Like a mini cruise ship: the Huelva–Canaries ferry with a pool, solarium and coworking

Flying is fast — but not always fun. If you want to reach the Canaries with a loaded car, a dog, or simply without the rush, this summer brings an alternative that the local paper Huelva Información is raving about: a ferry that looks more like a small cruise ship than a plain vehicle carrier. On board you will find a pool, a solarium for sunbathing, Canarian food and even a coworking area with fast wifi.

The ship in question is the Buenavista Express, operated by Fred. Olsen Express. Since 1 June 2026 it has served the line between Huelva on Andalusia's Atlantic coast and the two main Canary Islands — deliberately turning a long crossing into an experience rather than a mere leg of transport.

Pool, solarium, coworking: what awaits on board

The amenities are the heart of the story. For the Buenavista Express, Fred. Olsen Express lists terraces, a solarium and a pool area, plus cafés, a restaurant and a sports bar where Canarian cuisine is served. If you need to work along the way, there is a dedicated coworking zone and fast wifi throughout the ship — exactly the detail that turns a ferry into something the press has dubbed a mini cruise.

Families, the sporty and four-legged travellers are catered for too: there is a children's play zone, an arcade room, a calisthenics corner for a workout and designated areas for pets. For the night you can choose, according to budget, an ergonomic premium reclining seat, a bunk room, or exterior, double and pet-friendly cabins.

Around 33 hours across the Atlantic

This is no quick hop: some 1,300 kilometres of open Atlantic lie between Huelva and the islands, and the crossing takes about 33 hours. The ship connects Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Huelva, with three to four sailings a week depending on the season. Because you spend a night on board, a cabin is well worth it if you want to arrive rested.

The 172-metre Buenavista Express has room for around 940 passengers and nearly 400 vehicles — it is built for people travelling with luggage, a car or a camper. Fred. Olsen Express has run the line on its own since June 2026; in the high season through October the frequency is topped up at times with an additional chartered vessel.

Who the ferry really suits

Its biggest trump card is your own car. If you are moving to the islands for months, relocating with the whole family, or simply don't want to give up your own wheels, you save yourself rental cars and baggage limits. Travelling with a pet, too, the ferry is often the less stressful choice than a flight.

And then there are the digital nomads: a coworking zone with fast wifi in the middle of the Atlantic sounds almost like a marketing line — but it is exactly the kind of travel that slow-travel fans are looking for. Instead of two hectic hours in the air, a slow, unhurried day at sea, at the end of which the silhouette of the islands rises on the horizon.

Before you book: the essentials

In the Canarian high summer and around holidays and long weekends the line is popular — vehicle spaces and cabins go quickly. Booking early pays off twice over, because the operator says it offers free cancellations and date changes without a surcharge, so you can keep your plans flexible.

If you need step-free access, there are adapted routes, a free assistance service and wheelchairs on request for boarding and disembarking. And if you get seasick easily, remember to pack something for it — 33 hours of Atlantic can turn choppy.