Corralejo: Return Ferry Ticket to Lobos Island Fuerteventura

Our review of this day trip is simple: it’s a straightforward, low-stress ferry to a small, wild island—Isla de Lobos—with enough time to swim in calm coves and hike to big viewpoints. The crossing is about 20 minutes, and you pick your return time from Corralejo the same day.

I especially like two things here. First, the traditional Majorero ferry is run by a family team with decades of experience, and it feels comfortable and well managed. Second, Lobos itself delivers: volcanic landscapes, beaches like La Concha, and viewpoints that make the climb feel worth it.

One drawback to consider: there’s basically no infrastructure on the island. You’ll need to bring everything (water, food, sun protection), and island toilets can be unreliable based on traveler reports.

Key points before you go

• A 20-minute sea crossing with sea views and an unhurried pace compared with faster boats.
• Family-run Majorero ferry experience (over 35 years) with a team that helps you get on and off smoothly.
• No shops or drinking water on Lobos, so your planning matters more than your schedule.
• Beach + hiking options: El Puertito, La Concha, La Caldera (about 1.5 hours round trip), and Faro de Lobos.
• Return flexibility on the same day, including extra return options in summer (subject to availability).
• Permit/authorization help is mentioned as part of the overall experience, which can save you hassle.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Corralejo to Lobos: a small island day with big payoff

If you’re doing Fuerteventura and you want one escape that feels worlds away from resorts, Lobos Island is the move. It’s close enough for a day trip, but it still has that wild, volcanic feel—think rough terrain, clean water, and a “small place, big views” vibe.

This ferry setup keeps things practical. You travel from Corralejo, arrive at the main pier on Lobos, and then it’s your pace for beaches and trails. No guided hike required. If you like structure, you’ll find it in the clear ferry timing and in helpful port staff; after that, you do your own thing.

And the boat ride matters too. Several travelers mention the journey is relaxing, the views from the water are great, and the crew is polite and supportive—especially when boarding and getting off at both ends.

The ferry experience: Majorero style, not speed-boat chaos

This trip is on the Barco Majorero, which has over 35 years of service on this route. That usually translates to smooth operations: people know the drill, the crew knows where travelers get stuck (literally—stairs, timing, lines), and you don’t feel like you’re on a cattle-car ferry.

You’re looking at about 20 minutes each way. That’s long enough to enjoy the coastline views between Corralejo and the island, but short enough that you don’t feel like the trip steals your island time.

One sustainability angle is built in too. The experience is described as a more sustainable option than faster boats, which is a nice match for a protected natural park destination. You’re going to a fragile place—getting there in a lower-impact way is part of the good story.

Getting there: where to find Naviera Nortour in Corralejo

Your meeting point is the Naviera Nortour ticket office at the entrance of the port, next to La Lonja. If you’re driving, plan ahead. Parking in port areas can be tricky, and the schedule is strict: if you arrive late and miss the boat, you won’t be entitled to a refund.

My practical advice: arrive early enough that you’re not sprinting. The crew is friendly, but you don’t want to test how quickly you can park, walk, queue, and sort everything out before departure.

Also double-check your ID. A passport or ID card is required, and a copy is accepted, which can save stress if you’re doing a whole day off the grid.

Timing and return options: pick the island rhythm you want

This trip is a same-day plan. You choose from return times on the day of your visit. The listed options include:

• 11:40
• 14:20
• 17:00

There are also additional returns at 16:00 and 18:00 from July to September, but only if availability allows. That matters because summer days are long, and some people want maximum beach time.

One more summer-specific detail: for July to September, if your departure time is 15:30 or 16:30, your time on Lobos is reduced (to 2 hours or 1 hour, because the last return is at 18:00). So if you’re aiming for hiking plus swimming, choose a return time that leaves you room.

The good news? Travelers repeatedly say the ferry is on time and the service is easy to use. That’s what you want for an island day where the clock controls your whole plan.

More Great Tours Nearby

Arrival on Lobos: the Visitor Centre area and Josefina Plá

When you dock, you arrive at the main pier on Lobos Island. You’ll be greeted near the Visitor Centre by a statue of Josefina Plá, a Spanish writer and poet born on the island.

That little detail is more than decoration. Lobos has a strong human story layered on top of the natural one. Josefina Plá’s connection shows up again later as well, because the lighthouse walk has historical ties to her family.

