Every time there is the slightest opportunity to go on a boat trip, I take it. I also like to go to places where not many tourists go. And that’s Lobos. Don’t be fooled again, there are plenty of people going to Lobos too, but it’s definitely not on the level of having to wade through crowds and turn away solicitors from tourist restaurants and souvenir shops. They don’t even exist on Lobos because Lobos is uninhabited. Apart from the marina and one eatery with occasional opening hours, don’t expect any amenities here.
Where is Lobos
The island of Lobos is one of the Canary Islands. It is tiny, only 4.5 km². The nearest larger island is Fuerteventura – Lobos lies about 2 km northeast of Corralejo. Another nearby island is Lanzarote.
How to get to Lobos from Fuerteventura
You can really only reach the island from Fuerteventura, unless you have your own boat. It is also the closest way. Ferries leave from the port of Corralejo and arrive at Lobos in the small port of Puertito Isla de Lobos. They only carry people, not cars, and there are no roads on the island. The boat trip takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
I recommend booking ferry tickets in advance, especially between July and September. The number of people allowed on the island each day is limited.
You can also get to Lobos from Lanzarote. Take the boat from the port of Playa Blanca in Lanzarote to Corralejo in Fuerteventura. Then change to the boat to Lobos at the port.
Entrance to the island
Lobos is a nature reserve and is protected from the rush of tourists by a limited capacity, only 200 people are allowed on the island at any one time and staying on the island is limited to a four-hour block, morning or afternoon.
To enter the island, you must request permission to enter. This is done in advance and online at lobospass.com, it is not included with the ferry tickets. The permit is free though, the only problem may be that there is no more capacity for you.
You can’t camp on the island and spend the night, there is nothing here, so don’t forget to take food and especially plenty of water.
Things to see and do in Lobos
The island is small and there are a few trails you can follow, just keep in mind that you have a maximum of 4 hours. Lobos is home to many species of birds, including migratory birds that choose the local marshes as a resting place.
La Caldera volcano
You can take the trail to the top of the La Caldera volcano, which is also the highest point on the island (127 metres, so no big climb, just the last section is a bit steeper) and has views of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. From the port you will be there in about half an hour.
Punta Martiño Lighthouse
In the north of the island, about 4 km from the port, is the Punta Martiño lighthouse. The drive is practically all the way on flat ground, it takes over an hour.
La Concha beach
A nice beach is Playa de La Concha (yes, it’s named like the one in Fuerteventura, but smaller), with a nice lagoon for swimming, almost like in the Caribbean.
Snorkelling at El Puertito
The waters around Lobos are rich in marine life, making the island a popular snorkelling and diving destination. For snorkelling, the small port of El Puertito is popular, where the water is calm and clear.
