Corralejo: Snorkeling on Lobos Island & Return Ferry Ticket

Lobos Island gives you two good outings in one: a rugged volcanic walk and a short boat trip into clear water filled with salema, sargo, and Canary wrasse. I like the flexible return times and the way the friendly Barco Majorero crew helps you fit a swim around your island walk.

I also like the strong value at $31, since your price includes the return ferry, a coastal cruise, a drink, and snorkel gear. The main caution is the sea: the boat may anchor in open, choppy water, so weaker swimmers can find the 25-minute swim tiring.

Key points to know before you book

• Two experiences in one day: Walk Lobos Island independently, then take a short cruise and snorkel near El Puertito.
• A 20-minute ferry crossing: The trip from Corralejo is short, with several return choices depending on the season.
• Helpful local staff: Pablo and Susanna assist at the ticket office, while Danny has captained the snorkel boat.
• Clear but basic snorkeling: You can see schools of local fish, though this is not a coral reef or a high-variety marine site.
• No reliable supplies on Lobos: Bring your own water, food, sunscreen, hat, and towel.
• Rugged walking conditions: La Concha Beach is easy to reach, but La Caldera and the lighthouse require more time and effort.

Why Lobos Island works so well as a day trip

Isla de Lobos sits just off Fuerteventura, close enough for a quick ferry crossing but quiet enough to feel like a proper escape. The island is dry, volcanic, and largely open, with marked paths crossing low hills and rough ground rather than paved promenades.

That simplicity is the appeal. You are not coming for shops, shade, or a packed list of facilities. You come to walk, swim, look across the water toward Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, and spend a few hours outdoors without much around you.

This outing adds a snorkel boat trip to the standard island ferry. For $31 per person, that is a sensible deal if you want more than a beach stop. A normal return ferry gives you access to Lobos, while this option adds a drink, a short coastal cruise, equipment, and time in the water.

I would think of it as a flexible island day with one scheduled activity in the middle. That matters because you are not locked into a fully guided walking tour. You can spend your free time at the beach, climb La Caldera, walk toward the lighthouse, or simply sit near the landing area.

Getting to the port in Corralejo

Your first task is finding the Naviera Nortour ticket office at the entrance to the port, next to La Lonja. Allow extra time. Parking around the port can be difficult, and arriving late means missing the boat without a refund.

The meeting point can cause a little confusion because there are two sets of Corralejo letters near the harbor area. The smaller set at the harbor end is the useful landmark for the ferry office. If you are driving, do not leave arrival until the last minute.

The local staff can be useful before departure. Pablo and Susanna have helped with parking directions, tickets, and snorkel equipment, and the instructions about the island schedule are generally clear. Bring your passport or identity card, or a copy, since identification is required.

The 20-minute ferry to Lobos

The ferry crossing from Corralejo takes about 20 minutes. The Barco Majorero is a traditional, family-run ferry, and the short ride gives you a pleasant start without using up much of the day.

The boat may be described as a glass-bottom ferry, but you should treat the underwater viewing as a small extra rather than the main event. The real value is getting across to Lobos quickly and returning at a time that suits your plan.

If you choose a morning departure, you can explore the island before the snorkel activity at 13:20. This is the best arrangement if you want to see several parts of Lobos and still have time for the boat trip.

The 13:00 ferry works differently. You must remain on board until the Snorkel and Mini Cruise begins at 13:20, then you can explore the island afterward. That option suits anyone who wants to make the water activity the fixed part of the day, but it leaves less room for an early walk.

The coastal cruise to El Puertito

The snorkel portion begins with a 10-minute boat ride along the southern coast of Lobos. You get views of El Puertito, an old fishing port with white sand and the island’s only restaurant.

This is a gentle sightseeing ride rather than a long cruise. You receive a drink on board, and the crew points out the coast while taking the boat toward the swimming area. The short duration is useful because it leaves most of your paid activity for the water.

The port and beach make El Puertito one of the most appealing parts of the island. It gives you a picture of the island’s former fishing life, though do not depend on the restaurant or beach kiosk for lunch. The kiosk is not always open, and there are no shops on Lobos.

