Things to Do in Costa Calma: 8 Best Activities

Costa Calma sits on Fuerteventura’s southwest coast and offers one of the most complete activity menus on the island, from world-class windsurfing at Sotavento to buggy safaris through volcanic desert. After cross-referencing ratings across 73+ activities listed on TripAdvisor and GetYourGuide, this guide focuses on what the data consistently backs, not just what sounds good on paper. The full Costa Calma hub covers everything else you need to plan your trip.

Beach Activities at Costa Calma

Costa Calma beach is the resort’s centrepiece, and for good reason: calm, shallow waters backed by golden sand make it one of the most accessible swimming spots on Fuerteventura’s southwest coast. The Costa Calma beaches page covers the full range of sandy options in the area, but this section focuses on what you can actually do once you are there.

Swimming and Sunbathing

The main beach at Costa Calma is sheltered enough for comfortable swimming through most of the year. Water temperatures peak around 23°C in late summer and rarely drop below 18°C even in January, making year-round swimming realistic rather than just technically possible. Beach bars and restaurants line the shore, so you are never far from shade and a cold drink.

Visitor reviews on TripAdvisor consistently describe Costa Calma as a quiet, laid-back resort that differs markedly from busier destinations like Caleta de Fuste on the east coast or Corralejo in the north. That quietness is the beach’s biggest selling point. Loungers and parasols are available for hire along the main stretch, and the crowd levels rarely make this feel like a chore to navigate.

Top-rated activities in Costa Calma, based on aggregated review data across booking platforms, include:

• Buggy safaris (4.8 stars, 735 reviews on GetYourGuide)
• Dolphin and whale watching cruises (4.1 stars, 4,266 reviews)
• Glass-bottom boat tours (4.4 stars, 1,338 reviews)
• Visits to Sotavento lagoon and beach
• Scuba diving and snorkelling excursions

Water Sports and Lessons

The water sports available in Costa Calma and at nearby Sotavento beach include:

• Windsurfing (beginner to advanced, with lessons available on-site)
• Kiteboarding (Sotavento hosts international championships)
• Surfing (lessons for all skill levels)
• Paddleboarding
• Kayaking
• Snorkelling
• Scuba diving (PADI certification courses available)

Sotavento beach, a short drive south, is famous for hosting the Windsurfing and Kiteboarding World Championships. The lagoon conditions there are exceptional for learning: the water is shallow, the wind is consistent, and the sandy bottom is forgiving. Most water sports schools in the area offer a structured progression from beginner sessions through to independent practice, so you are not stuck on a single lesson if you want to push further.

For beginners, the practical question is which sport to start with. Paddleboarding and kayaking have the shortest learning curve and suit families with younger children. Windsurfing and kiteboarding require more commitment, typically a minimum of three to four hours of instruction before you are operating independently. Surf lessons are available for all levels and the Atlantic swell on the exposed western shores gives more consistent wave conditions than the calmer lagoon side.

Seasonal note: wind-dependent sports peak during the trade wind season, see our Costa Calma weather guide for monthly wind breakdowns. Outside peak months, conditions are milder and often better suited to beginners.

Boat Trips and Marine Excursions

Dolphin and whale watching tours are the standout marine excursion from this part of Fuerteventura, and the review volumes back that up. Most tours depart from nearby Morro Jable rather than Costa Calma itself, with hotel pickup included as standard.

Dolphin and Whale Watching

Dolphin and whale watching cruises operating out of Morro Jable are well-reviewed on GetYourGuide with thousands of ratings, which is a meaningful sample size. The waters off the Jandía Peninsula sit along a productive migratory corridor, and operators report high sighting rates for bottlenose dolphins year-round, with pilot whales and occasional sperm whales more common in spring and autumn.

Typical tours run two to three hours, include drinks and swimming stops, and return to Morro Jable harbour. Pickup from Costa Calma hotels is standard with most operators, so you do not need your own transport. Book in advance during July and August; tours fill quickly and same-day availability is unreliable.

