Puerto del Carmen: Snorkeling Trip with Dive Instructor

The best part of this Puerto del Carmen snorkeling trip is its calm, friendly introduction to Lanzarote’s underwater world. You enter the Atlantic from Playa Chica, stay close to shore, and spend about an hour following colorful fish with a guide nearby. No certification is needed, and the wetsuit helps you float as well as stay warm.

I like the small group of up to 10 and the careful attention from the instructors. I also like that the price includes good Scubapro equipment, insurance, a briefing, and a little post-swim snack. The main consideration is that this is not suitable for non-swimmers, children under eight, or pregnant women, and late arrivals cannot join.

Key points to know

• Playa Chica entry: You walk into the water from the shore rather than taking a boat.
• About one hour in the water: The full activity lasts two hours, including fitting equipment, instruction, and a break.
• PADI-certified guidance: Your instructor explains safe snorkeling, equipment use, and the fish you may see.
• Scubapro gear included: Fins, mask, snorkel, and wetsuit are supplied.
• Small groups: The maximum is 10 participants, useful for first-timers and families.
• Simple booking details matter: Send your sizes and insurance information promptly, then arrive early at Playa Chica.

A gentle first look beneath Lanzarote’s Atlantic water

This is an introductory snorkeling session, not a certification course. You stay on the surface, look down through your mask, and let the guide point out fish and small sea creatures that are easy to miss when you are swimming alone.

That makes it a good choice if you are curious about snorkeling but do not yet feel ready for a more demanding water activity. The guide gives you simple pointers on breathing through the snorkel, clearing your mask, using your fins, and staying comfortable in the water.

The setting is Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen. The group enters directly from the beach area, so there is no boat ride or long transfer. That keeps the activity straightforward, though it also means your experience depends on conditions at the shore and on the Atlantic that day.

The guided swim lasts around one hour. Before that, you have time to get fitted, put on your wetsuit, and listen to the safety talk. Afterward, water and cookies provide a modest but welcome break with a sea view.

What happens before you enter the water

The practical preparation begins before you arrive. After booking, the local team contacts you by WhatsApp or email to ask for each participant’s personal details, equipment sizes, and information needed for insurance.

Do not ignore that message. The staff prepare the equipment and bring it to the site in advance, so a last-minute booking can create a real problem if the team cannot reach you or does not receive the required details. If you have heard nothing one or two days before the activity, contact the provider through WhatsApp using the number on your booking voucher.

At Playa Chica, look for the instructor near the last bench as you walk from the restaurant toward the sandy parking area, with the sea on your left. The team uses blue IKEA bags, and you should see other water-sports groups and center vehicles nearby.

You are not being collected from your hotel, so allow time to reach Puerto del Carmen, find parking, and locate the meeting point. The session begins at the stated time. Arrive at least five minutes early, and give yourself more time if you are unfamiliar with Playa Chica.

Getting fitted with Scubapro equipment

The price includes fins, mask, snorkel, and wetsuit. The use of Scubapro equipment is a worthwhile detail, particularly if you are new to snorkeling and do not have your own gear that fits well.

A poor mask can fill with water or fog constantly. Fins that are too loose can rub, while fins that are too tight can make a short swim feel tiring. The sizing information requested before the activity gives the team a chance to prepare properly, although you should still speak up if something does not feel right when you put it on.

The wetsuit does two useful jobs. It helps keep you warm in the Atlantic, including during the winter months, and gives you extra flotation on the surface. That second point matters if you feel nervous about staying up in the water.

You will also receive a mask, snorkel, and fins, then learn how to use them correctly. The briefing covers basic safety and explains what type of sea life you may see. It is not a long classroom session, but it gives beginners the key information needed to start with less fuss.

The one-hour guided swim at Playa Chica

Once everyone is dressed and ready, you enter the water from the shore. The instructor keeps the group together and helps you settle into a comfortable rhythm.

Expect to float on the surface for about an hour rather than swim continuously at speed. That makes the activity fairly relaxed. You can concentrate on breathing, looking down, and following the guide’s signals instead of worrying about navigation.

The guide’s role is especially useful here. Fish can disappear into rocks or blend into the sea floor, and a practiced local guide knows where to look. The instructor points out colorful fish and smaller creatures, giving the outing more purpose than simply wearing a mask and swimming around.

Your guide may be Igor, Raul, Elva, Mo, or another member of the multilingual team. The instructors work in English, Spanish, and French. The strongest feature of the experience is the personal reassurance provided during the swim. Several families have found the staff patient with children and attentive to different levels of confidence.

That said, you need to be honest about your swimming ability. The activity is listed as unsuitable for non-swimmers. A calm instructor can help someone who is nervous, but reassurance is not a replacement for being able to swim.

Why the guide makes a difference for beginners

Snorkeling looks easy, but first attempts can be awkward. You may breathe too quickly, kick too hard, or lift your head every few seconds to check where you are. A guide can correct those habits early.

The instructors are PADI-certified and provide close support in a small group. Igor and Raul are especially associated with patient explanations and calm handling of families in the available feedback, while Elva has been praised for detailed instruction and pointing out fish in the water.

I would choose this trip over swimming alone if you are a first-time snorkeler. You get help with the mask and fins, an explanation of local sea life, and somebody watching the group while you look down. That removes much of the uncertainty that can make a first session frustrating.

The small-group limit also matters. Ten people is not a private outing, but it is manageable. You should have a better chance of hearing the briefing and getting assistance than you would in a large group. If you need constant one-to-one support, however, ask the provider about your needs before booking rather than assuming the guide can stay beside you for the entire session.

