Lobos Island Ferry with Snorkel from Corralejo, Fuerteventura

Lobos Island is a compact volcanic nature reserve where your main reward is freedom: walk to La Caldera’s 127-meter summit, stretch out at La Concha Beach, or poke around the old fishing village of El Puertito. The ferry crossing is short, usually about 15 minutes, and the island feels far removed from Corralejo.

I like the easy timing and the chance to shape the day yourself. I also like that the boat adds a short snorkel session, with masks, snorkels, floats, and a drink provided. The catch is that the snorkel stop is brief and close to the pier, not a long trip to a secluded reef. Wind and waves can also make it uncomfortable.

Key points to know before you go

• The ferry ride is only about 15 minutes, making Lobos an easy half-day or full-day escape from Corralejo.
• La Caldera gives you the island’s best broad views, reaching across to both Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
• The snorkel session lasts about 25 minutes, with a short boat ride and equipment supplied.
• Bring all your own food and water, since the island has no shops and its beach kiosk may not open.
• There is little natural shade, so a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen matter more here than on an ordinary beach outing.
• Your ferry time affects your waiting time before snorkeling, so choose the departure carefully.

What this Lobos Island trip is really like

At about $32.58 per person, this experience sits in a useful middle ground. You are not paying for a guided island tour, and you are not getting an all-day sailing adventure. You are paying for transport to a beautiful protected island, the freedom to explore it alone, and a short water activity added to the ferry service.

That makes the trip good value if you want a simple day outdoors. The ferry alone gets you to Lobos, but the snorkel option adds a drink, boat time, and equipment without requiring you to arrange anything separately. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations modest.

The boat carries up to 60 people. That is large enough to create a social, organized outing, but not so large that it feels like a major cruise. Staff give instructions in several languages, and the crew has earned repeated praise for being friendly, punctual, and helpful. Susanna has been singled out for assistance at the ticket office, while Raúl has been praised for helping people during the trip.

Leaving Corralejo for the volcanic island

The meeting point is Ferry Isla de Lobos, operated by Nortour, at the Corralejo pier. You show your mobile voucher there and choose from the available daily crossings. The harbor is easy to reach by public transport, though parking close to the port can be difficult.

The crossing takes about 15 minutes. The boat is described as glass-bottomed, which gives children an extra reason to watch the water. The ride is short enough for people who do not enjoy long boat trips, but wind can still make the sea lively. If the conditions are rough, expect spray and a wetter ride.

You should arrive with your day already packed. There are no regular shops on Lobos, and the only beach kiosk is not always open. One small restaurant operates at El Puertito, but it can be crowded, and relying on it for lunch is a gamble. Bring more water and food than you think you need.

Exploring Lobos at your own pace

Once you arrive, the island becomes your own walking and swimming day. Lobos covers just under two square miles, or about five square kilometers, so it is small, but the dry volcanic ground and lack of shade can make even a short walk feel demanding in the midday sun.

The best choice depends on your energy and timing. You can head uphill toward La Caldera, settle at La Concha Beach, visit El Puertito, or combine several shorter stops. You do not need a guide to enjoy the island, but you do need to watch your return time.

La Caldera for the widest views

La Caldera is the island’s highest point at 127 meters. From the top, you can look across toward Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. This is the island’s most rewarding walk if you want a clear sense of where you are rather than simply a beach stop.

The climb is not presented as technical, but the ground is dry, rugged, and exposed. Wear shoes that feel secure on uneven volcanic paths. Carry water with you and avoid treating the summit walk as a quick stroll in beach sandals.

One important timing point comes from the fixed snorkeling schedule. A mid-morning ferry can give you enough time to reach La Caldera and return for the boat activity, but perhaps not enough time to walk around the entire island first. If you want both a summit walk and a wider circuit, an earlier ferry is the safer choice.

La Concha Beach for an easy swim

La Concha is the natural place to slow down. Its sheltered, clear water is suited to an unhurried swim, and the beach gives you a simple break from the volcanic interior.

This is not a resort beach with rows of facilities. You should think of it as a pleasant natural stop where you lay down your towel, swim, and keep an eye on the clock. Since shade is scarce, bring your own protection rather than expecting umbrellas or covered seating.

The island’s swimming spots can also vary with the wind. On a calm day, the water may be the highlight of the outing. On a rougher day, you may prefer walking and sightseeing instead.

El Puertito and the island’s only restaurant

El Puertito is the old fishing village, with a small beach and the island’s only restaurant. It gives the day a bit of human character after the empty volcanic paths and open shoreline.

The restaurant is independent from the ferry company. It may be convenient, but do not build your whole plan around eating there. Food can be limited, the dining area can fill up, and prices may feel steep when choices are reduced. A packed lunch is the dependable solution.

You might find water for sale near the restaurant, but supplies are not guaranteed. The practical rule is simple: treat anything available on the island as a bonus, not as your meal plan.

Salt marshes, Lagunitas, and Faro Martiño

If you have enough time and water, continue inland toward the salt marshes and the Lagunitas basin. These areas show a quieter side of Lobos, away from the main beach. The scenery is spare and dry, with volcanic ground, low vegetation, and broad open views.

Faro Martiño lighthouse adds another destination for a longer walk. The island is not packed with formal attractions, so the pleasure comes from connecting these places on foot. You are seeing a protected natural area rather than a developed resort.

The lack of trees is part of Lobos’ character, but it also shapes the experience. There is almost no natural shade. In hot weather, even a moderate walk can become tiring, especially if you have already been swimming or snorkeling. Start early if you want to cover more ground.