Glass-Bottom Boat Cruises

Glass-bottom boat cruises are the right option for visitors who want to see marine life without getting wet. These tours are consistently well-reviewed on GetYourGuide and typically include lunch and drinks as part of the package. The viewing panels give a clear look at the seabed, fish, and occasional rays, though conditions vary with water clarity. Visibility is generally best between April and October when sea conditions are calmer.

Catamaran and Sailing Trips

Catamaran excursions run for approximately four hours and include food, drinks, and snorkelling stops. They suit visitors who want a social, relaxed day on the water rather than a structured wildlife focus. Sailing trips are also available for smaller groups, including options for experienced sailors who want to take the helm. The catamaran format tends to attract larger groups and is the better choice for families; sailing trips are more appropriate for couples or small groups seeking something quieter.

The key practical difference between options: catamarans offer more stability and space, glass-bottom boats prioritise marine observation, and sailing trips offer the most intimate experience. All three depart from Morro Jable, and all include hotel pickup from Costa Calma.

Catamaran sails past dolphins at sunset.

Buggy and Jeep Safaris

Buggy safaris are the top-rated activity in Costa Calma by review score on GetYourGuide, consistently the top-rated activity in Costa Calma. That is not an accident: the terrain around the Jandía Peninsula is genuinely dramatic, and exploring it in an open buggy is a more engaging experience than viewing it from a tour bus.

Buggy Tours Through Desert Landscapes

The standard buggy tour covers the volcanic and desert terrain surrounding Costa Calma, including areas within the Jandía Natural Park. Routes typically run for two to three hours and include stops at viewpoints and, in some cases, The Puertito, a small fishing hamlet on the western coast. Can Am buggies are the most common vehicle used, seating two adults comfortably.

What competitors do not tell you: these tours generate significant dust on unpaved tracks, particularly in summer. Wearing a light scarf or buff over your face is practical advice, not just precautionary. The terrain is uneven but not technically difficult, and the vehicles are automatic, so no off-road driving experience is required. Most operators accept participants from age 16 upwards as co-pilots, with age restrictions for solo driving.

Jeep Safaris to Remote Beaches

Jeep safaris to Cofete Beach are a different proposition entirely. These tours run for approximately 3.5 hours and are highly rated on GetYourGuide. Cofete is one of the most dramatic beaches on Fuerteventura, accessible only via a rough mountain track, and the Villa Winter historical site adds a layer of intrigue to the visit.

The jeep format is more comfortable than a buggy for longer distances and suits visitors who prioritise the destination over the driving experience. If you want the adrenaline of controlling a vehicle yourself, choose the buggy; if you want to reach Cofete without the dust and effort, the jeep safari is the stronger option.

Off-Road Adventures

Both buggy and jeep tours include hotel pickup from Costa Calma as standard. Booking at least 48 hours in advance is advisable during peak season; the popular buggy tours sell out regularly. Fitness requirements are minimal for either format, and guides are English-speaking on all major operators. The other Fuerteventura resorts offer additional off-road options across the island if you want to compare.

Tourists in colorful buggies, red volcanic desert.

Natural Attractions and Hiking

Sotavento lagoon is the natural highlight of the Costa Calma area, and the Mirador de Sotavento viewpoint is the best place to understand why. The lagoon’s shallow turquoise water against the golden sand is one of the most photographed scenes on Fuerteventura, and it earns that attention.

Sotavento Lagoon and Beach

Playa de Sotavento stretches for several kilometres south of Costa Calma and is famous internationally for its windsurfing and kiteboarding championships. The lagoon section, formed at low tide when sandbanks emerge to create an enclosed shallow pool, is ideal for swimming and wading. Water depth in the lagoon rarely exceeds knee height, making it excellent for families with young children.

The beach itself is exposed to the trade winds, which is precisely why it attracts elite windsurfers. Non-participants should expect wind-blown sand on the main beach; the lagoon side is more sheltered. The Costa Calma beaches guide covers Sotavento in more detail, including access routes and parking.

