What we know
- Baleària has taken control of the former Armas Trasmediterránea business in the Canary Islands.
- The old Armas branding is now being replaced across parts of the ferry network by Baleària Canarias.
- Mr TravelON travelled on the former Armas ferry route between Playa Blanca in Lanzarote and Corralejo in Fuerteventura to show the change first-hand.
- The Lanzarote to Fuerteventura ferry remains one of the quickest and easiest island-hopping routes in the Canary Islands.
- Baleària Canarias is introducing major fleet changes, including the new Mercedes Pinto fast ferry.
- The Mercedes Pinto is set to become a key vessel on routes linking Morro Jable in Fuerteventura, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- Travellers can book simple ferry crossings, ferry with vehicle options, or organised island tours through TravelON World.
Baleària Canarias Arrives: Armas Disappears From the Lanzarote to Fuerteventura Ferry
A major change has arrived in Canary Islands ferry travel. Baleària Canarias has taken over the former Armas Trasmediterránea operation in the islands, and on some routes the change is already highly visible to passengers. For travellers using the popular ferry between Playa Blanca in Lanzarote and Corralejo in Fuerteventura, the old Armas name is now being replaced by the new Baleària Canarias identity, with new branding, new colours, a new logo and a very different feel around the service.
Mr TravelON travelled on the route himself to show holidaymakers exactly what has changed. This was the same crossing many visitors already know as the old Armas ferry between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, but the passenger experience now comes under the Baleària Canarias brand. From the outside of the vessel to the onboard areas, signage, café service and booking experience, this is the start of a new chapter for Canary Island ferries.
The route remains one of the most important short sea crossings in the Canary Islands. It connects Playa Blanca in the south of Lanzarote with Corralejo in the north of Fuerteventura, making it popular with residents, day-trippers, excursion customers, independent travellers, car hire users and holidaymakers who want to visit two islands in one trip.
Why This Matters for Travellers
For tourists, the takeover is not just a corporate ferry story. It affects how people move around the Canary Islands. Ferry routes are part of everyday travel here, especially between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and the eastern islands connecting with the larger ports.
The arrival of Baleària Canarias means passengers will start to see new branding, new booking systems, fleet changes, route adjustments and, over time, upgraded onboard services. For anyone booking a Canary Islands ferry in 2026, names that used to be familiar may now look different online, at the port and on the vessels themselves.
This is why Mr TravelON wanted to take the crossing personally. Rather than simply reading about the takeover from an office, he boarded the ferry from Playa Blanca to Corralejo to show what travellers will actually experience when they arrive at the port, walk onto the ferry, order food or drinks, and make the short crossing between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
Mr TravelON Onboard: Playa Blanca to Corralejo Ferry Tour
In the TravelON World video report, Mr TravelON boards the former Armas ferry service from Playa Blanca in Lanzarote to Corralejo in Fuerteventura. The crossing is one of the easiest ways to experience island hopping in the Canary Islands, especially for holidaymakers staying in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste or other nearby resort areas.
The onboard tour shows the ferry itself, the seating areas, outside spaces, café and food options, and the general passenger experience under the new Baleària Canarias branding. For many visitors, this will be their first look at what the new ferry brand means in practice.
What Mr TravelON Shows Onboard
- The newly branded Baleària Canarias ferry experience.
- The former Armas route now operating under the new identity.
- Passenger seating areas and open deck spaces.
- The onboard café and snack options.
- Food and drink prices shown during the crossing.
- The views between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
- How easy the crossing is for a day trip or organised island tour.
Food and drink prices can change depending on the vessel, the date and the onboard menu, so travellers should always check the current prices on the day of travel. In the video, Mr TravelON shows the real café menu and prices as they appeared during his crossing, giving viewers a practical look at what to expect before they book.
How Long Is the Ferry From Lanzarote to Fuerteventura?
The Playa Blanca to Corralejo ferry is one of the fastest and most convenient ferry routes in the Canary Islands. Baleària Canarias describes the Lanzarote to Fuerteventura route as ideal for a one-day excursion, with the fastest crossings taking around 25 minutes depending on the sailing, vessel and conditions.
This makes it especially attractive for visitors who want to see the famous Corralejo sand dunes, visit El Cotillo, explore the north of Fuerteventura, or simply enjoy a different island without committing to a full hotel move.
