Puerto del Carmen: Try Scuba Diving from the beach

Thinking about trying scuba diving on Lanzarote? This experience at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen offers a relaxed, beginner-focused way to dip your toes (or fins) into the underwater world. We’ve been exploring similar tours, and what stands out here are the personalized attention and the chance to see vibrant marine life up close. Plus, the location—often called a little aquarium—really makes it feel like stepping into an entirely new universe.

One of the things we love is that this experience is designed for first-timers, with a clear emphasis on safety and comfort. The other is the quality of the guides, who make the whole process feel approachable and fun, even for those nervous about breathing underwater for the first time. On the flip side, it’s worth noting this isn’t a full certification course, so if you’re dreaming of doing more extensive dives, you’ll need additional training later on. It’s best suited for those curious about the underwater world, not necessarily those seeking a full-on diving adventure.

If you’re considering a short, safe, and memorable intro to scuba, this tour ticks a lot of boxes. It’s perfect if you want a manageable chunk of time, expert guidance, and a chance to see Lanzarote’s marine life without fuss. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to decide if this experience is the right fit for you.

Key Points

• Personalized experience: Small groups (limited to 4) mean plenty of individual attention.
• Safety first: Instructors prioritize safety, making it ideal for beginners.
• Beautiful location: Playa Chica is known as a marine wonderland with clear visibility.
• Marine life: Expect to see schools of small fish, groupers, rays, octopus, and more.
• No prior certification needed: Perfect for first-timers wanting a taste of diving.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, with pay-later options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Experience

This tour kicks off with a quick briefing where your instructor explains the basics—how to breathe underwater, hand signals, and safety rules. It’s straightforward and designed to make you feel confident. After that, you’ll start in shallow water, practicing a few essential skills in a confined setting. This step is crucial because it helps you get comfortable with the equipment and the feeling of weightlessness underwater.

Once everyone feels ready, the instructor will lead the group into the open water, exploring the reef at Playa Chica. You won’t go deeper than 12 meters, which is perfect for beginners, and the marine life is astonishing even at shallower depths. The visibility often ranges from 15 to 40 meters, so you’ll have a clear view of the underwater landscape.

During your dive, expect to see a variety of marine creatures—schools of tiny fish, colorful coral structures, large groupers, barracudas, rays, and even octopus or cuttlefish. The underwater scenery is often described as like swimming in an aquarium, with plenty of sights to keep your interest piqued. The instructors make sure to keep the pace relaxed, focusing on making sure everyone feels safe and enjoys the moment.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour starts at Playa Chica, where the meeting point is easy to find—look for the local team near the last bench walking from the restaurant toward the sandy parking area, identifiable by their blue IKEA bags. After confirming your details, you’ll receive your exact meeting time 1-2 days beforehand, so there’s no need to show up unexpectedly.

The safety briefing lasts about 30 minutes. Expect clear, calm explanations designed to ease any nerves and make sure you understand the basics. This step cannot be rushed, as it sets the tone for your confidence underwater. The instructor will review safety procedures, hand signals, and equipment use, turning what might seem intimidating into something approachable.

Following that, you’ll spend roughly 75 minutes in the water. The guided dive begins with shallow exploration, gradually venturing out to the reef, where the instructor will help you navigate and observe the marine life. The whole process is about creating a high-quality, personalized experience, with no rushing, and safety always coming first.

What’s Included and What’s Not

What’s included in this package makes it straightforward and stress-free. You get a thorough briefing, guided scuba diving from Playa Chica, all necessary dive equipment, dive insurance, and the assistance of a certified and experienced PADI instructor. Plus, water and cookies are provided to keep you refreshed after your underwater adventure.

However, you’ll need to bring your own towels, swimwear, and beach gear. Note that there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

The Value for Money

At $113 per person, this experience offers good value, especially considering the small group size, personalized attention, and high-quality instruction. Compared to more extensive certification courses, this is a manageable investment for a memorable first-time experience. It’s designed not just to show you the basics but to ensure you feel comfortable and safe exploring the underwater world.

The inclusion of dive insurance and equipment also adds peace of mind, removing common worries about safety or equipment issues. Plus, the opportunity to see Lanzarote’s marine life up close in such a popular location makes it a worthwhile outing.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Location: Playa Chica

Playa Chica is the star of this experience. Known locally as a sort of “little aquarium,” it offers stunning underwater visibility and diverse marine life. Its calm waters and shallow reefs make it ideal for beginners, and the variety of fish and other creatures you’ll see is impressive.

The location’s ease of access means you don’t need to worry about long boat rides or complicated logistics. Just a short walk from your accommodation or the main town, you’ll find the local dive center easily, and the setting is charming, with clear water, vibrant marine ecosystems, and a relaxed vibe that enhances the whole experience.

Reviews and Real Experiences

Feedback from previous participants is overwhelmingly positive. One reviewer summed it up with, “Great, we would book again with Scuba Legends. The conditions were tricky but we all enjoyed the experience, and the guide made the safety briefing fun for the youngsters.” That highlights how the guides are good at making newcomers feel comfortable, even if conditions are not perfect.

Another traveler commented, “Monitor o top. Great experience. I recommend,” emphasizing how many find this experience worth recommending. The small group size and personalized approach seem to really make a difference, allowing everyone to get the attention they need.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal if you’re curious about exploring the underwater world without committing to a full certification course. It’s perfect for first-timers, solo travelers, couples, or small groups wanting a safe, guided introduction.

It’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with certain medical conditions like heart problems or respiratory issues. Also, if you’re over 70 or have had recent surgeries, this experience might not be appropriate.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a friendly, safe, and beautiful way to try scuba diving in Lanzarote, this experience at Playa Chica is a solid choice. The focus on individual attention and safety makes it particularly suitable for those new to the sport, and the remarkable marine life makes the effort well worth it.

While it’s not a deep or advanced experience, it delivers enough to satisfy your curiosity and leave you with memorable underwater snapshots. It’s a good way to see if diving could become a new hobby or simply check off a bucket list item in a gorgeous location.

In essence, this tour offers a balanced mix of fun, safety, and natural beauty—making it a smart pick for anyone wanting a manageable, well-organized introduction to the underwater world.

FAQ

Is prior scuba certification required for this experience?
No, this experience is designed for beginners without any prior certification. You’ll get a quick introduction and guidance to enjoy the underwater world safely.

How long does the entire activity last?
The activity lasts about 2 hours, including the briefing and the guided dive. Check the available starting times when booking.

Are dive equipment and insurance included?
Yes, all necessary dive gear and dive insurance are included in the price, making it easy and hassle-free.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 years old, mainly because of safety and medical considerations related to diving.

What if I have medical conditions or health concerns?
Participants need to be medically fit and healthy for diving. A medical statement from a doctor may be required, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, towel, change of clothes, and beachwear. Towels and swimwear are personal items; they’re not provided.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You also have the option to reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

This beginner-friendly scuba experience in Puerto del Carmen offers a mix of natural beauty, safety, and personalized guidance, making it a fantastic choice for anyone eager to explore the ocean for the first time without the fuss. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with friends, it’s an adventure worth considering if you want to witness Lanzarote’s vibrant underwater life.

You can check availability for your dates here: