ferry Bahama Mama Balearia
ferry Bahama Mama
âš“ The Bahama Mama is a ro-pax ferry in the Baleària fleet that works mainly in the Strait of Gibraltar, on the routes between Algeciras and Ceuta. With room for more than 800 passengers and vehicles on the car deck, she is one of the best-known and longest-serving ships on the Strait crossing, one of the busiest sea passages in the world at a mere 35–40 minutes.
The Bahama Mama was built in 1972 at the Dubigeon-Normandie yard in Nantes (France) and had a long career under various operators before joining the Baleària fleet. Over the years she has sailed as the Ile de Beauté, the Ville de Rouen and the Corse, among other names. Her current name, Bahama Mama, is one of the most recognisable in the Strait of Gibraltar and a familiar part of the scene at the port of Algeciras.
History and background of the ship
The Bahama Mama was built as hull number 1,662 at the Hijos de J. Barreras yard in Vigo, ordered directly by Baleària Eurolineas Marítimas under the "Baleària+" programme, which produced four ferries at that same Galician yard. Her keel was laid on 24 November 2008, she was launched on 27 April 2009 and delivered on 22 December that year, at a build cost of 110 million euros.
Originally named SF Alhucemas and registered in Malta with her home port in Valletta, she began operating in late January 2010 on the Barcelona–Ibiza and Dénia–Mallorca routes. From 2011 she added the Algeciras–Tangier Med route in summer, combining it in winter with the Balearic services. In 2012 she moved to the Spanish flag. Renamed Bahama Mama, between February and September 2015 she worked temporarily on the Port Everglades (Florida)–Freeport (Bahamas) route. Halfway through that year she returned to the Maltese flag, in 2020 she took the Spanish flag once more and in early 2023 she switched to the Cypriot flag with her home port in Limassol. She currently sails the route between Barcelona and Ibiza.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-pax ferry (passengers and vehicles) |
| Length overall | 124.5 m |
| Beam | 20.4 m |
| Draught | 5.1 m |
| Service speed | ~18 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~850 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~200 cars (estimated) |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel engines |
| Passenger decks | Several indoor decks plus an outside deck |
| Shipyard | Dubigeon-Normandie, Nantes (France) |
| Year built | 1972 |
| Flag | Cyprus |
| IMO number | 7209597 |
| Former names | Ile de Beauté · Ville de Rouen · Corse · Monte Toledo |
| Current operator | Baleària |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Algeciras → Ceuta | ~35–40 min | Several sailings a day |
| Ceuta → Algeciras | ~35–40 min | Several sailings a day |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm exact times in our search engine.
The Strait of Gibraltar: the busiest crossing in the Mediterranean
The Algeciras–Ceuta route is one of the most heavily used ferry crossings in Europe and the world. The Strait of Gibraltar, just 14 km wide at its narrowest point, separates Europe from Africa and joins the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Algeciras handles more passenger traffic than any other Spanish port and is one of the busiest of its kind anywhere.
The autonomous city of Ceuta, on the north African coast, holds the status of a Spanish autonomous city, which makes the crossing a domestic route. That means residents of Ceuta are entitled to the resident discount on their tickets. The port of Ceuta is a few minutes' walk from the city centre, which makes disembarking very straightforward.
If you are travelling by car, allow at least 60–90 minutes at the port of Algeciras in high season (summer and the Operación Paso del Estrecho), as the queues can be substantial. In low season, 45 minutes is usually enough.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A passenger ticket on the Bahama Mama on the Algeciras–Ceuta route starts at roughly €40–50 per person each way in mid season, although prices vary considerably with the season and how far ahead you book. Taking a vehicle costs extra, depending on its type and dimensions.
Available discounts:
- Ceuta resident: a discount off the base fare for residents of the autonomous city of Ceuta. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- Youth card (Carnet Joven): reduced fare for young passengers. Check availability when you book.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them against future bookings.
- Large families: discount available under the rules in force. Check the conditions when booking.
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 (shared lounge) |
| Looking for more privacy and comfort | Club seat / premium lounge (where available) |
| With a vehicle, to cross the Strait | Passenger ticket + vehicle space on the car deck |
| With a pet | Standard seat + pet place |
| With reduced mobility | Contact Baleària for special assistance |
ferry Bahama Mama · Accommodations
Standard seat
The cheapest option on the ship. Seats in a shared lounge with access to the café and the main areas on board. Perfect for the Strait crossing, which lasts just 35–40 minutes.
✓ Reclining seat
✓ Access to the café and public areas
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
✓ Access to the outside deck
Club seat · Premium
A more comfortable area with better, roomier seating. Ideal if you want a quieter crossing of the Strait.
✓ Better, roomier seating
✓ A quieter part of the ship
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
✓ Access to every area of the ship
Outside deck
An open-air area available to all passengers. The perfect spot to take in the Rock of Gibraltar and the African and European coastlines as you cross the Strait.