Popular Ways to Use the Lanzarote to Fuerteventura Ferry
- Foot passenger ferry from Playa Blanca to Corralejo.
- Ferry with car for independent exploring.
- Organised Fuerteventura day trip from Lanzarote.
- Ferry with bus transfer through TravelON World.
- Island hopping between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
- Return ferry crossing for visitors staying in Corralejo who want to visit Playa Blanca.
Booking Options: Ferry Only, Ferry With Car, or Island Tour
Travellers now have several different ways to use the Baleària Canarias ferry between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. The best option depends on whether you want a simple crossing, a self-guided day out, or a complete organised excursion.
1. Ferry Only
The simplest option is to book a ferry-only ticket between Playa Blanca and Corralejo. This is ideal for visitors who are staying close to either port, want to travel as foot passengers, or are comfortable arranging their own transport once they arrive.
2. Ferry With Vehicle
Travellers who want more independence can book the ferry with a vehicle, subject to availability and the conditions of their car hire company. This is useful for visitors who want to explore beaches, villages and viewpoints at their own pace.
3. Ferry With Bus or Organised Island Tour
For many holidaymakers, the easiest option is to book an organised island tour through TravelON World. This can include transport, ferry crossing and a planned itinerary, removing the stress of port logistics, timing and local transport.
TravelON World offers island-hopping experiences and ferry-based tours designed for visitors who want to see more of the Canary Islands without dealing with all the planning themselves. This is especially useful for families, first-time visitors and anyone who wants a smoother travel day.
Book Canary Islands ferry tours and island-hopping experiences with TravelON World: Fuerteventura Island Tour from Lanzarote, Lanzarote to Fuerteventura Ferry Trips, Lanzarote Day Trip from Fuerteventura.
The History of Baleària: From 1998 to the Canary Islands
Baleària was founded in 1998 and has grown into one of Spain’s most important ferry operators, connecting passengers, vehicles and freight across different maritime routes. The company became known for its focus on fast ferry services, fleet modernisation, digital booking, passenger comfort and more sustainable vessel technology.
The company’s expansion has been closely linked with Spanish island connectivity, particularly in the Balearic Islands, where ferry routes are a vital part of daily life, tourism and logistics. Over time, Baleària developed a wider network that also included mainland Spain, North Africa, the Strait of Gibraltar, Ceuta, Melilla and international routes.
The move into the Canary Islands is therefore a major strategic step. Until this takeover, the Canary Islands ferry market was already served by established names familiar to residents and tourists, including Armas, Trasmediterránea and Fred. Olsen Express. With Baleària Canarias now entering the market through the Armas acquisition, one of the biggest names in Spanish ferry travel is now directly involved in inter-island and mainland-Canary ferry services.
The Armas Takeover: Why It Happened, When It Happened and What It Cost
Baleària announced in August 2025 that it had reached an agreement to acquire key parts of the Armas Trasmediterránea business, including operations in the Canary Islands, the Alboran Sea and part of the Strait of Gibraltar. The deal involved 15 ferries and around 1,500 employees joining the Baleària group.
Spanish competition approval was an important part of the process. The CNMC, Spain’s competition authority, examined the acquisition because of the importance of ferry services for passengers, vehicles and freight. The regulator approved the operation with conditions designed to protect competition, service quality, capacity, route frequencies and prices.
The deal was reported as being worth around €215 million. After completion, Baleària moved into a much larger position in Spanish ferry travel, with the group expanding to more than 50 vessels, around 4,500 employees and annual passenger traffic above eight million.
Baleària has also committed significant investment in the network, including fleet renewal, service improvements and digital upgrades. Reports around the deal point to a planned investment of around €45 million over the following three years, with part of that focused on improving the fleet and service reliability.
Why Did Baleària Buy Armas in the Canary Islands?
The takeover gives Baleària immediate access to a major Canary Islands ferry network. Instead of building every route from scratch, the company has taken over an existing operation with vessels, port access, staff, customers and established routes.
For the Canary Islands, the deal is significant because ferries are not just a tourist service. They carry residents, rental cars, delivery vehicles, food supplies, freight, commercial traffic and holidaymakers. Any change to ferry ownership can therefore affect island connectivity, prices, route planning and the visitor experience.
Has Armas Really Vanished?
For passengers using some former Armas routes, the answer may feel like yes. On Mr TravelON’s Lanzarote to Fuerteventura crossing, the new Baleària Canarias branding was clear, and the old familiar Armas look had effectively disappeared from the passenger experience.