That is why I would pack food before leaving Corralejo. A cooler bag can help keep drinks from becoming warm, but you still need to carry everything with you and take all rubbish back off the island.

What the 25-minute snorkel is really like

The water near Lobos can be remarkably clear, and the main attraction is watching local fish move around the boat. Species named for the area include salema, sargo, and the colorful Canary wrasse, known locally as vieja canaria.

The crew may toss small pieces of bread into the water to bring fish closer. This can make the marine life easier to see, especially for children or first-time snorkelers. One unusual incident involved a fish biting a swimmer while food was being thrown, so keep your hands sensible and follow the crew’s instructions.

The snorkeling is best described as clear-water coastal swimming with fish, not a coral reef expedition. You should not expect coral formations or a huge range of species. The seabed can feel basic, and the experience depends heavily on visibility, weather, and water movement.

Sea conditions are the biggest variable. Some outings have calm, enjoyable water. On other days the waves push swimmers around, making it difficult to reach the ladder or stay near the boat. The crew provides pool noodles and life rings, and children can use life jackets. Those aids are reassuring, but they do not remove the need for basic swimming ability.

If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew before entering the water. The ladder can become crowded when several people return at once, and open water feels very different from a pool. Families should keep a close eye on children, even with flotation equipment available.

The boat crew has earned particular praise for helping children and older people, explaining the process, and making sure equipment is available. Danny, one of the captains, has been singled out for placing the boat carefully at a good swimming spot and handling the boat around the port with confidence.

Choosing your time on the island

The schedule gives you several ways to arrange the day. The exact ferry choices depend on the season, but return times after the snorkel can include 14:20 and 17:00, with extra choices at 16:00 and 18:00 from July through September.

This flexibility is valuable, but you need to make the choice with the island’s size in mind. A return at 14:20 gives you little time to walk after the snorkel. A later boat lets you see much more, provided you are comfortable spending most of the day outdoors with limited shade.

You select the return time on the same day, so you can adjust your plan after arriving. Still, do not assume that every return will suit every departure. Check the day’s available schedule with the ticket office and leave enough time to reach the landing point.

A morning crossing followed by the 17:00 ferry is a strong choice for most people. It gives you time for the beach, a walk, lunch, and the snorkel activity without making the day feel rushed.

La Concha Beach, the easy reward

La Concha Beach, also called La Caleta, is about a seven-minute walk from the landing point. Its shell shape and pale sand make it the easiest place on Lobos to settle in for a swim or a quiet break.

This is the part of the island that requires the least effort. If you are traveling with children or simply want a relaxed day, you can combine La Concha with the boat snorkel and skip the longer walks.

The beach is exposed, so do not expect trees or natural shade. The island can also be very windy. On a rough day, sand can blow across the beach, and the same wind may make the boat swim less comfortable.

Bring a towel, swimwear, flip-flops, and sunscreen. Sports shoes are better for the longer paths, and you may want both types of footwear if you plan to swim and hike.

La Caldera gives you the best view

La Caldera is a 127-meter volcanic cone with views toward Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. The round trip takes about an hour and a half, making it a realistic walk during a full day on Lobos.

The route is not a casual stroll along the waterfront. The ground is dry, rocky, and volcanic, so sports shoes are more useful than sandals. Bring water before you set off, because you will not find a shop on the way.

I would choose La Caldera if you want one strong walk with a clear reward at the top. It gives you a better sense of the island’s shape and position than staying only near the beach, and it fits well around a late afternoon ferry if you watch the clock.

Do not try to squeeze it in if you have chosen the 14:20 return after the snorkel. You will have a better day by choosing one area properly than by hurrying through several paths.

The lighthouse and a longer island walk

Lobos Lighthouse lies at the northern end of the island. It is a peaceful place to stop, look toward Lanzarote, and enjoy the open sea.

A full island exploration takes roughly two and a half hours. That makes the lighthouse a better goal for an early arrival and a later return ferry, not for a short afternoon visit.

