REVIEW · TENERIFE
Canary Islands: Gran Canaria to Tenerife Ferry Ticket
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Fred. Olsen Express · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A quick hop between islands saves your day. I like the 80-minute crossing time because it keeps your Tenerife plans on track, and I also like that you can choose the ferry indoor or outdoor deck for views. One watch-out: food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to eat before you board.
This is a simple, practical transfer on Fred. Olsen Express between Agaete (Gran Canaria) and Santa Cruz (Tenerife), with an open return date. You pick your port of departure when booking, match the schedule with the crossing times available, and then sit back while the islands slide past.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Agaete to Santa Cruz in 80 minutes: the value of saving time
- What you get on board Fred. Olsen Express (and what you don’t)
- Ports and timing: how to make your schedule work
- Choosing departure times
- Your return plan: the open return date advantage
- Cost and value: is $63 a good deal for this crossing?
- Safety and comfort: what to expect from the ride
- Accessibility and who should choose this ticket
- Who this works best for
- Who might not love it
- Simple planning tips that make the ferry day smoother
- Should you book this Gran Canaria–Tenerife ferry ticket?
- FAQ
- How long is the ferry crossing?
- What does the ticket price include?
- Is a vehicle included?
- Are food and drinks included?
- Where do I meet the ferry?
- Do I need ID?
Key things to know before you go
- 80 minutes door-to-island reality check: you lose a lot less time than with longer connections.
- Choose your deck: indoor comfort when you want it, outdoor deck when you want the views.
- Onboard entertainment is built in: live television, digital press, movies/TV series, and games.
- Return ticket with open date: you can plan your Tenerife day first, then decide your return time later.
- No vehicle option on this ticket: plan on walking/transit on both sides.
- You need ID: bring your passport or ID card.
Agaete to Santa Cruz in 80 minutes: the value of saving time

The big selling point here is how fast the ferry ride is. The crossing clocks in at 80 minutes, which matters more than it sounds when you’re moving between islands. Instead of losing half a day, you can treat this as a short travel segment—then spend your actual time in Tenerife.
For me, the sweet spot is how this ticket turns island-hopping into something you can schedule without stress. You’ve got multiple departure times available each day, and you can pick what fits your day on Gran Canaria or Tenerife. If you’re the type who hates “we’ll see” travel plans, this helps you lock in the part you can lock in.
And since you’re getting a return transfer (not a one-way gamble), you’re covered for the trip back too. The open return date means you don’t have to run your whole itinerary around a single fixed time weeks in advance.
What you get on board Fred. Olsen Express (and what you don’t)

This ferry is set up for comfort while you’re crossing. You’ll find indoor seating and an outdoor deck, so you can switch based on weather and how you feel. If the light is good, the outdoor deck is the move. If you want quieter vibes, indoor is the easy choice.
The other standout feature is the onboard entertainment. Expect:
- Live television
- Digital press
- Movies and TV series
- Games
That’s especially helpful if you’re traveling with people who don’t love short rides of “watch the scenery only.” Even if you’re just trying to relax, having screens and media makes the trip feel less like waiting and more like a comfortable in-between moment.
Now, the practical downside: food and drinks aren’t included. The crossing is short, but you can still get hungry. I’d plan a snack or a full meal before you go, especially if you’re sensitive to meal timing.
Also, this ticket doesn’t include a vehicle. If you were hoping to bring a car or scooter across, this specific ferry ticket won’t cover that. You’d need separate arrangements for vehicle transport.
Ports and timing: how to make your schedule work

You travel between two named ports:
- Agaete on Gran Canaria
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The exact meeting point can vary depending on the option you booked. In other words, don’t assume it’s the same place every time—check your specific option details when you book so you don’t show up at the wrong entrance.
The ride ends back at the meeting point, which is convenient if you’re trying to keep your logistics simple. You don’t need to figure out a “last stop” on the other side beyond getting to your next transport.
Choosing departure times
You can choose between several daily departure times, but you’ll need to check availability for the actual start times. Here’s how I’d think about it:
- Pick the sailing that matches your energy level. Early departures can feel great if you want the day to be yours, but if you’re arriving tired, a later crossing might reduce stress.
- If you’re planning a day trip once you land, protect the day by choosing a time that avoids your hottest hours or busiest transit windows in Santa Cruz.
Your return plan: the open return date advantage