However, across the wider business, brand transitions of this size do not always happen overnight on every website, ticket, sign, vessel and route. During a takeover period, travellers may still see references to Armas Trasmediterránea in some booking systems, older pages, documents or port information while the transition continues.
The important point for travellers is this: if you previously searched for Armas ferries in the Canary Islands, you may now need to search for Baleària Canarias, especially for routes such as Baleària Lanzarote, Baleària Fuerteventura, Baleària Gran Canaria and Baleària Tenerife.
The Big News: Mercedes Pinto, the Brand New Baleària Fast Ferry for Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife
The most important new ferry story for travellers is the arrival of the Mercedes Pinto. This brand new fast ferry is a major part of Baleària Canarias’ future in the islands and is expected to play a key role on routes linking Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
The Mercedes Pinto is not just a rebranded former Armas ferry. It is a new-generation Baleària fast ferry, built for capacity, speed, comfort and improved environmental performance. The vessel is designed to carry passengers and vehicles quickly between major Canary Islands ports, helping to strengthen the connection between Morro Jable in Fuerteventura, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Mercedes Pinto Fast Ferry: Key Facts
- Vessel name: Mercedes Pinto
- Operator: Baleària Canarias
- Type: Natural gas fast ferry
- Length: 123 metres
- Speed: Around 35 knots
- Passenger capacity: 1,200 passengers
- Vehicle capacity: 425 vehicles
- Fuel: Liquefied natural gas, with dual-fuel technology
- Planned route focus: Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife connections
This is huge news for Canary Islands ferry travel because the Mercedes Pinto gives Baleària Canarias a flagship vessel for one of the most important inter-island corridors. The route between Morro Jable, Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife gives Fuerteventura a stronger connection to both Gran Canaria and Tenerife, opening up more options for residents, visitors and freight movement.
Why the Mercedes Pinto Matters
For tourists, the Mercedes Pinto could make multi-island travel more realistic. A holidaymaker staying in Fuerteventura may find it easier to connect with Gran Canaria or Tenerife. A traveller arriving in Gran Canaria could explore Fuerteventura without flying. Residents may also benefit from more choice, more capacity and improved journey comfort.
For the islands, this is about more than tourism. Better ferry links support local businesses, supply chains, sports travel, events, family visits, medical travel, education and movement between islands. In a region where every island depends on air and sea connectivity, a modern fast ferry can make a real difference.
Baleària Fuerteventura to Gran Canaria Ferry
The Fuerteventura to Gran Canaria ferry is one of the routes receiving major attention under Baleària Canarias. The route connects Morro Jable in the south of Fuerteventura with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, giving passengers a direct link between two of the most visited islands in the archipelago.
Baleària Canarias describes the Fuerteventura to Gran Canaria crossing as a fast ferry route, with an approximate journey time of around two hours depending on the vessel, date and sea conditions. Vehicles can be taken on board subject to availability, making the route useful for both visitors and residents.
Who Is This Route Best For?
- Holidaymakers staying in Fuerteventura who want to visit Gran Canaria.
- Travellers combining two islands in one trip.
- Residents travelling for work, family or appointments.
- Visitors with vehicles who want to tour Gran Canaria independently.
- Tourists who prefer ferry travel instead of inter-island flights.
Baleària Gran Canaria to Tenerife Ferry
The Gran Canaria to Tenerife ferry connection is another key part of the Baleària Canarias expansion. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are two of the most important ports in the Canary Islands, and stronger ferry links between them matter for both tourism and logistics.
The planned service pattern includes multiple daily connections between Las Palmas and Tenerife, with the Mercedes Pinto operating alongside other fast ferries such as Volcán de Taidía and Volcán de Tagoro. This strengthens the inter-island corridor between the two main capital islands and provides more options for passengers who prefer travelling by sea.
For tourists, this could make it easier to build a Canary Islands holiday that includes more than one island. For residents, it increases choice on one of the most important sea routes in the region.
Baleària Lanzarote: What Changes for Playa Blanca and Arrecife?
Lanzarote is directly affected by the new Baleària Canarias operation. The Playa Blanca to Corralejo ferry is already one of the most important routes for holidaymakers, and the rebranding from Armas to Baleària Canarias is now visible on the ground.
