Bajamar Express Fred Olsen
Bajamar Express
âš“ The Bajamar Express is one of the most versatile fast ferries in the fleet of Fred Olsen Express, the operator that specialises in quick links between the islands of the Canary archipelago. This high-speed catamaran covers the Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Santa Cruz de La Palma route in just 2 hours 45 minutes, making her the fastest alternative to flying for anyone moving between the two islands. What really sets her apart is her ability to carry vehicles at high speed on inter-island routes, something rarely seen in the Atlantic.
The Bajamar Express was built at the Austal shipyard in Henderson (Australia), a world leader in high-speed aluminium catamarans, and joined the Fred Olsen Express fleet in 2000. She takes her name from Bajamar, a coastal town in the north of Tenerife, in keeping with Fred Olsen's tradition of naming its ships after Canarian place names.
Since joining the fleet, the Bajamar Express has worked a number of routes around the archipelago and has become a key part of inter-island mobility for Canarian residents, as well as of the fast island-hopping options on offer to visitors. The Fred Olsen Express fleet she belongs to is the fastest in the Canary Islands and one of the most specialised high-speed fleets in the Atlantic.
History and background of the ship
The Bajamar Express (IMO 9845685) represents the second generation of Fred. Olsen Express trimarans, built between 2018 and 2020 at the Austal Ships yard in Perth (Western Australia), yard number 394. Launched in February 2020, she was delivered just as the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, which meant her Canarian crew had to get through considerable restrictions to collect her in Australia. After more than 20 days and 9,000 nautical miles across the Indian and Atlantic oceans, she arrived in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on 30 July 2020 and made her maiden voyage on 10 August.
She has worked exclusively for Fred. Olsen Express ever since on the Santa Cruz de Tenerife–Puerto de Las Nieves (Agaete, Gran Canaria) route, one of the busiest sea corridors in Spain. Her design brings a number of improvements over the Benchijigua Express, with particular attention paid to comfort, advanced soundproofing and seasickness-mitigation systems.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Fast ferry catamaran |
| Length overall | 86 m |
| Beam | 23.6 m |
| Service speed | ~36 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~878 passengers |
| Vehicle capacity | ~150 vehicles |
| Propulsion | 4 diesel engines · waterjet |
| Passenger decks | 2 |
| Build material | Aluminium |
| Shipyard | Austal · Henderson, Australia |
| Year built | 2000 |
| Flag | Spain |
| IMO number | 9208918 |
| Operating company | Fred Olsen Express |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife → Santa Cruz de La Palma | 2 h 45 min | ~08:00 |
| Santa Cruz de La Palma → Santa Cruz de Tenerife | 2 h 45 min | ~17:00 |
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife → Las Palmas de Gran Canaria | ~1 h 20 min | Check timetable |
| Agaete (Gran Canaria) → Las Palmas / other seasonal routes | Varies | Check timetable |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season, ship allocation and availability. The ship assigned may change according to Fred Olsen's operational needs. Confirm the exact departure time and the ship assigned in our search engine.
The ports of Los Cristianos and Los Abrigos: getting there and what to bear in mind
The Bajamar Express operates mainly out of Puerto de Los Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife, although she may also be assigned to Santa Cruz de Tenerife depending on the route. Los Cristianos is Fred Olsen Express's main hub on Tenerife: it has modern facilities, a fast-moving vehicle boarding area and excellent access from the main resort areas in the south of the island.
If you are travelling by car, we recommend arriving at the port at least 60-90 minutes beforehand. Foot passengers only need to be there 45 minutes before departure. In summer and over public holidays it is worth allowing extra time, as demand for the Canary Islands' inter-island routes is high among residents.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Fares on the Bajamar Express vary according to the route, the season and the type of ticket. On the Tenerife–La Palma route, indicative foot-passenger fares start at around €40 each way on the standard tariff. Taking a car on board costs extra, depending on the type of vehicle.
Available discounts:
- Canary Islands resident: 75% off the base fare for residents of the Canary Islands. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). It is by far the biggest discount and the one most widely used by island travellers.
- Large family: discounts apply according to the category (general or special) on production of a large-family card.
- Fred Olsen Club card: the operator's loyalty scheme, which builds up points that can be redeemed on future bookings.
- Return tickets: Fred Olsen sometimes offers discounted combined fares for return journeys.
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 (Tourist Class) |
| With family or a group of friends | Standard seat with table |
| Looking for extra comfort and more space | VIP lounge (Business Class) |
| With a pet | Standard seat + pet place |
| With young children | Standard seat (family area) |
| On business, or wanting more privacy | VIP lounge (Business Class) |
Bajamar Express · Accommodations
Tourist Class · Standard
The cheapest option on the Bajamar Express. Comfortable seats laid out in a shared lounge, with good sea views and access to every area of the ship. Perfect for travellers who put price first without giving up comfort on a crossing of under 3 hours.
✓ Reclining seat
✓ Access to the café and food service area
✓ Access to the outside deck
✓ Access to all the ship's public areas
Business Class · VIP
An exclusive lounge with larger seats and more room between rows. The best choice for travellers after a bit more peace and comfort during the crossing. It includes priority service and early boarding.
