Despite its small size, there are many things to do on Lobos Island, in the Canary Islands. You’ll find incomparable nature and landscapes that look like they’re from another world on this islet that belongs to Fuerteventura.
Not so long ago, a large population of sea wolves, also called monk seals, inhabited the island’s coasts; they gave this small volcanic islet its name, which, in Spanish, means “the Island of the Sea Wolves.” Attempts to recover the species have been unsuccessful so far, but perhaps monk seals will be seen again soon on Lobos Island.
Visit Lobos Island, Fuerteventura
Isla de Lobos, Fuerteventura has been a protected natural park since 2007. Because of its popularity among tourists, if you’re going to visit Lobos Island, you must know how to get there, how to obtain the permit to visit Lobos Island, and how to make the most of your limited time there.
Below, I’ll give you all the information you need to know to take a one-day trip to Isla de Lobos and enjoy it as much as we did during our trip to the Canary Islands.
- Ferry to Lobos Island
- Permit to Lobos Island
- Things to do and to visit in Lobos Island (Fuerteventura)
- Restaurant in Lobos Island
- Map of Lobos Island
Ferry to Lobos Island
There is only one way to get to Lobos Island, Fuerteventura, and it is by sea. The ferries leave from Fuerteventura, from the port of Corralejo, to go to Isla de Lobos. It only takes 20 minutes to cover the 5 km that separate these two islands. Visiting Lobos Island is one of the best things to do in Fuerteventura.
Ferry to Lobos Island
We took this water taxi to Lobos Island since, in addition to being the cheapest one, it includes the necessary permit to visit the island. On its website, you can check prices and boat schedules to Lobos Island. This is, without a doubt, the best option if you want to visit Lobos Island on your own.
Another option is to book a boat excursion to Lobos Island, where not only is transfer included, but also activities such as dolphin watching, kayaking, and snorkeling. This is the most comprehensive tour if you want to take it from Fuerteventura, although if you want to visit Lobos Island from Lanzarote, I recommend this excursion. Please note that there are no ferries from Lanzarote to Lobos Island if you want to explore the island on your own.
Permit to Lobos Island
Whether you take a ferry to explore the island on your own or book an excursion to Lobos Island, you must obtain the necessary permit to visit Lobos.
The ferry and excursions to Lobos Island that I have recommended in the previous section already include such a permit, but if you book any other tour or water taxi, you should ask them if the price includes the permit to Lobos Island.
If not, you can obtain the Lobos Island permit yourself from the Cabildo website.
Permit to Lobos Island
Keep in mind that Lobos Island is a nature reserve. When this restriction was first implemented, only 400 visitors a day were allowed, but since September 2019, the limit has increased to 700 people.
The authorization to Lobos Island must be requested up to 3 days before your visit and has a maximum duration of 4 hours in two time slots; you can visit Lobos Island from 10 am to 2 pm or from 2 pm to 6 pm, but in any case, you will only have 4 hours to explore Lobos Island.
There is no accommodation on Lobos Island or option for being on the island for more than 4 hours. I admit that this is a shame since you could get to know Isla de Lobos better with more time, but I also think that this restriction is fair in order to protect and preserve Lobos Island. In our case, we visited Isla de Lobos before these limitations were put in place, and we spent approximately 6 hours on the island. Even with 4 hours and a little more haste, it’s still worth visiting Lobos Island.
Best things to do in Lobos Island (Fuerteventura)
Now that you know how to get to Lobos Island and how to obtain the permit to do so, I’m going to list the different places to visit on Lobos Island so that you can make the most of the four hours of your visit.
The island is small and you can explore it in four hours, but I recommend planning what to do on Lobos Island in advance.
1. Tour the island by bike, the best thing to do on Lobos Island (Fuerteventura)
You can go to Lobos Island and try to explore it on foot, or rent a bicycle to go faster and make the most of your time.