From the pier area, you’ll orient yourself fast and then decide where to go first: harbor coves, the calm swimming water, or the trails that climb.

El Puertito and the harbor beaches: easy water first

To the right of the harbour, you’ll find El Puertito, described as a former fishing village area with rustic buildings and a white-sand beach. The water is shallow and turquoise, so it’s an easy “arrive, drop your bag, and get in” kind of stop.

This is also a smart first move if you’re not sure how your legs will feel. You’ll often see people start here before committing to the longer hikes.

Practical tip: bring your swim gear immediately. The day can go fast once you’re in the sun and water.

La Concha Beach: the classic calm cove

To the left of the harbour is La Concha Beach (La Caleta), a crescent-shaped beach that’s popular for families and sunbathers. The calm water makes it a great swimming spot.

If you’re traveling with kids, or you just want the beach to be the main event, La Concha is usually where you’ll end up. Many people plan their day around this kind of bay time: swim, relax, repeat.

One reminder from traveler notes: the island is dry and volcanic, with little natural shade. So if you plan to lie out for a while, consider bringing sun coverage beyond sunscreen.

La Caldera volcano hike: the payoff view hike

If you’re up for a leg-burning (but manageable) challenge, take the hike to La Caldera Volcano. It’s the highest peak on the island at 127 metres.

Expect about 1 hour 30 minutes round trip. Several travelers say it’s worth it for the panoramic views over Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Even if you’re not a big hiker, this is the type of hike that feels like it belongs on a short day trip: it’s long enough to matter, short enough to still have time for the beach after.

Footwear matters here. The terrain is rugged and volcanic, and it’s not the kind of place you’ll enjoy in flimsy sandals.

Faro de Lobos lighthouse: a longer walk for the full island feel

Head toward the northernmost part of the island to reach Faro de Lobos (Lobos Lighthouse). If you want the full circuit, the total walk around including the lighthouse takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.

This is a good option for walkers who don’t mind committing to a bigger loop instead of only beach time. The views at the edges of the island can feel dramatic, and you’ll get a sense of how Lobos is shaped by volcanic formations.

It’s also where the Josefina Plá connection comes in: the lighthouse was once maintained by Josefina Plá’s father, tying the island’s natural landmarks to the people who lived with it.

Swimming, lagoons, and what to expect in the water

Lobos is a swimming destination, and the main beaches and coves give you options depending on conditions.

Several travelers mention swimming in calm lagoons, and some note snorkeling can be limited by conditions. One person said visibility wasn’t great due to sand in the water, and fish visibility was limited. That’s normal for a volcanic-sand environment.

Also: if the sea is choppy, the ferry and the harbor water can feel more dramatic. One traveler warned that sitting outside at the front on the return left them soaked. If you get motion sick, consider choosing seats more centrally and bring your best common-sense layers.

Permits and planning: the smart part is handled for you

Lobos is a protected natural park, and access can involve an authorization/permit process. The experience mentions that optional permit management is included, which is a big practical win if you don’t want to wrestle with paperwork while on holiday.

One traveler specifically mentioned that the Lobos Island authorization pass was included as part of their booking, though they also pointed out it can sometimes be a small additional charge. The takeaway: check your booking details so you know what’s included for your date.

Either way, this is exactly the kind of small admin task that can derail a day. Having it managed for you is good value for sanity.

What to bring: the non-negotiables for Lobos

This is the island part that determines whether your day feels relaxed or stressful. Lobos has no shops and no drinking water sources. Even the beach kiosk may not always be open.

Pack like it’s a picnic day:

• Water and food (plan for the full time you’ll be there)
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Towel and beachwear
• Sports shoes or hiking shoes
• Water shoes if you want easier access into rocky shallows
• Passport/ID card (copy accepted)

Also, several travelers advise bringing sun shade. There’s little to no tree cover, so shade is precious.

And toilets? One review warned that island toilets were out of use, and they recommended using the toilet on the boat before leaving. Even if that’s not always the case, it’s an easy safeguard.

Comfort and accessibility: wheelchair claims vs mobility notes

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible, and there’s also a note saying it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments. That conflict matters.

