From Corralejo: Lobos Island Boat and Snorkel Activity

Lobos Island gives you two very different pleasures in one outing: a short boat trip with underwater views and a few hours on a bare, volcanic island where you set your own pace. The water around the southern coast is clear enough for a good look at fish, while the land feels dry, quiet, and wonderfully undeveloped.

I like the flexible return ferries, since you can make this a quick half-day outing or stay long enough to reach La Caldera and the lighthouse. I also like the warm, practical service from the local family business aboard the Majorero. The main catch is simple: Lobos has little shade, no regular shops, and rough trails, so this is not a soft, fully guided beach day.

At a glance

• A 10-minute coastal cruise: See El Puertito, the old fishing port, its white beach, and the island’s only restaurant while enjoying a drink.
• Twenty-five minutes in the water: Snorkel near Lobos Island with a mask and snorkel provided on board.
• Your choice of island time: Go ashore before the activity or explore after the 13:20 boat and snorkel session.
• Three worthwhile walks: Reach La Concha Beach in about seven minutes, hike to La Caldera in roughly 90 minutes round trip, or walk farther to Lobos Lighthouse.
• A very basic natural setting: Trails are unpaved, there is no shade, and the beach bar may be closed.
• Good value at $31: The price covers the return ferry, mini-cruise, drink, snorkeling equipment, and taxes.

What the $31 Lobos Island trip actually includes

At $31 per person, this is an appealing package if you want more than a basic ferry ride. You get round-trip transport from Corralejo, a 10-minute boat ride, a drink, and 25 minutes of snorkeling with equipment supplied. Taxes and fees are also covered.

The value comes from combining transport and activity in one booking. A ferry alone would get you to the island, but this adds time on the water and a chance to see fish close to the coast. It is still a fairly simple excursion, not a full-day sailing trip or a formal nature tour with a guide explaining every plant and rock.

The activity has a rating of 4.5 from 604 ratings, and the praise centers on the same practical points: the friendly crew, the easy combination of swimming and walking, and the low price. One especially useful detail is the crew’s hands-on help with children and older people getting on and off the boat. That personal care matters on a small vessel.

Starting at Naviera Nortour in Corralejo

You begin at the Naviera Nortour ticket office near the entrance to Corralejo port. Give yourself extra time. Parking can be difficult, and arriving late is a serious problem because missing the boat does not qualify for a refund.

The ferry crossing takes about 20 minutes. If you leave Corralejo before 13:00, you can explore Lobos first and then join the main activity at 13:20. If your ferry timing works differently, you can remain on board until the mini-cruise and snorkeling session, then go ashore afterward.

That choice makes a real difference. An early arrival gives you the best chance to walk to La Caldera or the lighthouse before the hottest part of the day. Staying with the boat first is easier if your priority is swimming, and it lets you get the fixed activity out of the way before choosing how long to remain on the island.

The return options are 14:20 and 17:00, with extra departures at 16:00 and 18:00 from July through September. Choose your return time on the same day. You are not locked into one narrow schedule, which is one of the strongest features of this outing.

The Majorero and the southern coast

The activity takes place aboard the Majorero, operated by a local family business. The boat ride itself is short, only about 10 minutes, but it adds a pleasant coastal view before you put on your mask.

You pass along the southern coast and see El Puertito, an old fishing port with a white sand beach. It is also home to the island’s only restaurant, though you should not plan your day around it being open. The boat provides a drink during this part of the trip.

This is not a long sightseeing cruise, so keep your expectations in proportion. You are getting a quick look at the coast, not a narrated circuit around the whole island. Still, it gives you a different view of the volcanic shore and breaks up the ferry ride with something more active.

The crew’s friendly approach is a major part of the experience. They help with boarding, warn people about spray, and keep an eye on individuals in the water. That is particularly useful when the sea is choppy or when children and less confident swimmers need a hand.

Twenty-five minutes of snorkeling near Lobos

After the coastal ride, you have about 25 minutes to swim and snorkel in the clear water near the island. Masks and snorkels are available on board, so you do not need to bring your own equipment.

Conditions can change. On a calm, bright day, the water gives you a good view of fish and makes the swim the highlight of the outing. The crew may toss bread into the water, which attracts fish close to the boat and makes it easier to spot them.

That feeding practice has two sides. It can create an exciting burst of fish around you, especially if you have never snorkeled before. It can also make the water crowded, and one report described a fish nipping a swimmer while food was being thrown. The crew responded helpfully, but you should keep a little space and follow their instructions.

Do not expect coral gardens or a wide range of sea life. The snorkeling is fairly basic, with fish in open water rather than a detailed underwater world around rocks or coral. For $31, it is a worthwhile extra, especially for families and first-time snorkelers, but experienced snorkelers may find it limited.

Rough water is the other variable. When the Atlantic is unsettled, getting in and out of the boat can be awkward, and many people in the water at once can make the session feel crowded. A cloudy day also reduces the light below the surface. The operator can cancel for bad weather, with a choice of a new date or a full refund.

Walking across a dry volcanic island

Lobos Island is made of lava, and its character comes from what is missing. There are no trees, very little shelter, and no built-up resort area. The ground is dry and rugged, with unpaved trails crossing a stark natural park.

