Lobos Island Speedboat Trip with Dolphin Watching Lanzarote

Lobos Island, a natural park between two islands

Lobos is a small volcanic islet of about four and a half square kilometres, lying roughly two kilometres off the northern tip of Fuerteventura and within sight of the southern coast of Lanzarote. It takes its name from the monk seals, called lobos marinos in Spanish, that once lived on its shores before they disappeared from the area. Since 1982 the islet has been protected as a natural park, and today it has no roads, no hotels and only a few simple buildings.

The landscape is made of lava fields, small dunes, salt marsh and shallow lagoons, dominated by the crater hill known as La Caldera, which rises to about 127 metres on the western side. A network of marked trails crosses the island, and the walk around it is easy enough for most visitors. This Lobos Island trip from Lanzarote is one of the simplest ways to see it without first travelling to Fuerteventura.

Dolphin watching on the crossing

The waters between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are rich in marine life, and bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins are regularly seen in the area. On the way to Lobos, the boat follows the route used by the dolphins for about an hour and a half, while the crew gives live commentary on the species you may meet, including whales and sea turtles on lucky days.

As with any wildlife trip, sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the calm, deep blue water and the views back to the volcanic coast of Lanzarote make the crossing a highlight in itself. The return trip to Puerto del Carmen is shorter, about one hour, and gives you another chance to scan the sea.

Beaches, lagoons and the fishing settlement on Lobos

Near the landing point lies El Puertito, a tiny cluster of fishermen's huts beside a series of natural tidal lagoons, where the water is shallow, clear and usually calm. These lagoons are lovely for a gentle swim or for watching small fish among the volcanic rocks. Further along the coast, the beach known as La Concha is a sheltered half-moon of pale sand and turquoise water facing Fuerteventura.

With about two and a half hours on the island you can choose your own pace: relax and swim, snorkel with your own gear, or follow the trail towards the lighthouse in the north or the slopes of La Caldera for views over the dunes of Corralejo. Bring water, a hat and good shoes if you plan to walk, as there is very little shade.

Puerto del Carmen and how to get to Lobos Island

Puerto del Carmen is the largest resort on Lanzarote, with a long seafront promenade and an old harbour at its western end, still used by fishing boats and excursion boats. The speedboat to Lobos leaves from Varadero, in this old port, at 10:00.

How to get to Lobos Island from Lanzarote? Most public ferries leave from Corralejo in Fuerteventura, so from Lanzarote a direct boat trip like this one is the easiest choice. With the pickup option, an air-conditioned coach collects you from selected hotels and stops in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Arrecife and nearby areas, and takes you back after the trip. If you are staying in Puerto del Carmen, the harbour option lets you walk straight to the boat.

The picnic and what to expect on board

The trip includes a picnic lunch served on Lobos, with sandwiches, gazpacho, drinking yoghurt, juice and water. If you are vegetarian or have a food allergy, let us know at least the day before so the crew can prepare for you.

The speedboat is fast and can bounce in choppy water, so it is not recommended for people with back problems or limited mobility, and boarding and walking on Lobos may be difficult for them. Wear swimwear under your clothes, bring a towel and sunscreen, and keep a light layer for the ride back when the wind picks up. Pack your things in a small bag, as space on board is limited, and keep your camera ready for dolphins on the return crossing.