We know that it is not always possible to choose whether to travel by ferry or hydrofoil to reach the desired destination. Often it is the shipping companies that decide, depending on the route, one or the other vessel. However, many of the most popular short- and medium-length routes are traveled by both. In this article I will try to clarify and explain the difference between ferries and hydrofoils.
Is hydrofoil a type of ferry?
No, hydrofoil is not a type of ferry. There are two distinct types of vessels used for maritime transportation, each with different characteristics and purposes.
Ferries are ships designed to transport passengers, vehicles and cargo across waterways such as seas, lakes or rivers. They can vary greatly in size and carrying capacity and are often used to cross longer distances between major ports or islands.
On the other hand, hydrofoils are smaller and lighter vessels characterized by hydrodynamic wings or foils that lift the ship above the surface of the water while moving at high speed. Hydrofoils are designed to travel faster than traditional ferries and are often used for shorter and more frequent routes between coastal destinations.
Therefore, while both are used for maritime transport, they are designed and used differently and offer different travel experiences. In the next section we will look at the common features and the most obvious differences between ferries and hydrofoils.
Difference between ferries and Hydrofoils:
Let’s start right away by reiterating that both the ferry and the hydrofoil more or less serve the same purpose: the transportation of passengers and vehicles from one port to another via sea, lake, or river. Obviously both exist because they are more or less suitable for different navigational contexts. We will now try to explain the similarities and differences between these two means of marine transportation. The different significant peculiarities in design, performance and travel experience.
- Design and Dimensions. The ferry is generally larger and sturdier than the hydrofoil, with higher carrying capacity and greater stability on the open sea. The hydrofoil, on the other hand, is smaller and lighter, designed for faster and more agile sailing.
- Cruising Speed. The hydrofoil is known for its higher speed than the ferry. Due to its aerodynamic design and wing technology, it can reach higher speeds, reducing the crossing time between destinations.
- Stability in Rough Seas. Due to their size and design, ferries are more stable in rough sea conditions than hydrofoils. The latter may be more sensitive to wave motion and provide a less comfortable travel experience during adverse weather conditions.
- Routes and Destinations. Ferries are used for longer distances, while hydrofoils are ideal for shorter and more frequent routes.
- Cabins and bunks. In this case, the differences between ferries and hydrofoils are not so clear-cut, although on most hydrofoils, cabins and bunks are not provided. This happens because, as mentioned, hydrofoils are usually deployed on shorter routes that do not involve overnight stays.
Vehicle Boarding
Generally, it is not possible to board cars and campers on hydrofoils due to a question of space and weight. On ferries, on the other hand, these problems do not exist, although not all of them allow this possibility.
Ferries or hydrofoils what to choose?
Although shipping companies, in most cases, employ ferries for longer routes and hydrofoils for faster routes, there are routes taken by both vessels.
For example, the route from Naples to Capri is served by both ferries and hydrofoils, giving travelers the opportunity to choose the means of transportation that best suits their needs. In this case, since it is a very short route, the difference between ferries and hydrofoils is mainly in sailing time. Hydrofoils are much faster than ferries and reach Capri from Naples in about 40 minutes. Ferries, on the other hand, take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to go from Naples to Capri.
In case of adverse weather conditions, however, it happens more frequently that hydrofoil departures are cancelled than ferries. Hydrofoil ticket prices are also usually higher.
Ferry and hydrofoil reservations
In this case, there is no difference between ferries and hydrofoils. In the event that the route you desire is taken by both types of vessels, the choice will be yours alone. Ferryfinder compares prices for all routes and shows all available routes for each destination served.
