Isla de Lobos – Day Trip 🛥

By Ellen (Updated Nov 22)

⏱ 3 min

About Isla de Lobos

Isla de Lobos is a small island nestled between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura islands of the Canary Islands in Spain. It lies just 2 km north of Fuerteventura.

The island has an area of just 4.68 square kilometres and is characterised by an interesting landscape surrounded by calm beautiful waters. Visiting the island is a perfect day excursion if you are spending a few days on Fuerteventura. In contrast to the windy beaches on Fuerteventura, Isla de Lobos has more tranquil waters as it is more protected from tradewinds.

The name of the island originates from the large number of “sea wolves” (monk seals) that used to inhabit the island. Sadly, once the Spanish conquered the island, the seals were mass hunted until they ceased to live on the island… Now, they are only seen around the island on rare occasions.

First step to visit Isla de Lobos: reserve your pass before

The first thing to do when planning your visit, is to reserve your authorisation to visit the island in advance. The island is limited to 400 people per day, in 2 groups of 200. You can reserve your visit to be on the island from 10:00 – 14:00, or from 14:00 – 18:00.

• Obtain the authorisation at least 5 days before the date you’re going to visit
• The authorisation is free
• Transportation is not included, you must book that separately

To acquire your authorisation, visit this website: Lobos Pass

How to get to Isla de Lobos

The easiest way to get to Isla de Lobos is from Corralejo in Fuerteventura. It is possible to also visit from Lanzarote, although it takes more time.

Ferry

The ferry ride from Corralejo only takes 20 minutes, and right now the general adult fare is 16 €. There are various websites selling ferry tickets, but they’re more or less the same. We bought ours from here: Ferry to Isla de Lobos

Water Taxi

Water Taxis or fast boats are also an option, which is said to take around 15 minutes. However, seeing as the ferry only takes 20 minutes and costs more or less the same as the ferry, I’m not sure what the benefit is. It will likely depend on your schedule and which offers convenient times for you.

Excursions from Lanzarote or Fuerteventura

Another option is to visit the island on a boat with an organised tour. There are tours that go from Lanzarote and Fuerteventura . These tours usually offer sell the tour as snorkel and excursion to Isla de Lobos and include snorkel gear. There are various offers so check the options to find one that suits your needs. The ferries or water taxis give you more flexibility to explore and enjoy the island at your own pace and that is why we chose to go by ferry. We brought our own snorkel gear.

What to do on the island

The draw of the island for me is relaxing in the sun and enjoying the clear blue waters. Before going, we spent a few days on Fuerteventura which is a very windy island all year round due to the trade-winds. We couldn’t enjoy the beaches because the wind fiercely whipped the sand around. I wouldn’t say a beach day on Fuerteventura is particularly enjoyable. Therefore, we were pleasantly surprised on Isla de Lobos, the waters were somewhat protected from the trade-winds and we could enjoy the beach and water.

El Puertito

The old port is next to the harbour where the boats dock on the island. The waters are shallow where you can see the tide rising and falling. It’s an ideal area for snorkeling since the waters are calm and clear. Also in this area, is the Instagrammable dock. It’s really just a narrow wooden dock that jets out into the shallow waters some meters but people now line up to take a photo there 😅.

Island walking trail

There’s a trail that goes around the island so you can see more of the natural landscape. The trail is well marked and up to date with signs. It goes around the island, passing Play de la Concha, the Punta Martiño Lighthouse, Las Lagunitas, and El Puertito. We didn’t do the hike because we went in the afternoon and there is no shade. Instead we just visited El Puertito and Play de la Concha.

Montaña de la Caldera

The hike to the top of this ancient volcano takes about 40 minutes, and is about 100 metres high. From the top, there are views of both Fuerteventura and Lanzarote islands. When you disembark from the boat onto the island, the path to the volcano will be to the left. It’s marked with signs so it isn’t hard to find.

Playa de la Concha

This is the only beach on the island that visitors have access to, other than the small sand banks and volcanic rocks around the shallow waters in El Puertito.

Are there restaurants on Isla de Lobos?

The only place for food or drinks on the restaurant is by El Puertito. There is a small bar/restaurant in a small stone building. Since it’s the only place on the island to eat, you will likely have to wait to be seated. If it’s only beverages that you want, there’s a small window from which you can buy drinks to takeaway.

Isla de Lobos is a small but charming island with a little bit of beach and a little bit of unique natural landscape. It’s a perfect way to spend several hours in your trip to Fuerteventura or Lanzarote.

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