Lobos Island is the easiest and prettiest day trip from Corralejo: a volcanic islet just 15 minutes away by boat, with turquoise beaches, trails and a lighthouse at the end of the path. That said, you need a free permit that you have to get before you go, and here we explain how.
We lived in Fuerteventura for five years, and when we lived in Corralejo we looked at Lobos almost every day from the Corralejo coast. We went at the end of September, by speedboat, and it was an unforgettable day.
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Where it is and why it’s special
Lobos is an islet of about 4.5 km² that rises between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, right across from Corralejo. It is part of a protected natural area, has no permanent residents and no cars, and you get around everything on foot along marked trails.
Its name comes from the sea wolves (monk seals) that lived on its shores centuries ago. Today what you’ll find is clear water, pale sand, a small volcano and silence. From Corralejo it looks so close that it seems you could swim there, and that was exactly the feeling we had for years before visiting.
The permit to visit Lobos: how to get it
This is the point most people overlook, and it can ruin your plans. To set foot on the islet you need a free authorization from the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, because the number of daily visitors is limited to protect the environment.
- Where to apply: on the official website LobosPass, run by the Cabildo.
- How much it costs: nothing. It’s free.
- Quotas: there are two time slots, 10 am to 2 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm, with a maximum of 200 visitors at a time in each one.
- When it opens: a few days before the visit date, so keep an eye out because it goes fast, especially in summer.
- What they ask for: first name, surname and ID or passport number for each person. Bring the document with you on the day of the visit.
Watch out for a common mix-up: the permit and the boat ticket are two different things. Some ferry companies and organized excursions arrange the authorization for you, but it’s best to confirm when you book. If they don’t include it, get it yourself before buying the ticket.
How to get to Lobos Island
You can only get there by sea, from the port of Corralejo. Cars and bicycles can’t be taken to the islet.
| Option | Duration | Approximate price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular ferry | About 15 minutes | From around €17 round trip | Going on your own and staying several hours |
| Speedboat | About 10-15 minutes | Depends on the operator | Getting there fast, although it’s bumpier |
| Snorkel excursion | About 4 hours | Around €27 | Adding snorkel gear and a guide |
| Catamaran or private boat | Half a day | Higher | Groups and full days on board |
Several ferry companies run departures throughout the day, the first one around 9:45. Book ahead in high season and check the time of the last boat back carefully: it’s the most typical mistake, because after that there’s no way to get back.
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What to see and do on Lobos Island
La Concha Beach
It’s the main beach on the islet and the postcard you’ll recognize right away: a crescent of pale sand with turquoise, very shallow water. We went in there and, with the September sun, the water was perfect.
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El Puertito
It’s the small cluster of white fishermen’s houses next to the pier, with some crystal-clear pools that look like natural swimming pools. That’s where we took the photos we liked most from the day. The only restaurant on the islet is also here; it works by reservation and has limited hours, so don’t count on it for lunch.
The Martiño lighthouse
At the northern tip is the lighthouse, at the end of a flat but shadeless trail several kilometers long. We walked all the way there and it was totally worth it: from that point you can see Lanzarote across the water, with the sea breaking against the cliffs. Allow plenty of time for the round trip before your boat.
La Caldera
It’s the islet’s small volcano, a little over 100 meters high, with a trail that climbs up to the crater and views of the whole island. We left it for our next visit, but those who climb it agree that the panorama is spectacular.
Snorkeling and diving
The water is so clear that snorkeling is one of the star activities, especially around El Puertito. If you don’t bring your own gear, several excursions include it.
Our visit: how it really went
We went at the end of September by speedboat and that day there were quite a few waves: the crossing was really bumpy, so if you’re prone to seasickness, choose the big ferry or take something before boarding.
Once on the islet, the day was perfect: we swam at the main beach, wandered around El Puertito taking photos and walked to the lighthouse. After years of seeing Lobos from our window, setting foot on it felt special. If you ask us, it’s one of the best excursions you can do in Fuerteventura. An unforgettable memory!
Practical tips for visiting Lobos
- Bring water and food. There are no shops or kiosks, and the only restaurant works by reservation.
- Sunscreen, a cap and sunglasses. There’s almost no shade anywhere on the island.
- Closed, comfortable shoes if you’re going to walk to the lighthouse or the volcano: the terrain is volcanic.
- Don’t leave the trails. It’s a protected area and it’s marked for a reason.
- Take your trash back with you. There’s no waste collection on the islet.
- Confirm the time of the last boat as soon as you arrive, and be at the pier with time to spare.
- If you get seasick, it may be better to avoid the speedboat on windy days or when there are lots of waves: we experienced it firsthand (Facu thought it was fun; for Nanu, next time it’s the ferry).
Best time to go and how long to spend
Fuerteventura has good weather all year round, so Lobos can be visited in any season. From May to October the water is nicer for swimming; in winter it’s windier and some days departures are canceled because of sea conditions.
With half a day you have enough for the beach, El Puertito and the lighthouse. If you want to add the volcano and have a relaxed lunch, aim for the full day with the longer time slot.
Where to stay to visit Lobos Island
The most practical option is to stay in Corralejo, because the boats leave from its port and you have everything close at hand. We tell you what to see in the area in our guide to what to see in Corralejo, and the best areas of the island in where to stay in Fuerteventura.
If you’re going to explore the rest of the island, a car is almost essential: distances are long and the best beaches are far away.
Other excursions from Corralejo
If you’re staying several days, Lobos combines very well with the Corralejo Dunes, El Cotillo or the Calderón Hondo (in Spanish) volcano. You’ll find more ideas in our guide to excursions in Corralejo and in what to see in Fuerteventura.
Travel insurance
Although Fuerteventura is Spain, if you’re traveling from outside the European Union it’s wise to be covered: a medical emergency without insurance is expensive. You can check our comparison of the best travel insurance for Europe, and with IATI Seguros you get a 5% discount as a reader of the blog.
Frequently asked questions about Lobos Island
Do you need a permit to visit Lobos Island?
Yes, it’s mandatory and free. You apply online on LobosPass, the website of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, and quotas are limited per time slot.
How much does the boat from Corralejo cost?
The round-trip ferry starts at around €17. Excursions with snorkeling included cost around €27.
How long does it take to get there?
About 15 minutes from the port of Corralejo. On windy days the sea gets quite rough, especially on the speedboat.
How long should you stay on Lobos?
With half a day, 4 to 6 hours, you can see La Concha Beach, El Puertito and the lighthouse. To add the volcano, the full day is better.
Are there restaurants or shops on the island?
There is only one restaurant in El Puertito, by reservation and with limited hours. It’s best to bring water and food from Corralejo.
Can you go with kids?
Yes. La Concha Beach has very calm, shallow water. Just keep in mind that there is no shade and the walks are long.
Our final recommendation
If you’re in the north of Fuerteventura, don’t leave without visiting Lobos. Get the permit as soon as the quota opens, book the boat, bring water and food, and set aside half a day to walk to the lighthouse without rushing.
After five years living right across from it, we say it with authority: it’s one of the best excursions on the whole island. Have you already been, or do you have questions about the permit? Tell us in the comments.
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Thank you very much for being part of this adventure!— Nanu & Facu 🌎 | Recalculando Viajes 💜
