Lobos Island Canary Islands: A Beautiful, Untouched Escape (Worth the Trip?)
If you’re visiting Fuerteventura and craving a peaceful, wild escape from the busier resort areas, Lobos Island (Isla de Lobos) is one of the most beautiful day trips you can take. We love Fuerteventura (we’ve visited three times) but Lobos Island is unlike any place we’ve every visited before.
Just a short boat ride from Corralejo, this unoccupied, protected natural island feels a world away from the crowds. It offers volcanic landscapes, turquoise waters, quiet beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a wonderfully untouched feel.
We visited Lobos Island as an extended family three-generational trip, and it ended up being one of the most memorable and relaxing days of our holiday.
Here’s everything you need to know before going, including how to get there, what to expect, and whether it’s worth it.
Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
What Is Lobos Island?
Lobos Island Canary Islands is a small, uninhabited nature reserve located just off the north coast of Fuerteventura, between Corralejo and Lanzarote. But it’s only accessible from Fuerteventura by public ferry: unless you have your own boat, you can’t get to Lobos Island from Lanzerote.
Lobos Island is protected, meaning:
- No hotels or resorts. In fact noone lives her permanently at all.
- Very limited facilities (there’s one very small restaurant and only one toilet on the whole island: something to think about if you’re travelling with kids!)
- Visitor numbers are strictly controlled
- Nature remains largely untouched
The island is known for its:
- Dramatic volcanic terrain
- Crystal-clear shallow waters
- Quiet beaches and coves
- Peaceful, slow-paced atmosphere
If you love raw nature, quiet beauty, and snorkelling in water so clear that you can count the hairs on your big toe, Lobos Island feels like a hidden gem. I’ve written here before how much the boys love being in the water, and about my passion for snorkelling, so this really was an island paradise for us.
How to Get to Lobos Island
As i’ve already mentioned, the only way to reach Lobos Island is by boat from Corralejo. The only exception to this rule is in the unlikely event that you’re travelling on your own boat or yacht (we did see one private yacht moored just off the island!)
Because visitor numbers are strictly controlled, I recommend booking your ferry in advance: you can do this in the harbour in Correlejo, and we did this the day before we wanted to visit.
Ferry Options:
- Speedboat taxis (quick and frequent)
- Standard ferries (this is the most budget-friendly and is the option we took)
- Small-group or guided tours if you feel you’d benefit from having a guide on the island.
Journey time: around 15–20 minutes.
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Boats drop you at El Puertito, the island’s small harbour area. They then pick you up from the same location. Generally there are only 3 ferry runs a day: morning, after lunch, and late afternoon. So don’t miss your ferry, or you could be waiting around for hours for the next one!
What to Do on Lobos Island
I would describe Lobos Island as being small but perfectly formed. And if you’re not looking for conventional entertainment, Lobos Island actually offers plenty to do. Here are some of the ‘best bits’:
1. Swim in the Natural Lagoon at El Puertito
One of the highlights of our whole visit to Lobos Island was the natural turquoise lagoon near the harbour. As you leave the harbour turn left, and you’ll find the El Puertito lagoon around a ten minute walk away. Everything on Lobos Island is clearly sign posted, so it’s easy to find. This lagoon is perfect for:
- Swimming
- Snorkelling
- Relaxing in the calm, shallow water
- Take photos on the famous jetty
The water is incredibly clear, and the atmosphere feels peaceful and unspoilt. It’s also fringed by soft white sands, perfect for relaxing on if you don’t want to swim. But please note this isn’t a resort island! You won’t find loungers and chairs! We were happy sitting on our towels, but we were travelling with my dad whose mobility meant, with hindsight, we should have brought him a fold up chair with us. Something to consider if you’re travelling with older relatives!
2. Walk to Playa de la Concha
Playa de la Concha is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. In fact, it’s probably one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen (and you definitely won’t find one better in Spain!)
It features:
- Soft pale sand
- Calm, shallow water
- Views across to Lanzarote
This is where we did our best snorkelling on the island, and it was much quieter here than in the area around the jetty. It’s ideal for a relaxed beach day, especially if you want somewhere quieter than mainland Fuerteventura. Gain, you won’t find any chairs or loungers here. If you’re going to need a comfortable seat, bring your own!
3. Hike to the Volcano (Montaña La Caldera)
For more active visitors, you can hike up Montaña La Caldera, the island’s volcanic peak. We didn’t try this ourselves (we were happier to stay close to the water) but there were plenty of people on our ferry in hiking boots and ready for a good walk.
The trail offers:
- Incredible panoramic views
- A chance to see the crater rim
- A rewarding but manageable walk
Hiking to the volcano is considered one of the best ways to experience the island’s rugged beauty. And this is also a great chance for me to mention footwear: the paths all the way around the island are uneven, so wear sensible shoes! Even if you just want to walk from beach to beach, I recommend sturdy sandals and definitely no heels!
Facilities on Lobos Island: What to Know
Facilities on Lobos Island are very limited, so it’s important to come prepared. This is a part of the islands charm: if it had roads and shops, it wouldn’t feel so beautifully, wonderfully remote. Infrastructure would detract from its magic
What is available:
- A small beachside restaurant at El Puertito (this is tiny, and its almost impossible to get a reservation as a foreign tourist. But there is a small window where you can buy ice lollies)
- Basic toilets near the harbour. These are the only toilets on the island, so encourage children to go before you leave the harbour area!
What’s not available:
- Shops
- Supermarkets
- Sunbed rentals
- Shade structures
- Drinking water stations
Bring:
- Plenty of water. We only had a bottle each, and I definitely wish we’d taken more!
- Snacks or a picnic. Our plan was to eat in the reservation, but it was already fully booked before the fist boat had even arrived. All we had were crisps and biscuits, so we were starving by the time we got back to Fuerteventura.
- Sunscreen. Pick a reef safe version to protect the sea life.
- Hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear and towel
- Activities for kids. We packed snorkel masks, buckets and spades, and a small ball
Lobos Island Canary Islands FAQs
Is Lobos Island Good for Families?
Yes, I think Lobos Island is a great place for families as long as you plan ahead. And as long as your children are happy to spend the day outside.
It’s great for:
- Calm swimming in shallow water
- Easy scenic walks
- Nature-loving kids
- Families wanting a relaxed, crowd-free day
If your kids are looking for a conventional play environment, it’s worth noting that the island has:
- No playgrounds or structured attractions
- Limited shade
- Bring plenty of supplies for younger children
How Long Do You Need on Lobos Island?
We arrived on the morning ferry and went home on the evening ferry, because we wanted a whole day to soak up the magic of the island, and to swim in the waters! Most visitors spend 3–5 hours, depending on:
- Whether you hike
- How long you relax at the beach
- Whether you eat at the restaurant
You can return earlier if needed, just go to the harbour and wait for the earlier boat (ask your provider for their specific schedule when you arrive on the island)
Is Lobos Island Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, especially if you love nature, scenery, and quiet escapes.We loved Lobos Island for its snorkelling and beautiful beaches. It was quiet (thanks to the restrictions on daily visitor numbers) and it felt like we had a patch of paradise all to ourselves.
Lobos Island feels:
- Peaceful
- Untouched
- Scenic
- Slower-paced
- Like a contrast to resort-heavy areas
If your idea of a perfect day includes clear water, volcanic landscapes, gentle walks, and space to breathe, Lobos Island is a wonderful choice.
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Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
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