REVIEW · LANZAROTE
Puerto del Carmen: Snorkeling Trip with Dive Instructor
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Scuba Legends Dive Center Lanzarote · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Clear Atlantic water makes beginners brave. This 2-hour snorkeling trip in Puerto del Carmen focuses on seeing Lanzarote’s marine life from the surface, with a PADI instructor guiding you step-by-step. I like that you start simple, learn the kit right on shore, and then float with a small group above the reefs.
My other favorite part is the small-group feel: up to 10 people means you actually get attention, not just a quick hand signal. The guides also keep things calm and practical, and after you come back up there are cookies and time to chat with a sea view. The one caution: hotel pickup is not included, and late arrivals can’t join, so you’ll want to be punctual.
In This Review
- Key things I’d highlight before you go
- Playa Chica, Puerto del Carmen: the starting line for Atlantic snorkels
- From briefing to shore: how your 2 hours actually flow
- That first surface float: spotting Lanzarote fish without stress
- Scubapro snorkeling gear and instruction that keeps you calm
- Safety and etiquette: what the guide enforces in the water
- Who this snorkeling trip is best for (and who should skip it)
- Is $65 good value in Puerto del Carmen? A practical price check
- Before you arrive: what to pack and what happens after booking
- Should you book this Puerto del Carmen snorkeling trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the Puerto del Carmen snorkeling trip?
- What’s included in the price?
- Where does the snorkeling trip take place?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- What should I bring with me?
- Is this tour suitable for beginners?
- Are children allowed?
- Are participants allowed to touch marine life?
Key things I’d highlight before you go

- Scubapro snorkeling gear plus a wetsuit means less hassle and more comfort from the start
- One hour in the water with a guide means you spend time seeing fish, not wrestling equipment
- Beginner-friendly coaching focuses on technique and confidence, not certification
- Safety and etiquette are part of the lesson, including a clear rule about not touching marine life
- Warmth for cooler months: the wetsuit helps you stay in the water even when it’s not peak summer
- Cookies and water afterward so you don’t feel like you vanished into the ocean for two hours and returned to nothing
Playa Chica, Puerto del Carmen: the starting line for Atlantic snorkels

Puerto del Carmen is a solid place to learn the “how” of snorkeling. This tour runs from Playa Chica, right where you’ll find the dive setup vibe—people gearing up, vehicles for the operators nearby, and an easy shore entry.
Why that matters: shore entries are the quiet, stress-free way to get your bearings. You’re not trying to figure out how to breathe, float, and move in deep water before you even see anything. Instead, you get the basics first, then you go straight into the action.
Also, this spot is set up for small groups. You’ll get a guide close by during the session, which makes a big difference when you’re learning or when water confidence is still building.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Lanzarote
From briefing to shore: how your 2 hours actually flow

The day’s rhythm is simple, and that’s a plus when you just want a good holiday activity.
First, you’ll do a briefing. The instructor walks you through how to use your snorkel and mask, how to fit the gear, and what to do to stay safe in the water. They’ll also explain the kinds of marine life you can look for in the Atlantic around Lanzarote.
Next comes the practical part: you put on your wetsuit, mask, and fins, then head for the water from the shore. The tour is designed to be straightforward even if it’s your first time. You’re in a small group, so the guide can physically help you adjust gear and correct small technique issues.
Then you get about one hour floating and following the fish. Your job is basically to stay relaxed, keep your breathing steady, and look where the guide points. After that, you come back out of the water and the tour ends with cookies, water, and a chat—often the best part because you’ll compare what everyone saw.
One more important note: this is an introductory experience, not a certification course. So don’t expect scuba-style skill checks or anything that feels like paperwork. You’re there to explore and learn comfort fast.
That first surface float: spotting Lanzarote fish without stress

The centerpiece is the guided time in the water: roughly one hour where you stay on the surface and swim alongside the reef area. The guide helps you spot fish and other small critters, which is key, because the ocean moves fast and your eyes take a minute to adjust.
Here’s what makes this approach work: snorkelling isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of coordination—mask position, relaxed kicking, and a steady snorkel rhythm. Once you get those basics, the experience turns into a calm, almost lazy kind of ocean-watching.
Your guide keeps you within a small group and assists as needed. That matters more than people expect. In real life, everyone’s comfort level is different, especially with first-timers. The guides have a reputation for being patient—names that show up again and again include Igor, Raul, Elva, and Mo—and that patience is what helps beginners feel safe enough to actually enjoy the water.
What will you see? Expect colorful fish and “amazing critters” around the reefs. The tour doesn’t promise specific species (and honestly, the ocean decides), but it does set you up to see plenty of action from the surface.
Scubapro snorkeling gear and instruction that keeps you calm