Mirador de Sotavento Viewpoint

The Mirador de Sotavento sits above the lagoon and offers a panoramic view that makes the scale of the beach system clear. Community recommendations from the Fuerteventura subreddit highlight the viewpoint restaurant for local food at reasonable prices, and the consensus is that visiting at mid-morning avoids the busiest tour groups. Taxis from the viewpoint back to Costa Calma are available and reasonably priced.

La Pared Hiking Trail

La Pared sits on the narrow isthmus connecting the Jandía Peninsula to the rest of Fuerteventura, roughly 15 kilometres north of Costa Calma. The hiking trail between the Mirador de Sotavento area and La Pared offers coastal views and connects to a broader network of walking routes. The trail is classified as easy to moderate: the terrain is mostly flat with some rocky sections, and the estimated walking time is two to three hours one way depending on pace.

Seasonal considerations matter here. Summer hiking in direct sun on this trail is uncomfortable and potentially risky without adequate water. October through April is the practical window for most walkers. Carry at least two litres of water per person, wear sun protection, and check wind conditions before setting out as exposed coastal paths can be gusty. Taxi return from La Pared to Costa Calma is the most practical exit strategy unless you have arranged a car pickup.

Turquoise lagoon with windsurfers and golden beach.

Diving and Snorkelling

Scuba diving consistently appears in the top activities listed for Costa Calma on TripAdvisor, and the conditions in this part of Fuerteventura justify the attention. Clear Atlantic water, reasonable visibility, and a varied seabed make this a solid destination for both beginners and certified divers.

Scuba Diving Courses and Sites

Professional dive centres in and around Costa Calma offer PADI certification courses from beginner level (Discover Scuba Diving, which requires no prior experience) through to advanced open water qualifications. Discover Scuba sessions typically run for half a day and include pool familiarisation followed by a shallow open-water dive. Full PADI Open Water certification takes three to four days.

Dive sites in the Jandía area include rocky reefs, sandy plains, and some wall diving. Visibility averages 15–20 metres in good conditions, which is above average for the Canaries. The best visibility months are generally April through October, when calmer sea states reduce sediment suspension. Marine life commonly encountered includes moray eels, octopus, angel sharks (resting on sandy bottoms), various wrasse species, and occasional sea turtles.

Snorkelling Excursions

Snorkelling is included as standard in most boat trip excursions from Morro Jable, with equipment and basic instruction provided. For independent snorkelling from the beach, the rocky sections at the northern end of Costa Calma beach offer better marine life than the sandy central section. Water shoes are advisable for entry over rocks.

Marine Life Viewing

The marine biodiversity around the Jandía Peninsula benefits from its position between the Atlantic and the shallow lagoon system. Rays are regularly spotted in sandy shallows, and the rock formations provide habitat for a wide range of reef fish. Underwater photography conditions are good when sea state is calm; a simple action camera is sufficient for most snorkelling shots. Certified divers will find the deeper sites more rewarding for larger species.

Nearby Attractions and Day Trips

Costa Calma’s location on the Jandía Peninsula puts it within easy reach of several attractions worth a day or half-day. All are accessible by car, and most are covered by organised tours with hotel pickup. According to the Canary Islands tourism board, the Jandía Peninsula is one of the most popular activity destinations in the archipelago.

Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura

Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura, located in La Lajita (approximately 17 km south of Costa Calma), is a wildlife park featuring exotic animals and live shows, rated among the top attractions near Costa Calma on multiple travel platforms. It suits families with children who want a break from beach days. The park includes camels, crocodiles, big cats, and bird of prey demonstrations. Admission prices and opening hours should be confirmed directly with the park before visiting, as these change seasonally. The park includes the Jardín Botánico with over 1,500 plant species from around the world, including a native plant reserve with more than 80 endemic and endangered Canarian species.

Parque Natural de Jandía

The Jandía Natural Park covers the entire southern peninsula and includes the hiking trails, beaches, and volcanic terrain that make this part of Fuerteventura distinctive. Access to the more remote sections, including Cofete Beach and the western coast, requires either a jeep safari or a vehicle with reasonable ground clearance. The park is not a ticketed attraction; it is a protected natural area with free public access.

