In a nutshell
- A day trip to Isla de Lobos is one of the most popular excursions from Fuerteventura — and for good reason. This tiny island delivers stunning beaches, volcanic scenery, and some great hiking trails.
- In this guide, we walk you through exactly how to plan your Lobos island day trip and show you the best spots on the island.
- Going independently? You’ll need a ferry ticket. Or we can highly recommend the guided catamaran tour to Lobos with snorkeling.
Everything You Need to Know About Isla de Lobos near Fuerteventura
Los Lobos is a beautiful, uninhabited island. It’s located north of Fuerteventura, just a 20-minute ferry ride from our favorite town, Corralejo.
The island is super small. At about 4.5 square kilometers, it’s smaller than all seven East Frisian Islands. On Lobos you’ll find an extinct volcano and idyllic beaches. The entire island is a protected nature reserve.
You can visit Isla de Lobos either on your own or on a boat tour. However, you’re only allowed to stay on Lobos for a maximum of four hours — either in the morning or in the afternoon.
You’ll need to apply in advance for a free visitor permit with a time slot on the LobosPass website, since only a limited number of people are allowed on the island. You don’t need to do this if you book a boat tour.
Map of Isla de Lobos
So you know exactly where Los Lobos is, we’ve put together a map for you below.
On the map you can see how close Lobos is to Fuerteventura and where in Corralejo the ferries to Los Lobos depart from.
For a complete overview, we’ve also marked the ferry dock on Lobos, the visitor center, and our 5 highlights on Lobos on the map.
Highlights on Lobos
An isla de lobos day trip is the perfect outing from Fuerteventura. The island’s top spots are easy to cover in just a few hours — and they feel refreshingly different from the sights on Fuerteventura itself.
Here are the must-sees on Lobos.
El Puertito Village
What you need to know: El Puertito is a small, wonderfully charming fishing village and the only inhabited spot on Isla de Lobos. The houses are mostly simple fishermen’s dwellings. The surroundings are completely natural: black volcanic rock meets white sand. The water is clear and calm — perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
Our tip: El Puertito is home to the island’s only restaurant, Chiringuito Lobos Antoñito El Farero. If you want to eat there, head over as soon as you arrive on Los Lobos, reserve a table, and pre-order your food. Everything could be gone later.
Natural Pools
What you need to know: Right next to El Puertito are the natural pools — small basins protected by lava rock and boulders where the sea flows in. In calm conditions, barely any waves reach the pools, keeping the water still and crystal clear.
Our tip: When the tide comes in, the pools are often filled to the perfect level. If you’re visiting with kids, keep an eye on wind conditions — when there’s little wind and no strong waves, the pools are at their safest and most enjoyable.
Playa de La Concha
What you need to know: Playa de La Concha is the main beach on Los Lobos and, for us, one of the most beautiful beaches around Fuerteventura. It’s completely unspoiled and sits in a mostly wind-sheltered bay. The sand is almost white and fine, and the water is turquoise — seriously picturesque. The current in the bay is minimal and the sea stays calm and clear, making it ideal if you’re visiting Fuerteventura with kids.
Our tip: The beach is just a 10-minute walk from the boat dock — perfect for a quick cool-down before heading back to Fuerteventura.
Hike to Faro de Martiño
What you need to know: The Faro de Martiño at the northern tip of the island is the historic lighthouse on Lobos. It was built in 1865, making it the oldest lighthouse in the Canary Islands. The tower stands six meters tall and is now operated automatically, which is why no one lives there anymore.
Our hiking tips: A well-marked trail of about four kilometers leads from the boat dock to the lighthouse — right through the village of El Puertito. One way takes about 50 minutes, but the trail stays flat and shouldn’t be too strenuous.
Hike to Montaña de La Caldera
What you need to know: If you turn left instead of right at the dock, you’ll reach the trail to Montaña La Caldera — an extinct volcanic crater and the highest point on the island. From the top you get a 360-degree panorama over Isla de Lobos itself, over Fuerteventura, and on a clear day all the way to Lanzarote.
Our hiking tips: You follow the main hiking trail that circles the island. About 30 minutes before the loop ends, a dirt path leads up to La Caldera. If you’re in good shape, the round trip takes just over an hour. The trail does get quite steep in places, with steps and rocks.
Our recommendation: If you only have time for one trail, go for the lighthouse route. It’s easy and takes you through the village of El Puertito, where you can grab a bite to eat after the hike.