✓ Open to all passengers
✓ Views of the Strait and the Rock of Gibraltar
✓ Ideal for photos and enjoying the scenery
ferry Bahama Mama · On-board services
Café and catering
The Bahama Mama has an onboard café where passengers can have something during the crossing. Since the Algeciras–Ceuta trip lasts only 35 to 40 minutes, the catering is geared to quick bites: cold and hot drinks, snacks and light nibbles.
Outside deck
The Bahama Mama's outside deck is one of the most popular spots with passengers. As you cross the Strait of Gibraltar you get views you will find nowhere else: the Rock of Gibraltar, the Moroccan coast and the constant procession of huge cargo ships through the busiest passage in the Mediterranean.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Bahama Mama provides assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend contacting Baleària in advance to flag any special requirements and make sure the right assistance is in place for boarding, the crossing and disembarking. The port of Algeciras has adapted facilities to make getting on board easier.
Connectivity on board — SmartB
The Bahama Mama carries Baleària's SmartB platform to keep passengers connected during the crossing:
- WiFi on board throughout the crossing
- Free WhatsApp without using up your mobile data
- Digital entertainment accessible from your smartphone
- Real-time journey information
Given how short the trip is (35–40 minutes), ordinary mobile coverage is usually good for most of the crossing of the Strait.
The Operación Paso del Estrecho and the Bahama Mama
Every summer, between June and September, the Strait of Gibraltar becomes one of the busiest passages on the planet during the Operación Paso del Estrecho (OPE). Millions of people of north African origin living in Europe cross the Strait to spend their holidays in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The Bahama Mama is one of the ships that steps up the frequency of the route over this period.
During the OPE, the port of Algeciras can build up long queues of vehicles. We strongly recommend booking your ticket with a vehicle in advance and arriving at the port at least 2–3 hours beforehand on the busiest days (late July and early August, and the return in August and September).
Frequently asked questions about the Bahama Mama
Which routes does the Bahama Mama ferry operate?
She works mainly the Algeciras–Ceuta and Ceuta–Algeciras route in the Strait of Gibraltar, with several sailings a day in both directions all year round.
How long does the Bahama Mama take from Algeciras to Ceuta?
The Algeciras–Ceuta crossing takes roughly 35–40 minutes, which makes it one of the shortest ferry crossings in the western Mediterranean.
Does the Bahama Mama carry cars?
Yes. The Bahama Mama is a ro-pax ferry with a car deck for vehicles. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 60–90 minutes beforehand in high season. During the Operación Paso del Estrecho (July and August) it is worth allowing extra time or booking ahead.
What accommodation does the Bahama Mama offer?
The Bahama Mama offers standard seats in a shared lounge and Club seats, or premium seating, for extra comfort. All passengers have access to the café and to the outside deck with its views over the Strait.
Is there free WiFi on the Bahama Mama?
The Bahama Mama carries Baleària's SmartB platform with WiFi on board. As the crossing lasts only 35–40 minutes, ordinary mobile coverage is usually good for much of the trip.
Is there a Ceuta resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the autonomous city of Ceuta are entitled to a discount off the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Bahama Mama?
Yes. Baleària accepts pets on the Bahama Mama. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket and comply with the rules (health paperwork, and a lead or carrier depending on the size of the animal).
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
The Bahama Mama provides assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend contacting Baleària in advance to flag any special requirements and make sure the right assistance is in place for boarding and disembarking.
When was the Bahama Mama built?
The Bahama Mama was built in 1972 at the Dubigeon-Normandie yard in Nantes (France). Over the years she has sailed under various names: Ile de Beauté, Ville de Rouen, Corse and Monte Toledo, among others, before joining the Baleària fleet.
How much does it cost to travel on the Bahama Mama?
A passenger ticket starts at roughly €40–50 per person each way in mid season. Residents of Ceuta are entitled to a discount. Prices vary with the season and how far ahead you book. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
By car: at least 60–90 minutes. As a foot passenger: 30–45 minutes. In high season (July and August, during the Operación Paso del Estrecho) we recommend allowing extra time and booking ahead.
What is the Operación Paso del Estrecho?
The Operación Paso del Estrecho (OPE) is the special operation mounted every summer to help residents of Europe travel to north Africa for their holidays. During the OPE (July and August), Algeciras is extremely busy and we recommend booking your ticket in advance and allowing plenty of time.
Is there a café on board the Bahama Mama?
Yes. The Bahama Mama has an onboard café serving cold and hot drinks, snacks and light nibbles throughout the crossing.
Does the Bahama Mama operate all year round?
The Algeciras–Ceuta route runs all year round with several sailings a day. The frequency can be higher in summer during the Operación Paso del Estrecho. Check exact times in our search engine.
What can you see from the Bahama Mama's outside deck?
The Bahama Mama's outside deck offers superb views over the Strait of Gibraltar: the majestic Rock of Gibraltar, the northern coast of Morocco (with Jebel Musa visible on clear days), the port of Algeciras or Ceuta, and the constant procession of large cargo ships through one of the busiest shipping channels in the world.
