[1][2] In the 19th century, the strait was known as a safe anchorage with a sandy bottom, which shelved gradually towards Lanzarote with depths of up to five fathoms.

Olsen Express line has operated the service since 2003 between Playa Blanca in Lanzarote and Corralejo in Fuerteventura.

[5] Naviera Armas operates a competing service with its larger but slower vessel, Volcán de Tindaya, covering the same route in 35 minutes.

[6][7] The Travesia La Bocaina is an annual open water swimming endurance event that crosses the strait.

Depending on the speed of the swimmers it can take between five and eight hours to complete the swim from Playa Blanca to Corralejo, over a distance of 15 kilometres (9.3 mi; 8.1 nmi).