ARCHIVED - Solar-powered Ecoboat operates Mar Menor summer ferry service

The ferry between Santiago de la Ribera and La Manga will operate at least 6 times a day this summer

The ferry service in the Mar Menor, which carries passengers across the lagoon between Santiago de la Ribera on the inland shore in the west and La Manga in the east, is all set to resume again this summer (assuming the pandemic situation continues to ease), and in preparation the official presentation was made last week of the new solar-powered “Ecoboat” which will be making the crossings.

B&F Ferrys, who operate the route, explain that the craft is propelled by electric engines whose batteries are recharged mostly by the photovoltaic panels installed on the roof. The project to bring it into service was co-financed by the regional government of Murcia as it replaces the old diesel-motored boat, reducing the pollution of the environment.

The anticipated timetables this summer in the Mar Menor, where the ferry saves visitors a long road journey around the shore of the lagoon, are as follows:

Departing from La Manga (Puerto Deportivo Tomás Maestre) to Santiago de la Ribera:

Monday to Thursday: 10.30, 12.30, 15.00*, 16.30, 18.30, 20.30, 22.30

Friday and Saturday: Additional service at 00.30

Departing from Santiago de la Ribera to La Manga (Puerto Deportivo Tomás Maestre):

Monday to Thursday: 11.30, 13.30, 15.30*, 17.30, 19.30, 21.30, 23.30

Friday and Saturday: Additional service at 1.00

*These services operate only on Wednesdays, when the weekly street market is held in Santiago de la Ribera

Price: 5 euros per crossing (6 euros with bicycle)

Image: Puerto Deportivo Tomás Maestre