Getting to Los Lobos by Ferry
Want to explore the island on your own? The best way to make this lobos island day trip happen is by ferry.
What you need to know about the ferry:
- Ferries depart from the port of Corralejo (several operators run the route). If you’re staying at a hotel in Corralejo, you may even be able to walk to the port depending on your location.
- The crossing takes only 15 to 20 minutes.
- Generally, the first outbound departure is around 9:45 AM and the last return is around 5:15 PM. During the summer months (July through September), additional sailings may be offered.
- Prices start from €15 for a round trip, depending on the operator.
We’re big fans of the ferry run by Naviera Nortour. The boat is really comfortable and the seats are great. When you book, you choose a departure time: 10 AM, 11:15 AM, or 1 PM.
You choose your return time on the day of your visit: 11:40 AM, 2:20 PM, and 5:00 PM (also 6:00 PM from July through September). The round-trip fare is €17.
Our tip: We’d take the 10 AM outbound ferry and return at 2:20 PM. That gives you plenty of time for a hike, a meal, and a swim or snorkel in the natural pools or at Playa La Concha.
Book your ferry ticket with Naviera Nortour
A Day Trip to Lobos by Boat Tour
Not keen on heading to Lobos on your own? Then join a great boat tour from Fuerteventura to Lobos. Our top pick is the catamaran tour with snorkeling.
We did this tour once in November (for us, the best time to visit Fuerteventura) with the entire 22places team and thought it was absolutely fantastic.
After about an hour and a half, you make a stop out on the water. There you have time for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking. Then it’s on to Isla de Lobos. A guide goes ashore with you and shares fascinating information about the island.
The one downside of the boat tour: you only get about one hour of free time on Lobos. That’s enough to stroll leisurely through El Puertito village and along the waterfront.
If you opt for the boat tour, you won’t have time for a hike. And Playa de La Concha won’t be on the agenda either.
After the visit to Isla de Lobos, you’ll be served a delicious paella on board — drinks are also included.
The catamaran tour takes about four hours in total. Perfect for discovering a few of our under-the-radar spots on Fuerteventura afterward!
Book your catamaran tour to Los Lobos with snorkeling
The boat tour also departs from the port of Corralejo. Nearby you’ll find the best family hotels on Fuerteventura, as well as great adults-only hotels on Fuerteventura.
Good to know: There are no tours departing from southern Fuerteventura. So if you’re staying in the south of the island, you’ll need to drive to Corralejo in your rental car first.
Important Tips for Your Visit to Isla de Lobos
Before you head off on your day trip to Isla de Lobos, here are a few key pointers to help you prepare perfectly.
- Bring plenty of water — there are no stores on the island and the only kiosk isn’t always open.
- The restaurant in El Puertito is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Pack snacks and food. The restaurant can also sell out quickly.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. There are no trees and very little shade.
- Take your trash back with you to your hotel on Fuerteventura.
- Remember to apply for your visitor permit on the LobosPass website.
- You’re only allowed to stay on Lobos for a maximum of four hours — either in the morning or in the afternoon.
- There are no accommodations on Lobos.
Find more travel tips for Fuerteventura here
Frequently Asked Questions About Isla de Lobos
Is a day trip to Isla de Lobos worth it?
Absolutely! A visit to Lobos is totally worth it if you enjoy nature, peace and quiet, and beautiful scenery. The island is uninhabited, with turquoise lagoons, volcanic landscapes, and great views of both Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. You can hike, swim, or simply unwind — it’s a genuinely special place.
How do you get to Lobos from Fuerteventura?
The only way to get there is by boat from Corralejo in the north of Fuerteventura. Ferries and water taxis run several times a day and take about 15 to 20 minutes.
Is the island of Lobos inhabited?
No, Lobos is uninhabited. There are only a few old fishermen’s huts and the historic lighthouse, which was lived in at one point. Nobody lives there permanently today — the island is a protected nature reserve.
How long does the crossing from Fuerteventura to Lobos take?
The ferries and water taxis take about 15 to 20 minutes.
How long are you allowed to stay on Lobos?
You’re allowed to spend a maximum of four hours on Lobos — either in the morning or afternoon, depending on the time slot of your visitor permit.
Are there animals on the island of Lobos?
Yes! Lobos is home to many bird species, including seagulls and petrels, as well as lizards, insects, and marine life along the coast. There are no larger animals — the island is primarily a bird sanctuary.
