Visit Lobos island (from Fuerteventura) – Photos + Tips

Lobos Island near Fuerteventura is a fascinating place to explore.
Located in the Canaries, just 2km North of its mother island, it offers wild beaches, lagoons and volcanic scenery.
It makes for a great day trip.
Let me show you around with all my tips for a fantastic experience.

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The Fascinating volcanic landscapes of Los Lobos island

Lobos has a great variety of scenery with beaches, desert area, a caldera, a lagoon and a lake.
It is actually home to more than 130 species of plant and several birds.

But for me the most fascinating were those round mounts of lava. They are called hornitos ("little oven"). They are created when lava comes into contact with water creating explosions.
This is why it is one of my favorite excursions in Fuerteventura

Lobos island Fuerteventura in Video

Let's start with a short video showing you the ferry ride as well as my exploration of the island with the different types of scenery and views:

Isn't it a fascinating place? One of the best places to visit in Fuerteventura.

About Lobos island - Facts

And here are a few facts about Lobos island Fuerteventura to help you with some context:

• located only 2km North of Fuerteventura
• very small - under 5km2
• estimated to be between 6000 and 8000 Years old
• officially a nature reserve
• There are no permanent resident on the island since the lighthouse has been automated
• its highest point is Montana La Caldera which reaches 123m (403ft)

About its name

The name Los lobos means The Wolves. So it is the island of the wolves. LOL
It comes from the large number of sea wolves that used to live on and around the island (monk seals). A colony had settled there when the island was 'discovered' by the Spanish conquerors in the 15th century.

As you land on the island, near the wharf you can see a statue of the seals to remind us of where the name comes from.
Sadly there are no more seals to be found, since they were hunted by the sailors and fishermen. 

So how to get to Lobos island? The easiest is from Fuerteventura of course, but you can find boat tours around the island from Lanzarote.

If you don't have your own boat, there are 2 main options for you to get to Lobos island from Fuerteventura

• A 15min ferry is available from the port of Corralejo - There are departure several times a day all year round - with the options on some return times to include a snorkeling stop
• A catamaran trip around the island with options of snorkeling or going on land

See many options

Once again 2 options to do an excursion from Lanzarote to Lobos Island: 

• You can take the ferry from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura. You arrive in Corralejo and right away you can take the smaller ferry to Lobos island. You can book a tour that includes the main ferry ride and the pick up from one of the resort towns - Book here and then you book your seat to Lobos island
• Or you can opt for a cruise directly from Lanzarote that includes spotting dolphins (not guaranteed) - Learn more and book

Los Lobos is included on my eBook:

So first you need to take the ferry from Corralejo to Lobos. 
The boats are average size, quite comfortable with space inside and outside.
You can even go down to see the fishes underwater.

As you float away from Fuerteventura you can see the port town of Corralejo and the volcanic summit of Volcano Bayuyo behind it.
And you quickly approach the island of Lobos with its biggest crater being La Caldera. (You actually have better view of the whole island on the ferry from Lanzarote)

You disembark on a wharf, so there are no difficulties. Near the wharf are some general information about the island, the bins and the visitor center. Inside you can find pictures and data about the Fauna and flora of the island.
This is where you find the only toilets.
From 1 July to 30 September it is opened 10:30am to 5:30pm and the rest of the year it closes at 3:30pm

So right by the wharf you can find a map of Lobos island with the recommended tour.

There are 2 types of visitors to the island - the ones that go to El Puertito to lay down and swim and those who want to explore. 
The former go straight right, so it is quieter to head left as recommended by the map:

At different crossroads you can find signs indicating the direction of the various landmarks and how far they are.
I recommend planning a little bit more time than what is indicated. The sun is harsh, there is no shade and sometimes you are walking on sand so it is tiring. Plus you need time to take pictures.

The paths are clear and you won't get lost. 
It is not allowed to go off the paths in order to preserve the fauna.
Take plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat!!!

So the first stop only 10minutes away from the wharf on the left side is the beach called Playa de la Caldera.
It is a beautiful round sandy area with the Montana La Caldera in the background.
Playa de la Calera is the official name on the island but many sites (including Google maps) refer to is as La Concha Beach. from what  understand it is because there are rocks in the middle of the sand, so the first half is Calera and the rest is La Concha.

Because of its shape, it has calm beautiful water.
A really nice place for those looking the spend the day at the beach.

The sand is on most of the beach but you also have a lot of lava rocks. I love the contrasts in colours, don't you?

Next the path heads North towards the lighthouse and on the side is the biggest crater of the island Montana La caldera.
It reaches 123m above sea level.

After a little while, you get the option to turn on a side path and start the climb of the volcano. 
It is indicated 30min to the top. The path is quite steep with some steps made or rock. With the harsh sun it can be difficult. From there you have nice views of the island, of the beach and of Fuerteventura.

I opted to climb at the lighthouse at the other end of the island because it was easier and because it is not as high (so better to photograph the many lava rock mounts). So I have no photos to show you. 

So the West path of the circular walk is really fascinating. You are surrounded by this lava formation, desert landscape with small bushes.
The sun is very hot!!! but the path on this side is quite easy as it is hard all the way.

After a bit more than 1 hour, I reached the lighthouse. The climb is really easy and not too steep as you can see in the photo below.
The lighthouse is still active and is automated. So nobody lives there anymore.
It date back to 1865 which makes it the oldest one in the Canary islands. It marks the strait of La Bocayna between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

I love the view you get from the top. 
You can see the lake and all the little volcanic pyramids. It is quite fascinating.

Here is one of my favorite picture from Lobos island. The contrast of the dark rock against the white sand and the blue water. And Montana La Caldera in the background. Picture perfect 🙂

I came back via the East part of the loop. The beginning was difficult because it was covered with sand. And I am not good at walking in sand. But after a while it went back to a flat path.

It is quite amazing to see the plants are able to grow in this harsh landscape.

Some of the 'lava pyramids' are taller than other. You can see the scale in the picture below.

The path takes you along the Lagunitas (that I will introduce in the next section)

And finally along the water to the fishing village of El Puertito

After touring a harsh desertic land for more than 1h, it was surprising to discover this blanket of green right in the middle!
You can find information about it at the viewpoint where this first picture is taken.

It is a salt marsh called Las Lagunitas. It is subjected to regular floods during high tide which allow the presence of special fauna in the area. And it has created a feeding and resting area for migratory birds.

However it is a every fragile environnement, so be respectful (not like some people I spotted) and don't enter the area. Stay on the path, it is already great to see from there.

I finished my tour of the island with the small fishing village of El Puertito.
Apart from the lighthouse this is the only place with houses. Those are weekend houses for local fishermen.

It has several natural coves that are protected from the waves so it feels like natural pools which are great to just float 🙂
However there is not much sand. The whole area is shaped by volcanic rocks.

This is where you can find the only food on the island. It is only serving the fish of the day and you need to book your lunch in advance

Snorkelling near Lobos Island

However I think that sadly they were dropping food to attract the fish so we could see a lot of them. But this is not great for sustainability.

Want to see more of the CANARY ISLANDS?