Isla de Lobos is not too big. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get around it by bicycle. However, the trail is not in perfect condition. There were sections we had to walk and others with quite a few bumps, but I think biking is the only way to see the island and have time to enjoy its charms.
1. Tour the island by bike, the best thing to do on Lobos Island (Fuerteventura)
Even though we were able to visit Lobos Island before the restrictions were implemented and stay on the island for more than six hours, we spent all of our time doing things because there are many beautiful places that are worth stopping at.
Keep in mind that on Lobos Island, they don’t rent out bicycles. You will have to bring one from Fuerteventura, and this water taxi is a great way to do so. We rented them from Easy Riders, near the Corralejo port.
2. Punta Martiño Lighthouse, the most interesting thing to visit on Lobos Island
Until 1958, the only inhabitants of the island were the lighthouse keeper and his family, who were in charge of its maintenance. The Punta Martiño Lighthouse is located 5 kilometers from the Puertito, where the ferry leaves you. It is located on a small hill, called Martiño Mountain, from which you get spectacular views.
2. Punta Martiño Lighthouse, the most interesting thing to visit on Lobos Island
This lighthouse is one of the most significant places to visit on Lobos Island, Fuerteventura. Neoclassical in style, this lighthouse was built of basalt stones.
Since the lighthouse is on a mountain, a large tower wasn’t necessary, so it’s only 20 feet high, as well as 100 feet above sea level.
If you visit Lobos Island with kids, this might not be the best option, since this area is the farthest from where the boat leaves you, an area called “El Muelle”.
3. Puertito de Lobos, one of the favorite places to go on Lobos Island
Puertito de Lobos is the old port of the island. It is no longer used as such but it is right next to “El Muelle”, making it a must-do stop on Lobos Island.
3. Puertito de Lobos, one of the favorite places to go on Lobos Island
This small cove of clear blue water is a perfect place to snorkel, thanks to the fact that the sea is always calm here, which facilitates visibility.
In addition to the swimming area, where you’ll see thousands of fish, here you will find the only restaurant on the island, an ideal place to eat overlooking the sea.
4. Snorkeling, one of the best activities to do on Isla de Lobos
In a place as remote as Isla de Lobos, the seabed is full of life. If you bring your own equipment, I recommend that you go to the Puertito, since this is where the waters have great visibility and you can admire the entire underwater world.
4. Snorkeling, one of the best activities to do on Isla de Lobos
Another very popular thing to do on Lobos Island and Fuerteventura is to book a snorkeling excursion. This excursion, in addition to taking you to the island from Fuerteventura (thus saving you the ferry) and leaving you time to explore on your own, will take you to the area with the best seabed and provide you with the necessary snorkeling gear.
5. La Caldera Mountain, a place you can’t miss on Lobos Island
Climbing up the 330 feet of Caldera Mountain is one of the best things to do on Lobos Island. From the summit, you’ll see the whole islet, in addition to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote in the distance.
5. La Caldera Mountain, a place you can’t miss on Lobos Island
From El Muelle, you can take the path that takes you to this volcano. Don’t worry – there are a lot of signs that tell you where to go, and it takes approximately 40 minutes to reach the top of one of the best volcanoes in Fuerteventura.
6. La Concha, the largest beach on Lobos Island, Canary Islands
La Concha beach is not only the best beach on Lobos Island but is also practically the only one. The rest of the island’s beaches are inaccessible or simply form small coves.
6. La Concha, the largest beach on Lobos Island, Canary Islands
La Concha beach is divided into two sections by a strip of rocks. Most visitors usually stop in the first area, which is also the smallest, perhaps because they are unaware of the existence of the next section. The other section, in addition to being larger, is rather prettier, and hopefully you’ll be practically alone there.
7. Dolphin watching, one of the best activities to do on Lobos Island
If you’re wondering what to do on Lobos Island with kids, seeing dolphins is one of the best options. You can take a guided tour of the area where these cute aquatic animals usually swim.
