Corralejo: Snorkeling on Lobos Island & Return Ferry Ticket

Lobos Island gives you two good outings in one: a short ferry ride from Corralejo, then a 25-minute swim near the island’s coast where salema, sargo, and vieja canaria may gather around the boat. You also get time to walk across a dry volcanic island with a white beach, a lighthouse, and a 127-metre volcano.

I like the flexible return times and the helpful Barco Majorero crew. Staff members Pablo and Susanna have helped visitors sort out parking and equipment, while Captain Danny has been praised for handling the boat calmly. The main caution is the sea: wind and waves can make the snorkel hard for weaker swimmers, and the island has almost no shade or supplies.

Key points to know

• The $31 price covers the return ferry, a drink, and snorkel equipment, making this good value for a full day outdoors.
• You can choose how to spend your island time, from a short walk to La Concha Beach to a longer route toward La Caldera and the lighthouse.
• The snorkel stop is from the boat, not a guided reef tour, and fish may gather when bread is placed in the water.
• The 13:00 ferry leaves little time before the 13:20 activity, so choose an earlier crossing if you want to walk first.
• Bring your own lunch and plenty of water, since shops are absent and the beach kiosk may be closed.
• Expect rugged paths, strong sun, wind, and changeable sea conditions, not a soft resort-style beach day.

What the $31 Lobos Island trip really includes

At $31 per person, this is one of those outings where the value depends on how much of the day you use. You are not paying only for a boat transfer. The fare includes the 20-minute ferry from Corralejo, the return crossing, a 10-minute mini cruise beside Lobos Island, a drink, and a 25-minute snorkel session with mask and snorkel available on board.

That is a fair price if you want both a day on the island and time in the water. A basic ferry ticket would get you across, but this package adds the boat-based snorkel stop without requiring you to arrange another activity.

The trip is best understood as a flexible island day with a scheduled water session in the middle. You choose an outward ferry, explore on foot, join the snorkel and mini cruise at 13:20, then select a return sailing that suits you. The catch is that the schedule needs a little thought. The island is easy to underestimate, especially if you want to reach both La Caldera and the lighthouse.

Starting at the Corralejo port

You begin at the Naviera Nortour ticket office at the entrance to the port, beside La Lonja. If you are driving, allow extra time. Parking can be difficult, and missing the boat because you arrived late does not qualify for a refund.

The ferry crossing takes about 20 minutes. The boat has been described as smooth and punctual, and the crossing itself gives you a quick change of scene from Fuerteventura to the smaller, quieter island offshore. Some departures use a glass-bottom ferry, which can add interest on the way across, though the main reason to choose this trip is the time on Lobos rather than the ferry ride alone.

Bring your passport or identity card, or a copy. You should also have your booking details ready at the port and arrive early enough to find the correct ticket office. One practical point from the port area: there are two sets of large Corralejo letters, so do not rely on those as your only meeting landmark. The smaller set near the harbour is the useful one.

Choosing the right ferry time

The timing changes the feel of the day.

If you take a ferry before 13:00, you can get off on Lobos and start exploring before the snorkel and mini cruise at 13:20. This is the better plan if you want to see more than the beach near the landing point.

If you take the 13:00 ferry, you remain on board until the water activity starts at 13:20. That avoids a long wait, but you lose the chance to walk first. You can explore after the snorkel session instead.

After the swim, return options include 14:20 and 17:00. From July through September, 16:00 and 18:00 options are also available. Your choice matters. The early 14:20 return leaves almost no time for a proper island walk, while the 17:00 sailing gives you a useful half day. The later summer departures are best if you want to combine the beach, volcano, and lighthouse routes.

El Puertito and the 10-minute mini cruise

The water portion begins with a short cruise along the southern coast of Lobos toward El Puertito. You get a drink while the boat moves past an old fishing port, a white sand beach, and the island’s only restaurant.

This is not a long sightseeing cruise, and that is worth understanding before you book. Ten minutes passes quickly. Still, it gives you a pleasant view of the coast and lets you reach a swimming area away from the main landing point. The drink makes the short ride feel more like a small cruise than a simple transfer.

El Puertito is also a useful landmark for understanding Lobos. The island feels spare and exposed, with white sand, volcanic ground, and little shelter. The old port and low buildings provide a glimpse of its former fishing life without turning the visit into a formal history tour.

What the 25-minute snorkel stop is like

The main water activity lasts about 25 minutes. You swim near the coast in clear water and look for Canary Island fish such as salema, sargo, and the colourful vieja canaria.

This is a straightforward snorkel stop rather than a coral-reef expedition. The underwater setting can be fairly basic, with no promise of rocks or coral and no guarantee of a wide range of fish. On good days, fish gather around the boat after the crew places bread in the water, giving you plenty to watch close by. That can be fun, especially for children and first-time snorkellers, but it also means the fish are being attracted to the boat rather than found through a guided search.

You may be able to jump from the side of the boat into the water. Pool noodles, life rings, and life jackets have been available for people who are less confident in the sea. That is helpful, but you still need to judge the conditions honestly. Waves can push you away from the ladder, and the water may be too rough for a weak swimmer to make a comfortable return to the boat.

I would treat the snorkel as a pleasant add-on to the island visit, not as the sole reason to book. On a calm, sunny day, it can be the highlight. In cloudy or choppy weather, visibility and comfort can drop. Listen closely to the crew before entering the water and use a flotation aid if you need one.

Walking from the landing point to La Concha Beach

After getting off the ferry, La Concha Beach, also called La Caleta, is about a seven-minute walk away. Its shell shape and pale sand make it the easiest place to settle in for a swim or a quiet break.

