Volcán de Taburiente Naviera Armas
Volcán de Taburiente
âš“ The Volcán de Taburiente is one of the most important ro-ro passenger ferries in the Naviera Armas fleet, built around the links between mainland Spain and the Canary Islands as well as inter-island routes within the archipelago. Her name is a tribute to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park on the island of La Palma, one of the most emblematic and closely protected natural sites in the Canaries. The ship combines remarkable freight capacity with passenger accommodation, which makes her a firm favourite with anyone travelling between the mainland and the islands with a vehicle or goods.
The Volcán de Taburiente is a Ro-Pax vessel (roll-on/roll-off with passengers), meaning she is designed to carry cars and lorries as well as passengers. Ships of this kind are essential to keeping the islands supplied with goods and to the mobility of residents and visitors alike — a public service role that matters enormously in the Canaries.
History and background of the ship
The Volcán de Taburiente (IMO 9224170) was built between 2001 and 2002 at the Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) yard in Flensburg (Germany) as the Stena Forecaster for Stena Line, working Ro-Ro freight routes in the North Sea between Ireland and the United Kingdom. In 2006 she was bought by Naviera Armas, given a full refit to convert her into a mixed passenger and freight ferry, and renamed Volcán de Taburiente — after the magnificent national park on La Palma. She has been one of the mainstays of the Canarian operator's long-distance fleet ever since.
She currently works the mainland–Canaries sea bridge, covering the long-distance route of more than 40 hours between the Port of Huelva and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This route is vital for supplying goods and moving vehicles between the mainland and the islands, particularly for Canary Islanders travelling with their own car and making use of the 75% resident discount.
The Caldera de Taburiente is a vast volcanic erosion basin more than 8 km across in the interior of La Palma, a National Park since 1954 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is one of the most spectacular natural sites in the archipelago, with walls rising beyond 2,000 metres and the Barranco de Las Angustias ravine as its only natural way out. Naviera Armas keeps up the tradition of naming its ships after volcanoes and landmarks of the islands, reinforcing its Canarian identity and its bond with the territory it serves.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-Pax ferry (rolling freight and passengers) |
| Length overall | 182.40 m |
| Beam | 26.60 m |
| Draught | 6.40 m |
| GT (gross tonnage) | 22,917 GT |
| Service speed | ~19 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~586 people |
| Freight capacity | ~1,800 linear metres (trailers and vehicles) |
| Vehicle decks | Several Ro-Ro decks |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines |
| Shipyard | Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG), Germany |
| Year built | 2000 |
| IMO number | 9208956 |
| Call sign | EAQJ |
| Flag | Spain |
| Port of registry | Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Approx. duration | Frequency* |
|---|---|---|
| Huelva → Santa Cruz de Tenerife | ~36–40 h | Weekly / twice weekly |
| Huelva → Las Palmas de Gran Canaria | ~40–44 h | Weekly / twice weekly |
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife → Las Palmas de Gran Canaria | ~8–9 h | Varies by season |
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife → Santa Cruz de La Palma | ~6–7 h | Varies by season |
| Las Palmas de Gran Canaria → Arrecife (Lanzarote) | ~6–8 h | Varies by season |
* Indicative timetables and frequencies, subject to season, availability and fleet allocation. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Huelva: the mainland–Canaries link
The Huelva–Canaries route is the shortest sea link in pure distance between the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands. The port of Huelva lies in the south-west of Spain, which makes it the closest mainland departure point to the islands. The crossing runs out across the Atlantic and, depending on the weather, can take between 36 and 44 hours according to the destination.
If you are travelling from inland Spain, bear in mind that Huelva is some 600 km from Madrid (roughly 6 hours by car) and about 200 km from Seville. For travellers coming from the north or east of the country, it may be worth comparing the routes from Cádiz or Barcelona. If you are bringing a vehicle, arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand. As a foot passenger, 90 minutes is enough.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the Volcán de Taburiente vary a good deal with the season, the accommodation you choose and whether you are bringing a vehicle. As a rough guide, a seat in mid season can start at around ~€60–80 per mainland crossing, while a cabin can range from ~€120 to €250 or more in high season.
Available discounts:
- Canary Islands resident: residents of the Canary Islands are entitled to a 75% reduction on the base passenger fare, on production of a valid Spanish ID card (DNI) or certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- Large family: discounts according to the large-family certificate held (general or special), applied to the passenger fare.
- Children: reduced fares for children by age band. Check the conditions when you book.
- Freight transport: specific rates for hauliers and companies shipping rolling freight. Contact Naviera Armas directly.
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 lowest price | Reclining seat |
| As a couple or two friends who want a proper rest | Double inside cabin |
| As a family with children | Family cabin (4 berths) |
| Looking for maximum comfort and natural light | Outside cabin |
| With a pet | Cabin + pet place |
| As a haulier or professional driver | Drivers' cabin |
Volcán de Taburiente · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the Volcán de Taburiente. Reclining seats in a shared area with access to every part of the ship. A good choice for overnight crossings or for travellers who put price first on long-distance routes.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to the café and public areas
✓ Access to the open deck
✓ The most affordable option on board
Inside cabin · 2 or 4 berths
A cabin without an outside window, ideal for resting on an overnight crossing. Available with 2 or 4 berths. The option to go for if a good night's sleep matters more than paying the supplement for an outside cabin.
✓ Berths with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom in the cabin
✓ Air conditioning and heating
✓ Luggage storage in the cabin
Outside cabin · With porthole
A cabin with a window or porthole to the outside. The best option for anyone who values natural light and views over the Atlantic during the crossing. Particularly worth it on daytime sailings or for travellers who suffer from claustrophobia.
