Jameos del Agua

History: César Manrique's first project

Jameos del Agua is the foundational work of the network of Art, Culture and Tourism Centers (CACT) and the first major project by Lanzarote artist César Manrique. Manrique, freshly returned to Lanzarote after a period in New York, sought to demonstrate that nature could be intervened with without destroying it — his 'art-nature' philosophy.

The space was formed within a volcanic tube created by the eruption of the Corona Volcano about 4,000 years ago. 'Jameos' are the collapses of the tube's ceiling: natural openings that let in sunlight. Manrique transformed them into gardens, pools, and rooms by integrating tropical vegetation, water, and the original basaltic rock. The work began in 1966 and was inaugurated in phases until its current form in the late 70s.

Today, Jameos del Agua is one of Lanzarote's most visited places and, for many, the site where Manrique's sensitivity to the island's volcanic landscape is best understood.

How to get to Jameos del Agua

Without a car: bus line 9 (Arrecife – Órzola) passes through the area but with infrequent service. The most convenient option is to rent a car or book an organized excursion from your hotel.

Ticket prices for Jameos del Agua

Official CACT (Art, Culture and Tourism Centers) rates updated for 2026, IGIC included. Children under 7 enter for free.

Source: cactlanzarote.com. Residents must prove their status at the ticket office (ID or certificate of residency).

Concerts in the natural auditorium

The Jameos del Agua auditorium is one of the most unique performance spaces in the world: a hall excavated under the lava with a capacity for about 600 people and exceptional natural acoustics. Occasional concerts of classical, jazz, world music, and contemporary music are programmed — especially during the Visual Music Festival of Lanzarote, which takes place every autumn.

Concert tickets are sold separately at cactlanzarote.com. If your trip coincides with a scheduled date, it's an experience worth booking in advance.

Visiting Jameos del Agua with children

It's one of the most recommended family activities in Lanzarote. The visit is short (1 – 1.5 hr), safe, and very stimulating for children: the lake with the endemic blind crabs, the turquoise pool, and the walkways on the volcanic rock feel like a fairytale. Children under 7 enter free, and the children's rate (7-12 years) is €8.50.

Please note: the tunnel stairs are uneven and sometimes damp — non-slip footwear is essential. Touching the lake water (it's the habitat of a protected species) or swimming in the outdoor pool is not allowed. The restaurant and cafeteria have a children's menu.

What to see and do near Jameos del Agua

You are in the north of Lanzarote, one of the areas with the most nature and outdoor experiences on the island. Take advantage of the day to combine Jameos with other nearby places and activities.

Perfect plan for northern Lanzarote

Two itineraries designed to make the most of your day in the north of the island, combining culture, nature, and sport.

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of Jameos del Agua?

Opening hours Jameos del Agua: daily 10:00 – 18:00. Last entry: 17:15. Casa de los Volcanes hours: 10:00 – 18:00. Last entry: 17:30. Casa de los Volcanes visit duration: approximately one hour.

How much does it cost to enter Jameos del Agua?

Standard rate: adult €17.00 and child (7-12) €8.50; under 7s enter free. Canary Islands residents pay €13.60 (adult) and €6.80 (child), and Lanzarote residents €2.00. A combined Jameos + Casa de los Volcanes ticket is also available for €22.40 adult and €11.20 child. Official CACT prices, IGIC included.

How do you get to Jameos del Agua?

The Jameos are in Haría, in the north of the island, about 25 km from Arrecife (30 min via LZ-1), 35 km from Costa Teguise (35 min) and 50 km from Playa Blanca (1 hr). There is free parking next to the entrance. Without a car it's complicated: bus line 9 connects Arrecife with Órzola and passes nearby, but with infrequent service. Most visitors arrive by rental car or on an organized excursion from their hotel.

What's the best time to visit Jameos del Agua?

Early morning (10:00 – 11:30) and mid-afternoon (16:00 – 17:15) have fewer cruises and tour buses. The overhead light on the turquoise pool is spectacular around noon, while later in the day the cave is in shadow and feels more intimate. Avoid the 12:00 – 14:30 slot if you don't like crowds.

How long does a visit to Jameos del Agua take?

The visit takes between 1 and 1.5 hours. It includes the descent into the volcanic tube, the underground lake with the blind crabs (Munidopsis polymorpha, endemic to this site), the tropical garden, the pool and the natural auditorium. There is a café-restaurant if you want to extend the visit.

Are there concerts at Jameos del Agua Auditorium?

Yes. The natural auditorium carved into the lava has a capacity for about 600 people and unique acoustics. Regular concerts of classical, jazz, and world music are scheduled — especially during the Visual Music Festival of Lanzarote (autumn) and in special CACT programming. Tickets are sold separately at cactlanzarote.com.

What's the restaurant like at Jameos del Agua?

