About this tour
When Noah from our team caught the water taxi between Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero, we found a straightforward way to hop between two harbours on Lanzarote's coast. It's a 25-minute crossing that runs roughly hourly throughout the day — no fuss, no pretence, just a regular public ferry service. You'll board alongside locals, holidaymakers, and anyone else needing to get from A to B. The boats are basic but functional, with toilets on board. Weather permitting, it's a legit alternative to the car if you're staying in either harbour and fancy a quick sea crossing.
Highlights
- Straightforward harbour-to-harbour crossing with hourly departures both directions
- Watches boats, swimmers, and coastal scenery from the water for 25 minutes
- Toilets and safety equipment on board — proper passenger boat, not a speedboat
- Flexible same-day rebooking if your original time doesn't suit
- Prams, pushchairs, and service animals all welcome
- No crowds or backpacker atmosphere — feels like genuine local transport
- Affordable way to skip traffic between two popular Lanzarote spots
What to expect
This is scheduled public transport, so expect a quick walk to the boarding gate 15 minutes early, a queue of maybe 20–30 passengers, and a no-frills departure once you're on. The 25 minutes across the water is genuinely pleasant — you get sea air, views of both harbours, and time to rest your feet if you've been walking around town. No commentary, no tour guide, no activity. The boat itself is well-maintained but sparse: basic seating, simple railings, and that salt-air smell. You arrive at the opposite harbour ready to explore, eat, or catch onward transport.
Weather is the only real wildcard. If it kicks up rough, they'll cancel and offer you another date, so check forecasts the morning of. Times can shift slightly due to local conditions, but the timetable is genuinely regular — we saw sailings run on schedule both directions.
What travellers say
- Regular, reliable timetable — around hourly departures throughout the day
- Simple, honest transport without tourist markup or pressure
- Accessible to families, pushchairs, service animals, all fitness levels
- Flexible rebooking on the same day if your slot doesn't suit
- Genuinely scenic 25-minute crossing between two working harbours
- Weather cancellations and potential seasickness in rough conditions
- No food, drinks, or onboard facilities beyond toilets — bring supplies
- Tight boarding window; late arrival means missing your departure
- Bare-bones experience — no guide or activity, just transport
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works brilliantly if you're based in one harbour and want to explore the other without hiring a car or waiting for a bus. It's genuinely cheaper than a taxi, feels authentic (not a tourist trap), and the flexibility to swap to another departure time the same day is handy if plans shift. Kids, prams, and mobility aids are fine. Locals use it, so it never feels staged.
You're at sea in an open boat, so if swell picks up or weather turns, it'll be choppy and uncomfortable — not suitable if you're prone to seasickness. No food or drinks are sold on board, so bring a bottle and a snack. It's bare-bones transport, not a scenic cruise with commentary. Peak summer days can get busy, though it never feels cramped. Timing is tight (boarding 15 mins early), so if you're late, you've missed it and the next one might be an hour away.
Water, seasickness tablets if you're at risk, sunscreen, and a light layer if wind picks up. Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.