fast ferry Barlovento Express Fred Olsen
fast ferry Barlovento Express
âš“ The Barlovento Express is the high-speed fast ferry that Fred Olsen Express runs in the Canary Islands, linking the archipelago's ports with crossing times far shorter than those of conventional ferries. Designed specifically for Atlantic conditions, she stands out for her ability to keep up the frequency of inter-island service in a demanding marine environment, combining speed, comfort and reliability on short and medium-distance island routes.
Fred Olsen Express is the leading operator for high-speed passenger and vehicle transport in the Canaries, with a fleet of fast ferries serving the westernmost islands of the archipelago: Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. The Barlovento Express is part of that fleet and works above all the link between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Santa Cruz de La Palma, along with other inter-island routes depending on the season and demand.
History and background of the ship
The Barlovento Express (IMO 9237644) is a wave-piercing catamaran built in 2003 at the Incat Tasmania yard in Hobart (Australia), hull number 058. She was originally delivered to Trasmediterránea under the name Milenium Dos and spent 14 years as an icon of the Strait of Gibraltar on the Algeciras–Ceuta route and links with Tangier Med. After Trasmediterránea was taken over by the Naviera Armas group, she was renamed Ciudad de Ceuta and stayed on the same corridor until 2024.
In late 2024 she was briefly sold to the Italian operator Liberty Lines as Vittorio M, though that name lasted barely a few weeks. In a swift strategic move, Fred. Olsen Express chartered and then bought her, taking her into the ASTICAN yard in Las Palmas to be repainted in the company's blue and yellow livery. Renamed Barlovento Express, she currently works the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria–Morro Jable (Fuerteventura) route and stands in whenever the company's big trimarans go for their scheduled dry-docking.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Aluminium fast ferry catamaran |
| Shipyard | Austal (Australia) |
| Service speed | ~36 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~878 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~180 cars |
| Build material | High-strength aluminium |
| Propulsion | High-output diesel engines with waterjets |
| Passenger decks | 2 |
| Operating company | Fred Olsen Express |
| Area of operation | Canary Islands |
| Flag | Spain |
Some technical figures are approximate. For official specifications, see the Fred Olsen Express website.
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife → Santa Cruz de La Palma | ~2 h 45 min | Check timetable* |
| Santa Cruz de La Palma → Santa Cruz de Tenerife | ~2 h 45 min | Check timetable* |
| Los Cristianos (Tenerife) → San Sebastián de La Gomera | ~50 min | Check timetable* |
| San Sebastián de La Gomera → Los Cristianos (Tenerife) | ~50 min | Check timetable* |
| Los Cristianos (Tenerife) → La Restinga / Valverde (El Hierro) | ~2 h 30 min | Check timetable* |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season, availability and fleet rotation. The Barlovento Express may swap routes with other ships in the Fred Olsen fleet. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
Canary Islands ports: what you need to know before boarding
The Barlovento Express links ports on islands with very different geographies. The port of Santa Cruz de La Palma is one of the most unusual in the Atlantic: hemmed in between the town's historic centre and the mountainside, with a narrow waterfront that makes boarding especially quick. The port of Los Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife, is the great logistics hub for the western islands and the busiest in the Canarian inter-island network.
If you are travelling with a vehicle, we recommend arriving at the port at least 60-90 minutes beforehand. In high season (summer, Easter and long weekends) it is worth allowing extra time, particularly at Los Cristianos. As a foot passenger, 30-45 minutes is enough on most crossings.
Fares, discounts and how to book
The price of a passenger ticket on the Barlovento Express varies with the route and the season. On the Tenerife–La Palma route, passenger fares start at around €40–55 each way in low season. On shorter routes such as Los Cristianos–La Gomera, fares are considerably lower.
Available discounts:
- Canary Islands resident: 75% off the base fare for residents registered in the Canary Islands. It is the biggest discount available and applies to virtually every inter-island crossing.
- Residency card: you must prove residency when you buy your ticket and again at boarding, with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or foreigner's ID (NIE) and an up-to-date certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- Children and families: reduced fares for under-18s. Children under 4 who do not occupy a seat generally travel free.
- Senior travellers: reduced fares for over-65s on certain crossings. Check availability when you book.
You can compare prices and real-time availability on I Love Ferry for every Fred Olsen Express route.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Tourist seat (Standard Class) |
| With family or a group with children | Tourist seat near the children's area |
| Looking for extra comfort and space | Preferente Class (Lounge) |
| With a pet | Standard seat + pet place |
| On business, or wanting extra peace and quiet | Preferente Class (Lounge) |
| A short crossing (La Gomera, ~50 min) | Tourist seat or the outside deck |
fast ferry Barlovento Express · Accommodations
Tourist seat · Standard Class
The cheapest option, and the one Canarian residents use most for their everyday journeys. Comfortable seats in an air-conditioned passenger lounge with access to the café and to every area of the ship. Perfect for short and medium-distance crossings.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Air-conditioned lounge
✓ Access to the café and public areas
✓ Canary Islands resident discount (75%) applies
✓ Ideal for crossings of up to 3 hours
Preferente Class · Lounge
A more comfortable lounge with larger seats, more room between them and a quieter atmosphere. Recommended for business trips, for passengers who want to rest, or for anyone simply after a higher level of comfort during the crossing.
✓ Larger seats with more space
✓ A quieter, more exclusive atmosphere
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Ideal for business travel or for resting
fast ferry Barlovento Express · On-board services
Café and food service
The Barlovento Express has an onboard café with a selection put together for Canarian inter-island crossings. You will find hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks, juices and travel items available throughout the sailing. Service is quick and geared to holidaymakers and residents alike, the latter using the ship for their everyday journeys between islands.
