From Corralejo: Lobos Island Boat and Snorkel Activity

A Closer Look at the Corralejo Lobos Island Boat and Snorkel Experience

If you’re craving a day filled with sunshine, sea, and a dash of adventure, the Lobos Island boat and snorkel activity from Corralejo might just be your perfect escape. This tour combines a quick ferry ride with a mini-cruise around the island, offering some of the best underwater sights and scenic views in the Canary Islands. It’s a straightforward, affordable outing—around $31—that packs a surprising punch for nature lovers and those looking for a relaxing yet active day.

What I especially like about this experience is how flexible it is. You can choose from several departure and return times, allowing for spontaneous plans or a leisurely exploration. Plus, the tour offers personalized service from a local family business aboard the “Majorero,” giving it an authentic touch that larger operators often miss. The highlight, of course, is the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life—something that leaves many travelers raving in their reviews.

One potential consideration: if you’re someone who needs a lot of amenities or prefers to eat onshore, keep in mind that there are no shops on Lobos Island and the only beach bar might be closed, especially outside of peak seasons. You’ll want to bring along water, snacks, and sun protection to make the most of your day.

Key points / Takeaways

• Affordable and Accessible: At around $31 per person, it offers excellent value for a day of sailing, snorkeling, and island exploring.
• Flexible Schedule: Multiple return times mean you can tailor your day — whether you want to stay longer on Lobos or head back early.
• Authentic Local Service: The tour is operated by a family-run business, which often results in more personalized attention and genuine hospitality.
• Snorkeling in Pristine Waters: Expect a 25-minute swim in clear waters, where you might enjoy seeing fish and marine life attracted by bread thrown by the crew.
• Explore at Your Own Pace: You can walk to La Concha Beach, climb Caldera Volcano, or visit Lobos Lighthouse—each offering different views and experiences.
• Need to Bring Your Essentials: Sunscreen, water, snacks, and comfortable shoes are a must since the island is rocky, and there are no shops or shaded areas.

Starting the Journey: Corralejo’s Ferry to Lobos

Your adventure kicks off at the Naviera Nortour ticket office at Corralejo port. Arriving early is a good idea—parking can be tricky, and missing the boat means no refunds. The ferry ride itself takes about 20 minutes and offers quick glimpses of the surrounding landscape. If you leave before 1 pm, you’ll have some extra time to explore Lobos Island before the main activity begins. Otherwise, you can stay on board until 13:20 for the cruise and snorkel, then explore afterward.

The ferry is a straightforward, comfortable way to start your day, and many reviews mention the friendly crew and easy check-in process. You’ll want to arrive with your essentials, as the tour is a day-long affair, and being prepared makes it more enjoyable.

The Mini-Cruise and Snorkeling: What to Expect

Once on the boat, the experience shifts into relaxed fun. The first leg is a 10-minute boat ride along Lobos’s southern coast, giving stunning views of fishing ports and beaches. Drinks are provided on board, and many mention how friendly and helpful the crew is—some reviews even highlight guides like “the crew was fantastic and made the experience memorable.”

Next comes the 25-minute snorkeling session in waters famous for their clarity. The crew often tosses bread into the water to attract fish, and as one reviewer described, “fish came around in droves, and it was incredible.” If you’re lucky, you might see a variety of marine life, though reviews note that the underwater environment is relatively simple—no coral reefs or abundant fish species—so don’t expect a vibrant reef scene but rather a peaceful swim with plenty of fish.

After snorkeling, you can choose your return time—options include 14:20, 16:00, 17:00, and 18:00, depending on the season. This flexibility means you can decide whether to linger on Lobos or head back early to your accommodation. Many travelers enjoy the laid-back pace, using their remaining time to walk along La Concha Beach or climb Caldera Volcano for panoramic views of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.

Exploring Isla de Lobos: What to Do on Land

Lobos Island itself is a striking landscape—a moonscape of rugged volcanic terrain and dry, lava fields. The island feels like a place frozen in time, with no trees or shade, so plan ahead with plenty of sunscreen and water.

You might want to walk to La Concha Beach, just a seven-minute stroll from the landing point, which offers a lovely shell-shaped bay to relax or take a dip. If you’re up for a short hike, the Caldera Volcano is a must-see: a 127-meter volcanic cone providing spectacular views of the surrounding islands. The hike takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes round-trip and is well worth the effort for the scenery and the sense of adventure.