This tour uses high-quality Scubapro snorkeling equipment, including fins, mask, snorkel, and a wetsuit. Getting good gear matters for two reasons.
First, comfort. A wet suit that fits well helps you stay warm and float more easily. That’s why the tour can work even outside peak summer. Second, performance. If your mask seals and your fins fit correctly, you spend less time fixing problems and more time looking at fish.
You also get an equipment-and-safety briefing before you enter the water. The guide will show you how to put everything together correctly and how to move so you don’t panic.
If you’re anxious, that coaching style is the real value. Several accounts highlight how instructors manage nervous moments and different needs within the group. So even if you’re worried about being in open water, this tour is built around reassurance and practical steps.
Safety and etiquette: what the guide enforces in the water

Safety here isn’t just a poster on the wall—it’s part of the flow.
You’ll follow the guide’s instructions during the entire session, and the group stays small enough that the instructor can keep an eye on everyone. There’s also clear etiquette: touching marine life is not allowed. That rule protects wildlife and helps keep the water environment healthy.
The tour includes insurance, which is another sign the operator is thinking beyond “fun only.” You’re still on vacation, but you’re doing it with basic risk management.
One more detail I appreciate: you’re taught what marine life you might see and how to spot it. That keeps you looking instead of wandering around or getting distracted by “ocean stuff” you shouldn’t touch.
Who this snorkeling trip is best for (and who should skip it)

This activity is set up for people who genuinely like being in the water. It’s suitable for beginners who want a guided introduction and aren’t chasing certification.
It’s also a good fit for families, with one big caveat: children under 8 years are not suitable. The same goes for pregnancy and people who are non-swimmers. So if you fall into one of those categories, you should consider other options that match the operator’s rules.
Language-wise, you’ll have instruction in English, Spanish, or French. That’s useful in a place where lots of visitors want to feel fully included, not guessing at safety instructions.
Comfort tips based on what the guides focus on:
- If you get nervous, tell the instructor during the briefing. The small group setup makes it easier for them to help.
- If you’re a first-timer, focus on staying relaxed and breathing steadily. Your eyes will adjust quickly once you’re not fighting your mask or snorkel.
Is $65 good value in Puerto del Carmen? A practical price check

At $65 per person for a 2-hour experience, this is priced like a serious guided activity—not just a rental and good luck.
The value comes from what’s included:
- High-quality Scubapro snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel, wetsuit)
- A PADI-certified instructor
- Safety briefing and help with equipment
- About 1 hour in the water with guidance
- Insurance
- Water and cookies after
Where you can’t expect extra convenience: hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. So you’ll either walk, drive, or arrange your own transfer to the meeting point.
But the gear and coaching are the money-makers. Snorkeling is one of those activities where cheap rentals can turn into uncomfortable struggles. Here, the operator includes equipment and uses a guided format, so you’re paying for an easier, safer experience.
If you’re the type who hates “wasting time figuring stuff out,” this tour tends to pay off fast.
Before you arrive: what to pack and what happens after booking

Start with your packing list. You’ll want:
- Swimwear
- A change of clothes
- A towel
- Sunscreen
The wetsuit is part of what keeps you comfortable, but you still need sunscreen for your face and any exposed skin.
Also, plan around the timing of communication after you book. The provider contacts you to collect participant details for equipment sizing and insurance. You should receive the exact meeting location and time about 1–2 days before.
They note that you may need to reach them via WhatsApp if you don’t hear back. If this is a last-minute booking (like booking the night before), there’s an extra reason to stay responsive: equipment prep depends on your info, and the tour starts at the scheduled time with no late-entry.
Meeting point specifics are pretty clear:
- The tour takes place at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen
- You’ll find the team nearby the last bench when walking from the restaurant toward the sandy parking area with the ocean on your left
- Look out for blue IKEA bags
- Expect other vehicles and people handling snorkeling setup near the start area
One tip from how these tours usually work: arrive a few minutes early. Late arrivals can miss the start time and you won’t be able to join.
Should you book this Puerto del Carmen snorkeling trip?

Book it if you want a guided, beginner-friendly way to see Lanzarote’s Atlantic reef life from the surface—without the pressure of advanced skills. The combination of Scubapro gear, a PADI-certified instructor, and a calm, patient coaching style makes it a strong choice for first-timers and families (as long as kids meet the minimum age and you’re comfortable with the swimming requirements).
Skip it or double-check suitability if you’re a non-swimmer, under 8, or pregnant, since the tour rules say it’s not suitable for those situations. Also, if you rely on hotel pickup and easy curb-to-curb transfers, know that you’ll be handling your own way to Playa Chica.
If your goal is simple: learn quickly, float comfortably, and come back smiling with fish stories—this is the kind of snorkeling trip that delivers.
FAQ
How long is the Puerto del Carmen snorkeling trip?
The tour lasts about 2 hours.
What’s included in the price?
The price includes snorkelling equipment (fins, mask, snorkel, wetsuit), insurance, a PADI-certified instructor, a safety briefing, about 1 hour of guided snorkeling, and water plus cookies.
Where does the snorkeling trip take place?
It takes place at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen.
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes. It’s suitable for anyone who likes being in the water, and the instructor will guide you through using the gear and staying safe. It’s an introductory experience, not a certification course.
Are children allowed?
Children under 8 years old are not suitable for this activity.
Are participants allowed to touch marine life?
No. Touching marine life is not allowed.


























