Looking to explore Lobos Island, Fuerteventura? You’re in the right place! This guide has everything you need to plan the perfect day trip to this tiny volcanic gem in the Canary Islands.
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I’m Hazel, a travel blogger based in the UK who’s completely smitten with the Canary Islands. I’ve visited Lobos Island myself and absolutely loved its peaceful vibe, wild landscapes, and incredible sea views. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know for a smooth, unforgettable trip.
So, Where Exactly is Lobos Island? 🌍
Just off the northern tip of Fuerteventura (and a stone’s throw from Lanzarote), Lobos Island is a protected natural reserve with just four permanent residents. Its name means “Wolf Island,” a nod to the monk seals (nicknamed sea wolves) that once lived along its shores.
Despite its size, Lobos packs in volcanoes, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches – all just 15 minutes by boat from Corralejo, Fuerteventura.
Lobos Island Fast Facts 📝
🗣️ Language: Spanish.
💶 Currency: Euro (€).
✅ Permit Required: Yes – only 400 visitors allowed per day.
⏱️ Travel Time from Fuerteventura: 15 minutes by boat from Corralejo.
🚫 No overnight stays allowed on the island.
Landscape & Nature on Lobos 🌿🐦
This volcanic islet is like a mini Eden. There are black-rock trails, a moon-like crater, and beaches so quiet you can hear the breeze. You’ll wander past rugged lava flows, tidal lagoons, and shimmering salt flats.
Lobos is blissfully car-free and visitor numbers are capped, so you’ll often find yourself walking in peaceful silence with nothing but seabirds and sea breezes for company.
It’s also home to over 130 plant species and rare seabirds like Cory’s and Band-rumped Storm Petrels. Bring binoculars if you’re into birdwatching!
Getting to Lobos Island ✈️
The only way to reach Isla de Lobos is by boat or water taxi from Corralejo, Fuerteventura. The crossing takes about 15 minutes and several companies offer return trips or guided tours.
Coming from Lanzarote? First hop over on the Playa Blanca-to-Corralejo ferry (30 minutes), then head to Lobos after that.
Best Time to Visit Lobos Island ☀️
☀️ April to October is peak season for sunny skies and warm seas – perfect for beach lovers, swimmers, and sunbathers. You’ll get long daylight hours and ideal snorkelling conditions.
☀️ July and August are the busiest months, so book your permit early and prepare for more fellow day-trippers.
❄️ Winter (November to March) is quieter and cooler, with crisp air and fewer crowds – a great time for hikers, photographers, and birdwatchers. Just bring a windbreaker and layers, as the breeze can be chilly, especially by the water.
Where to Stay Nearby 🏨
You can’t stay overnight on Lobos itself, but Corralejo on Fuerteventura is the perfect base. It’s lively, beachy, and just steps from the ferry dock. I have a travel guide for Corralejo and have also included hotel suggestions further down on this page.
Top Things to Do on Lobos Island 🏖️
Whether you’re here for a gentle beach stroll or keen to summit a mini-volcano, Lobos Island is packed with low-key adventures. It’s compact enough to explore in a day, but diverse enough to keep you wowed at every turn.
Here are the top places to check out:
🏖️ Playa de la Concha: Crescent-shaped, white-sand beauty with clear, calm water. 5-10 minutes from the ferry.
🌊 Puertito de Lobos: A dreamy turquoise lagoon and rustic pier. Ideal for snorkelling (and selfies!).
⛰️ Montana La Caldera: Hike up the island’s mini-volcano for panoramic views across to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
🏮 Faro de Punta Martiño: A traditional lighthouse and peaceful viewpoint, about an hour’s walk from the ferry.
Map of Lobos Island Fuerteventura 🗺️
Want a visual of your day out? Below is an interactive Google Map showing all the key spots. Click the star to save it to your own Google Maps for easy access later.
Quick Tips for Visiting Lobos Island 📝
🎟️ You need a permit to visit Lobos – book online in advance or ensure your tour includes one.
⏰ The island generally opens at 10:00 in summer and 11:00 in winter, closing around 18:00 (or earlier in low season) – always check the last ferry times!
💧 Pack plenty of water and snacks (the only restaurant may not be open).
👟 Wear sturdy shoes – volcanic paths can be rocky.
🚻 Basic toilets are available near the ferry landing – bring hand sanitiser and tissues just in case.
☀️ Don’t forget sun protection and a waterproof phone pouch.
Mini Itineraries for Lobos Island 🗓️
What can you do in a day on Lobos Island? These mini itineraries help you make the most of your visit, whatever your pace or interests.
🏖️ Relax & Swim: Start your day soaking up the sun at La Concha beach, then wander over to Puertito for a dip in the clear turquoise lagoon. Bring a book or a snorkel and unwind by the sea.
