From Corralejo: Lobos Island Boat and Snorkel Activity

Lobos Island gives you two good outings in one: a short boat trip over clear Atlantic water and time to walk across a stark volcanic island. The 25-minute snorkeling stop is the main event, with masks provided and fish often gathering near the boat.

I like the $31 price, which covers the ferry, mini-cruise, drink, and snorkeling. I also like the freedom to choose your return ferry, so you can make this a quick half-day visit or stay until late afternoon. The catch is simple: there is no shade, very little on-island food, and rough water can make snorkeling crowded and less comfortable.

• Snorkel from the Majorero: A 10-minute coastal cruise comes before a 25-minute swim near Lobos Island.
• Pick your island time: Return ferries include 14:20 and 17:00, with 16:00 and 18:00 options from July through September.
• Walk a volcanic island: Reach La Concha Beach in about seven minutes, or hike farther to La Caldera Volcano and Lobos Lighthouse.
• Expect a dry, shade-free visit: Bring water, food, sunscreen, a hat, and proper shoes.
• Family-run service: Naviera Nortour operates the activity, with a friendly crew aboard the Majorero.
• Good value, basic snorkeling: Fish are easy to spot at times, but do not expect coral reefs or a large range of species.

A Short Boat Ride to a Very Different Island

From Corralejo, the ferry crossing to Lobos Island takes about 20 minutes. It is short enough to feel easy, yet long enough for the view to change from Fuerteventura’s coast to a low, rugged island made of old lava.

Lobos is not a lush island with winding woodland paths. It is dry, bare, and open to the sun. The trails cross dark volcanic ground, with little shade and few places to buy anything. I like that raw quality, because the island feels quiet and largely untouched, but you need to arrive prepared.

The $31 cost is fair for what you receive. You are not only paying for transport. The price includes the return ferry, a 10-minute boat ride along the southern shore, a drink, snorkeling equipment, and a 25-minute swim. Food is not included, and you should not count on the island’s single beach bar being open.

Checking In at Corralejo Port

Your starting point is the Naviera Nortour ticket office at the entrance to Corralejo port. Give yourself extra time if you are driving, since parking can be difficult. Missing the boat because you arrive late does not qualify for a refund.

Bring your passport or ID card, or a copy of it. The company also asks you to bring swimwear, a towel, a sun hat, sunscreen, flip-flops, sports shoes, food, and drinks. You will want both sandals and sturdy shoes if you plan to swim and walk. The trails are unpaved, so flip-flops are not a good choice for the longer routes.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed. That matters more here than on a simple boat trip, since the island has rough paths, no shade, and uneven volcanic ground.

Choosing How to Use Your Day

The schedule gives you a useful choice. If you take a ferry before 13:00, you can get off on Lobos Island and explore before the boat and snorkeling activity. This works well if hiking is your priority.

If your crossing takes you to the island later, you may remain aboard until the mini-cruise begins at 13:20, then explore the island afterward. Check the available departure time when booking, because the exact schedule controls how much walking time you have.

After snorkeling, you can choose a return ferry to Corralejo. The listed choices include 14:20 and 17:00, with 16:00 and 18:00 added from July through September. I would choose the later return if you want to visit the beach, climb La Caldera, and walk toward the lighthouse. The early return is better if you mainly want a boat ride and a short swim.

You select the return time on the day itself, which gives you room to adjust your plan. Still, do not treat that flexibility as a reason to arrive without a plan. A long hike followed by a fixed ferry can leave you hurrying across the island in strong sun.

Cruising Past El Puertito on the Majorero

The mini-cruise takes place aboard the Majorero, operated by the local family business Naviera Nortour. The boat first follows the southern coast for about 10 minutes. This is a compact trip, not a long sightseeing cruise, but it gives you a good look at El Puertito.

El Puertito is an old fishing port with a white sandy beach and the island’s only restaurant. The contrast is appealing: simple white buildings and pale sand set against dark lava and dry ground. You receive a drink during this part of the outing, which is a welcome touch in the heat.

The crew has a practical role rather than a formal guide role. You should not expect a detailed history talk or a full guided walk. The service is more personal and hands-on, with the crew helping people board, warning about spray, and assisting children and older passengers.

What the 25-Minute Snorkel Is Really Like

After the coastal cruise, the boat stops near the island for a 25-minute swim. Snorkel gear and masks are available on board, so you do not need to bring your own equipment.

The water can be clear, and fish often gather around the boat. The crew may toss bread into the water to attract them, giving you an easy chance to see fish without swimming far. One report describes a fish nibble while bread was being thrown, so keep your hands aware of the feeding area and follow the crew’s instructions.

The snorkeling is best understood as a pleasant coastal swim with fish, not a reef expedition. You are not swimming through coral gardens, and the fish variety can be limited. That is not a serious flaw at this price, but it is important to set the right expectation.

Conditions matter. On a calm day, the session can feel easy and exciting, especially for first-time snorkelers. Rough water can make getting into and out of the boat harder, and several people in the water at once may reduce your space. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew and take their advice before entering.

The water is the North Atlantic, so it may feel brisk even under a hot sun. A cloudy day can also reduce the color and clarity of the underwater view. You still get the swim, but the experience depends heavily on wind and sea conditions.

Walking From the Landing Point to La Concha

La Concha Beach, also called La Caleta, is about a seven-minute walk from the landing point. Its shell-shaped curve makes it the easiest place to relax after arriving or after the swim.

