Lobo Marinho Ferry in Madeira

The Porto Santo Line company has a monopoly on the connection between the two islands and has invested (with funding from the European Community and the Regional Government) in a new ship that could be compared to a mini cruise liner.

On its maiden cruise to Funchal's harbour, Lobo Marinho was followed by many smaller boats and jet skis, and hundreds of people lined the waters edge wanting to see the new Madeiran Pride closer.

The ship has a capacity for 1153 passengers and regularly makes the journey between the two islands in two hours, cutting an hour off the previous boat's time.

Visit Porto Santo Line website: www.portosantoline.pt