Just in case anyone forgot, the 4.6 square kilometers of Lobos Island is a Natural Park. The Cabildo of Fuerteventura is reminding us once again with the implementation of a control, information, and awareness system starting this August 2026, merging public use with the conservation of the protected space.
Restoring Lobos’ essence as a natural park involves several fronts: respecting the carrying capacity of 200 visitors in the morning and 200 in the afternoon, regulating the transit of boats—currently averaging about 40 per day—informing tourists with guides about the fragility of its values, and processing ordinances that will establish, among other things, future access fees to support park maintenance.
Administrative Authorization
The recommendations from the Cabildo of Fuerteventura begin with the most logical step: to enter Lobos, visitors must register on the official website of the protected natural space. This official page, where administrative authorizations are managed, also reminds visitors of the access rules, allowed uses, and prohibitions.
The Management and Usage Plan (PRUG) for the Natural Park of Lobos Island establishes a carrying capacity split into two shifts: 200 tourists from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and another 200 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, whether they choose to dock at the Lobos pier or the small wooden dock at Puertito, which draws selfies year-round.
Request for Collaboration from Boats
To control the number of regular boats, water taxis, catamarans, private yachts, and sailboats that daily anchor, transport visitors, or offer scenic cruises, the main institution of the island has sought the collaboration of the Civil Guard through its maritime service.
A water taxi maneuvers at the Lobos pier.
(Javier Melián / Acfi Press)
While the unofficial census clearly indicates that around 40 boats travel daily to Lobos Island from the northern docks of Fuerteventura and even from nearby Lanzarote, the exact number is uncertain. The Insular Corporation has sent a notice to the boats, requesting their cooperation in adhering to the rules and respecting the carrying capacity.
The Guides from Gesplan
Upon setting foot on the islet, guides from Gesplan will remind visitors that they are entering a sensitive area. They will inform them about the trail network, where to find shady spots, and the importance of not leaving trash behind, for instance, on Concha Beach, and other good practices for enjoying the natural park.
Currently, the average age of an informed and respectful visitor to Lobos is between 35 and 45 years. However, there appears to be a lack of sensitivity among tourists outside that age range, particularly those under 35 and over 45.
To ensure safe visits for all, the Cabildo of Fuerteventura has requested that the government repair the Lobos pier.
The Huts of Puertito de Lobos
The residents of the Puertito de Lobos, specifically the owners of the huts, deserve special mention, as they do not fall under the daily tourist entry control and can be said to exist in an administrative limbo.
This week, Seprona began requesting these residents for identification and fishing licenses, as well as inquiries about overnight stays.
Due to the anxieties raised among hut owners, fueled by the notice sent to boats, President Lola García met with them this Thursday to inform them about the upcoming interview on Tuesday with the Civil Guard and the processing of a special permit that would protect the entire set of constructions.
Archive photo of Puertito de Lobos.
(Javier Melián / Acfi Press)
