fast ferry Mercedes Pinto Balearia
fast ferry Mercedes Pinto
âš“ The Mercedes Pinto is one of the fastest and most modern fast ferries working in the western Mediterranean, linking the Port of Dénia with Ibiza and Formentera in crossing times far shorter than those of conventional ferries. Operated by Baleària, the Mercedes Pinto is a high-speed catamaran that covers the Dénia–Ibiza route in around 2 hours 15 minutes, making her the quickest way to reach the Pityusic Islands from the Valencian coast.
She was built at the Incat shipyard in Hobart (Australia), a world reference in high-speed aluminium catamarans, and joined the Baleària fleet to strengthen the links with the Pityusic Islands. With her waterjet propulsion and twin-hull catamaran design, the Mercedes Pinto combines speed, stability and vehicle capacity in a single vessel.
The ship is named after Mercedes Pinto (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 1883 – Mexico, 1976), a Canarian writer, journalist and educator regarded as one of the leading figures of Spanish-speaking feminism in the first half of the twentieth century. The author of novels, plays and essays, she was also a pioneering advocate of secular education and women's rights, which cost her exile during the Primo de Rivera dictatorship. With this series of fast ferries, Baleària has kept up its tradition of honouring Spanish-speaking women scientists, thinkers and artists.
History and background of the ship
The Mercedes Pinto is the last of a series of three sister catamarans ordered by Baleària from the Astilleros Armón yard in Gijón, alongside the Eleanor Roosevelt and the Margarita Salas. She was launched on 19 September 2025 as build number G032 and delivered on 14 May 2026 after sea trials in the Bay of Biscay on 22 April, at a cost of 128 million euros. Two days after delivery she sailed for Huelva, where she was prepared and bunkered with LNG for the inter-island Canary services.
Once in the Canary Islands, she was named on 4 June 2026 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife by her sponsor Antonia Varela, director general of the Starlight Foundation and a researcher at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias. She entered service the following day on the Morro Jable–Las Palmas de Gran Canaria–Santa Cruz de Tenerife route. She takes her name from the Spanish writer and activist Mercedes Pinto (1883–1976), a pioneer of feminism in the Spanish-speaking world.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Fast ferry catamaran |
| Length overall | 86 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Service speed | ~36 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~450 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~100 cars |
| Propulsion | High-speed waterjets |
| Construction material | High-strength marine aluminium |
| Shipyard | Incat, Hobart (Australia) |
| Flag | Spain |
| IMO number | 9374659 |
| SmartB system | Yes (free WiFi, digital entertainment, WhatsApp) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Dénia → Ibiza | ~2 h 15 min | ~08:00 / ~17:00 |
| Ibiza → Dénia | ~2 h 15 min | ~11:30 / ~20:00 |
| Dénia → Formentera | ~3 h | ~08:00 (via Ibiza) |
| Formentera → Dénia | ~3 h | ~17:30 (via Ibiza) |
| Ibiza → Formentera | ~35 min | Several departures |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The Port of Dénia: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Mercedes Pinto sails from the Port of Dénia, in the Marina Alta district of Alicante province, some 100 km north of Alicante and 100 km south of Valencia. It is the most convenient departure port for travellers from inland Valencia, Aragón and Castilla-La Mancha who want to reach Ibiza or Formentera without going through Barcelona or Valencia city.
Dénia is also the mainland port closest to Ibiza as the crow flies, which is why the crossings are so short. If you are coming from Madrid or other inland cities, the drive on the A-7 or the AP-7 is straightforward. We recommend arriving at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand if you have a vehicle, and 45 minutes if you are travelling as a foot passenger.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the Mercedes Pinto vary with the season. In mid season, a standard seat on the Dénia–Ibiza route can be found from roughly €50–70 each way. In July and August prices rise sharply, so it is best to book as far ahead as you can.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare for residents of the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca, Menorca). You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- Youth card (Carnet Joven): reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30. Check availability when you book.
- Baleària Club: the operator's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them for discounts on future bookings.
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 | Seat with a table |
| Looking for extra comfort and more privacy | VIP lounge (where available) |
| With a pet | Standard seat + pet place |
| With small children | Seat with a table (near the rest area) |
fast ferry Mercedes Pinto · Accommodations
Standard seat
The cheapest option on board the Mercedes Pinto. Comfortable seats in a shared lounge, with access to every area of the ship, free WiFi and a café service. Perfect for a short, brisk hop across to Ibiza or Formentera.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Sockets for chargers
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
✓ Access to every area of the ship
Seat with a table
A variation on the standard seat, with a built-in table for 4 people. Ideal for families, groups of friends or anyone who wants to eat, play games or work during the crossing to the Pityusic Islands.