🥾 Adventure Loop: Kick off with the hike up Montana La Caldera for sweeping views, then head to the Faro de Punta Martiño lighthouse. Finish with a refreshing snorkel stop at Puertito before heading back to the ferry.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly: Keep it simple with a short stroll to La Concha beach. Spread out a picnic, paddle in the shallows, and enjoy a relaxed, easy-going day perfect for all ages.
📸 Photographer’s Route: Start early at Puertito to catch soft morning light on the turquoise pools and rustic jetty. Hike to the top of Montana La Caldera for dramatic shots of the volcanic crater, then continue to the Faro de Punta Martiño for panoramic coastal views. Golden hour back at La Concha beach is a dreamy way to end the day.
Food & Drink on Lobos 🍽️🐟
There’s only one restaurant – and it’s not always open. Bring a picnic, just in case. If it is open, it’s near Puertito and offers simple, fresh seafood.
Hotels Near Lobos Island 🛎️
Corralejo is the best place to stay if you’re planning a trip to Lobos Island. It’s close to the ferry port and packed with great accommodation for every budget.
Here are my top picks:
✨ High-end: Secrets Bahía Real Resort & Spa – Adults Only.
🏡 Mid-range: Barceló Corralejo Sands.
💸 Budget: Hélène Holidays and Retreats.
Or browse current hotel deals in Corralejo on Booking.com.
Best Tours to Lobos Island 🎟️
While Lobos Island is mostly explored independently, there are a few guided experiences available:
🐠 Lobos Island Ferry with Snorkel – Round-trip ferry from Corralejo with time to explore beaches, trails, and snorkelling spots at your own pace. Several daily departures.
⛵ Private Sunset Sailing Charter for Couples – A romantic evening sail with wine, Canarian dinner, and time ashore at Playa de la Concha. Perfect for a special occasion.
⛵ Small-Group Sailing Tour (4h) – Circumnavigate Lobos with stops for snorkelling, paddleboarding, and a light lunch on board. Intimate and relaxing. .
🍷 Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks – Sail from Corralejo with a group (max 12), enjoy lunch and drinks onboard, and try out water sports around Lobos.
🏝️ Guided Hiking Tour of Lobos Island – Walk the full island with a knowledgeable guide, visiting the volcano, lighthouse, Roman ruins and finishing with a paella lunch at El Puertito.
Sustainable Travel Tips 🌱
Lobos Island is a delicate ecosystem and a protected area, and visitors play a key role in keeping it pristine. Here are a few easy ways to travel more responsibly:
🌱 Leave no trace. Take all rubbish (even food scraps) back to Corralejo with you.
🌱 Stick to marked trails. Avoid trampling fragile plants or disturbing nesting birds.
🌱 Respect the daily visitor cap. Only 400 visitors allowed per day. Book early and don’t try to bypass the permit system.
🌱 Bring a reusable water bottle. There’s no drinking water on the island, so bring enough, but skip the single-use plastic.
🌱 Choose eco-conscious tours. Support companies that prioritise sustainability, limit group sizes, and respect marine life.
🌱 Be a considerate photographer. Don’t fly drones near birds or disrupt wildlife for the perfect shot.
FAQs for Lobos Island Fuerteventura 💡
Got questions? Here are some of the most common queries about visiting Lobos Island – from permits to practicalities:
Yes. Visitor numbers are capped at 400 per day. Most tour operators include this in your ticket, but if you’re going solo, be sure to apply online in advance.
No. Overnight stays are not allowed, as the island is a protected natural park. You can stay in Corralejo on Fuerteventura instead (that’s what I did), and hop on the ferry to Lobos.
Yes, basic facilities are available near the ferry landing. Don’t expect much! Bring hand sanitiser and tissues.
Sometimes. There’s one small restaurant near Puertito, but it’s not always open. Always bring snacks and water just in case.
Definitely. The short walking distances and calm waters at La Concha beach make it a great spot for families. Sun protection and good walking shoes for kids are a must.
Most people spend 4-6 hours exploring. Lobos Island is the perfect day trip from Fuerteventura.
Yes, as long as you follow local guidelines and respect the protected status of the island.
Lightweight clothes, sturdy shoes, and layers if it’s breezy. And don’t forget your hat and sunglasses!
At a minimum: water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy shoes, and a lightweight backpack. Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you’re planning to snorkel or kayak, and don’t forget your camera!
The island is home to over 130 plant species and a host of seabirds including Cory’s shearwaters, European storm petrels, and Kentish plovers. Offshore, look out for fish like barracuda and bream, and maybe even dolphins if you’re lucky!
Related Reading for Lobos Island 📚
Want to keep exploring? These articles and guides dive deeper into the best of Fuerteventura and the surrounding Canary Islands – perfect for planning your next adventure:
☀️ Fuerteventura Travel Guide: Spain’s Sun-Kissed Slice of Paradise.
🏝️ 12 Wonderful Things to do in Fuerteventura.
🏖️ The 14 Best Beaches in Fuerteventura.
🐬 Things to Do in Corralejo, Fuerteventura.
🏝️ Which Canary Island is Best for Your Trip? A Guide to All 8 Islands.
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