Morro Jable Town

Morro Jable is the largest settlement at the southern tip of Fuerteventura, around 12 kilometres from Costa Calma. The old town section retains genuine fishing village character with local restaurants serving fresh fish. The harbour is the departure point for most boat excursions. An evening in Morro Jable for dinner is a practical and worthwhile addition to any Costa Calma stay. The Costa Calma restaurants guide covers dining options closer to the resort if you prefer to stay local.

Oasis Wildlife Park and Jandía landscape features.

Relaxation and Wellness Activities

Costa Calma is well-suited to wellness-focused visits, and this is a category that most activity guides overlook entirely. The resort’s quiet character and reliable sunshine make it a practical destination for visitors whose priority is rest rather than action.

Spa and Massage Services

Several of the larger Costa Calma hotels operate in-house spa facilities offering massage, body treatments, and hydrotherapy. Treatments range from standard Swedish massage through to more specialised options including hot stone therapy and thalassotherapy. Independent wellness centres also operate within the resort, providing an alternative for visitors not staying at a spa hotel.

Booking spa treatments in advance is advisable during peak season, particularly July and August when hotel occupancy is highest. Walk-in availability exists but cannot be relied upon at the most popular facilities.

Beach Relaxation

The quieter coves along the Costa Calma coastline offer a more peaceful alternative to the main beach during busy periods. Lounger and parasol hire is available on the main beach; some quieter sections have no facilities at all, which suits visitors who prefer to bring their own equipment and find a less crowded spot. Sunset from the western-facing sections of the beach is worth planning around, particularly between October and March when the sun sets directly over the Atlantic.

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga classes are offered at some resorts and beach clubs in Costa Calma, typically as morning sessions taking advantage of calmer wind conditions early in the day. Availability varies by season and by property. The beach itself provides an obvious setting for independent meditation or stretching, and the resort’s generally low noise levels make early morning sessions on the sand a practical option. For Costa Calma nightlife and evening activities, the options are deliberately low-key, which reinforces the resort’s appeal to visitors seeking genuine downtime.

Visitor Tips and Practical Information

Costa Calma is one of the quieter resorts on Fuerteventura, and that is not a criticism. Conditions differ significantly from the busier resort towns further north, and understanding what the resort is and is not will save you from a mismatched holiday.

Best Time to Visit Costa Calma

Costa Calma has pleasant weather year-round, with temperatures averaging around 22°C across the annual cycle. October through April brings cooler, more comfortable conditions for hiking, cycling, and extended outdoor activity, with average highs in the low-to-mid 20s. May through September is warmer (highs reaching 28–30°C in August) and better suited to water sports, particularly wind-dependent activities like windsurfing and kiteboarding, which peak when the trade winds strengthen during spring and summer. July and August bring the most visitors and the highest prices. October is the data-backed sweet spot for most independent travellers: warm seas, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation costs compared to peak summer.

Safety and Valuables

Costa Calma is a low-crime resort by any reasonable standard, but standard precautions apply. Store valuables in your hotel safety deposit box rather than leaving them unattended on the beach. Keep your passport and wallet secure when out and about, particularly in busier areas near the shopping centres. Sun safety is a more pressing concern than crime for most visitors: the UV index is high from April through October, and the Atlantic breeze can mask how quickly you are burning.

Getting Around

Car hire is the strongest option for independent travellers who want to explore beyond the resort. The road network on the Jandía Peninsula is straightforward, and having your own vehicle opens up Cofete, La Pared, and the less-visited western coast without depending on tour schedules. Taxis are available for shorter trips and evening outings. Most activity operators include hotel pickup, which reduces the need for independent transport for excursion days. Full transport options, including bus connections to Puerto del Rosario and the north, are covered in the getting to Costa Calma guide.

