Snorkelling and diving from Corralejo: how to choose your day

Pick the right format for your experience

If you want to observe the seabed from the surface, compare a guided snorkelling activity with an independent beach visit. A boat outing may provide equipment and supervision, but the inclusions vary. A ferry ticket by itself is transport, not a guided water activity.

For scuba, tell the provider whether you are new, qualified but out of practice, or an experienced current diver. Describe relevant limitations honestly and ask what assessment, instruction and equipment are included. The appropriate site should follow that conversation.

Understand what a Lobos trip actually includes

Some outings visit the waters around Lobos without landing; others include time ashore. If you want to walk on the island, confirm the landing and visitor authorization. If the main interest is snorkelling, check where and how you enter the water and what supervision is provided.

The Lobos guide explains the permit and ferry planning. Avoid adding a lengthy island walk to a water session unless the whole schedule genuinely fits. Food, water, changing arrangements and return time matter as much as the headline activity.

Treat named dive sites as possibilities, not promises

Official tourism describes El Jablito as a shore-access dive location in the north-east. It also describes Bajón del Río, reached by boat near Corralejo, for its distinctive volcanic formations. These are useful places to discuss with a dive provider, not instructions for an independent dive.

At Bajón del Río, the official information specifically makes suitability dependent on current and tide. Its published depth descriptions are not entirely consistent, so use the provider's current dive briefing and your qualification limits rather than an online number. A reputable plan may change the site because of conditions.

For snorkelling, an easy exit matters

Before entering, check the water movement, visibility, rocks, permitted area and route back out. Do not drift towards boat activity or assume that a sheltered-looking pool has no current. Swimming ability still matters even when you remain at the surface.

If you are unfamiliar with local conditions, a properly supervised experience may be the more useful choice. For children, ask about minimum requirements and how supervision works. Never treat a mask or flotation aid as a replacement for attentive adult supervision.

Ask practical questions before paying

Ask what the price includes, where to meet, how long the whole outing takes and what happens if weather changes. Clarify whether equipment sizes are available, whether transport is included and what you need to bring.

For scuba, follow the provider's medical screening, training and scheduling guidance, including any restrictions around flying afterwards. Do not squeeze a dive into the end of a holiday before discussing your flight timing with the qualified provider.

• Is the activity suitable for our ability and ages?
• What is the supervision and equipment arrangement?
• Will we land on Lobos, and who handles authorization?
• Can the site change, and what is the weather cancellation policy?

Look without chasing or collecting

Marine life is part of the appeal, but no sighting should be guaranteed. Keep a respectful distance, avoid touching animals and do not feed them to attract a photograph. Leave shells, stones and living material in place.

Move carefully around the seabed and follow the guide's instructions. A quieter, attentive visit often reveals more than chasing a creature across a bay. The aim is to observe the habitat without disturbing it.

Keep a good land-based plan

A changed or cancelled sea outing is a normal planning possibility. Keep a flexible day in the week where you can move the activity if the provider recommends it, rather than booking every available hour.

If the sea is unsuitable, use the day for inland culture, a meal or a suitable walk. A visit to El Cotillo can still be enjoyable for the village and views without entering the water.