✓ Exclusive-access lounge
✓ Wider seats with more legroom
✓ A quieter, smaller space
✓ Priority boarding
✓ Personal service
Bajamar Express · On-board services
Café and food on board
The Bajamar Express has a café service open throughout the crossing, serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches and other food items. As the main crossing (Tenerife–La Palma) lasts under 3 hours, the food on offer is designed to suit a quick, easy journey.
Outside deck
The Bajamar Express has an outside deck area open to passengers, where you can take in the Atlantic scenery and the views of the islands as you sail. It is one of the spaces passengers rate most highly, especially in fine weather.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Bajamar Express has accessibility arrangements for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend contacting Fred Olsen Express ahead of your trip so that the assistance you need during boarding and on board can be arranged. Fred Olsen Express has specially trained staff at the ports it serves.
High speed in the Atlantic: waterjet technology
The Bajamar Express is powered by four diesel engines driving waterjets, the most efficient technology for high-speed catamarans. The system allows service speeds of around 36 knots with greater manoeuvrability and less reliance on conventional propellers, which makes it easier to operate in tight harbours and improves her response in rough seas.
Building the hull and superstructure in aluminium — rather than the steel used on conventional ferries — cuts weight considerably, which is what makes these speeds possible with lower fuel consumption per passenger-mile. The twin-hull catamaran design also gives her a wider base of support, improving stability in open water.
Bajamar Express vs. Benchijigua Express: the key differences
Fred Olsen Express runs several high-speed vessels in the Canary Islands. These are the main differences between the Bajamar Express and the celebrated Benchijigua Express:
| Feature | Bajamar Express | Benchijigua Express |
|---|---|---|
| Hull type | Catamaran | Trimaran |
| Length overall | 86 m | 127 m |
| Passengers | ~878 | ~1,360 |
| Vehicles | ~150 | ~340 |
| Service speed | ~36 knots | ~40 knots |
| Year built | 2000 | 2005 |
| Shipyard | Austal (Australia) | Austal (Australia) |
| Operating profile | Medium-length inter-island routes | Main Agaete–Tenerife route |
Frequently asked questions about the Bajamar Express
Which routes does the Bajamar Express operate for Fred Olsen?
She mainly operates the Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Santa Cruz de La Palma route, although Fred Olsen Express may assign her to other inter-island routes in the Canary Islands as fleet operations require. Always check your ticket to confirm which ship is assigned.
How long does the Bajamar Express take from Tenerife to La Palma?
The trip between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Santa Cruz de La Palma takes roughly 2 hours 45 minutes, making her the fastest way to travel by sea between the two islands.
Does the Bajamar Express carry cars?
Yes. She has a car deck for roughly 150 vehicles. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 60-90 minutes beforehand. In high season it is worth allowing extra time.
What accommodation does the Bajamar Express offer?
Two classes: Tourist Class (a standard seat in a shared lounge, the cheapest option) and Business Class (an exclusive VIP lounge with wider seats, more peace and quiet and priority boarding).
Which port on Tenerife does the Bajamar Express sail from?
Mainly from Puerto de Los Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife, although she may be assigned to Santa Cruz de Tenerife depending on the route. Always confirm the port on your ticket.
Is there a Canary Islands resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Canary 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). It is the biggest discount available and the one most widely used.
Are pets allowed on the Bajamar Express?
Yes. Fred Olsen Express accepts pets on board, subject to availability and to the operator's requirements (health documentation, approved carrier). You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
The Bajamar Express has accessibility arrangements in place. We recommend contacting Fred Olsen Express before you travel to arrange the assistance you need at boarding and on board.
Is there a café on the Bajamar Express?
Yes. There is a café service open throughout the crossing: hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches and other food items.
How much does it cost to travel on the Bajamar Express?
Indicative fares for Tenerife–La Palma start at around €40 each way without a vehicle on the standard tariff. Canary Islands residents pay 75% less. Compare real-time prices here.
How early do I need to get to the port?
By car: at least 60-90 minutes beforehand. Foot passengers: 45 minutes is enough. In summer and over public holidays, allow extra time because demand on the Canary Islands' inter-island routes is high.
When was the Bajamar Express built?
She was built in 2000 at the Austal shipyard in Henderson (Australia), a world leader in high-speed aluminium catamarans. Her IMO number is 9208918.
What sort of propulsion does the Bajamar Express have?
She is powered by four diesel engines driving waterjets, the most efficient technology for high-speed catamarans. It allows service speeds of roughly 36 knots.
Can I take my bicycle on the Bajamar Express?
Yes. Fred Olsen Express allows bicycles on its ships, including the Bajamar Express, subject to space on the car deck. Let them know when you book and check the fares that apply to special luggage.
What is the difference between the Bajamar Express and the Benchijigua Express?
The Benchijigua Express is Fred Olsen's flagship: a 127 m trimaran with greater capacity (1,360 passengers, 340 vehicles) designed for the main Agaete–Tenerife route. The Bajamar Express is a nimbler, more adaptable 86 m catamaran, ideal for medium-distance inter-island routes such as Tenerife–La Palma.