Outside deck
As on every Fred Olsen Express fast ferry, the Barlovento Express has an outside deck area for passengers who want to enjoy the Atlantic scenery during the crossing. Sailing between the Canary Islands offers some of the most spectacular views in the Atlantic: from the silhouette of Mount Teide rising above the clouds to the cliffs of La Palma or the rock formations of La Gomera. The outside deck is especially popular in fine weather.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
Fred Olsen Express works to guarantee accessibility across its fast ferry fleet. If you travel in a wheelchair or need special assistance, it is well worth saying so when you book your ticket so that the operator can arrange boarding and disembarkation and confirm what is available on the Barlovento Express on the day you travel.
Sustainability and efficiency on the Barlovento Express
The Barlovento Express is built in high-strength aluminium, a material that cuts the ship's total weight considerably compared with conventional steel ferries. That saving in weight has a direct effect on fuel consumption: at the same speed, an aluminium catamaran burns significantly less per passenger than a conventional ferry.
Propulsion by waterjet is more efficient than conventional propellers at fast ferry cruising speeds, and it also reduces the impact on marine wildlife by doing away with exposed propellers. Fred Olsen Express works continuously on improving the energy efficiency of its inter-island fleet.
Aluminium construction also brings advantages at the end of a ship's working life: aluminium is highly recyclable, with a recovery rate of more than 90% in the shipbuilding industry.
The Barlovento Express within the Fred Olsen Express fleet
Fred Olsen Express operates in the Canaries with a fleet of high-speed fast ferries, and is the leading company for fast passenger and vehicle transport between the western islands of the archipelago. The most emblematic ship in the fleet is the Benchijigua Express, for years the largest aluminium catamaran in the world.
| Ship | Passenger capacity | Vehicle capacity | Main routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barlovento Express | ~878 | ~180 | Tenerife–La Palma, Los Cristianos–La Gomera |
| Benchijigua Express | ~1,200 | ~340 | Los Cristianos–La Gomera–El Hierro |
| Bencomo Express | ~878 | ~180 | Inter-island routes, depending on the season |
Approximate figures. Which ship is assigned to which route can change with the season and with the operator's requirements.
Frequently asked questions about the Barlovento Express
Which routes does the Barlovento Express operate?
The Barlovento Express mainly operates the Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Santa Cruz de La Palma route and, depending on the Fred Olsen Express fleet rotation, may also cover Los Cristianos – San Sebastián de La Gomera and links with El Hierro. Timetables and ship assignments can change with the season.
How long does the Barlovento Express take from Tenerife to La Palma?
The crossing between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Santa Cruz de La Palma takes roughly 2 hours 45 minutes. The time can vary with sea conditions in the Atlantic.
Does the Barlovento Express carry cars?
Yes. The Barlovento Express has a car deck for vehicles, with room for roughly 180 cars. If you are travelling with a vehicle, arrive at the port at least 60-90 minutes beforehand.
Is there a Canary Islands resident discount?
Yes. Residents registered in the Canary Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare on inter-island routes. You need to prove it with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or foreigner's ID (NIE) and a certificate of registration (empadronamiento), both when booking and when boarding.
What accommodation does the Barlovento Express offer?
The Barlovento Express offers Tourist Class (standard seats in an air-conditioned lounge, the cheapest option) and Preferente Class (larger seats in a quieter setting, for extra comfort).
Are pets allowed on the Barlovento Express?
Yes. Fred Olsen Express accepts pets on its fast ferries. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket. Pets have to travel in an approved carrier or on a harness and lead. Check the conditions and the supplement when you book.
Is there a café on board?
Yes. The Barlovento Express has an onboard café serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks and travel items throughout the crossing.
How much does a ticket on the Barlovento Express cost?
On the Tenerife–La Palma route, undiscounted fares start at around €40-55 each way in low season. Canary Islands residents with the 75% discount pay appreciably less. Check real-time prices here.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Fred Olsen Express works to guarantee accessibility across its fleet. If you need special assistance or travel in a wheelchair, say so when you book so that the operator can arrange boarding and confirm what is available.
How early do I need to get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 60-90 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger: 30-45 minutes is enough on most crossings. In high season (summer, Easter and long weekends) it is worth allowing extra time, especially at Los Cristianos.
Which port on Tenerife does the Barlovento Express sail from?
Depending on the route, the Barlovento Express sails from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (for the route to La Palma) or from the port of Los Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife (for the routes to La Gomera and El Hierro).
How long does the ferry take from Los Cristianos to La Gomera?
The crossing between Los Cristianos (Tenerife) and San Sebastián de La Gomera takes roughly 50 minutes by fast ferry. It is one of the quickest inter-island links in the Canaries.
Can I take a bicycle on the Barlovento Express?
Yes. Fred Olsen Express allows bicycles on its fast ferries, subject to space on the car deck. Say so when you book and confirm the supplement with the operator.
What other ships does Fred Olsen Express run in the Canaries?
Fred Olsen Express runs several fast ferries in the Canaries: the Benchijigua Express (for years the largest aluminium catamaran in the world), the Bencomo Express and the Bentago Express, among others. The operator rotates its fleet according to demand and season.
Why is she called Barlovento Express?
Barlovento is the Spanish for windward, the direction the wind comes from — a word with particular resonance in the nautical and geographical setting of the Canary Islands, whose history is bound up with the Atlantic trade winds. It is Fred Olsen's tribute to the seafaring identity of the archipelago the operator has spent decades connecting.