Of all the top tours in Fuerteventura, this is the most comprehensive. You’ll start the tour with an hour and a half of whale watching, where a guide will give you a lot of information about the animals you find. Keep in mind that sightings are not guaranteed, as these are wild animals in their natural habitat, although it’s true that dolphins can be seen very often. With a little more luck, you might also be able to see humpback whales, pilot whales, and sea turtles.
7. Dolphin watching, one of the best activities to do on Lobos Island
After this incredible experience, you’ll take an excursion to Lobos Island to see La Concha beach and El Puertito. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, as well as kayaks so you can explore the sea surrounding Isla de Lobos. Finally, you can end the day with a small lunch on the catamaran, before returning to Fuerteventura. This is, without a doubt, the most complete tour for spending a day on Lobos Island.
If you want to take an excursion to Isla de Lobos from Lanzarote, I recommend this one.
8. Las Lagunitas, a beautiful bay with natural pools on Lobos Island
If you decide to take the route that takes you to the lighthouse, you can stop at Las Lagunitas, one of the most interesting places to visit on Lobos Island. There are natural pools here, which are s favorite of visitors who prefer to spend the day isolated from the rest of the world and surrounded by nature.
8. Las Lagunitas, a beautiful bay with natural pools in Lobos Island
In addition, as the bay is such a remote place, there is usually a large influx of seabirds, so I recommend it if you like wildlife photography.
Las Lagunitas is also known for being where Limonium Bollei grows, a unique plant species found only on Isla de Lobos.
9. Surfing, an interesting water sport to do on Lobos Island
Surfing on Lobos Island is the most popular activity for locals. Any casual or professional surfer can enjoy catching the longest wave in the Canary Islands. This perfect and unusual wave can be caught on the southwest coast of Lobos Island, specifically in Marrajo. It’s considered perfect because of its length, diversity of sections, and quality, which make it the most desired wave for visitors.
9. Surf, an interesting water sport to do on Lobos Island
Although the place is usually quite crowded, I recommend you try surfing on Isla de Lobos and try to catch this wave.
10. Hiking on Lobos Island, the best way to see Isla de Lobos
If you haven’t brought a bicycle, don’t worry. You’ll have enough time to tour the entire island on foot and see its main attractions thanks to the circular route that runs through Lobos Island.
Keep in mind that the total trail is 8 miles, with an elevation gain of 660 feet, but I assure you that it’s one of the best hikes in Fuerteventura. This is one of the main activities to do on Lobos Island, although you will have to bring hiking boots or, at least, sneakers. Don’t try to do it in flip-flops!
10. Hiking on Lobos Island, the best way to see Isla de Lobos
You’ll be able to visit all the places of interest on this tour, such as the Punta Martiño Lighthouse, Las Lagunitas, El Puertito, the Caldera Mountain, and La Concha beach, although you won’t have much time to stop at each of the sites.
As a recommendation, don’t forget the sunscreen. You won’t find any shade on the whole island.
Restaurant on Lobos Island, Canary Islands
There is a unique restaurant on Lobos Island where you can eat with spectacular sea views. The restaurant, which is near the Puertito, is simple and cozy, with good value for money considering that it’s the only restaurant on the island. The variety of dishes isn’t great, but if you like seafood, it’s a must-try.
Restaurant on Lobos Island, Canary Islands
I recommend that you go there and make a reservation as soon as you get to Lobos Island because although there are several shifts, as it’s the only restaurant to eat on Lobos Island, it fills up quickly.
If you’re going to tour the whole island, either by bike or on foot, bring your own snacks. Mind you, make sure you don’t leave a trace and take all your trash with you.
map of Lobos island
On this map of Lobos Island, you can see both the circular route and the different points where I recommend you stop. Download it to take it with you on your trip and not miss anything. With this map in hand, you can make the most of your time and get to know all of Lobos Island, Fuerteventura.
Enjoy your excursion to Lobos Island and don’t hesitate to leave me a comment if you have any questions!
