Lobos Island: how to get the free permit and book the ferry

Lobos Island is one of those places that looks almost too beautiful to be real, a small volcanic island just off the coast of Fuerteventura, with turquoise water, quiet trails and a much wilder feel than the island itself.

If you are planning to visit, there is one important thing to know before you go: you need a permit to enter Lobos Island.

The process is quite straightforward, but there is a catch. The number of visitors allowed each day is limited, and permits can fill up quickly, especially during busy periods.

So, if Lobos Island is on your Fuerteventura itinerary, it is worth sorting this out in advance. Here is everything you need to know about how to get your Lobos Island permit, step by step, as well as how to arrange the ferry from Corralejo.

Do you need a permit for Lobos Island?

Yes, and it is compulsory and free. Lobos is a protected nature reserve, and to look after it the Cabildo de Fuerteventura (the island council) caps how many people can land each day. So before you go, and even before you book the ferry to Lobos Island, you need to get your online authorisation.

Places and time slots

Access is capped at 200 people per slot, and there are two slots a day:

• Morning slot: 10:00 to 14:00.
• Afternoon slot: 14:00 to 18:00.

That is a maximum of 400 visitors a day. And do bear in mind that you can only stay on the island for your four hours.

How to apply for the permit, step by step

The process is straightforward and it is all done online. These are the steps:

1. Go to the official site. You apply at lobospass.com (you can also get there through the Environment section of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura website). Be wary of any other site that charges you for it: the permit for Lobos Island is free.
2. Pick your date and slot. Choose the day you want to go, and whether you would rather have the morning or the afternoon slot.
3. Fill in each traveller's details. You will need the full name and ID card or passport number for every person. You can apply for up to 3 people per application, per day and time slot.
4. Confirm and save your authorisation. The system processes it straight away. Save it to your phone or print it out, because you will need it to get in.
5. Take it with you on the day. Along with your ID card or passport, so you can show it if you are asked.

The easiest way: book the ferry with the permit included

If you would rather not deal with the paperwork, or risk missing out on a place, my suggestion is to book the ferry to Lobos Island with the authorisation included. Several Corralejo operators handle it for you, so you skip the admin and your spot is secured. Not all of them do, though: the options below say which one includes the permit and which leaves it to you.

What if the permits are sold out?

If you have missed out on a permit, it is not a lost cause. There are catamaran trips that anchor in the lovely bay at Lobos, without landing on the islet, and they usually include snorkelling, food and an open bar. It is not the same as setting foot on the island, but you still get to enjoy that turquoise water.

A few last tips

• Cancel if you end up not going. If you cannot make it, cancel your permit so someone else can have the place. There is a cancellation link in the system itself.
• Take water, food and sun cream: there are very few facilities on the island. For a proper meal, before or after, there is La Pulpería in Corralejo.
• Respect the place: stick to the marked paths and take all your rubbish back with you.

And that is about it, with your permit on your phone and a bit of excitement, one of the prettiest corners of the Canaries is waiting for you. You can see Lanzarote from Lobos, by the way, so if you are thinking of combining the two, here is where to stay in Lanzarote with kids.