How the snorkeling portion works

The snorkel activity is not a full expedition to a distant reef. You board the boat again at the arranged time, enjoy a short ride of about 10 minutes, and stop near the port area, in what the operator describes as one of the safer places around the island.

A drink is included, and masks, snorkels, life jackets, and pool noodles are available. The water time is about 25 minutes, although some descriptions and experiences refer to roughly 20 minutes. In practical terms, plan on a short session rather than a long swim.

The entry is from the boat, with people climbing down or jumping into the water. That can be exciting for confident swimmers, but it may feel awkward if the sea is moving or several people enter at once. Wait for the initial rush to settle if you feel crowded, and ask the crew for help with the ladder or flotation equipment.

This is a good setup for beginners, families, and anyone who wants a quick look at local fish without bringing their own gear. It is less satisfying if you want fins, a reef setting, or a quiet cove. Several people have enjoyed seeing schools of fish, while others found the location too close to the pier and the session too short.

The sea makes a major difference. In calm water, the activity can be relaxing and clear enough to spot several kinds of fish. In strong wind, the boat can roll, masks can be harder to adjust, and the water may be too murky or choppy for comfortable viewing. The crew may choose the safer location, but safety can mean a less dramatic snorkel.

Choosing the best ferry time

Your departure time matters because the snorkeling boat has its own schedule. One common pattern is an 11:15 ferry from Corralejo, followed by a 13:20 pickup for snorkeling. That gives you time for a beach visit or a walk to La Caldera, but not necessarily a complete tour of the island.

An earlier 10:00 departure gives you more freedom before the snorkel session. It also means more time sitting in the sun if you are not ready to walk or swim. An 11:15 departure reduces that wait, but limits what you can see before boarding the snorkel boat.

After snorkeling, you may be able to return to Lobos and catch a later ferry back to Corralejo, depending on the day’s schedule. Some departures allow you to continue sightseeing after the water activity, while other arrangements take you straight back. Check the exact times when you collect your ticket.

The ferry service is generally punctual, which helps. Still, leave a generous margin for walking back to the port. Do not assume that a beautiful final swim is worth risking the return crossing.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a low-effort way to reach Lobos and prefer exploring independently. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, and anyone who likes to mix a beach stop with a short walk.

Children can enjoy the quick boat ride, the glass-bottom viewing, and the chance to swim. The crew has helped families with boarding and provided a life jacket for a toddler. A pushchair can be awkward to get onto the boat, so families with very young children should be ready for some lifting and handling.

You should be a reasonably confident swimmer if you plan to snorkel. Most people can take part, but jumping or climbing from a boat into moving water is not ideal for everyone. If you are pregnant, have mobility concerns, or simply dislike boat entries, you can still enjoy the island ferry and skip the water portion.

The trip is not a good match if you want a guided walk, a long snorkeling session, guaranteed restaurant service, or a shaded beach day. Lobos rewards preparation and self-direction more than comfort.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Pack a full day bag, even if you expect to stay only four hours. Bring plenty of water, food, a hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen. There are no trees to provide shade, and the volcanic ground reflects the sun.

Wear shoes suitable for rough walking. Add swimwear and a towel if you plan to use La Concha or join the snorkel session. The operator provides snorkel equipment, life jackets, and pool noodles, so you do not need to carry your own unless you prefer a particular fit.

Pets are not allowed on Lobos Island. The tour requires good weather, and bad conditions can lead to a cancellation, with the choice of another date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund, so keep an eye on the local forecast and your transport plans.

Is the $32.58 price fair?

For the price, you get return ferry transport, a short boat ride with a drink, roughly 25 minutes of snorkeling, equipment, and the chance to spend time on Lobos without booking separate transport. That is fair value if you plan to use the island portion well.

The value drops if you only want a serious snorkeling trip. The activity stays close to the port, and weather can make the water uncomfortable. In that case, buying a basic ferry ticket and using the saved money for your own beach day may suit you better.

The strongest part of the purchase is the combination. You get a simple crossing, a protected island, and a bonus water activity. The ferry does the practical work, while you decide how much walking, swimming, and resting fills the day.

Should you book the Lobos Island ferry with snorkel?

I would book it if you want an easy island outing from Corralejo and like having several choices once you arrive. The views from La Caldera, La Concha’s sheltered beach, and the quiet paths toward the lighthouse give you more variety than a basic boat ride.

Book the snorkel version only if you are happy with a short, beginner-friendly session near the port. If you want a reef, fins, secluded water, or a long time in the sea, choose a different excursion or take the ferry alone.

Bring your own lunch, choose your ferry time with care, and treat the snorkel as an extra rather than the main event. With those expectations, Lobos can be a very good-value day of sun, volcanic scenery, and simple island freedom.

FAQ

Where does the Lobos Island ferry leave from?

The tour starts at Ferry Isla de Lobos, Nortour, at Muelle de Corralejo in Corralejo, Las Palmas, Spain.

How long is the ferry crossing?

The crossing is usually about 15 minutes. The included snorkeling boat ride is about 10 minutes.

How long does the full activity last?

The experience is listed as approximately four hours, although ferry schedules may allow you to remain on Lobos longer before returning to Corralejo.

What can I do on Lobos Island?

You can walk to La Caldera, swim at La Concha Beach, visit El Puertito, see the salt marshes and Lagunitas basin, or walk toward Faro Martiño lighthouse.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkels and masks are provided, and life jackets and pool noodles are available on board.

How long is the snorkeling session?

The snorkeling activity is described as about 25 minutes. The boat ride to the snorkeling area takes about 10 minutes.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, and you should bring your own food and plenty of water. The island has no regular shops, and the beach kiosk may not be open.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not allowed on Lobos Island.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The activity requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.