That sparseness is the point. You can walk without the noise and development found on Fuerteventura’s resort beaches. But you need to treat the island like a sun-exposed desert, not a convenient seaside park. Bring water, food, sunscreen, a hat, and suitable shoes.

La Concha Beach, also called La Caleta, is the easiest first stop. It is about a seven-minute walk from the landing point and has a curved, shell-like shape. This is the sensible place to relax, swim, or simply sit by the water if you have chosen the shorter return ferry.

For a bigger view, walk to La Caldera. The volcanic cone rises to 127 metres, and the round trip takes about 90 minutes. From the top, you can look across to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Wear sports shoes rather than flip-flops for this walk, since the trails are rough and there is no shade.

Lobos Lighthouse lies at the northern end of the island. It is a quiet place to stop and look toward the sea and Lanzarote’s volcanic peaks. A complete island visit, including the lighthouse, takes around two and a half hours, so the 17:00 ferry is the more comfortable choice if you want to see several parts of Lobos without rushing.

You can also visit El Puertito on foot after the boat portion. Its old fishing setting and white beach provide a gentler contrast to the rough lava and open trails. The island’s one restaurant is there, but bring your own meal because the beach bar may be closed on the day you visit.

Choosing the right return ferry

Your return time determines what kind of day you have.

The 14:20 ferry works for a compact outing. You can take the boat activity, walk to La Concha Beach, and spend a little time by the water. Choose it if you want snorkeling without committing to a long island walk, or if the heat makes a shorter visit more sensible.

The 17:00 ferry gives you enough time for a proper look around. You can combine the snorkeling session with La Concha Beach, La Caldera, and perhaps El Puertito. Reaching the lighthouse as well may feel rushed, especially if you stop to swim and eat.

The 16:00 and 18:00 departures, available from July through September, add useful flexibility. The later ferry is best for a relaxed island day, though you will need to carry enough water and food for the extra hours.

The departure options are selected on the same day, which lets you adjust after seeing the weather, your energy level, and the condition of the sea. Still, do not rely on changing plans without checking the available times carefully.

What to bring for Lobos Island

Pack as if you are visiting a sunny, undeveloped island because you are.

• Water and food, since the only beach bar may be closed
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sports shoes for the unpaved trails
• Flip-flops for beach time
• Passport or identity card, with a copy accepted
• A small bag that you can carry comfortably

There is no shade on the trails, so a long walk in the middle of a hot day can become tiring quickly. If you want to climb La Caldera or reach the lighthouse, start walking early in your island time and save a swim for later.

The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Non-folding wheelchairs and pets are not allowed. The rough paths, exposed ground, and boat boarding make this a poor choice if you need smooth access throughout the day.

Who will get the most from this outing

I would choose this for families, couples, and independent visitors who want a low-cost combination of swimming and walking. It works well if you like deciding for yourself how much time to spend on the beach, on the trail, or in the water.

It is also a good first snorkeling experience. The crew supplies the basic equipment, the session lasts long enough to get comfortable, and fish gathered near the boat can make spotting marine life easier. The staff’s helpful manner is valuable if someone in your group is nervous about the water.

You should think twice if you want a quiet, uncrowded snorkeling session with varied marine life. The water can be rough, the swimming area can feel busy, and the underwater scenery is modest rather than spectacular. You should also skip it if you dislike exposed trails, hot sun, or carrying your own provisions.

Booking and cancellation details

Advance booking is sensible, particularly in summer. The activity is valid for one day, and available starting times depend on the date.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is available, which helps if your Fuerteventura plans are not fixed yet. Weather can force cancellation, in which case you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

The most important practical rule is to arrive early at the Naviera Nortour office. Parking near the port may take time, and missing the ferry means losing the booking without a refund.

Is the Lobos Island boat and snorkel activity worth booking?

Yes, if you want a reasonably priced day that mixes a short boat ride, a simple snorkeling session, and independent time on a striking volcanic island. The friendly crew and flexible ferry times make the outing easier than arranging each piece separately.

Book it with realistic expectations. You are not buying a full guided island tour or an advanced snorkeling expedition. You are buying a convenient ferry, a pleasant coastal look at El Puertito, a 25-minute swim, and access to trails leading to beaches, a volcano, and a lighthouse.

Choose the early ferry and later return if walking matters most. Choose the shorter schedule if you mainly want the boat and a swim. Bring your own lunch, plenty of water, and proper shoes, and this becomes one of the better-value ways to add Lobos Island to a Corralejo stay.

FAQ

Where does the Lobos Island activity start?

It starts at the Naviera Nortour ticket office at the entrance to the port in Corralejo.

How long is the ferry ride to Lobos Island?

The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes each way.

How long is the boat cruise around Lobos Island?

The coastal mini-cruise lasts about 10 minutes.

How long is the snorkeling session?

The snorkeling activity lasts about 25 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are available on board.

Are food and drinks included?

A drink is provided during the boat cruise, but food is not included. You should bring your own food and plenty of water because the island’s only beach bar may be closed.

What return times are available?

The regular return times are 14:20 and 17:00. Additional departures at 16:00 and 18:00 are available from July through September.

Can I explore Lobos Island before the snorkeling activity?

Yes. If you take a ferry departing before 13:00, you can explore the island before the main activity begins at 13:20. You can also explore after the boat and snorkeling session.

Is the activity suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The island has unpaved trails, and the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed.