fast ferry Bocayna Express Fred Olsen
fast ferry Bocayna Express
âš“ The Bocayna Express is the go-to fast ferry on the busiest inter-island link in the Canaries, the Lanzarote (Playa Blanca) – Fuerteventura (Corralejo) route. Operated by Fred Olsen Express, she covers the crossing in just 25 minutes, making it one of the quickest island hops in the whole Canary archipelago. Her name pays tribute to the Bocayna, the historic sea channel that separates Lanzarote from Fuerteventura, a stretch of great scenic and ecological value protected within the Chinijo Archipelago Nature Park.
The Bocayna Express is a high-speed catamaran designed specifically to work the La Bocaína strait, a passage barely 11 kilometres wide that can throw up demanding sea conditions thanks to the trade winds and the currents of the eastern Atlantic. Fred Olsen Express has been running these Canary inter-island routes for decades, and the Bocayna Express is one of the busiest ships in the fleet, making several crossings a day in each direction all year round.
History and background of the ship
The Bocayna Express (IMO 9285378) was built in 2003 at the Austal Ships yard in Fremantle (Western Australia), hull number 196, designed expressly for the wind and current conditions of the channel she is named after. Named in August 2003, she crossed the Indian Ocean, the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean, reaching Santa Cruz de Tenerife on 3 October. On 23 October 2003 she officially entered service, taking over from the old conventional ferry Buganvilla.
Since then she has worked without a break exclusively for Fred. Olsen Express on the Playa Blanca (Lanzarote)–Corralejo (Fuerteventura) route, completing the crossing in barely 25 minutes. She is one of the most settled ships in the entire fleet: in more than two decades she has never changed name or flag, nor been permanently moved to another service. An undisputed classic of inter-island travel between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Aluminium catamaran fast ferry |
| Length overall | 86 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Service speed | ~36 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~900 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~200 cars |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines · waterjets |
| Shipyard | Incat · Hobart, Australia |
| Construction material | Marine aluminium |
| IMO number | 9171808 |
| Flag | Spain |
| Operating company | Fred Olsen Express |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) → Corralejo (Fuerteventura) | ~25 min | Several sailings a day |
| Corralejo (Fuerteventura) → Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) | ~25 min | Several sailings a day |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The La Bocaína channel: short but lively
The La Bocaína channel that separates Lanzarote from Fuerteventura is barely 11 kilometres wide, yet it is an oceanographically busy passage. Northerly trade winds and Atlantic currents can whip up a noticeable swell, especially in the winter months. The Bocayna Express catamaran is built to work these conditions safely and quickly, though on windy days you may feel some movement on board.
The ferry runs between the Port of Playa Blanca (southern Lanzarote) and the Port of Corralejo (northern Fuerteventura). Both harbours are well connected to the main holiday areas on each island: Playa Blanca is a holiday destination in its own right, while Corralejo is one of the liveliest resort towns in Fuerteventura. If you are heading for the south of Fuerteventura (Morro Jable, Costa Calma), bear in mind that you will have a further 80 km or so to cover by car or bus.
If you are travelling with a vehicle, we recommend arriving at the port at least 60 minutes beforehand. Because the service runs so frequently, if you miss out on one sailing you can usually board the next one without much trouble in low season. In summer and at Easter demand is very high and booking ahead is advisable.
Inside the Bocayna Express
Since the crossing lasts only 25 minutes, the Bocayna Express puts capacity and turnaround ahead of a wide choice of accommodation. Inside there is a large standard seating area, a café and bar area, and open space out on deck. There are no cabins or berths, which are wholly unnecessary on such a short route.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A passenger ticket on the Bocayna Express starts at roughly €20–25 each way in mid season, depending on how far ahead you book. Fares with a vehicle are considerably higher and vary with the type of vehicle and the season.
Available discounts:
- Canary Islands resident: residents of the Canaries are entitled to fare discounts subsidised by the Canary Islands government. You must prove residency with official documentation. The discount applies to the passenger and to the vehicle alike.
- Children: reduced fares for under-18s. Check the age bands when you book.
- Groups: Fred Olsen Express offers special fares for large groups on request.
- Fred Olsen Club: the operator's loyalty scheme, with benefits for regular customers.
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 in a group | Standard seat · table area |
| After the views and fresh air | Outside deck |
| With a pet | Check the Fred Olsen conditions |
| With a vehicle | Combined passenger + car ticket |
fast ferry Bocayna Express · Accommodations
Standard seat · Indoors
The obvious choice for a 25-minute crossing. Comfortable seats in the indoor lounge, with access to the café and bar area. Air conditioning, a view out through the windows and a brisk, businesslike atmosphere. Right for any kind of traveller.
✓ Upholstered seat in the indoor lounge
✓ Air conditioning on board
✓ Access to the café and bar area
✓ Access to the outside deck
Outside deck
An open-air area on deck with panoramic views over the La Bocaína channel and the coasts of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Ideal for taking in the volcanic scenery and photographing the surroundings during the 25-minute crossing. On days with a strong trade wind it can feel chilly.