One of the most useful parts of this ticket is the return transfer with an open return date. That’s the travel equivalent of keeping your options open without turning it into chaos.
Instead of committing to a strict return day, you can decide after you see how the rest of Tenerife feels. Maybe you extend a hike. Maybe you shift beach time. Maybe you simply move slower than planned (it happens—especially in the Canaries).
Just remember what open return flexibility doesn’t remove: you still need to choose a sailing when you’re ready to go back, based on the daily schedules available. The open return date keeps you flexible, not limitless.
Cost and value: is $63 a good deal for this crossing?
At $63 per person, the real question is what you’re paying for and what it replaces.
You’re paying for:
- A fast round-trip ferry connection (Agaete ↔ Santa Cruz)
- 80-minute crossings instead of slower travel day options
- Comfort on board with indoor/outdoor areas
- Included onboard entertainment (live TV, digital press, movies/TV series, games)
- A ticket that’s set up for easy back-and-forth planning
What you’re not paying for: food, drinks, and any vehicle transport.
In my view, the price feels reasonable because it covers the hardest part of island travel logistics: the crossing itself. If you were to piece together one-way tickets at different times, or if your schedule required extra buffering, this format usually saves you both money and mental energy. The open return date also reduces the chance you’ll pay for a backup plan.
Safety and comfort: what to expect from the ride

The ferry experience here is described as safe and comfortable, with the option to sit indoors or step outside for views. That combination matters. Sometimes indoor comfort is best when it’s cool or breezy. Sometimes the outdoor deck is the highlight, especially if the weather gives you clear sightlines.
Also, this route is designed for convenience. You’re not dealing with a complicated multi-stop transit. You board at the Gran Canaria port, cross to Tenerife, and end back at the meeting point area tied to your booking.
If you care about being relaxed while traveling, you’ll probably appreciate the straightforward nature of this transfer.
Accessibility and who should choose this ticket
This ferry transfer is wheelchair accessible, which is a big practical detail if mobility needs affect your planning. If you’re traveling with limited mobility, it’s worth still checking the specific boarding details tied to your booked option, but the ticket itself is flagged as accessible.
Who this works best for
- You want a quick crossing with minimal hassle.
- You prefer comfort and onboard entertainment more than “big adventure on the ferry.”
- You want a return plan that can flex while you’re on the islands.
Who might not love it
If your plan depends on bringing a vehicle across, this ticket won’t solve that. Also, if you hate the idea of buying your own food while traveling, you’ll need to plan for meals and snacks on your own.
Simple planning tips that make the ferry day smoother

Here are a few practical moves I’d make before you go:
- Bring your passport or ID card. That’s required, and it’s better to have it ready than to scramble at the last second.
- Eat or pack a snack. Since food and drinks aren’t included, you control your comfort.
- Verify your exact meeting point option. The meeting point may vary depending on what you booked.
- Choose your return day once you’re on the ground. The open return date is there to help your itinerary, not stress it.
One more thing: because the crossing is relatively short, you can treat it like a transition rather than a whole event. That mindset helps you plan your day in both islands without overbuilding.
Should you book this Gran Canaria–Tenerife ferry ticket?
Yes—if your main goal is simple, fast island travel with flexibility. This ticket makes a lot of sense when you want to move between Gran Canaria and Tenerife without turning the trip into a logistical project.
I’d book it when:
- You want a quick 80-minute ferry crossing.
- You like having an open return date so you can adapt your Tenerife schedule.
- You’d rather relax indoors with onboard media or step outside for views on the deck.
I’d think twice when:
- You need to transport a vehicle (not included here).
- You expect meals and drinks to be part of the fare (they aren’t).
If you want a reliable, low-stress way to connect the two islands, this is the kind of ticket that earns its place in your plan.
FAQ
How long is the ferry crossing?
The ferry duration is listed as 80 minutes. Start times depend on availability.
What does the ticket price include?
The included item is the return ferry transfer between Gran Canaria (Agaete) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (or reverse), based on your selected direction/booking option.
Is a vehicle included?
No. Vehicle transport is not included.
Are food and drinks included?
No. Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to plan for your own snacks or meals.
Where do I meet the ferry?
The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, and the activity ends back at that meeting point.
Do I need ID?
Yes. You should bring a passport or ID card.






