ferry Buganvilla Fred Olsen
ferry Buganvilla
âš“ The Buganvilla is the pioneering mini-ferry run by Fred. Olsen Express on the Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) – Corralejo (Fuerteventura) route, the busiest inter-island corridor in the Canary Islands. Designed purely to carry foot passengers with no vehicles, the Buganvilla entered service in April 2022 and in her first year of operation had already delivered a 40% rise in passenger numbers on the route, establishing a day-trip travel model that has become a benchmark across the Canary archipelago.
With room for passengers and crossings of just 35 minutes, the Buganvilla lets holidaymakers and residents move between the eastern islands with unprecedented frequency. She was such a success that in 2024 Fred. Olsen Express brought in a second, near-identical mini-ferry — the Buganvilla Express — to strengthen the route further, giving up to 12 sailings a day between the two ships combined. The Buganvilla sails under the Spanish flag and is registered as MMSI 224115280.
The ship is part of Fred. Olsen Express's strategic commitment to carrying foot passengers on short routes, a segment that has shown enormous tourist potential: more than 63% of passengers on this service travel out and back on the same day, making it the most popular island-hopping trip in the Canaries.
History and background of the ship
The name Buganvilla has a long history in the Fred. Olsen Express fleet. The first ship to carry it was a classic ferry built in 1968 at the German Jos L. Meyer Werft yard in Papenburg under the name Betula, with a steel hull strengthened for northern European waters. In July 1992 she was bought by the operator (then Ferry Gomera), renamed Buganvilla and put to work opening the scheduled Playa Blanca (Lanzarote)–Corralejo (Fuerteventura) service, becoming the pioneer of the busiest inter-island corridor in the Canaries. For 11 years she was a much-loved ship among islanders thanks to her total reliability. In November 2003 she was replaced by the Bocayna Express and sold to a Cape Verde company, where she sailed as Tarrafal.
Today's Buganvilla took over the name in April 2022 as the first passenger-only mini-ferry operated by Fred. Olsen Express on the same route. She previously sailed as Buganvilla Express, a name she handed over to the new Rodman 80 catamaran built in 2024 at the Rodman Polyships yard in Vigo, becoming simply Buganvilla at that point. In her first year of operation she had already delivered a 40% rise in passenger numbers on the route, establishing a day-trip travel model that today runs alongside the Buganvilla Express, with up to 12 sailings a day between the two.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Catamaran mini-ferry · passengers only |
| Passenger capacity | 250 people |
| Vehicle capacity | Carries no vehicles (passengers only) |
| Passenger decks | 2 (inside and open) |
| Crossing time | ~35 minutes (Playa Blanca – Corralejo) |
| Flag | Spain |
| MMSI | 224115280 |
| Call sign | ECGU |
| Entered service | April 2022 |
| Wi-Fi on board | Yes |
| Accessibility | Designed to guarantee mobility for every passenger |
| Ferry operator | Fred. Olsen Express |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual frequency* |
|---|---|---|
| Corralejo (Fuerteventura) → Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) | ~35 min | Several sailings a day |
| Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) → Corralejo (Fuerteventura) | ~35 min | Several sailings a day |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact times in our search engine.
The ports of Corralejo and Playa Blanca: how to get there
The port of Corralejo sits on the north coast of Fuerteventura, some 26 km from Puerto del Rosario (the island capital) and around 40 km from the airport. You can get there by public transport from the capital on the number 6 bus (guagua). The area around the port is very well connected to the main resorts in the north of Fuerteventura.
The port of Playa Blanca is at the southern tip of Lanzarote, some 35 km from Arrecife (the island capital) and around 30 km from the airport. The ferry terminal sits in the heart of the resort town of Playa Blanca, so access from the local hotels is immediate.
As this is a 35-minute crossing for foot passengers only, the Buganvilla is the perfect option for day trips between the two islands without taking a car. To travel with a vehicle, Fred. Olsen Express runs other ferries on the same route. See all the options in our Canary Islands routes section.
We recommend arriving at the terminal at least 20–30 minutes before departure. As this is a passenger-only mini-ferry, boarding is quick and straightforward.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Tickets on the Buganvilla start at roughly €20 each way in mid season for adults. Prices vary with the season, how far ahead you book and the passenger type.
Available discounts:
- Canary Islands resident: a substantial discount on the base fare. You must prove residency. This is the biggest discount available and it is applied automatically when you select the passenger type.
- Children: reduced fare for youngsters. Check the age bands when you book.
- Fred. Olsen Club: the operator's loyalty scheme. Check the benefits and discounts on the official Fred. Olsen Express website.
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 option |
|---|---|
| Alone, as a couple or with a group of friends | Standard seat on the inside deck |
| To enjoy the views and the scenery | Open deck (very much in demand) |
| With a pet | Inside deck + dedicated pet area |
| With reduced mobility | Adapted access guaranteed |
| A day trip with a return the same day | Return ticket (better value) |
ferry Buganvilla · Accommodations
Inside deck · Standard
A climate-controlled lounge with comfortable seats, ideal for enjoying the 35-minute crossing in complete comfort. It gives you access to the café bar and onboard entertainment.
