Significant Decline in Cruise Passenger Arrivals at Canary Islands Ports

The Canary Islands have reported a dramatic decrease in cruise passenger arrivals for September 2025, with the numbers plummeting to just half of what was recorded during the same month in the previous year. This downturn has raised concerns among local businesses and tourism stakeholders who rely heavily on cruise tourism for their livelihoods.

According to data released by the Canary Islands Statistics Institute (ISTAC), the total number of cruise passengers arriving in the archipelago fell to 46,909 in September 2025, a stark contrast to the 97,404 passengers recorded in September 2024. This significant drop highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the cruise industry, which has struggled to regain its footing in the wake of the global pandemic.

Major Ports Hit Hard by Passenger Declines

The Port of La Luz and Las Palmas has been particularly affected, experiencing an alarming 77.7% decrease in passenger numbers. This decline is indicative of broader trends impacting the cruise sector, as many travelers continue to opt for alternative vacation options. Other notable ports also reported substantial drops in passenger traffic. For instance, Arrecife saw a reduction of 57.1%, while Santa Cruz de Tenerife experienced a decline of 41.0%. In a rare exception, the Port of Puerto del Rosario managed to report a slight increase in passenger numbers, rising from 5,272 to 5,321, providing a glimmer of hope amid the overall downturn.

Positive Trends in Regular Passenger Traffic

Despite the significant decline in cruise passenger numbers, the overall traffic through state ports in the Canary Islands showed a positive trend. In September 2025, the total number of passengers traveling through these ports increased by 3% year-on-year, reaching a total of 683,593 compared to 663,599 in September 2024. This growth can be largely attributed to regular passenger traffic, particularly at the ports of Los Cristianos and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Notably, Los Cristianos accounted for approximately one-third of all passengers, underscoring its importance as a key transit point for travelers.

Remarkable Increases in Inter-Island Travel

Among the ports that recorded significant increases in regular passenger traffic, La Estaca in El Hierro stood out with a remarkable rise of 14.3%. Similarly, Los Cristianos experienced a 15.4% increase compared to the same month last year. These ports are becoming increasingly vital for inter-island travel, especially in the aftermath of the festival season, which typically sees a surge in local travel as residents and visitors alike seek to explore the diverse attractions of the islands.

Container Traffic Experiences Substantial Growth

In addition to passenger traffic, the Canary Islands also saw a noteworthy increase in container traffic. The year-on-year rise reached an impressive 29.6%, with a total of 178,487 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) processed in September 2025, up from 137,701 TEUs in the same month of the previous year. The Port of La Luz and Las Palmas continues to serve as the primary logistical hub for the archipelago, handling approximately 70% of all container traffic. This port has experienced a 41% increase in volume compared to the previous year, reflecting a robust demand for goods and supplies within the islands.

Vehicle Traffic Shows Modest Recovery

Vehicle traffic through the state ports has also shown signs of recovery, albeit modest. In September 2025, a total of 232,060 vehicles were recorded, marking a slight increase of 0.6% compared to the 230,778 vehicles noted in the same month of the previous year. This data encompasses all eleven state ports across the Canary Islands, including Arrecife, Puerto del Rosario, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The uptick in vehicle traffic may indicate a gradual return to normalcy as residents and visitors resume travel activities.

Key points

• The number of cruise passengers in the Canary Islands fell to 46,909 in September 2025.
• The Port of La Luz and Las Palmas saw a 77.7% decrease in cruise passengers.
• Regular passenger traffic increased by 3% year-on-year, totaling 683,593 travelers.
• Los Cristianos accounted for one in every three regular passengers.
• Container traffic surged by 29.6%, reaching 178,487 TEUs.
• Vehicle traffic through state ports rose by 0.6% in September 2025.