What you might see beneath the surface

The experience focuses on colorful fish and small marine creatures around the shore. The guide explains what you are looking at and helps you notice movement and color that you might otherwise miss.

The exact animals and visibility are not guaranteed. Atlantic conditions change, and marine life does not follow a schedule. It is better to treat the fish spotting as part of the adventure rather than expect a fixed list of species.

What is dependable is the chance to see Lanzarote from a different angle. The volcanic island is often associated with beaches, black rock, and dry scenery, but this trip shifts your attention below the surface. You spend time watching a living environment rather than simply taking a coastal swim.

The rule about not touching marine life is important. Keep your hands to yourself, even if a fish or small creature comes close. You will see more and cause less disturbance by moving slowly, keeping your distance, and listening to the guide.

Winter snorkeling and family suitability

The wetsuit makes this activity possible beyond the hottest months. A February session has been described as comfortable with the provided equipment, and winter can be a good time to add a water activity to a Lanzarote itinerary.

Still, the Atlantic is not a swimming pool. You should bring a towel, dry clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. A change of clothes is particularly useful after the wetsuit comes off.

Families can book children from age eight, provided they meet the swimming requirement and are comfortable following instructions. The instructors have shown patience with children of different confidence levels, which is one reason this trip works well for a family looking for a shared activity.

Parents should stay realistic about the format. This is a guided group session, not a private lesson built around one child. Children need to listen during the briefing, remain with the group, and avoid touching the sea life. If a child is anxious around open water, discuss that with the provider in advance.

Pregnant women and children under eight should not book this activity. Non-swimmers are also excluded in the stated conditions.

What the $65 price includes

At $65 per person, the cost is reasonable if you need equipment and want instruction rather than simply renting a mask. You receive the full set of snorkeling gear, a wetsuit, insurance, a PADI-certified instructor, the safety briefing, and around one hour in the water.

Water and cookies are included after the swim. That is a small touch, but it gives the group time to dry off, chat, and enjoy the sea view before leaving.

The price does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. Since the meeting point is at Playa Chica, you need to arrange your own transport and allow time for parking. If you are staying in Puerto del Carmen, the location is more convenient than an excursion that requires a long transfer, but the exact distance from your accommodation is not provided.

The value is strongest for beginners, families, and anyone who does not own suitable equipment. Experienced snorkelers with their own mask and fins may find the guided instruction less essential, though the local wildlife spotting can still add something.

A tip of about 10 percent is appreciated if you feel the instructor gave you good care and clear guidance. It is not included in the listed price.

Cancellation, timing, and the details that can spoil the day

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if you are arranging several Lanzarote plans at once.

The stricter rule concerns lateness. If you arrive after the start time, you cannot join and no refund is provided. Playa Chica may be easy to reach once you know it, but unfamiliar roads, traffic, parking, and the search for the blue bags can all take longer than expected.

Check your inbox and phone after booking. Send the requested sizes and personal information quickly, especially if you book the night before. This is not needless paperwork. The staff need the information to prepare equipment and insurance before bringing the group to the shore.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Dry clothes
• Sunscreen

You do not need to bring snorkeling equipment. The provider supplies it.

Who should choose this Puerto del Carmen snorkeling trip?

I would recommend it first to a beginner who can swim but feels unsure about snorkeling technique. The briefing and guide support remove much of the trial and error, while the wetsuit makes floating easier.

It also suits families with children aged eight and older. The instructors have shown particular patience with children and adults who feel nervous, but each participant must still meet the basic swimming requirement.

Couples and solo visitors can join as well. The group size is limited to 10, and the guides speak English, Spanish, and French. You do not need to bring friends or family to make the booking worthwhile.

I would think twice if you want a private session, guaranteed wildlife sightings, or a long day at sea. This is a short, shore-based introduction. It offers guidance and convenience, not a specialist wildlife expedition.

Should you book it?

Book this snorkeling trip if you want an easy first look at Lanzarote’s marine life, need equipment, and value a patient instructor close by. The combination of a small group, wetsuit, Scubapro gear, insurance, and a one-hour guided swim gives the $65 price solid value.

Skip it if you cannot swim, dislike group activities, or would rather explore at your own pace. Also avoid a last-minute booking unless you can respond quickly to the provider and reach Playa Chica on time.

For most suitable participants, this is a friendly, low-pressure way to add the Atlantic to a Puerto del Carmen holiday. Bring your towel, arrive early, and let the guide handle the tricky parts.

FAQ

Where does the snorkeling activity take place?

The activity takes place at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote. The group enters the water from the shore.

How long does the experience last?

The complete activity lasts two hours. About one hour is spent snorkeling in the water, with the remaining time used for preparation, instruction, and a break.

How much does the snorkeling trip cost?

The price is $65 per person.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The price includes fins, a mask, a snorkel, and a wetsuit. The activity uses Scubapro snorkeling gear.

Is an instructor included?

Yes. A PADI-certified instructor leads the activity and provides the safety briefing, equipment guidance, and marine-life information.

What languages are spoken?

The instructors can provide the activity in English, Spanish, or French.

How many people are in each group?

The activity is limited to 10 participants.

Can children join the snorkeling trip?

Children aged eight and older can join, provided they meet the activity requirements. Children under eight are not permitted.

Can non-swimmers participate?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for non-swimmers.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. The provider supplies the snorkeling equipment.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Playa Chica.

What happens after I book?

The provider contacts you by WhatsApp or email to request participant details, equipment sizes, and insurance information. You receive the exact meeting time and location one or two days before the activity.