Incat, Hobart (Australia) |
| Length overall | 86 m (approx.) |
| Beam | on request |
| Maximum speed | ~36 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~800 people (approx.) |
| Vehicle capacity | ~200 cars (approx.) |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines with waterjets |
| Construction material | High-strength aluminium |
| Passenger decks | 2 |
| Current operator | Baleària |
| Origin | Former Aucona-Avemar fleet, absorbed into Baleària |
| Sister ship | Avemar Un |
| Main routes | Ibiza–Valencia · Ibiza–Dénia |
* Some technical figures are approximate. For official specifications, check the Baleària website or the ship register.
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Ibiza → Valencia | ~2 h 30 min | Varies by season |
| Valencia → Ibiza | ~2 h 30 min | Varies by season |
| Ibiza → Dénia | ~1 h 45 min | Varies by season |
| Dénia → Ibiza | ~1 h 45 min | Varies by season |
| Ibiza → Formentera | ~30 min | Seasonal service |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season, availability and weather conditions. The Avemar Dos may be deployed on different routes according to Baleària's schedule. Confirm exact times in our search engine.
The port of Ibiza: getting there and what to bear in mind
The Avemar Dos operates mainly from the port of Ibiza (Eivissa), one of the busiest harbours in the Mediterranean over the summer. It sits in the centre of town, a few minutes' walk from the old quarter of Dalt Vila. In high season — July and August above all — port traffic can be heavy, so allow at least 90 minutes if you are travelling with a vehicle.
From the port of Ibiza there are regular sailings to Valencia and Dénia on the mainland coast. If you are heading for Dénia, the crossing is considerably shorter (roughly 1 hour 45 minutes) and the arrival port has good road links to the Costa Blanca and the wider Valencia region. For Valencia, the port is well connected to the city centre and the motorway network.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Fares on the Avemar Dos to and from Ibiza vary with the season. In mid season, a standard seat can start from €30–40 each way on the Dénia–Ibiza route and from around €50 on the Valencia–Ibiza route, although prices can be appreciably higher in high season (July and August). The prices shown are indicative and subject to change.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare for residents of the Balearic Islands, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). It is the most significant discount on this route.
- Canary Islands resident: does not apply on this route.
- Youth card (Carnet Joven): reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30. Check availability when you book.
- Baleària Club: the operator's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them against future bookings.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Standard seat |
| With family or a group of friends | Standard seat with table |
| Looking for extra comfort and privacy | VIP lounge (where available) |
| With a pet | Standard seat + pet place |
| With small children | Standard seat (short crossing, no cabin needed) |
| On a very short crossing (Dénia–Ibiza) | Standard seat (1 h 45 min) |
fast ferry Avemar Dos · Accommodations
Standard seat
The cheapest and most popular option on the Avemar Dos. Comfortable seats in an air-conditioned shared lounge, with access to every area of the ship. Perfect for the short Ibiza–Dénia crossing and for travellers whose priority is price.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Air-conditioned indoor area
✓ Access to the café and the outside deck
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
✓ Access to every area of the ship
VIP lounge · Premium
A restricted-access area with roomier, more comfortable seating, away from the bustle of the public areas. Ideal if you want a quieter crossing. Availability depends on the season and the ship's schedule.
✓ Access to an exclusive lounge
✓ Roomier, more comfortable seating
✓ Quieter, more private atmosphere
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
Outside deck
The Avemar Dos has an outside deck open to all passengers, perfect for taking in the Mediterranean views during the short crossing. Bear in mind that at full speed the wind on deck can be considerable.
✓ Free access with any ticket
✓ Panoramic Mediterranean views
✓ Ideal for photos and coastal scenery
fast ferry Avemar Dos · On-board services
Café and food on board
The Avemar Dos has an onboard café with a range suited to the length of the crossing. As she is a fast ferry with journeys of between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes, the food on offer centres on snacks, sandwiches and cold and hot drinks. The service runs throughout the crossing.
