Porto Santo
Lobo Marinho Ferry to Porto Santo: Times, Prices, Onboard
The mini-cruise alternative to the 15-minute flight — slower and seasonal, but it carries your car and is cheaper on foot.
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The Lobo Marinho, operated by Porto Santo Line, is the only ferry between Funchal harbour and Porto Santo. The crossing covers about 71 km in roughly 2 hours 20 minutes, and the ship carries up to 1,150 passengers and 145 vehicles. It usually runs one round trip a day (up to two in high summer), with foot-passenger fares from about €28.50 one-way and a car around €119 each way. It is the slower but car-carrying, often cheaper alternative to the 15-minute flight.
How long is the ferry to Porto Santo?
The crossing is officially about 2 hours 20 minutes, with sources ranging from 2 h 15 to 2 h 30 depending on sea state, over a distance of roughly 71 km between Funchal and Vila Baleira, Porto Santo’s main town. That makes it dramatically slower than the inter-island flight, which is only about 15 minutes airborne (around 25 minutes scheduled block time). People choose the ferry not for speed but because it carries vehicles, is cheaper for foot passengers, and turns the journey into a scenic mini-cruise across the Atlantic.
How much does the Lobo Marinho cost?
Fares are seasonal, but as a guide a foot passenger pays roughly €28.50 to €49.52 one-way, while adult tourist-class return trips run about €52.62 in low season and €64.36 in high season (April–September). Taking a car averages around €119 each way. Day-trip return tickets are heavily marketed and are the most popular way to visit Porto Santo’s famous 9 km golden beach.
| Ticket type | Indicative price (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foot passenger, one-way | ~€28.50–49.52 | Varies by season and fare class |
| Adult return, tourist class (low season) | ~€52.62 | Reported low-season round trip |
| Adult return, tourist class (high season) | ~€64.36 | April–September |
| Car, each way | ~€119 (average) | Ro-pax vehicle deck, book ahead in summer |
What is the ferry like onboard?
The Lobo Marinho (in service since 2003; Porto Santo Line has operated since 1995) is fitted out like a small cruise ship rather than a bare commuter ferry. Onboard amenities reported by the operator include:
- Bars and a restaurant
- A cinema and a games room
- A children’s play area
- Shops
- A first-class lounge for upgraded passengers
As a ro-pax (roll-on/roll-off passenger) vessel, it carries up to 1,150 passengers and 145 vehicles, which is exactly why it remains the default for families bringing a car, campervan or bicycles, and for residents moving goods between the islands.
How often does it run, and when?
Typical operation is one daily round trip, rising to up to two sailings a day in high summer, with a main season of roughly February to October and reduced or limited service in deep winter. A representative pattern is depart Funchal around 08:00, arrive Porto Santo mid-morning, then return from Porto Santo in the evening (around 18:00–19:00) — ideal for a day trip with several hours on the island. Check-in usually closes about 45 minutes before departure.
Ferry vs flight: which should you choose?
The choice comes down to what you value. The ferry wins on carrying a car, on foot-passenger price, and on the experience itself; the flight wins on speed and reliability, and is usually the rational choice for residents thanks to the social mobility subsidy.
| Lobo Marinho ferry | Binter flight (FNC–PXO) | |
|---|---|---|
| Journey time | ~2 h 20 min | ~15 min airborne (~25 min block) |
| Carries cars? | Yes (up to 145) | No |
| Foot price (each way, non-resident) | ~€28.50–49.52 | ~€47–78+ |
| Frequency | 1–2 sailings/day, seasonal | ~2 rotations a day, year-round |
| Weather exposure | Rough in winter Atlantic swells | Occasional crosswind disruption |
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Funchal to Porto Santo?
The Lobo Marinho crossing is officially about 2 hours 20 minutes over roughly 71 km, with sources quoting anywhere from 2 h 15 to 2 h 30 depending on conditions. The short flight is far quicker at around 15 minutes airborne, but the ferry carries cars and is cheaper on foot.
How much does the Lobo Marinho ferry cost?
Foot-passenger one-way fares are reported from about €28.50 up to roughly €49.52, with adult tourist-class return trips around €52.62 in low season and €64.36 in high season (Apr–Sep). Taking a car averages about €119 each way. All fares are seasonal and change — verify at booking.
Can you take a car on the ferry to Porto Santo?
Yes. The Lobo Marinho is a ro-pax (roll-on/roll-off) ferry carrying up to 145 vehicles alongside up to 1,150 passengers, which is its decisive advantage over flying. A car costs roughly €119 each way on average; book vehicle space ahead in summer.
How often does the ferry run?
Typically one round trip a day, rising to up to two daily sailings in high summer. The main season runs roughly February to October, with reduced or limited service in deep winter. A representative pattern is depart Funchal around 08:00 and return from Porto Santo in the evening.
Is the ferry running in winter?
Service is reduced in deep winter, and the Lobo Marinho takes an annual maintenance dry-dock during which bookings are paused. This is routine and usually low-season, but it can leave temporary gaps in the schedule, so always check Porto Santo Line before relying on a winter sailing.
Should I take the ferry or fly to Porto Santo?
Take the ferry if you want to bring a car, save money as a foot passenger, or treat the crossing as part of the trip. Fly if you want speed, are a resident using the mobility subsidy, or are connecting from another flight. The ferry can also be uncomfortable in rough winter seas.