Having been jetting around the Canary Islands on numerous high speed catamarans I decided to take a well earned rest, on another ferry of course!
Realising a 'traditional old school' car ferry operates between Las Palmas Gran Canaria and Morro Jable Fuerteventura, I did not hesitate to book up, not least because the thought of laying on deck with a cold beer in hand in the hot sun sounded like bliss - something which is hard to do on a high speed catamaran, the beer goes everywhere!
With a very early morning departure and not wanting to start my walk to the port at 0500hrs I decided to catch the courtesy bus from Las Palmas city centre which connects to the ferry terminal, as I would sooner wait at there than spending my time walking through the vast port at that unearthly time; the walking time through the port is actually one hour - it's a vast place!
Here is a map of the port; the vast area is fully accessible if on foot however, it takes one hour to walk from the city (bottom of map) to the Armas terminal (far top left). Here is also an image taken from the plane prior to landing at Gran Canaria at the start of my holiday.
The bus stop for the Armas ferry is from outside the Armas office building on the waterfront between the Aquarium and shopping centre/cruise terminal. There is no charge and the journey takes around fifteen minutes.
Unusually the timings of the bus only coincide with the timings of the high speed catamarans to Tenerife and not the 'traditional' ferry to Fuerteventura therefore, I had a fairly lengthy wait at the ferry terminal.
The shuttle bus will drop you off right outside the ferry terminal building.
The ferry terminal is (very) new and benefits from having numerous check-in desks, WC facilities and a café. The vast walls of glass allow magnificent views across the port.
Having checked-in (very early) for my 0700hrs departure and drank (many) cups of vending machine coffee, it was duly time to embark Volcan de Tamasite - a relatively small though perfectly formed 'traditional car ferry' built in 2004.
I say 'traditional car ferry' as she is by no means a 'cruise ferry' with cabin accommodation, nightclubs and vast shopping malls, though she does have an ace up her sleeve.....
Volcan de Tamasite would be my home for the next eight hours, travelling to Fuerteventura and back on the same vessel allowing a few hours exploring time on the island.
Let's go aboard....
Being one of only two foot passengers, owing to the shore side passenger walkway having technical issues, it was necessary to walk over to the ship via the vehicle embarkation lanes - not an issue as it wasn't too far, the weather was fine and we had a personal escort all the way to the berth.
Moored 'Mediterranean style' with her huge stern vehicle ramps resting on the quay edge, the other passenger and I walked up onto her vast vehicle deck - I was actually surprised how cavernous her vehicle deck was. It should be noted that this vessel also moors stern first in Morro Jable so I assume most vehicles drive around in a circle within the ship to disembark rather than reverse on/off.
Having walked across the vehicle deck the other passenger and I ascend the staircase up several decks to Deck 6, which is one of three passenger decks aboard.
Volcan de Tamasite is an extremely easy vessel to navigate as the facilities are located aft and amid-ship and span two decks 'atrium style' allowing double height spaces and natural light to flood into the interior. So, when looking at the deck plans it is easier to look at them vertically rather than horizontally.
At the stern is the ships' main bar/lounge/shop/information point & children's playroom (spanning two decks) and the amid ships section being the location of the counter style café (also spanning two decks) with vast reclining seat lounges in between.
The forward end of the ship is a first class lounge and can be accessed via a corridor on
Deck 6, through the café and past (another) reclining seat lounge. However, at the time of my voyage this area was closed and I could not gain access to it.
Deck 8
Deck 7
Deck 6
Volcan de Tamasite benefits from having a large amount of exterior deck space at the stern of Decks 6 and 7 with a full length area up on Deck 8, which is where I positioned myself to watch the beautiful sunrise as we departed Gran Canaria.
Here are some videos of our departure.
This was filmed for YouTube channel A2B via Sea on TV.
A full video 'real time' walk about tour can be found at the end of this blog but first let me show you the onboard facilities and give you some handy hints and tips.
The hub of the ship is located at the aft end where a very impressive bar/information desk/lounge/shop is located.
The shop is actually on a mezzanine level between decks 6 and 7 in a circular formation within the void of the atrium. All products are secured behind glazed cabinet doors and to gain access one must speak to the member of staff at the bar who will open the display cases and hand you the item you require.
The bar/information desk faces aft towards the shop and seating area beyond. It has an illuminated counter which contrasts beautifully against the black wall behind - the whole area is fresh looking and spotlessly clean.
A range of pastries, light snacks, hot/cold beverages and alcoholic drinks are available to purchase. It should be noted this is the only bar aboard Volcan de Tamasite.
Either side of the bar adjacent to the corridors which provide access to the rest of deck 6 are two TV lounges.
Behind the shop and staircase is a very comfortable circular lounge with crescent sofas and tub chairs - ideal if travelling in a group or with family/friends.