Outside deck
One of the best things about sailing on the Avemar Dos is watching the crossing from her outside deck, with panoramic views over the Mediterranean. At the ship's cruising speed (up to 36 knots), the views of the Ibizan or Valencian coast are particularly striking. Bear in mind that the wind on deck can be strong when the ship is running at full speed.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Avemar Dos is a high-speed catamaran laid out over several levels. If you travel in a wheelchair or have specific mobility needs, we recommend contacting Baleària in advance to confirm the assistance available when boarding and disembarking, access to the different parts of the ship and any other special requirement. The crew is trained to assist passengers with reduced mobility.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Avemar Dos you have access to Baleària's SmartB platform, which includes:
- Free WiFi throughout the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp without using up your mobile data
- On-demand digital entertainment from your smartphone
- Real-time journey information on your phone
Avemar Dos vs Avemar Un: sister ships in the Baleària fleet
The Avemar Dos and the Avemar Un are two sister catamarans from the same Incat series, acquired by Baleària when it took over the Aucona-Avemar operation. Both share practically the same technical characteristics — length, capacity, propulsion — and have worked similar routes within the Baleària network. Which ship is assigned to which route can change with the season and the operator's schedule.
| Feature | Avemar Dos | Avemar Un |
|---|---|---|
| Shipyard | Incat (Australia) | Incat (Australia) |
| Type | Aluminium catamaran | Aluminium catamaran |
| Approx. length overall | 86 m | 86 m |
| Max. speed | ~36 knots | ~36 knots |
| Propulsion | Diesel + waterjets | Diesel + waterjets |
| Current operator | Baleària | Baleària |
| Origin | Ex-Aucona-Avemar | Ex-Aucona-Avemar |
Frequently asked questions about the Avemar Dos
Which routes does the Avemar Dos fast ferry operate?
The Avemar Dos operates mainly the Ibiza–Valencia, Valencia–Ibiza, Ibiza–Dénia and Dénia–Ibiza routes. In low season she may be redeployed according to Baleària's operational needs. Always confirm up-to-date availability in our route search engine.
How long does the Avemar Dos take from Ibiza to Valencia?
The Ibiza–Valencia crossing takes roughly 2 hours 30 minutes, against the 4–5 hours of the conventional ferries on the same route. The time can vary with sea conditions.
How long does the Avemar Dos take from Ibiza to Dénia?
The Ibiza–Dénia crossing takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes. It is one of the fastest links available between Ibiza and the mainland coast.
Does the Avemar Dos carry cars?
Yes. She has a vehicle deck with room for roughly 200 cars. If you are travelling with a vehicle, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time.
What accommodation does the Avemar Dos offer?
The Avemar Dos offers standard seats in an air-conditioned shared lounge, a VIP lounge with more comfort and privacy, and access to the outside deck. As the crossings are short, she has no cabins.
Is there free WiFi on the Avemar Dos?
Yes. Baleària's SmartB platform is available on board the Avemar Dos, offering free WiFi and free WhatsApp without using up your mobile data.
Is there a Balearic resident discount on the Avemar Dos?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento) when booking.
Are pets allowed on the Avemar Dos?
Yes. The Avemar Dos accepts pets on board. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket. Check the specific conditions with Baleària before you travel.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
The Avemar Dos is laid out over several levels, as high-speed catamarans usually are. If you have special mobility needs, we recommend contacting Baleària in advance to confirm the assistance available when boarding, disembarking and moving around the ship.
What fuel does the Avemar Dos use?
The Avemar Dos runs on diesel engines with waterjet propulsion, typical of Incat high-speed catamarans. Unlike Baleària's newest fast ferries (Eleanor Roosevelt, Margarita Salas), she does not run on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
How much does it cost to travel on the Avemar Dos?
Indicative fares start at around €30–40 on the Dénia–Ibiza route and from €50 on the Valencia–Ibiza route in mid season. Prices rise in July and August. Balearic residents pay 75% less. Compare real-time prices here.
Does the Avemar Dos operate all year round?
How the Avemar Dos is deployed depends on Baleària's seasonal schedule. In high season (summer) she sails more frequently. In low season she may run fewer sailings or be redeployed. Always check up-to-date availability in our search engine before booking.
Is there a café on board the Avemar Dos?
Yes. The Avemar Dos has an onboard café serving snacks, sandwiches and cold and hot drinks throughout the crossing. As the trips are short, the range is geared to quick bites.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 90 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger, 45 minutes is generally enough. In July and August, especially at the port of Ibiza, allow extra time because of the heavy port traffic.
What is the difference between the Avemar Dos and Baleària's newest fast ferries?
The Avemar Dos is a generation older than Baleària's newest fast ferries (Eleanor Roosevelt, Margarita Salas). She has less capacity (~800 passengers against 1,200), diesel rather than LNG propulsion and lacks some premium accommodation such as the Executive Lounge. Even so, she remains a fast, efficient ship for the routes between Ibiza and the mainland coast.