✓ Porthole or outside window
✓ Berths with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom in the cabin
✓ Air conditioning and heating
Family cabin · 4 berths
A four-berth cabin designed for families or groups of up to 4 people. It lets you travel together in privacy and comfort on the long Atlantic crossings. The option we would recommend above all for families with children on the mainland routes.
✓ 4 berths in a private cabin
✓ Private bathroom in the cabin
✓ Bed linen included
✓ Ideal for families with small children
Volcán de Taburiente · On-board services
Café and restaurant
On crossings of 36 to 44 hours like the Huelva–Canaries route, a decent food offering on board is essential. The Volcán de Taburiente has a café and restaurant service with a menu of hot dishes, sandwiches, salads and drinks. The café keeps long opening hours to look after passengers throughout the long Atlantic crossing.
Onboard shop
The ship has an onboard shop selling travel goods, snacks, drinks, newspapers and a selection of everyday essentials for passengers. It is especially useful on long crossings where passengers spend more than one night on board.
Open deck
The Volcán de Taburiente has an open deck that passengers can use while under way. It is a place to take in the Atlantic, and is at its best on the stretches closer to the Canaries, when the scenery and the colour of the sea change noticeably. Bring warm clothing: out on the open sea the wind can be strong even in summer.
Travelling with a dog on board
Naviera Armas allows pets to travel on the Volcán de Taburiente, although the specific conditions can vary. As a rule, pets may not enter the general passenger areas and must stay in the designated areas or in their owner's vehicle on the car deck. You must:
- Book the pet place when you buy your ticket.
- Show a valid rabies vaccination and an identification microchip.
- Carry the animal's passport or health documentation.
- Comply with European Union rules on the movement of pet animals if the journey involves entering or leaving mainland territory.
We recommend confirming the exact conditions directly with Naviera Armas before booking, as policies can be updated.
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Volcán de Taburiente has adapted access and services for passengers with reduced mobility or a disability. If you have special requirements, it is essential to tell Naviera Armas when you book so that the right assistance can be provided both in port (boarding and disembarkation) and during the crossing. The ports of Huelva, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria all offer assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility.
Tips for a long crossing on the Volcán de Taburiente
The Huelva–Canaries route is one of the longest crossings in Spanish coastal shipping. Here are a few practical tips to make the trip as comfortable as possible:
- Book a cabin if you can: on a crossing of more than 36 hours, a berth is far more restful than a seat, especially in a rough sea.
- Load up on entertainment: download box sets, podcasts or e-books before you board. Mobile data coverage can be patchy out at sea.
- Warm clothes for the deck: even in summer, the Atlantic wind can be chilly out on the open sea.
- Seasickness tablets: the Atlantic can be rougher than the Mediterranean, particularly in winter. If you are prone to seasickness, come prepared.
- Bring food and snacks: there is a café on board, but packing a picnic can keep costs down over such a long crossing.
- Get to the port in good time: with a vehicle, at least 2 hours before departure.
Frequently asked questions about the Volcán de Taburiente
Which routes does the Volcán de Taburiente ferry operate?
She works mainly the Huelva–Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Huelva–Las Palmas de Gran Canaria routes, linking the mainland with the Canary Islands. She may also work inter-island routes within the archipelago according to Naviera Armas's planning.
How long is the crossing from Huelva to the Canaries?
The Huelva–Santa Cruz de Tenerife crossing takes roughly 36–40 hours. To Las Palmas de Gran Canaria it is 40 to 44 hours. These times are indicative and can vary with Atlantic conditions.
Does the Volcán de Taburiente carry cars and lorries?
Yes. She is a Ro-Pax vessel with room for roughly 1,800 linear metres of rolling freight, including private cars, vans, lorries and semi-trailers. If you are travelling with a vehicle, arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand.
What accommodation does the Volcán de Taburiente offer?
Four types: a reclining seat (the cheapest), an inside cabin (no window, 2 or 4 berths), an outside cabin (with a porthole) and a family cabin (4 berths). Every cabin includes a private bathroom and bed linen.
Is there a Canary Islands resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Canary Islands are entitled to a 75% reduction on the base fare, on production of a valid Spanish ID card (DNI) or certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Volcán de Taburiente?
Yes, subject to conditions. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket and produce the animal's health documentation (rabies vaccination, microchip, passport). Confirm the exact conditions with Naviera Armas before booking.
Is she accessible to passengers with reduced mobility?
The Volcán de Taburiente has adapted access. If you have special requirements, it is essential to say so when you book so that the right assistance can be arranged at boarding, on board and on disembarkation.
How much does it cost to travel on the Volcán de Taburiente?
As a rough guide, a seat can start at around ~€60–80 per crossing in mid season. A cabin ranges from ~€120 to €250 or more depending on the type and the season. Canary Islands residents pay 75% less. Check real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 2 hours before departure. As a foot passenger: 90 minutes is enough. In high season (summer, Christmas) it is worth allowing extra time.
Why does she sail from Huelva rather than Cádiz or Algeciras?
The port of Huelva is the closest point on the mainland to the Canary Islands as the crow flies, which keeps the distance and the crossing time down. Naviera Armas has historically made Huelva its main mainland gateway to the archipelago.
Why is she called Volcán de Taburiente?
The name refers to the Caldera de Taburiente, a spectacular volcanic basin more than 8 km across on the island of La Palma, designated a National Park and a Biosphere Reserve. Naviera Armas keeps up the tradition of naming its ships after volcanoes and landmarks of the Canarian archipelago.
Is a cabin worth it for the crossing, or will a seat do?
On a crossing of more than 36 hours like the Huelva–Canaries route, booking a cabin is the way to get a proper rest. A seat is fine for travellers on a tight budget or on the shorter inter-island hops, but out on the open sea a cabin makes a real difference, especially in a swell.