This is the most accessible part of the island visit, but the ground is still dry and uneven in places. Flip-flops may work for the beach, yet sports shoes are the smarter choice if you plan to walk farther.

La Concha is a good fallback if wind makes the boat snorkel uncomfortable. You can stay on land, swim in shallow water, and enjoy the island without trying to cover every path. Do not count on buying lunch here. There are no shops, and the only beach kiosk is not always open.

Climbing La Caldera for the big view

La Caldera is a 127-metre volcanic cone and one of the best short walks on Lobos. The round trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you views toward Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.

The route adds a worthwhile physical element to the day, but it is not a shaded stroll. The terrain is volcanic, dry, and exposed. Carry water, wear shoes with a decent grip, and save the climb for a time when you are not rushed by the next boat.

If you took an early ferry, the volcano fits neatly before the 13:20 activity. If you arrive at 13:00, you will need to do it afterward. With the 14:20 return, a volcano walk is not realistic. The 17:00 or later sailings make much more sense if this is on your list.

Walking farther to Lobos Lighthouse

The lighthouse is in the north of the island and offers another quiet place to look across the sea toward Lanzarote and its volcanic peaks. Reaching it takes more time, and a full island outing takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes.

That estimate is useful because it prevents a common mistake: trying to squeeze every sight into a short visit. A walk to the lighthouse, a stop at La Concha, a climb up La Caldera, and the snorkel session require a full schedule and steady walking pace.

I would pick your priorities before leaving the port. For a relaxed day, choose La Concha and either the volcano or lighthouse. For a serious island walk, take an early ferry and a late return. The paths are marked, but you should stay on them and carry all rubbish back with you.

Sun, wind, food, and the practical side

Lobos has no trees or natural shade. The ground is dry, rugged, and volcanic, so sun protection is not optional. Pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and food for the whole day.

A towel and swimwear are obvious additions, but a cooler bag can make a real difference. Drinks left in the sun will become warm, and there is no reliable shop to replace them. Bring enough water even if you plan only a short walk.

Wear sports shoes for the island and flip-flops for the beach if you like. You need both comfort by the water and protection on the paths. Pets are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Non-folding wheelchairs are not permitted.

Weather can cancel the trip. If that happens, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps the booking flexible.

How the crew affects the day

The Barco Majorero is a traditional, family-run ferry, and the personal service is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Pablo and Susanna have helped people find the correct port point, cope with parking, and sort out snorkel equipment. Captain Danny has been praised for placing the boat well for the swim and handling the route smoothly.

That matters because this is not a large resort operation where every question must go through a different desk. You may need simple, practical help, especially if your group includes children or anyone nervous about open water.

The crew has also supplied extra equipment when group numbers changed and offered flotation aids during the swim. Still, assistance does not remove the need for personal caution. Sea conditions vary, and the boat may be busy around the ladders when many people are getting in and out.

Who should book this outing

I would recommend it to you if you want a low-cost day that mixes a short ferry ride, an unspoiled-feeling island, a little hiking, and a casual snorkel stop. It works particularly well for families with older children who can manage uneven paths and for couples or friends who want to choose their own pace.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet, guided nature walk, a long reef snorkel, or a fully sheltered beach day. The water session has no promise of calm conditions, and the island has no shade, shops, or dependable kiosk.

The activity has a 4.6 rating from 769 reviews, with especially strong praise for the friendly crew, clear instructions, punctual boats, and fish-filled snorkel sessions. The less positive experiences focus on rough water, crowded ladders, limited fish variety, and not enough time after choosing an early return. Those are fair warnings, not deal breakers, as long as you choose the schedule and expectations carefully.

Should you book the Lobos ferry and snorkel trip?

Book it if you want good value and control over your day. Take an early ferry, pack lunch and plenty of water, choose a late return, and you can fit in La Concha, La Caldera, the lighthouse, and the boat activity without racing.

If snorkelling is your main goal, remember that conditions can change and the underwater scenery is fairly simple. If Lobos itself is the attraction, the snorkel session adds a pleasant bonus and the $31 price is easy to justify.

FAQ

How much does the Lobos Island ferry and snorkel trip cost?

The listed price is $31 per person. It includes the return ferry, the 10-minute boat ride with a drink, the 25-minute snorkel activity, snorkel equipment, and taxes and fees.

How long is the ferry from Corralejo to Lobos Island?

The ferry crossing takes about 20 minutes each way.

Where do I meet for the activity?

Meet at the Naviera Nortour ticket office at the entrance to the Corralejo port, next to La Lonja.

Can I explore Lobos Island before the snorkel activity?

Yes. If you take a ferry before 13:00, you have time to explore before the 13:20 snorkel and mini cruise. If you take the 13:00 ferry, you remain on board until the activity begins.

What time does the snorkel and mini cruise start?

The main activity starts at 13:20. It includes a 10-minute coastal boat ride and about 25 minutes of swimming and snorkelling.

What return ferry times are available?

Return times include 14:20 and 17:00. From July through September, 16:00 and 18:00 options are also available.

Is food included?

No. You need to bring your own food and drinks. There are no shops on the island, and the only beach kiosk may be closed.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, food, drinks, flip-flops, sports shoes, and a passport or identity card. A copy of your identity document is accepted.

Is the snorkelling suitable for weak swimmers?

Sea conditions can make the activity difficult for weaker swimmers. Life jackets, pool noodles, and life rings may be available, but you should use your own judgment and follow the crew’s instructions.

Can I cancel or change the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If bad weather cancels the activity, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.