The Lobos Lighthouse at the island’s northern tip is another highlight—perfect for unwinding and soaking in the sea views, especially if you enjoy quiet, scenic spots. The entire island can be explored in about 2.5 hours if you want to see everything, but many visitors prefer a more leisurely approach, combining a walk with some lounging on the beach.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

Since there are no shops on Lobos, bring your own food, water, and sun protection. A hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen are essentials. The island’s trails are unpaved and exposed, so sturdy shoes and a good sun hat help keep you comfortable.

Remember, the tour doesn’t include meals, and the only beach bar might be closed outside peak season, so packing snacks or a picnic is advisable. Also, if you’re planning to explore the volcanic terrain or hike to Caldera, sports shoes are recommended over flip-flops.

The activity is not suited for those with mobility impairments, as the terrain is uneven, and there are no shaded areas on the island. If you’re traveling with children or elderly family members, a little extra planning for comfort is wise.

The Value of the Experience

At around $31, this tour offers remarkable value. It combines transportation, a boat cruise, snorkeling, and flexible scheduling—elements that make for a well-rounded day. Many reviewers praise the friendly guides and the quality of the boat trip, often mentioning how they appreciated the informative and helpful crew. The boat itself is a small, manageable size, which adds to the sense of intimacy and personalized service.

While the snorkeling environment isn’t reef-heavy, the clear waters and abundant fish attract many, and the overall experience feels authentic and relaxed—more about enjoying nature than ticking off tourist attractions.

If you’re after a straightforward, fun day with an emphasis on marine life, stunning views, and a touch of adventure, this trip hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to explore Lobos at their own pace and don’t mind bringing their own supplies.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This activity is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who value authentic experiences over luxury. It’s perfect if you want a taste of the islands’ natural beauty without a complicated itinerary. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups, the tour’s schedule flexibility makes it attractive for spontaneous plans or those with tight schedules.

However, if you prefer guided tours with detailed cultural or historical commentary, or require accessibility features, this might not be your best fit. The focus here is on natural beauty, snorkeling fun, and relaxed exploration.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Lobos Island tour from Corralejo offers a delightfully simple yet satisfying day out. The combination of a scenic ferry ride, friendly crew, and snorkeling in calm, clear waters creates a memorable experience for many. Plus, exploring Lobos at your own pace—walking the trails, climbing the volcano, or lounging on La Concha Beach—is a bonus that adds genuine value.

You’ll love the views, the marine activity, and the chance to step away from crowded beaches into a wild, volcanic landscape. The tour’s affordability makes it accessible for most travelers, and the flexible schedule ensures you can fit it into your day without hassle.

If you’re looking for an authentic, unpretentious adventure that mixes boat fun with land exploration, this activity is worth considering. Just remember to bring your essentials, plan for the rocky terrain, and enjoy the tranquility of Lobos Island.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, many reviews mention family-friendly experiences, though the uneven terrain and lack of shade mean parents should prepare accordingly.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, water, snacks, swimwear, towel, hat, and comfortable shoes. Remember, there are no shops on Lobos, so pack your supplies.

Can I explore Lobos after the snorkeling? Absolutely. You can walk to La Concha Beach, climb Caldera Volcano, or visit the lighthouse at your own pace.

Are there options for different return times? Yes, you can choose from several return times including 14:20, 16:00, 17:00, and 18:00, when booking.

What is the snorkeling like? The waters are clear with regular fish attracted by bread tossed into the water. It’s a peaceful experience, not a coral reef dive.

Is the activity weather-dependent? Yes, bad weather can lead to cancellations. If canceled, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

How long does the entire land exploration take? The full island walk takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes, but you can spend more or less time based on your schedule.

Does the trip include food? No, you need to bring your own snacks or meals, as there are no shops or restaurants on the island.

To sum it up, this tour from Corralejo offers a straightforward, affordable way to experience Lobos Island’s natural beauty. It’s best suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities, scenic boat rides, and snorkeling without fuss. With flexible options and friendly service, it’s a reliably enjoyable choice for a memorable day in the Canary Islands.