Ferry company
Balearia
From Dénia to Spain's largest ferry group - how to sail with Baleària across the Strait of Gibraltar and from Almería to Morocco
- Three Morocco routes from Andalusia - Algeciras - Tanger Med, Tarifa - Tanger Ville and Almería - Nador
- Over 50 ships and around 6.5 million passengers a year - Spain's largest ferry group
- Halal cuisine, cabins and pet-friendly accommodation on board, vehicles carried on all routes
About Baleària
Table of Contents
About Baleària
Baleària is a Spanish ferry company based in Dénia on the Costa Blanca. It was founded in June 1998 by 16 partners with 126 employees; today the company remains 100 percent Spanish-owned, with Adolfo Utor, who was himself born in Al Hoceima in Morocco, as president and sole shareholder. With the takeover of Armas Trasmediterránea, Baleària has grown into Spain's leading ferry group and one of the major ferry operators in Europe: the group counts over 50 ships, more than 40 routes across five countries and around 4,500 employees. Each year it carries around 6.5 million passengers and 1.6 million vehicles.
The network connects the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla with mainland Spain; internationally, Baleària sails to Morocco and Algeria, and under the Baleària Caribbean brand between Florida and the Bahamas.
Ships and fleet
Baleària combines fast ferries with conventional ferries and is a pioneer in LNG propulsion: twelve ships run on dual-fuel engines, including the ferries Hypatia de Alejandría and Marie Curie, built in 2019, and the fast ferry Eleanor Roosevelt. Many ships in the fleet are equipped as "Smart Ships", with digital entertainment, Wi-Fi and digital cabin access. The Morocco routes are served by ferries with cabins, seating areas, a restaurant with halal options and terraces, plus fast ferries on the Strait of Gibraltar.
Routes to Morocco
From Andalusia, Baleària operates three connections: the short route Algeciras - Tanger Med across the Strait of Gibraltar is the busiest crossing between Spain and Morocco and runs several times a day. The fast ferry Tarifa - Tanger Ville takes you straight into Tanger's city port. From Almería, the overnight ferry Almería - Nador reaches eastern Morocco in just over seven hours; during the Marhaba summer campaign, Baleària runs up to three departures a day in each direction on this route. Since the group took over Armas Trasmediterránea, it also sells the lines from Motril to Nador and Al Hoceima.
Check-in, vehicle and pet
On the Morocco routes, passport and customs checks add to check-in, so allow more time than on domestic Spanish routes; the time binding for your booking is shown on the ticket. You need a valid passport for Morocco, an ID card is not enough. Cars, motorbikes and motorhomes travel on all routes with no luggage limit; you give the vehicle dimensions when booking. Pets are welcome on board: Baleària offers pet-friendly accommodation, and on several ships you can watch your pet via webcam during the crossing.
Tickets
Baleària sells tickets online, by customer service also in French and Arabic, and at more than 20 sales points in Spain and Morocco. With the "Reducida" fare you can cancel free of charge, and during the Marhaba summer campaign booking the outward and return journey together saves money. The specific prices for your date are shown in the booking window, and the timetable shows the departures.
FAQ Baleària
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about Baleària and ferry connections to Morocco
Which routes does Baleària sail to Morocco?+
Baleària sails three routes to Morocco: the short crossing Algeciras - Tanger Med across the Strait of Gibraltar, the fast ferry Tarifa - Tanger Ville straight into the city of Tanger, and the overnight ferry Almería - Nador to eastern Morocco. Since taking over Armas Trasmediterránea, the group also sells Motril - Nador.
Who is behind Baleària?+
Baleària was founded in 1998 in Dénia on the Costa Blanca and remains 100 percent Spanish-owned; its president and sole shareholder is Adolfo Utor. After taking over Armas Trasmediterránea, the group counts over 50 ships, more than 40 routes and around 4,500 employees.
Which ships does Baleària operate?+
Conventional ferries with cabins, seating areas, a restaurant with halal options and terraces sail the Morocco routes; on the Strait of Gibraltar, Baleària also runs fast ferries. The group is a pioneer in LNG propulsion: ships such as the Hypatia de Alejandría and the Marie Curie run on LNG.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes. Cars, motorbikes and motorhomes travel on all Morocco routes; Baleària explicitly advertises that you can bring your car and all your luggage with no limit. At check-in you need your driving licence and vehicle registration document, and for Morocco a valid passport as well.
Can my pet come on board?+
Yes. Baleària offers pet-friendly accommodation on many ships, and on some you can even watch your pet via webcam during the crossing. Register your dog or cat when booking and bring its pet passport and vaccination records.