Corralejo: Snorkeling on Lobos Island & Return Ferry Ticket

Lobos rewards curious feet. This $31 day trip combines a return ferry from Corralejo with a short coastal cruise, a drink on board, and a 25-minute snorkeling session among Canary Island fish. I especially like the freedom to choose how much island walking you want, and the crew’s friendly help with equipment and sea conditions. The main catch is that Lobos is dry, exposed, and short on services, while the snorkeling can feel choppy when the wind rises.

The family-run Barco Majorero gives the trip a personal feel, and the ferry ride itself is a pleasant 20-minute crossing. Still, you should bring your own food, plenty of water, and realistic expectations about the snorkeling. It is a simple fish-viewing outing, not a coral reef expedition.

Five things to know before you go

• A 20-minute ferry crossing starts the day: You travel from Corralejo to Lobos Island on a traditional family-run boat.
• The 25-minute swim takes place from the boat: Expect clear water and Canary Island species such as salema, sargo, and vieja canaria.
• The 13:20 activity time affects your island plans: A 13:00 arrival ferry leaves you on board until the snorkeling and minicruise begin.
• La Caldera gives you the best high view: The 127-meter volcanic cone takes about 90 minutes round trip from the landing area.
• There is almost no shade or shopping: Bring lunch, drinks, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes.
• The value is strongest for active visitors: You get transport, a boat ride, equipment, and a full day on the island for $31.

Starting at Corralejo port

Your day begins at the Naviera Nortour ticket office at the entrance to Corralejo port, beside La Lonja. Give yourself extra time. Parking can be difficult, and missing the ferry because you arrived late means no refund.

The meeting point matters because the port area has more than one set of Corralejo letters and several nearby boat signs. The ticket office is the reliable landmark here. Once checked in, you board the ferry for the short crossing to Lobos Island.

The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes. Depending on the boat and departure, you may have a glass-bottom view during the crossing, giving you a chance to watch the water below. The ride is short enough for children and easy to fit into a day based in Corralejo.

Bring your passport or identity card, or a copy. This is easy to overlook on a ferry trip close to shore, but it is listed among the required items.

Picking the right ferry time

Your ferry choice shapes the whole day. If you arrive before 13:00, you have time to walk around Lobos before the main snorkeling and minicruise activity at 13:20.

The 13:00 ferry has a different rhythm. You remain on board until the snorkeling and minicruise begin at 13:20, then explore the island afterwards. That option can work well if you mainly want the boat activity first, but it gives you less flexibility at the start.

After the water session, you choose a return ferry time on the same day. The listed options include 14:20 and 17:00, with 16:00 and 18:00 added from July through September. Check the available times before settling on your walking plans.

I would usually choose an earlier ferry to Lobos and the 17:00 return. That gives you room for the beach, a volcano walk, and the snorkeling session without turning the day into a race. If you select the 14:20 return, you may have time for the water activity but little chance to explore beyond the port area.

The first look at Lobos Island

Lobos is a natural park with a dry, volcanic character. The island has no trees or natural shade, and its paths cross rugged ground rather than manicured walkways. That raw setting is a major part of the appeal, but it also makes preparation important.

From the landing point, La Concha Beach, also called La Caleta, is about a seven-minute walk. Its shell-shaped curve, pale sand, and clear shallow water make it the easiest place to settle in after the ferry.

This is also a good spot if your group includes people who do not want a long hike. You can swim, relax, or simply enjoy the view without committing to the farther paths. Bring something to sit on if you want comfort, because the island provides very little shelter.

The white buildings and small fishing-port feel of El Puertito offer a different view. It is the island’s old fishing harbor and includes a white-sand beach and the only restaurant on Lobos. The restaurant and beach kiosk are not always open, so do not plan your lunch around them.

The 10-minute cruise to El Puertito

The snorkeling portion begins with a gentle 10-minute boat ride along the southern coast toward El Puertito. You can enjoy a drink while the boat passes the harbor, beach, and low volcanic shore.

This short cruise adds useful context. From land, Lobos can seem like a small, quiet island with a few paths. From the water, you see its coast as a chain of coves, rocky edges, and pale beaches. It is not a long sightseeing cruise, but it makes the snorkeling session feel like more than a simple transfer.

The boat ride is also a good pause in the middle of your walking day. You sit down, cool off, and look back at the island before entering the water. Staff explain the process and help with the available equipment.

What the 25-minute snorkeling session is really like

The water session lasts about 25 minutes and takes place near the coast from the boat. Snorkel gear and masks are available on board, and the crew can provide pool noodles and life rings for people who are less confident in open water.

The clear water is the main attraction. You might see salema, sargo, and the colorful Canary wrasse, known locally as vieja canaria. Several accounts also describe the crew placing small amounts of bread in the water, which brings fish close to the boat and makes them easier to see.

That feeding practice creates a memorable fish-viewing moment, but it has a downside. One person reported a minor fish bite after bread was thrown into the water. It appears to be unusual, yet you should follow crew instructions and avoid reaching toward fish.

Snorkeling conditions depend heavily on the day. In calm water, the session can be easy and enjoyable, with fish moving around the boat and plenty of time to swim. In wind or swell, getting back to the ladder can be harder, especially for a weak swimmer. One person found the waves difficult enough to panic briefly before reaching the other side of the boat.

The crew keeps flotation aids available, which is useful for children and cautious swimmers. A seven-year-old with limited swimming ability was able to participate with a life jacket. Even so, this is not a pool session. You should be comfortable entering open Atlantic water, or stay on board if conditions do not suit you.

Some people find the underwater setting fairly basic. You are not swimming over coral or a large reef, and the fish variety may feel limited. I would book this for clear water, close fish encounters, and the fun of swimming from a boat, not for serious marine study.