✓ Panoramic views over the La Bocaína channel
✓ Volcanic scenery of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
✓ Standing area with safety railings
Table area · Café
An area with tables and chairs beside the café counter, ideal for families or groups who want something to eat or drink during the crossing. Hot and cold drinks, snacks and quick meals are available on board.
✓ Tables and chairs for groups and families
✓ Café serving drinks and snacks
✓ Roomy, open-plan space
fast ferry Bocayna Express · On-board services
Café and bar on board
The Bocayna Express has a café and bar counter serving hot and cold drinks, soft drinks, snacks, baguettes and quick meals. As the crossing lasts only 25 minutes, the range is geared to eating on the move: coffee, water, beer, juices and packaged goods. The tables beside the café let you sit down and enjoy something in comfort along the way.
Outside deck and views over the La Bocaína channel
One of the finest things about the Bocayna Express is going up to the outside deck to take in the views over the La Bocaína channel during the crossing. In good weather, the volcanic coasts of Lanzarote and the white sand beaches of northern Fuerteventura make for spectacular scenery. The deck has a standing area with safety railings. On days with strong trade winds it can be blustery, especially in winter.
Travelling with a dog on board
Fred Olsen Express allows pets on its Canary inter-island routes subject to certain conditions. Pets must travel in an approved carrier or crate, or else on a lead and muzzled, depending on the size and species of the animal. We strongly recommend checking the current pet policy with Fred Olsen Express when you book, as the conditions can change. You must state that you are travelling with a pet when you buy your ticket.
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
Fred Olsen Express provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility on its routes. We recommend flagging any special requirements at the time of booking so that the right assistance can be arranged both when boarding and during the crossing. The ports of Playa Blanca and Corralejo also have adapted access for passengers with reduced mobility.
Technical comfort on board: the catamaran in the La Bocaína channel
The Bocayna Express is a high-speed aluminium catamaran of the Incat series, a design known worldwide for its stability and performance in open water. Her twin-hull configuration gives her greater lateral stability than a conventional monohull, which counts for a great deal in the La Bocaína channel, where the swell can be substantial. Waterjet propulsion allows nimble manoeuvring in port and a quick response to whatever the sea is doing.
- Twin hulls (catamaran): greater lateral stability than conventional monohull ferries.
- Waterjet propulsion: allows nimble manoeuvring in port and a higher cruising speed.
- Aluminium structure: cuts the ship's overall weight and allows service speeds of ~36 knots with relatively lower fuel consumption.
- Indoor air conditioning: the passenger lounge is air conditioned to keep things comfortable at any time of year.
Frequently asked questions about the Bocayna Express
Which route does the Bocayna Express operate?
She works the Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) – Corralejo (Fuerteventura) route with several sailings a day in both directions, all year round.
How long does the Bocayna Express take from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura?
The crossing between Playa Blanca and Corralejo takes around 25 minutes. It is one of the shortest and quickest inter-island crossings in the Canaries.
How many sailings a day does the Bocayna Express make?
The Bocayna Express runs several sailings a day in both directions all year round. Frequency goes up in peak season. Confirm the exact times in our search engine.
Does the Bocayna Express carry cars?
Yes. She has a vehicle hold for around 200 vehicles. If you are travelling by car, get to the port at least 60 minutes beforehand and book ahead in high season.
What accommodation does the Bocayna Express offer?
She has an indoor lounge with standard seats, a table area beside the café and an open-air outside deck with views over the La Bocaína channel. As the crossing lasts only 25 minutes, there are no cabins.
Is there a café on board?
Yes. The Bocayna Express has a café and bar counter with hot and cold drinks, soft drinks, snacks and baguettes. Open throughout the crossing in both directions.
Is there a Canary Islands resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Canaries are entitled to discounts subsidised by the Canary Islands government on inter-island routes, for the passenger and for the vehicle alike. You must prove residency at the time of purchase.
Are pets allowed on the Bocayna Express?
Fred Olsen Express allows pets on board subject to certain conditions (carrier, lead or muzzle depending on the animal). We recommend checking the current pet policy when you book and stating on the ticket that you are travelling with a pet.
Is the Bocayna Express accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Fred Olsen Express provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend flagging any special requirements at the time of booking so that the right assistance can be arranged when boarding and on board.
How much does a Bocayna Express ticket cost?
A passenger ticket starts at roughly €20–25 each way in mid season. Canary Islands residents benefit from subsidised discounts. Fares with a vehicle vary with the type of car and the season. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 60 minutes beforehand. Foot passengers: 30 minutes is enough. In July, August and at Easter we recommend allowing extra time.
Does the Bocayna Express run in winter?
Yes. The Bocayna Express runs 365 days a year on the Playa Blanca–Corralejo route. Departure times may change slightly with the season or in bad weather.
Can the Bocayna Express crossing make you seasick?
The La Bocaína channel can have a noticeable swell because of the trade winds and Atlantic currents, especially in winter. The Bocayna Express is a catamaran designed to operate safely in these conditions, but anyone prone to seasickness may feel some movement. The crossing lasts only 25 minutes, which greatly limits any discomfort.