Booking Activities

Book water sports lessons and popular excursions (buggy safaris, dolphin watching) at least 48 hours in advance during July and August. The popular buggy tours sell out regularly and same-day booking is unreliable. Outside peak season, advance booking is less critical but still advisable for the most popular tours. Most operators offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, which makes early booking low-risk. English is widely spoken at tourist facilities, activity providers, and restaurants throughout the resort.

For Costa Calma shopping, the main commercial centres are within walking distance of most hotels and stock everything from sunscreen to snorkelling equipment if you have forgotten something at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Costa Calma?

Costa Calma has good weather throughout the year, but the best time to go depends on the activities you have in mind. Generally, though, October offers the best overall balance of warm seas, thinner crowds, and lower prices.

• October through April offers cooler conditions ideal for hiking, cycling, and extended outdoor activity.
• May through September is warmer and better for water sports, with the trade winds peaking during spring and summer to create excellent windsurfing and kiteboarding conditions.
• July and August are the busiest and most expensive months.

Is Costa Calma good for nightlife partying?

No. Costa Calma is a quiet, laid-back beach resort with a calm atmosphere that suits families and visitors seeking relaxation. It lacks the busy bar strips and nightlife of Corralejo in the north or the commercial buzz of Caleta de Fuste on the east coast. Evenings in Costa Calma are low-key: restaurants, a few bars, and early nights. If you are looking for clubs and late-night entertainment, this is not the right resort.

What water sports are available in Costa Calma?

The water sports available in and around Costa Calma include windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, and scuba diving. Lessons are available for all skill levels, from complete beginners through to advanced practitioners. Sotavento beach, a short drive south, hosts international windsurfing and kiteboarding championships and is one of the best venues for these sports in Europe. Wind-dependent sports are strongest during the trade wind season, which runs roughly from spring through early autumn.

Can I see dolphins and whales from Costa Calma?

Yes, though tours depart from nearby Morro Jable rather than Costa Calma directly, with hotel pickup included as standard. Dolphin and whale watching cruises in this area are well-reviewed on GetYourGuide, which reflects consistently high sighting rates. Tours typically run two to three hours and include drinks and swimming stops. Bottlenose dolphins are seen year-round; pilot whales and sperm whales are more common in spring and autumn. Book in advance during peak season.

What should I pack for a trip to Costa Calma?

Pack high-factor sunscreen (the UV index is high from April through October), a sun hat, sunglasses, and light breathable clothing for daytime. A light jacket or fleece is useful for evenings from October through March. Water shoes are worth bringing if you plan to snorkel from rocky shores. The trade winds are a constant feature, so a windproof layer is practical for boat trips and exposed beaches. Most snorkelling equipment can be hired locally if you prefer not to pack it.

How do I get around Costa Calma without a car?

Taxis are available for short trips and evening outings within and around the resort. Most activity and excursion operators include hotel pickup as standard, which covers the majority of day trips without requiring independent transport. Walking is practical within the resort itself. For reaching attractions further afield, such as Morro Jable or the Jandía Natural Park, a car or organised tour is the realistic option. Bus connections exist but are infrequent on the peninsula; the getting to Costa Calma guide has current timetable information.

What are the top-rated activities in Costa Calma?

Based on review scores and volumes across major booking platforms, the top-rated activities in Costa Calma are:

• Buggy safaris through the Jandía desert (consistently top-rated)
• Glass-bottom boat cruises with lunch and drinks (highly rated)
• Cofete Beach jeep safaris (highly rated)
• Dolphin and whale watching cruises from Morro Jable (well-reviewed)
• Visits to Sotavento lagoon and viewpoint

Most of these activities include free cancellation and hotel pickup, making advance booking low-risk.

Are there family-friendly activities in Costa Calma?

Costa Calma is well-suited to families. The main beach has calm, shallow water ideal for young children, and the lagoon at Sotavento is even shallower and more protected. Buggy tours accommodate families with older children, boat trips with snorkelling suit a wide age range, and Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura provides a full day out for children of most ages. The park’s Botanical Garden section is a quieter option for families who enjoy natural history. The resort’s low-key atmosphere means children are well catered for without the noise and crowds of larger resorts.