Ferry to La Gomera – It once seemed like a dream for the inhabitants of Tenerife and La Gomera, who before 1974 only knew long crossings.
Until the 1970s, ferry transport between the two islands was significantly less efficient and far less comfortable than it is today.
The connections were primarily operated by so-called correíllos, small passenger and cargo ships that linked the islands. Travel between Tenerife and La Gomera took a long time—between 12 and 14 hours—making inter-island travel a tiring experience.
No Facilities
The shipping services were irregular and often dependent on weather conditions and other unforeseen factors, reducing the reliability of the connections. The vessels had limited capacity for both passengers and cargo, often leading to delays. Onboard facilities were very basic, with no restaurants, bars, or entertainment available, so travelers would often bring their own food and comfort items onboard.
1974
The arrival of the Benchijigua in 1974 marked a significant leap forward in improving maritime connections between Tenerife and La Gomera. This ferry reduced travel time to 90 minutes, offered regular daily services, and introduced comfortable amenities for passengers. The Benchijigua ushered in a new era of transport between the two islands, bringing substantial economic and social benefits to La Gomera.
Benefits for La Gomera
In 1974, everything changed. The Benchijigua, a ship that bridged the gap to modern maritime transport and especially to an advanced ferry history, set sail. In July 2024, it will have been fifty years since the iconic ship from Fred. Olsen first departed from Los Cristianos, marking a crucial step toward economic and social progress for La Gomera.
Economic Boost
This was also a turning point in maritime traffic. At 11 a.m. on Monday, July 8, 1974, the Benchijigua, a ferry built in the shipyards of Trondheim, Norway, made its maiden voyage from Los Cristianos to San Sebastián.
The ferry had a capacity for 399 passengers and up to 60 vehicles.
In the first six months, and thanks to a bus service between Los Cristianos and Santa Cruz, the ferry had already transported over 100,000 passengers.
The ferry line also contributed to the economy of La Gomera. Sales of artisan products increased, taxis and buses benefited, and restaurants and car rental businesses were established on both islands.
Ticket Prices
With the new venture, initiated by Norwegian shipping company Fred. Olsen and a group of Tenerife entrepreneurs, the travel time was reduced to 90 minutes, with three round-trip crossings. The initial price for a ferry ticket to La Gomera was 280 pesetas per passenger (€1.75) and 340 pesetas (€2.12) with the bus from Santa Cruz, while vehicle fares ranged between 500 pesetas (€3.12) and 700 pesetas (€4.37).
From Norway
Captain Miguel Ángel Sánchez Conejo sailed the ship from Norway to the Canary Islands, accompanied by José García Oliva, the first chief engineer. Another name in history was Lali Hernando, an employee who served customers at the Ferry Gomera office on Avenida de Anaga.
New Docks
The Benchijigua was equipped with stabilizers for a smoother journey and had an engine power of 2,310 horsepower, allowing it to reach a cruising speed of 14.5 knots. The ferry cost 182 million pesetas and offered a new concept of customer service onboard, with a restaurant, two bars, and televisions.
The launch of the ship required upgrades to the docks at the ports of San Sebastián de La Gomera and Los Cristianos (Arona).
The success of the Los Cristianos-La Gomera line led the company to acquire a larger ship six years later, valued at 300 million pesetas. The ferry to La Gomera remains popular, making four trips a day, totaling 31 trips per month.
Fred. Olsen © Photography
Ferry to La Gomera ©
More History [HERE]
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