Inside the complex there is a restaurant with views of the turquoise pool and a more informal cafeteria. The menu combines Canarian and Mediterranean cuisine (mid-high prices: menus €35 – €55). It is one of the most charming places to eat in the north of Lanzarote, but it is advisable to book, especially in high season.

Is it a good idea to go to Jameos del Agua with children?

Yes. The route is safe, short (1 – 1.5 hrs), and very stimulating for children: the lake with blind crabs, the turquoise pool, and the walkways on the volcanic rock usually captivate them. Children under 7 enter for free. Caution is needed on the stairs (uneven and sometimes damp), and touching the lake water or swimming in the pool is not allowed.

Can you combine it with Cueva de los Verdes?

Yes, and it's highly recommended. Both belong to the same volcanic tube created by the eruption of the Volcán de la Corona around 4,000 years ago. They are 10 minutes apart by car. A morning at Cueva de los Verdes + an afternoon at Jameos is one of the best cultural plans in Lanzarote.

Is it accessible for people with reduced mobility?

Access is partial. There are many uneven stairs to descend into the volcanic tube, so it is not fully accessible. The garden, restaurant, and cafeteria areas are, and from there you can appreciate much of the complex. It is advisable to consult with CACT beforehand if you are using a wheelchair.

Are there discounts for residents of the Canary Islands and Lanzarote?

Yes. Canary Island residents: €13.60 adult, €6.80 child. Lanzarote residents: €2.00. Residency must be proven at the ticket office with an ID or certificate of residency. There are also special rates for groups and large families.

What should you bring on the visit?

Comfortable, non-slip footwear (stairs can be damp), a light jacket (it's cool inside the tunnel even in summer), water, and your camera. Swimming in the lake and outdoor pool is prohibited. If you plan to eat at the restaurant, it's advisable to make a reservation.

Who designed Jameos del Agua?

César Manrique, the Lanzarote artist who transformed the island with his 'art-nature' philosophy. Jameos del Agua was his first major project: it began in 1966 and fully reopened in 1977. It is the foundational work of the Art, Culture and Tourism Centers (CACT) and, for many, the place where Manrique's sensitivity to the volcanic landscape is best understood.

Are there activities near Jameos del Agua?

Yes. You're in northern Lanzarote, one of the most nature-rich areas of the island. Nearby you'll find Cueva de los Verdes, Mirador del Río, the Río salt flats and the Cactus Garden. If you enjoy sports, hiking tours start from the north and Famara is a quick drive away for surfing.

What is the best time of year to visit Jameos del Agua?

It can be visited all year round — Lanzarote's climate is stable (18–28 °C) and the temperature inside the volcanic tube remains cool and constant at around 19–20 °C. The months with fewer tourists are May, June, and September. July and August are the most crowded; in January and February there might be days with strong winds, but the visit is still pleasant as most of the route is sheltered.

Can tickets be bought online or only at the box office?

Both options. Buy online at cactlanzarote.com (official website of the Cabildo de Lanzarote) — avoid queues and guarantee entry on cruise days. Tickets are also sold at the box office for the same price, but during high season there might be waits of 20–40 minutes. We do not work with resales: any page that charges extra for tickets is an intermediary.

Can I take photos and videos inside Jameos del Agua?

Yes, photography and video for personal use are permitted throughout the premises (including the turquoise pool, the lake, and the auditorium). The use of tripods, professional flashes, or drones is not allowed without prior authorization from the CACT. For commercial shoots, weddings, or filming, written permission must be requested from the Centers of Art, Culture and Tourism.

Can you swim in the turquoise pool at Jameos del Agua?

No. The outdoor pool is an artistic creation by César Manrique, and swimming is strictly prohibited — its function is purely aesthetic and it is part of the protected ensemble. The only person who ever swam there was the King of Spain during an official visit. If you're looking for natural pools nearby, head to Los Charcones de Punta Mujeres or the natural pools of Punta Mujeres, 10 minutes away.

What are the blind crabs in the Jameos del Agua lake?

The white crabs in the lake are Munidopsis polymorpha, an endemic species that lives exclusively in this volcanic tube. They are blind (they live in darkness), measure barely 1–2 cm, and have become the symbol of Jameos del Agua. They cannot be fed or have coins thrown at them — it is a protected species, and coins alter the water's chemistry.

Is there a combined ticket with other Manrique Art Centers?

Yes. The CACT offers the 'Bono 6 Centros' (37 € adult / 18.50 € child) which includes Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes, Mirador del Río, Jardín de Cactus, Casa-Museo del Campesino, and Castillo de San José. It is the most economical option if you plan to visit 3 or more centers during your stay in Lanzarote. It can be purchased at any ticket office or at cactlanzarote.com.

Do you accept credit cards at Jameos del Agua?

Yes, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted both at the ticket office and in the restaurant and souvenir shop. Cash payment is also accepted. During high season, it is recommended to pay by card to speed up queues. Discover the best sports experiences with Benty