Here’s the sensible way to handle it: if mobility is a concern, confirm with the provider before booking. Even if the ferry itself can work, Lobos is rugged, paths can be uneven, and beaches vary from sandy to rockier edges. In other words, “accessible boat” doesn’t automatically mean “easy day on the island.”

If you’re traveling with mobility needs, you might still be able to enjoy the harbor area and nearby beaches, but you should expect limitations around walking routes and terrain.

Service and staff: why reviews keep praising the crew

What stands out in traveler feedback is how consistently people mention staff being friendly, helpful, and organized—especially for the boarding and disembarking moments.

The crew helps guide travelers on and off at both ends, and multiple reviews highlight that the process is easy to find and smooth. On an island day where you’re managing time slots, that kind of calm professionalism is worth more than you’d think.

There are also mentions of staff being accommodating if plans shift slightly, like someone who booked the wrong ferry time and was allowed to change to an earlier one so they could meet a friend. Always confirm at the desk, but it suggests the team is practical, not rigid.

Food breaks: where people actually eat on Lobos

The island isn’t set up for a full meal plan, so most people bring food. Still, there’s mention of a small cafe/restaurant near the jetty area, and some travelers say they had light lunches there.

If you pack a picnic, you’ll feel in control. If you want the option to buy something, plan for it to be limited—one traveler notes that a restaurant meal can be nice, while others say the kiosk may not always be open.

My recommendation: treat any cafe as a bonus, not the backbone of your day.

Value for money: what $20 gets you in practice

At around $20 per person, this isn’t just cheap—it’s usually good value because the main cost is transportation to a protected island you can otherwise reach only by ferries and permits.

You’re paying for:

• Return ferry tickets
• Mandatory travel insurance
• A service that helps with the logistics (meeting point, return timing)
• Optional permit management to reduce admin stress

The “hidden value” is time efficiency. A 20-minute crossing means you spend most of your day on Lobos, not commuting. And because you’re choosing a return time, you can match the day to your energy level—beach-first, hike-first, or a mix.

In short: for a day trip that often delivers standout scenery and swimming, the price tends to make sense.

Who this trip suits best (and who should skip it)

This ferry day trip works best if you:

• Want a quiet nature escape from Fuerteventura
• Like a mix of beaches and short hikes
• Prefer flexible pacing rather than a fully guided tour
• Travel with moderate fitness and comfortable shoes
• Appreciate good service but don’t need a “presentation,” just a reliable ride

You might want to skip it (or plan carefully) if you:

• Need frequent shade and guaranteed nearby services
• Have mobility limitations that make uneven terrain difficult
• Expect shops, water fountains, and easy meal options
• Are traveling with pets (pets are not allowed)

Should you book this ferry to Lobos Island?

If you’re the type of traveler who likes clean beaches, volcanic scenery, and a day that’s mostly yours to shape, I’d book it. The combination of a short crossing, clear return options, and strong crew service is a good setup for an easy win.

Book it especially if you’re planning your first day on Fuerteventura and you want one trip that feels authentic fast. The island delivers on the “step off the boat and it’s beautiful” factor without requiring a ton of complicated planning.

But do book with eyes open: bring supplies, choose return times that match your hiking goals, and confirm accessibility needs early if mobility is a factor. Lobos is not a resort island. It’s better than that—just plan like it’s a real natural park day.

FAQ

Where does the ferry depart in Corralejo?

The ferry departs from the Port of Corralejo. You’ll find the Naviera Nortour ticket office at the entrance of the port, next to La Lonja.

How long is the crossing to Lobos Island?

The boat crossing takes about 20 minutes each way.

What return times are available from Lobos Island?

On the day of your visit, return times listed include 11:40, 14:20, and 17:00. In July to September, additional return options at 16:00 and 18:00 may be available, subject to availability.

Is a permit or authorization needed for Lobos Island?

Lobos is a protected natural park, and the experience mentions optional permit management included as part of the service. It’s smart to check your booking details for whether you still need to handle any authorization steps.

What should I bring since there are no shops on the island?

Bring plenty of water and food, plus sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You should also pack a towel, beachwear, and appropriate footwear. A passport or ID card is required (a copy is accepted).

Is the trip wheelchair accessible?

It is listed as wheelchair accessible, but there is also a note saying it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If mobility is a concern, confirm details with the provider before booking.

You can check availability for your dates here: