Reviewed · TICKETS
Canary Islands: Gran Canaria to Tenerife Ferry Ticket
A quick ferry, then you’re on to Tenerife. This Gran Canaria to Tenerife crossing keeps island hopping simple, with an easy route between Agaete and Santa Cruz, plus fast 80-minute travel time. I like that you can relax on a safe, comfortable ferry with indoor or outdoor seating, and you get onboard digital entertainment like live TV, movies, and games. One thing to keep in mind: food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly before you board.
If your trip includes both islands, this is the kind of ticket that saves you headaches. You get a return ferry option with an open return date, so you can adjust your schedule once you see how things go on the ground. The main drawback is timing, since you’ll want to match your plans to the sailing departures available for your dates.
Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

- 80-minute crossing time that makes day-to-day planning realistic
- Agaete to Santa Cruz route, two key ports for Gran Canaria and Tenerife
- Indoor or outdoor decks for comfort and quick access to the views
- Onboard entertainment like live television, digital press, movies, series, and games
- Open return date so you can decide later when to go back
- Wheelchair accessible for travelers who need it
Agaete to Santa Cruz: The Fast Route Between Two Islands

The Canary Islands can feel like a lot when you try to stitch them together with buses, taxis, and long transit gaps. This ferry ticket is made for the opposite feeling. You’re going straight from Agaete on Gran Canaria to Santa Cruz on Tenerife on a trip that takes about 80 minutes.
That speed matters more than it sounds. It gives you options. If you’re staying in one island longer than planned, you can still fit the second island in without giving up your whole day to travel. If your plan is to move hotels, this ferry helps you avoid “half a day gone” energy.
Also, the ferry is positioned as a comfortable, straightforward transfer. You board, you settle in, and you spend the crossing in transit mode rather than logistics mode. For many travelers, that is the real luxury: less stress, more time for actual sightseeing.
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What the Crossing Feels Like on Fred. Olsen Express
This transfer is operated by Fred. Olsen Express, and the focus is comfort plus easy onboard time. The ferry is described as safe and comfortable, and you can choose between an indoor deck and an outdoor deck.
Here’s how to think about that choice:
- If you want to stay cool and keep things simple, go indoor.
- If you want fresh air and the best chance of uninterrupted sea views, go outdoor.
The trip also promises panoramic views, which is exactly the kind of payoff you want from a short crossing. Even if you’re not the type to obsess over “views,” there’s something reassuring about being able to look out while the ferry glides along.
Then there’s the practical part: onboard facilities. The ferry includes live television, digital press, movies and TV series, and games. That means the crossing won’t feel like “sit and stare” time. If you’re traveling with someone who gets bored quickly, this helps.
One more note: this is a ferry transfer, so it’s not a guided day trip with stops and narration. Your job is to board smoothly, pick your spot, and enjoy the ride.
Onboard Entertainment: Keep Time Passes, Not Stops Your Trip

For an 80-minute ride, onboard entertainment is more than a perk. It changes how you use that time.
Instead of checking your watch every five minutes, you can:
- Catch live TV
- Browse digital press
- Watch movies or TV series
- Play games on board
I especially like having options that work whether you feel like relaxing or you feel like staying distracted. It’s a small thing, but it makes the ferry time feel intentional rather than wasted.
If you’re the type who hates being stuck without a plan, this helps. If you’re the type who just wants calm, the indoor deck plus something to watch is a good combo. Either way, you’re not forced into one mood.
And because the ferry is described as offering exceptional service, you’re likely to find that the staff is there when you need help, not just for the formal stuff. That matters during boarding and when you’re figuring out where to go once you step on.
How the Open Return Date Works for Real Schedules

The ticket includes a return transfer with an open return date. That’s a big advantage when you don’t know exactly how your days will unfold. Maybe your hotel change is flexible. Maybe your energy level on Tenerife is different than you expected. Maybe you want to linger longer on Gran Canaria.
The important bit is how you manage the timing:
- You can choose your port of departure upon booking.
- You can inform the date and time you wish to come back at the box office.
So this isn’t a “one exact sailing time forever” type of deal. It’s closer to, you buy the right to come back, and you then lock in the exact return sailing when your schedule is clearer.
Practical tip: when you get close to your return, don’t wait until the last moment to decide your return time. Even if it’s open date, you still need to match your schedule to the available departure times for your chosen day.
Meeting Points and Getting on Board Without Headaches
The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. That means your best move is to double-check your specific confirmation details so you show up at the right place.
This is also a ticket that does not include:
- Pickup and drop-off
- A vehicle
- Food and drinks
So plan your route to and from the port like a local transfer. If you’re using a taxi or bus, build in time to get to Agaete for your outbound sailing and to reach Santa Cruz after arrival on Tenerife.
What I like about this setup is that it keeps the ferry ticket focused on what it does best, getting you across. What I would watch is the “hidden” time cost of getting to the port. If your day is packed, give yourself enough buffer so the ferry part feels easy.
Price and Value: Is $63 Worth It?

At $63 per person for a return ferry with an open return date, the question isn’t just price. It’s what you’re buying.
You’re paying for:
- A fast 80-minute crossing
- A return ticket rather than two one-way purchases
- Multiple daily departure times (so your schedule has room)
- Comfort features like indoor and outdoor decks
- Onboard digital entertainment to make the time feel shorter
If you’re comparing to slower transport options between islands, the value can become clearer quickly. Speed buys you flexibility. And flexibility often saves money indirectly, because you can keep hotel changes cleaner and avoid turning one island into “just a transfer day.”
Could it be more expensive than you’d like on paper? Sure. But for people doing both islands, this is one of those payments that pays you back in time, not just convenience.
Also, since food and drinks are not included, you’ll want to think about snacks or a plan for meals on either side. That way the ferry cost stays the only big line item, not a surprise extra expense you didn’t budget for.
Timing Tips: Matching Departures to How You Travel
The duration is listed as 80 minutes, and the schedule depends on availability. The key is choosing departure times that fit your day rhythm.
A good way to pick:
- If you want a full sightseeing day on Tenerife, choose an outbound sailing that gets you there early enough to actually use the afternoon.
- If you’d rather keep things relaxed, pick a time that lets you arrive, settle, then do a simpler evening plan around Santa Cruz.
Because the ferry includes entertainment, you don’t need to treat the crossing as dead time. Still, the arrival time affects everything after it. So I always treat ferry departure times like a “hinge point” in the day.
And remember, you can choose your return sailing later using the open return date approach. That reduces stress on your planning now.
What to Bring for a Smooth Ferry Day
This transfer is simple, but bring the basics. You’ll want:
- A passport or ID card
That’s it for documents. For comfort, I’d also suggest packing like you would for any ferry ride, because you may want your own water, snacks, or small distractions since food and drinks are not included.
If you’re heading to the next step right after arrival, plan for it too. The ferry ends back at the meeting point, and there’s no pickup or drop-off included, so your next transport is on you.
Accessibility and Who This Ferry Ticket Fits Best
This ferry is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is a big deal for travelers who need clear accessibility in a transport segment.
In terms of who it fits best:
- You’re doing a Gran Canaria and Tenerife itinerary and want the most direct way to move between them
- You prefer comfort and predictability over long transfers
- You want a return option with schedule flexibility
- You like the idea of staying productive or entertained during travel time, with live TV, digital press, movies, series, and games
If you’re traveling with kids, onboard entertainment can make a short crossing feel less like an interruption. If you’re traveling solo, it’s a comfortable way to connect islands without losing half your day to transit.
If you’re the type who loves guided explanations and structured activities, this ticket won’t replace that. It’s a transfer, not a tour with narration. But for many trips, that’s exactly what you need.
Should You Book This Canary Islands Ferry Ticket?
Book it if you want an easy, fast connection between Gran Canaria and Tenerife with a return option that doesn’t lock you into one fixed schedule. This ticket is strong on practical value: 80 minutes, return coverage, and onboard entertainment that helps you actually enjoy travel time.
Skip it or rethink it if you know you will need included meals or a pickup service, because food and drinks, vehicle, and pickup/drop-off are not included. Also, if your itinerary is extremely rigid, you’ll still need to pick sailings that match your dates since departures run by schedule.
Bottom line: if your goal is real island hopping with less friction, this ferry ticket is a smart, time-saving choice.
FAQ
Where does the ferry depart and arrive?
The ferry transfer runs between Agaete (Gran Canaria) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. A return transfer is also included (or the reverse route).
How long is the crossing?
The crossing time is listed as 80 minutes.
What’s included in the ticket price?
Included is a return ferry transfer from Gran Canaria (Agaete) to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, or in the reverse direction.
Is food and drinks included on board?
No. Food and drinks are not included.
Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.
What documents do I need to bring?
You should bring a passport or ID card.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes. It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Can I choose my return date later?
Yes. The ticket includes an open return date, and you can inform the date and time you wish to come back at the box office.
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