This is your best short walk if you want a little island time without committing to a long hike. You can swim, sit by the shore, and enjoy the contrast between pale sand and volcanic ground. Bring your own water and snacks, since the island has no dependable supply of food.

There is no shade on the route or at many of the main stops. Sunscreen is not optional, and a hat matters more here than it might on the ferry. The sun reflects off the pale ground and water, while the open terrain offers no trees to shelter under.

Climbing La Caldera Volcano

La Caldera is a 127-meter volcanic cone with broad views toward Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. The round trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a realistic addition if you choose the 17:00 or later ferry.

I would put this hike near the top of your list if you want the island’s best viewpoint. You get a stronger sense of Lobos as an old volcanic island from above, and the climb adds a physical goal to what could otherwise be a short beach visit.

Wear sports shoes and carry water. The trail is unpaved, and the sun can make the climb feel harder than the distance suggests. Do not begin the hike late if your return ferry is fixed. Build in time to walk back to the landing point and board without rushing.

Walking to Lobos Lighthouse

Lobos Lighthouse, at the northern end of the island, offers a quieter destination and views toward the sea and Lanzarote’s volcanoes. Reaching it and returning takes more time than the La Concha walk, so it suits people who choose a longer ferry interval.

A complete island exploration takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes. That is enough to combine the beach, volcano, and lighthouse only if you manage your time carefully and have a later return. If you want to stop, swim, take photos, and enjoy the shore rather than simply walk, choose your return with care.

I would not try to fit every point into a short visit. Pick La Concha for an easy outing, La Caldera for the best elevated view, or the lighthouse for a longer walk and a quieter end point.

The Crew and the Feel of the Boat

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this activity. The service is friendly and attentive, with practical help for children and older people and warnings when spray may reach the boat. One especially memorable incident involved a crew member recovering a camera from about five meters down shortly before the swim ended.

That kind of helpfulness matters on a small boat. The crew also keeps the mood relaxed, which helps if you feel unsure about the water. You may choose to stay on the boat rather than swim, and that is possible according to the experience details and feedback.

Do not confuse friendly service with a guided tour of the island. There is no full island guide included, and you explore the trails on your own. For some people, that independence is a benefit. For others, the lack of commentary may feel like a missing part of the visit.

Who Gets the Best Value for $31

At $31 per person, this is a strong choice for a low-cost day trip from Corralejo. The ferry alone gets you to Lobos Island, while the added boat ride, drink, and snorkeling make the price more useful than a basic crossing.

I think the activity suits you best if you want:

• A simple outing with transport already arranged
• A short snorkeling session rather than a full-day water expedition
• Time to choose between swimming, walking, and sitting on the beach
• A dry volcanic setting with open views
• A family-friendly boat crew and flexible return options

You may want something else if you need shade, a guided island walk, a wide variety of underwater life, or guaranteed calm water. The activity is also less suitable if uneven trails and boarding a small boat are difficult for you.

Book ahead during summer, since departures can fill. The company allows cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and bad weather can lead to cancellation with a choice of rescheduling or receiving a refund.

What to Pack for Lobos Island

Pack as if you are visiting a sunny desert with a swimming stop. Take plenty of water, food, sunscreen, a hat, a towel, swimwear, and sports shoes.

A beach bar is present, but it may be closed. Do not plan your day around buying lunch or drinks on the island. Food is not included in the activity, and there are no shops to replace something you forgot.

Keep your passport or ID card, or a copy, with you. Pets are not allowed, and non-folding wheelchairs cannot be taken.

Should You Book This Lobos Island Trip?

I would book it if you want a good-value combination of ferry transport, a short coastal cruise, and basic snorkeling, with enough flexibility to explore Lobos Island independently. The crew’s friendly service adds real value, and the chance to choose a later ferry makes the outing easy to shape around your interests.

I would skip it if your main goal is serious snorkeling or a fully guided nature tour. The underwater session is short, conditions can be rough, and the island has no shade or dependable food service.

For most visitors staying in Corralejo, this is a practical way to see Lobos Island without paying for a longer boat excursion. Bring your own supplies, choose the return time carefully, and give yourself enough time for the volcanic trails.

FAQ

How much does the Lobos Island boat and snorkeling activity cost?

The activity costs $31 per person. The price includes the return ferry, the 10-minute boat ride, a drink, snorkeling equipment, the 25-minute snorkeling session, and taxes and fees.

Where does the activity start?

You start at the Naviera Nortour ticket office at the entrance to the port in Corralejo.

How long is the ferry ride to Lobos Island?

The ferry takes about 20 minutes each way.

How long is the snorkeling session?

The snorkeling portion lasts about 25 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkel and mask are available on board.

What return ferry times are available?

The listed return times are 14:20 and 17:00. From July through September, 16:00 and 18:00 are also available. You can choose your return time on the same day.

Can I explore Lobos Island before snorkeling?

Yes. If you depart before 13:00, you can explore the island before the main activity. Depending on the schedule, you may instead remain aboard until the 13:20 mini-cruise and snorkel session, then explore afterward.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included. You should bring your own food and plenty of water because the island has no shops, and the single beach bar may be closed.

Is there shade on Lobos Island?

No. The trails are unpaved and there is no shade available, so bring sunscreen and a sun hat.

Can I cancel the activity?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity may also be cancelled because of bad weather, in which case you can reschedule or receive a full refund.