Lanzarote also remains strategically important for connections with Gran Canaria and the wider ferry network. With new fleet deployment across the islands, routes involving Arrecife and Playa Blanca may continue to develop as Baleària Canarias reshapes the former Armas operation.
For tourists staying in Lanzarote, the most practical immediate change is the booking name. Many people who once searched for “Armas Lanzarote to Fuerteventura ferry” may now find themselves searching for “Baleària Lanzarote to Fuerteventura ferry” or “Baleària Canarias Playa Blanca Corralejo”.
Baleària Fuerteventura: Why Corralejo and Morro Jable Are Both Important
Fuerteventura plays a central role in the Baleària Canarias story because it has two very important ferry points for visitors. Corralejo connects the island with Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, while Morro Jable connects the south of Fuerteventura with Gran Canaria and, through the new fast ferry plans, Tenerife.
This means Fuerteventura is not just a destination; it is also a bridge between islands. For tourists, this opens up new ways to explore. For residents and businesses, it strengthens the island’s role within the wider Canary Islands transport network.
Key Fuerteventura Ferry Routes to Watch
- Corralejo to Playa Blanca, Lanzarote.
- Playa Blanca to Corralejo, Fuerteventura.
- Morro Jable to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
- Morro Jable to Santa Cruz de Tenerife via the new fast ferry network.
Baleària Tenerife: Why the New Ferry Matters for the Island
Tenerife is the largest and most visited island in the Canary Islands, and ferry connectivity is essential for residents, freight and visitors. The inclusion of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the new fast ferry network gives Baleària Canarias a direct role in one of the most important inter-island passenger corridors.
The Mercedes Pinto is especially relevant because it is named after Mercedes Pinto, the writer, poet and educator born in San Cristóbal de La Laguna in Tenerife. That gives the vessel a strong Canary Islands identity as it begins operating in the archipelago.
For visitors, the practical impact is more choice. Travellers planning a multi-island holiday may soon be looking at Baleària Tenerife, Baleària Gran Canaria and Baleària Fuerteventura as part of the same journey rather than treating each island as a separate holiday.
Analysis: Is This Good News for Canary Islands Travellers?
From a traveller’s point of view, this could be very good news if the takeover delivers what passengers actually care about: reliable sailings, clear booking systems, fair prices, comfortable vessels, good onboard service and strong inter-island connections.
The Canary Islands need dependable ferry routes. Tourists rely on them for excursions and island hopping, while residents and businesses rely on them for daily life. Any operator taking over such an important network has a responsibility to maintain service quality and avoid confusion during the brand transition.
Mr TravelON’s first impression from the Lanzarote to Fuerteventura route is that the change is already visible. The old Armas identity has effectively disappeared from the passenger-facing experience on that crossing, replaced by the new Baleària Canarias branding. For many travellers, this will be the first sign that the Canary Islands ferry market has changed.
The biggest test will come over the summer period. If Baleària Canarias can combine the familiar convenience of the old Armas routes with better vessels, clearer information, more modern booking and improved reliability, then this takeover could become a major upgrade for Canary Islands ferries.
What Travellers Should Check Before Booking
Because this is a transition period, travellers should check details carefully before booking any Canary Islands ferry. Routes, vessel names, branding, port information and booking platforms can change as the new operator settles into the network.
Before You Travel, Check:
- The exact departure port and arrival port.
- Whether your ticket is ferry only, ferry with bus, or ferry with vehicle.
- Vehicle availability if travelling with a car.
- Check-in times at the port.
- Whether you need passport or ID documentation.
- Pet travel rules if bringing an animal.
- Current onboard café prices and payment options.
- Weather conditions, especially during windy periods.
- Return ferry times if planning a day trip.
TravelON World View
The arrival of Baleària Canarias is one of the biggest ferry stories in the Canary Islands for years. For regular passengers, it marks the end of an era as the Armas name fades from routes that many residents and tourists have used for decades. For new visitors, it introduces another major ferry brand into the Canary Islands travel experience.
Mr TravelON will continue to report from the ground, showing what the changes look like in real life rather than just repeating corporate announcements. The Playa Blanca to Corralejo ferry is only one part of the story. The bigger picture is the transformation of ferry travel across Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
The new Mercedes Pinto fast ferry is the headline vessel to watch. If it delivers the promised speed, comfort and capacity between Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, it could become one of the most important ferries in the Canary Islands network.
