Between turquoise lagoons, lava reefs and long, sandy bays, Fuerteventura is a fantastic island for beginner and experienced snorkelers. Below you’ll find the best snorkeling spots in Fuerteventura, when to go, what you’ll see, family-friendly choices, safety guidance, and easy mini-itineraries to plan a perfect day in the water.

Quick facts

Water temperature: ~24–25 °C (Aug–Oct) · ~18–20 °C (Jan–Apr)
Visibility: commonly 10–25 m (often clearest late summer / early autumn)
Best months: June–October (snorkeling is possible year-round in sheltered bays)
Wind: trade winds rise by late morning—mornings are usually calmer
Family picks: El Cotillo lagoons, Caleta de Fuste, El Jablito, El Puertito (Lobos) on calm days

Best places to go snorkeling in Fuerteventura

1) Isla de Lobos – El Puertito (Corralejo)

A short boat ride from Corralejo brings you to glassy, shallow lagoons with white sand and rocky patches—often called the island’s top snorkel when seas are calm. Expect shoals of salema (bream), damselfish clouds, ornate wrasse, parrotfish (vieja), trumpetfish and, with luck, cuttlefish or octopus along the rocks.

Notes: Lobos is a protected area. Facilities are limited—bring water and shade. Rules can limit numbers ashore; follow posted guidance and stay inside marked swim zones.

2) El Cotillo Lagoons (Los Lagos & La Concha) – Northwest

Natural lava reefs create lagoon-like pools perfect for first-timers and families. Go at mid–high tide for more depth over the reef. You’ll see parrotfish, wrasse, damselfish, small gobies and flatfish over sand. Bring light reef shoes/booties for urchin-prone rocks. (Open-ocean beaches west of town are stunning but usually not for snorkeling due to surf.)

3) Caleta de Fuste (El Castillo) – East coast

A large, sheltered bay with easy entries and services on the promenade. The best fish life hugs the rocky arms and harbor walls: salema shoals, wrasse carpets, damselfish; look for crabs and sea stars between boulders. Great confidence builder for kids and first snorkels.

4) El Jablito – East coast

Small fishing village with a calm, clear inlet. Simple entries and village vibes. Expect wrasse clouds, damselfish, salema and occasional cuttlefish around the rocks—ideal when wind is up elsewhere.

5) Costa Calma area – South-east

Mostly sandy, but on calm, low-wind days you can snorkel the rocky corners (e.g., Playa de las Caletillas near Costa Calma) for parrotfish, wrasse and damselfish. If wind returns, switch to sheltered east-coast bays.

6) Morro Jable & Jandía peninsula – South

Long sandy beaches with rocky points near the lighthouse and by town. Search the lava tongues for parrotfish, trumpetfish, octopus hideouts, and—occasionally—rays gliding over sandy channels. Stay well inside swim buoys and away from boat lanes.

7) Playa Chica (Puerto del Rosario) – Central east

Small, sheltered urban beach with convenient access and usually good visibility. Snorkel along the rocky edges for damselfish, wrasse and small bream; handy option if you’re based in the capital area.

When to go & how to choose the day

Season: June–October delivers the warmest water and frequent calm mornings. Nov–May is cooler—aim for sheltered bays and bring a 2–3 mm suit for longer swims.
Time of day: Go early for lighter wind and clearer water.
Tide: For lagoon reefs (El Cotillo), target mid–high tide for depth; for sandy bays, tide is less critical—prioritize wind/swell.
Plan B: If the west/north is windy, switch to east-coast spots (Caleta de Fuste, El Jablito).

What you’ll see

Common residents include parrotfish (vieja), ornate and rainbow wrasse, blue/sergeant damselfish, salema (saddled seabream), zebra bream, trumpetfish and combers. Over sand: gobies, flatfish, cuttlefish and octopus. In deeper sandy tongues you may occasionally encounter rays. Sea turtles are possible but uncommon near shore—consider them a bonus sighting.

Family-friendly & beginner picks

El Cotillo lagoons (mid–high tide): pool-like, great for first snorkels.
Caleta de Fuste: easy entries, lifeguards in season, promenade facilities.
El Jablito: calm inlet, simple logistics.
El Puertito (Lobos) on calm days: shallow, white-sand bottom—bring shade and water.

Safety essentials

Check beach flags and lifeguard advice (red = no swimming).
Avoid rocky entries in swell or strong wind; west coast is often rough.
Stay inside swim buoys; keep clear of harbor mouths and boat/jet-ski lanes.
Wear booties for lava entries; watch for sea urchins.
Scan for jellyfish/Portuguese man-o’-war; skip the session if present.
Don’t snorkel remote reefs alone; share your plan and entry/exit points.

Gear & comfort

Mask/snorkel: Low-volume mask and a simple J-snorkel or dry-top.
Fins: Short travel fins are perfect for shore entries and casual reef cruising.
Exposure: Rash guard in summer; 2–3 mm shorty/full suit Nov–May.
Sun care: Reef-safe sunscreen, long-sleeve UV top, hat for surface breaks.
Safety float: A bright surface buoy increases visibility outside guarded areas.

Easy self-guided mini-itineraries

Corralejo & Lobos (easy classic)

Morning boat to El Puertito → shallow snorkel circuits → picnic in the shade → return to Corralejo for dunes sunset.

Northwest lagoons day

El Cotillo lagoons at mid–high tide → coffee/ice cream in El Cotillo → golden hour at La Concha beach.

East-coast family loop

Warm-up in Caleta de Fuste → lunch on the promenade → afternoon snorkel in El Jablito’s calm inlet.

FAQs

Is Fuerteventura good for beginners?
Yes—choose protected bays like El Cotillo lagoons (at the right tide), Caleta de Fuste and El Jablito.

Do I need a wetsuit?
Optional in summer; from Nov–May a 2–3 mm suit keeps you comfortable for longer swims.

Where is the clearest water?
Often Isla de Lobos and the El Cotillo lagoons on calm mornings.

Any permits?
Landing on Lobos can be controlled; follow posted rules and local guidance. Bring your own water/snacks.

Responsible snorkeling

Do not touch, chase or feed wildlife; keep fins off fragile algae and seagrass.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and let it absorb before entering the sea.
Pack out all rubbish; avoid standing on living rock.