Walking to La Caldera volcano

La Caldera is the island’s 127-meter volcanic cone and the best place for broad views. The round trip from the landing area takes about one hour and 30 minutes.

The path gives you a clear sense of Lobos as a volcanic island. The ground is dry and rocky, so sports shoes are a better choice than flip-flops for this walk. The summit offers views toward Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, including the volcanic forms across the water.

The hike is manageable for many active people, but the sun and lack of shade make it feel more demanding than the distance suggests. Carry water with you rather than assuming you can refill along the way.

If you only have a few hours, choose between La Caldera and the lighthouse rather than trying to force in every corner. The volcano is the stronger choice for a high viewpoint. The lighthouse offers a quieter destination and a different view of the northern part of the island.

Walking to the Lobos lighthouse

Lobos Lighthouse lies in the north of the island. It is a historic marker and a calm place to stop, look toward the sea, and see the volcanoes of Lanzarote.

A full exploration of the island takes roughly two and a half hours, depending on your pace and stops. The route to the lighthouse is longer than the walk to La Concha Beach, so it works best with an earlier arrival and a later return ferry.

The path is easy to follow in places, but the island remains rugged. You should not expect cafés, shade, or frequent facilities along the way. Sue, who visited in February, found the lighthouse walk rewarding and described the volcanic paths as easy to follow. That is encouraging, but good footwear and a steady water supply still matter.

Planning the day around the activity

The most practical schedule is to treat the snorkeling as one fixed appointment inside a flexible island visit. Arrive early, walk or relax before 13:20, take the cruise and swim, then continue exploring before your chosen ferry home.

Here is how the main options work:

• Early ferry and 17:00 return: Best for combining La Concha, snorkeling, and one longer walk.
• Early ferry and 14:20 return: Suits anyone who wants a short island visit and the water activity.
• 13:00 ferry: Best if snorkeling is your priority, since you start the activity soon after arrival.
• July through September: The 16:00 and 18:00 return options give you more room for a full island circuit.

Build in a little spare time before your return boat. Lobos paths can be slower in heat, and stopping for photos or a swim adds up quickly. Once you are back in Corralejo, the day is finished, so there is no need to rush the final walk.

What to pack for a treeless volcanic island

The packing list is not filler. It determines how comfortable your day will be.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. Take more water than you think you need, plus a packed meal and snacks. The island has no shops, and the only kiosk may be closed.

Wear flip-flops for the beach if you like, but pack sports shoes for La Caldera, the lighthouse, and longer paths. A small cooler bag would help keep drinks pleasant in the heat, though you must carry everything back out with you.

Respect the natural park by staying on marked paths and taking all rubbish away. This matters especially on a small, dry island where discarded plastic or food packaging remains visible for a long time.

Price, service, and overall value

At $31 per person, this is good value if you plan to spend several hours on Lobos. The price includes the return ferry, the 10-minute boat ride, a drink, the 25-minute snorkeling session, masks and snorkels on board, and taxes and fees.

You are not paying for a guided island hike or a full-day boat tour. There is no guide leading you around every path, and food is not included. The value comes from combining transport and water activities with the freedom to explore on your own.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Pablo and Susanna have helped people with parking, equipment, and route advice, while Captain Danny has been praised for handling the boat smoothly and anchoring at a suitable swim spot. Staff have also helped children, older people, and swimmers who needed flotation aids.

The service is friendly without turning the visit into a formal guided tour. That suits you if you like independence but still want help when you need it.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it to active couples, families with confident children, and anyone staying in Corralejo who wants a low-cost island day. It works especially well for people who enjoy choosing their own pace instead of following a guide from stop to stop.

It is less suitable for people with mobility impairments, as the island has rocky paths and uneven volcanic ground. It also may not suit weak swimmers on a windy day, though flotation equipment is available.

Families should pay close attention to sea conditions. One child managed well with a life jacket, while older swimmers found rough water difficult. The crew can help, but parents remain responsible for deciding if the swim feels safe.

The experience can be cancelled in adverse weather. If that happens, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible.

Should you book the Lobos snorkeling and ferry trip?

Book it if you want a full day on a quiet volcanic island, plus a short boat swim at a sensible price. Choose an early crossing and the 17:00 return if you want time for La Concha, La Caldera, or the lighthouse.

Skip it if you need shade, frequent cafés, smooth paths, or a sheltered snorkeling bay. The fish viewing is enjoyable but fairly simple, and rough water can change the mood quickly.

For most active visitors based in Corralejo, the combination is hard to beat for $31. Just pack like you are spending the day outdoors, not visiting a resort beach.

FAQ

How much does the Lobos Island snorkeling trip cost?

The experience costs $31 per person.

How long does the ferry ride take?

The ferry crossing between Corralejo and Lobos Island takes about 20 minutes each way.

What does the snorkeling activity include?

The activity includes a 10-minute boat ride with a drink and a 25-minute snorkeling session. Snorkels and masks are available on board.

What fish might I see?

You might see salema, sargo, and the colorful Canary wrasse, also called vieja canaria.

Can I explore Lobos Island before snorkeling?

Yes. If you take a ferry that arrives before 13:00, you have time to explore before the main activity at 13:20.

What happens if I take the 13:00 ferry?

You must remain on board until the Snorkel and Mini Cruise begins at 13:20. You can explore the island afterwards.

What return ferry times are available?

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

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, and you should bring your own meal and snacks. Lobos has no shops, and the beach kiosk may not be open.

Is the activity suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments because Lobos has dry, rugged, uneven terrain.

What happens if the weather cancels the trip?

If adverse weather causes cancellation, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.