The route gives you more variety than staying near La Concha, but it also exposes you to the island’s lack of shade and services for longer. Take food and water with you, protect your head and shoulders, and remember that the walk back is part of the time calculation.

You can combine the lighthouse with other areas, but only if you have planned carefully. The island is manageable, yet the dry heat, wind, rough footing, and swimming schedule can make the day feel longer than the distances suggest.

Weather, safety, and comfort

The tour can be cancelled in poor weather, with the choice to reschedule or receive a full refund. Even when the ferry runs, conditions may change how enjoyable the snorkel feels.

Lobos has no trees or natural shade. Sun protection is not optional here. Bring a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, and plenty of water. Food is equally important because the only beach kiosk may be closed.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The island paths are rugged, and boarding the boat, walking to the beach, and getting back up the ladder from the water all require movement and balance.

Pets and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed. These restrictions matter most if you are planning a family day with a large amount of equipment, so pack only what you can comfortably carry across rough ground.

Is $31 good value?

At $31, the package is good value for an active day near Corralejo. A return ferry alone gives you the island, but here you also receive a 10-minute cruise, a drink, snorkel equipment, and 25 minutes in the water.

The value is strongest if you intend to snorkel. If you only want to lie on La Concha Beach, the extra activity may not matter to you. The island itself is the main attraction, while the boat adds a pleasant second layer.

The crew is another part of the value. Staff have helped with parking, explained the schedule, supplied extra equipment when group sizes changed, and offered flotation aids for less confident swimmers.

Do keep expectations in proportion to the price. This is not a full-day marine expedition, and there is no specialist walking guide. You explore independently, then join a short group boat activity. For a low-cost combination of ferry, beach, walking, and snorkeling, that is a fair trade.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy escape from Fuerteventura with room to choose your own pace. It works especially well for couples, families with capable swimmers, and anyone who enjoys mixing a short nature walk with time in the water.

It is also a good pick for first-time snorkelers who want staff nearby and flotation equipment available. The crew is welcoming and practical, and the fish are close enough to make the activity worthwhile even if you have never snorkeled before.

I would hesitate if you dislike wind, rough paths, or open-water swimming. The snorkel can be choppy, the island has little shade, and a short return time can leave you feeling rushed.

Final verdict: book it for the combination

Book this trip if you want more than a ferry ride but less structure than a fully guided excursion. The best plan is an early crossing, a walk to La Concha or La Caldera, the 13:20 snorkel and coastal cruise, then a later ferry home.

Choose the lighthouse only if you have enough time for the full walk. If your main goal is swimming, keep your route short and save your energy for the boat.

At $31, the outing earns its price through flexibility, friendly crew support, and a well-balanced mix of island time and clear-water snorkeling. Just pack as if you are spending a full day on a bare volcanic island, because that is exactly what you are doing.

FAQ

How much does the Lobos Island snorkeling trip cost?

The listed price is $31 per person.

How long does the ferry take from Corralejo to Lobos Island?

The ferry crossing takes about 20 minutes each way.

What does the price include?

It includes round-trip ferry tickets, a 10-minute boat ride with a drink, a 25-minute snorkeling activity, snorkel and mask use on board, and all taxes and fees.

How long is the snorkeling session?

The snorkeling portion lasts about 25 minutes.

Can I explore Lobos Island before snorkeling?

Yes. If you take a ferry before 13:00, you can explore the island before the snorkeling activity at 13:20.

Can I explore the island after snorkeling?

Yes. If you take the 13:00 ferry, you remain on board until the snorkeling and mini cruise begin at 13:20, then you can explore Lobos afterward.

What return ferry times are available?

Return times can include 14:20 and 17:00. From July through September, additional return choices at 16:00 and 18:00 may be available.

Do I need to bring food and water?

Yes. There are no shops on the island, and the only beach kiosk is not always open. Bring enough food and water for the full day.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, food, drinks, sunscreen, flip-flops, sports shoes, and a passport or identity card. A copy of your identification is accepted.

Is the experience suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments because of the rugged island terrain and boat access.