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Comfortable seats
✓ USB charging ports
✓ Free Wi-Fi on board
✓ Access to the café bar
Open deck · In the fresh air
The most popular choice with holidaymakers. The open upper deck offers panoramic views of the Atlantic, the islet of Lobos and the coastline of both islands as you cross. Perfect for photographs and for enjoying the Canary Islands climate.
✓ Open-air area
✓ Panoramic views over the Atlantic
✓ Views of the islet of Lobos
✓ Ideal for photography and sightseeing
ferry Buganvilla · On-board services
Café bar on board
Open deck with Atlantic views
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Buganvilla was designed from the outset to guarantee accessibility for every passenger, making it easier to move around on board. In 2022 Fred. Olsen Express became the first Spanish ferry operator to obtain AENOR Universal Accessibility certification, an award extended in 2023 to its entire fleet and port facilities. The Buganvilla meets these standards in full.
Sustainability and the "In Harmony with the Sea" programme
Fred. Olsen Express, which operates the Buganvilla, applies its "In Harmony with the Sea" sustainability programme across its whole fleet, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Canary Islands 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Its initiatives include working with Canary Islands universities on marine wildlife protection, coastal clean-up days and educational workshops on board.
The operator has won the opPORTunity Award in the innovation category for an internationally pioneering project that combines thermal cameras and artificial intelligence to detect marine wildlife, developed alongside Aeromarine and SEA.IA.
Buganvilla vs Buganvilla Express: the key differences
The Buganvilla Express (2024) is the near-identical sister and direct successor to the Buganvilla. These are the main differences between the two ships:
| Feature | Buganvilla | Buganvilla Express |
|---|---|---|
| Year entered service | 2022 | 2024 |
| Passenger capacity | 250 | 250 |
| Crossing time | ~35 min | ~35 min |
| Model | Passenger catamaran | Rodman 80 (newbuild) |
| Children's play area | — | Yes |
| Personal entertainment | — | Yes |
| FRP construction | — | Yes (glass fibre) |
| Route | Playa Blanca–Corralejo | Playa Blanca–Corralejo |
| Free Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Pets accepted | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions about the Buganvilla
Which route does the Buganvilla mini-ferry operate?
She works exclusively on the Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) – Corralejo (Fuerteventura) route for Fred. Olsen Express, with several sailings a day from each port all year round.
How long does the Buganvilla take from Corralejo to Playa Blanca?
The crossing takes roughly 35 minutes. It is one of the shortest and most frequent crossings in the Canary archipelago.
Does the Buganvilla carry cars?
No. The Buganvilla is a mini-ferry for foot passengers only and takes no vehicles. To travel with a car, look at the Fred. Olsen Express ferries on the same route that do carry vehicles.
How many sailings a day does the Buganvilla have?
The Buganvilla offers several sailings a day from each port. Together with the Buganvilla Express, the route adds up to 10-12 sailings a day between the two ships. Check the exact times in our search engine.
Are pets allowed on the Buganvilla?
Yes. The Buganvilla accepts pets. Fred. Olsen Express carries more than 66,000 pets a year across its fleet. Check the specific conditions when you book.
Is there free Wi-Fi on the Buganvilla?
Yes. The Buganvilla has free Wi-Fi throughout the crossing.
Is the Buganvilla accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She is designed to guarantee accessibility for every passenger. In 2022 Fred. Olsen Express obtained AENOR Universal Accessibility certification, extended in 2023 to its entire fleet.
How much does a ticket on the Buganvilla cost?
Tickets start at roughly €20 each way in mid season. Canary Islands residents get discounts. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
As she carries passengers only, boarding is very quick. We recommend arriving at least 20–30 minutes beforehand. In July and August it is worth allowing a little more time.
When did the Buganvilla start operating?
The Buganvilla entered service in April 2022. In her first year she had already delivered a 40% rise in passenger numbers on the Playa Blanca–Corralejo route.
What is the difference between the Buganvilla and the Buganvilla Express?
The Buganvilla is the original mini-ferry, in service since 2022. The Buganvilla Express is a newbuild Rodman 80 catamaran that joined in July 2024. Both work the same route, both are passenger-only and both offer 35-minute crossings. The Buganvilla Express adds a children's play area and personal entertainment systems.
Does the Buganvilla operate all year round?
Yes. The Buganvilla works all year round with several sailings a day, in both high and low season.
Is there a discount for Canary Islands residents on the Buganvilla?
Yes. Canary Islands residents are entitled to discounts when they book. Select the matching passenger type when you make the booking and show your supporting documentation at boarding.
What facilities does the Buganvilla have on board?
The Buganvilla has a climate-controlled inside deck with seating and Wi-Fi, an open-air upper deck with Atlantic views, a café bar, USB charging ports and accessible areas for passengers with reduced mobility and for pets.
