Las Palmas Cofete Beach & Desert Safari Review: Is It Worth It?

Okay, so you’re thinking about heading to Fuerteventura, and chances are Cofete Beach has popped up on your radar. Maybe you’ve seen those dramatic pictures of the seemingly endless beach backed by wild, rugged mountains, very possibly those images stuck in your head, right? Well, I can tell you the photos don’t really do it justice. I recently took the ‘Las Palmas Fuerteventura Cofete Beach and Desert Safari’ tour, and I wanted to share, you know, a straightforward review to help you decide if it’s a worthwhile adventure. It definitely feels a bit like stepping into a postcard (a very windy one!).

What is the Cofete Beach and Desert Safari All About?

So, this isn’t just your regular beach trip; it is that much more. It’s really a full-day excursion from Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) to the southern part of Fuerteventura, particularly focusing on Cofete Beach and the surrounding Jandía Natural Park. A big thing about this tour, is that it isn’t just about lounging on the beach (although there’s time for that!). The main draw is exploring Fuerteventura’s dramatic landscape. Picture this: you are cruising across desert terrain, climbing up dirt tracks with insane views, and generally getting off the usual tourist trail. The “safari” aspect gives you a taste, in some respects, of what Fuerteventura is beyond the resort towns.

The Nitty-Gritty: What to Expect on the Tour

First things first, it’s usually an early start. A bus picked my group up right from our hotel, which was certainly handy, I thought. It’s then a ferry from Gran Canaria to Fuerteventura. Use this time to snag a seat, that is if you get seasick at all, get a coffee, and enjoy, arguably, the ocean views. Upon arrival in Fuerteventura, you are whisked away in a 4×4 vehicle. Be ready for a bumpy ride! The roads leading to Cofete are, let’s just say, not for the faint of heart; it’s quite a jarring ride at times. As you get going, you’ll likely stop at scenic viewpoints, maybe learn a little about the area’s history, and get to stretch your legs. Lunch is frequently included; don’t expect a fancy gourmet experience. This usually consists of a simple, pretty traditional Canarian meal at a local restaurant. And of course, the highlight, very possibly, is spending time on Cofete Beach, breathing in that pure air, and snapping, arguably, a million photos.

The Drive to Cofete: Buckle Up!

Okay, I have to call attention to this part separately as, in my experience, the drive itself is a big part of the adventure. As I mentioned, the road to Cofete is unpaved and can be rather challenging, and a little intimidating. It winds up and down the mountains, with hairpin turns and steep drops. Our driver was, like your, quite experienced, but still, you definitely feel like you are on an actual off-road adventure. That is not to say it is super risky, but if you have back problems or aren’t keen on bouncy rides, so you know, this might not be your cup of tea.

Cofete Beach: Wild and Wonderful

Cofete Beach… wow. Honestly, I have never seen anything quite like it, very probably. The scale of the place is just incredible; it stretches for kilometers. The sand is that kind of golden color, and the waves are generally huge and powerful. That’s an important thing: swimming here isn’t always the safest idea because of strong currents and large waves. It’s generally better to just enjoy the view, take pictures, and maybe dip your toes in the water. The mountains surrounding the beach add this dramatic backdrop; they’re often shrouded in mist, making the landscape appear even more surreal.

The Villa Winter Mystery

A strange and sort of eerie building near Cofete Beach is Villa Winter. This house has quite a puzzling history. It was constructed in the 1940s by a German engineer, Gustav Winter, and, arguably, rumors have swirled around it ever since. Some suggest that it was a secret Nazi base, that’s really hard to say for sure, or even that submarines used to dock in a nearby cove. Others say it was simply a farm. Whatever the true story, it adds a sort of mysterious element to the Cofete experience. Usually, the tour will drive past it, or very likely, even stop for photos, and your guide might share some of those spooky stories.

The Good, The Bad, and The Windy: My Personal Experience

Okay, I want to keep it real based on what I actually experienced, that’s kind of key, I figured. Let’s start with the positives. The views are totally worth the trip, to be honest, in my opinion. Cofete Beach is honestly breathtaking. It feels remote, untouched, and way different than the typical touristy beaches. The 4×4 ride was also quite fun! It was a blast bouncing around, as it were, and seeing the desert landscape up close. I also liked hearing about the history of the area from our guide; you may find they are, at least, very enthusiastic and make the experience rather fun.

Now for a couple of drawbacks. The tour can feel a bit rushed, basically. There is lots to see, so they try to cram everything in. That also means you might not get as much time on Cofete Beach as you might have hoped, to be honest. The other thing to be aware of is the wind! Fuerteventura translates to “strong adventure” so just trust that it lives up to its name. Seriously, hold on to your hats (and maybe your lunch!). The wind can be intense, to say the least. In all seriousness, if you easily get irritated by sand getting blown everywhere, that’s worth bearing in mind.

Who is This Safari For?

Basically, this tour is great if you:

Like some real adventure and want to see a different side of Fuerteventura.
You want amazing views and unique photo opportunities.
You don’t mind a bit of a bumpy ride.

However, it might not be the best option if:

You prefer super smooth, luxurious travel.
You have serious back issues or get motion sickness very easily.
Strong winds and flying sand really bother you.

Is the Cofete Beach and Desert Safari Worth the Money?

So, is it worth it? I’d say yes, mostly, with some caveats. If you go in accepting that it will be a bit of a wild ride, not necessarily a super relaxed beach day, and appreciate seeing an unique landscape, then, really, you’ll probably enjoy it. The price is actually reasonable for a full-day tour that includes transport, a ferry, lunch, and a guide, too. But do make sure, alright, to compare different tour operators, because prices can fluctuate a bit. Ultimately, the amazing views of Cofete Beach made it worthwhile for me.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

Okay, so here are a few tips I wish I’d known ahead of time:

Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a little bit of walking and climbing.
Bring layers: The weather can change quickly. It can be hot in the sun but much cooler and windy, especially on the coast.
Sunscreen is, too, totally a must!: The sun is really intense, so protect your skin.
Protect your camera: Keep it in a bag when you are not using it, or very likely, that sand will get everywhere!
Take some motion sickness medicine: If you are prone to feeling queasy.
Bring water: Keeping hydrated is always a great idea, basically.

Alternatives to the Cofete Beach Safari

If, for example, the sound of a bumpy 4×4 ride to Cofete doesn’t particularly sound all that exciting, there are a number of different ways to enjoy Fuerteventura. Bus tours do the main sights of the north or south of the island. Boat trips are a cool choice, like your, sailing tours, some of them stopping off at quieter beaches. Also you could look at renting a car. Loads of people love this, especially if they like taking their time to see things at their own pace. It opens a real option of discovering quiet towns, giving secluded beaches, and generally appreciating that unique volcanic landscape.

Booking Your Cofete Adventure: What to Check

Before you click that “Book Now” button, just double check a couple of things to get peace of mind:

What’s included: Get this, like your, nailed down – is lunch there? Hotel pickup and drop-off? Any extra fees for the ferry trip? Is any drinking included?
Cancellation policy: Check out what is going on should your plans switch at the very last moment. If there’s any type of flexibility here, is really awesome.
Group size: Find out what the maximum group size is so that you aren’t stuffed like sardines into a small jeep for, you know, 8 hours. Smaller isn’t, at least, typically always more exciting as you, pretty obviously, get some extra time with your guide.
Reviews: Take some moments just reading the reviews to, at least, get the feeling that others have experienced the same. Keep that balance though: nobody will adore everything, yet the overall rating will inform.