The views astern through the wrap around windows are excellent and direct access to the exterior deck is a great advantage - especially if you are taking your beer outside!.
The upper level of this facility, Deck 7, offers more seating and again direct access to the exterior deck at the stern.
Plus, a small open plan TV lounge and enclosed children's playroom can be found.
Back on Deck 6, if we continue forward we pass some WC facilities and more lounge areas before reaching the cafeteria.
The cafeteria dominates the amidships section of the vessel and just like the bar at the stern, this area is also split level incorporating Deck 7 above via another atrium.
This facility is not self service - a member of staff will place the items on a plate and hand it to you. As you can see the whole area is clean and very fresh looking.
I sampled the breakfast which consisted of (a lot) of cold meats and cold potato. It was actually very nice and along with the strong coffee and orange juice set me up for the day.
The cafeteria seating arrangement is canteen style with coloured plastic chairs adjacent to basic white coloured angular tables on white laminate flooring with the occasional white coloured half height divide with the occasional planter on top; all very uninspiring but very clean which is the main thing.
The staircase giving access to the upper level of the cafeteria is most certainly the main focal point as the antique pine coloured triple staircase contrasts beautifully with the white washed interior of the cafeteria. Plus, the mini pine trees on the gravel base are very apt given the islands in which this ferry serves.
The glazed skylight above allows natural light to flood into the interior of the ship reflecting off the white washed décor within.
Direct access to more exterior deck space can be achieved from the upper level of the cafeteria.
Back down on Deck 6, long spacious open plan seating lounges with more 'aircraft style' seats in the same red coloured upholstery can be found.
At the far end is the First class Lounge however, I was unable to gain entry.
Let's go back outside and checkout those exterior decks. As I mentioned earlier, there is an 'ace' on this ship....
The stern of Deck 6 and 7 is terraced providing both shelter from the hot sun to those who need it and direct sunlight for those sun worshipers amongst us.
Deck 6 was by far my favourite spot as it benefits from soft flooring and contemporary furniture - a real gem! I cannot over state how relaxing it was to just lounge here and watch the pure white wake of the ship disappear into the horizon of the aqua marine coloured sea whilst sipping a cold beer.
Here is a short video
At night neon lights are turned on creating a real 'Miami vibe' - I love it!
Another video
Directly above on deck 7 is the area with less overhead shelter however, as you can see the furniture is not as modern and the flooring is hard plastic, but still a good area to relax.
This is the exterior deck by the upper level of the self service cafeteria - an extremely sheltered space if you do not enjoy hot sun.
Deck 8
Right at the top of the ship is a vast space and with its own pool and adjoining pool bar;
a real treat! However, as my voyage was out of the high season this area was closed for refurbishment.
Beer selfi - its got to be done!
We duly arrive at Morro Jable after a very pleasurable four hours at sea.
Foot passenger disembarkation is via a gangway on the ships port/aft side; we congregate in the aft bar before descending down a flight of stairs to join the gang way which takes us down to the quay.
From here we are left to our own devices.
Having never been to this town, or island, before I literally followed my nose and went for an explore - this is what #a2bviasea is all about; I do the investigating so YOU know what to expect when you undertake your own adventures.
With only one clear way to go I followed the quay around to the left which took me along the sea wall and towards the town.
Here is another video from A2B via Sea on TV.
Enroute I pass the Armas (and Fred Olsen) ticket office. This is where I need to return too to check-in for my return crossing in several hours time.
At the end of the seawall there is a petrol station and a separate WC facility across to the right. Also, to our left opposite the marina is a very popular informal restaurant with extremely courteous members of staff.
If you follow the path around the marina you can walk along the harbour wall and view the starboard side of the Armas ferry and, if your timing is right, can view the Fred Olsen high speed catamaran arrive.
It gets so close you can almost touch it!
A hidden gem can be found around 25min away if on foot....
If you walk up the hillside and make a right when you hit the main road you will see a church at the top of the hill. Next to the church is a foot path which descends into the main town and WOW, the views are spectacular!
You will pass some wonderful restaurants which serve fresh fish dishes, cold beers and if you continue you will arrive at the beach.
Alas, my time is short so I need to get back to the ferry.
I return to the church at the top of the hill and descend back down to the port. I have got my baring's now but with the ship visible it is not possible to get lost - just walk towards the ship.
Having checked-in I am allowed to proceed across to the ferry. Albeit a little overcast now, what better place to be than on deck with (another) cold beer to watch our departure so, take a look at the film below and [virtually] come aboard.
After four hours we arrive back into Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.
Volcan de Tamasite offers good facilities for the journey. Being out of season the upper pool deck and exterior bar were closed for refurbishment in readiness for the 2022 season.
As promised, here is a real time walk-about tour of Volcan de Tamasite' passenger decks;
Decks 6 and 7 so, curl up and [virtually] come aboard and see the ferry through the eyes of A2B via Sea.