✓ Shared table for 4 people
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Sockets for chargers
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
VIP lounge · Premium
A restricted-access lounge with more comfortable seating and greater privacy. It comes with more attentive service and a quieter atmosphere, ideal for anyone who wants to rest or work in peace during the crossing.
✓ Exclusive-access lounge
✓ More comfortable seating
✓ Quiet, private atmosphere
✓ Free SmartB WiFi included
fast ferry Mercedes Pinto · On-board services
Café and food service
The Mercedes Pinto has a café on board serving hot and cold food and drinks throughout the crossing. On a two-and-a-quarter-hour sailing, the café covers everything you might want, whether that is breakfast, a light lunch or a snack before you reach the Pityusic Islands.
Outside deck
The Mercedes Pinto has an outside deck from which to enjoy the views over the Mediterranean while under way. It is a favourite with passengers on sunny summer days, as the skyline of the Pityusic Islands draws closer with every mile.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Mercedes Pinto has accessibility features for passengers with reduced mobility, including adapted entrances and areas with wheelchair anchor points. We recommend contacting Baleària before you travel to confirm that personal assistance is available for boarding and disembarking at the Port of Dénia.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Mercedes Pinto you have access to Baleària's SmartB platform, the fleet's digital entertainment and connectivity system:
- Free WiFi throughout the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp that does not use your mobile data
- On-demand series and films on your smartphone or tablet
- Digital magazines through the entertainment platform
- Free Spanish and international press via PressReader
- Digital boarding pass with online seat allocation
- Real-time journey information on your phone
Frequently asked questions about the Mercedes Pinto
Which routes does the Mercedes Pinto fast ferry operate?
She works mainly the Dénia–Ibiza and Dénia–Formentera (via Ibiza) routes for Baleària. She may also cover the Ibiza–Formentera route as an inter-island link, depending on the season and the timetable.
How long does the Mercedes Pinto take from Dénia to Ibiza?
The Dénia–Ibiza crossing takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes. It is one of the quickest journeys available on this route, thanks to the catamaran's waterjet propulsion.
How long does the Mercedes Pinto take from Dénia to Formentera?
The Dénia–Formentera crossing takes roughly 3 hours, usually calling at Ibiza on the way. It is the fastest direct link available between the mainland and Formentera.
Does the Mercedes Pinto carry cars?
Yes. She has a vehicle deck for around 100 vehicles. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time.
What accommodation does the Mercedes Pinto offer?
Three types: the standard seat (the budget option in a shared lounge), the seat with a table (ideal for families or groups of up to 4 people) and the VIP lounge (more comfort and privacy, restricted access).
Is there free WiFi on the Mercedes Pinto?
Yes. Baleària's SmartB platform includes free WiFi, WhatsApp that does not use your data, on-demand series and films, digital press through PressReader and a digital boarding pass.
Is there a Balearic resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands (Ibiza and Formentera included) are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Mercedes Pinto?
Yes. She has a dedicated pet area. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket. Check the conditions for your pet's type and size before boarding.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has adapted entrances and wheelchair anchor points. We recommend contacting Baleària in advance to confirm what assistance is available for boarding and disembarking.
How much does it cost to travel on the Mercedes Pinto?
Prices on the Dénia–Ibiza route start at roughly €50–70 in mid season. In July and August they are higher. Balearic residents pay 75% less. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port of Dénia?
By car: at least 90 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger, 45 minutes is enough. In high season (July and August) it is worth allowing extra time.
Why is Dénia the best port for getting to Ibiza from the mainland?
Dénia is the mainland port closest to Ibiza as the crow flies, which cuts the crossing time considerably. It is the ideal option for travellers from Valencia, Aragón, Castilla-La Mancha and Madrid looking for the quickest way to the Pityusic Islands.
When does the Mercedes Pinto operate the Dénia–Ibiza route?
The Mercedes Pinto sails mainly in the spring and summer season (roughly March to October), with more departures in July and August. Outside the high season the frequency may be reduced. Check exact availability in our search engine.
Who was Mercedes Pinto, the woman the ship is named after?
Mercedes Pinto (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 1883 – Mexico, 1976) was a Canarian writer, journalist and educator, regarded as one of the leading figures of twentieth-century Spanish-speaking feminism. She championed secular education and women's rights, which cost her exile. Baleària keeps up the tradition of naming its fast ferries after remarkable women from Spanish culture and history.
