Fish come close at Playa Chica Cove. This 2-hour guided snorkeling keeps you in a protected bay, so it’s less about wrestling conditions and more about calm water plus good coaching. I especially like the shallow-water breathing practice and the fish-spotting guidance that helps you know what you’re seeing.

One possible drawback: the tour depends on good weather, so if conditions are poor, your schedule may shift.

Key things to notice before you go

• Protected-bay snorkeling right from Playa Chica Beach, so the water tends to be easier to manage.
• Shallow-water practice first, including breathing with your snorkel before you head farther out.
• All gear included: wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins.
• Private pace: it’s only your group, and the guide guides you step-by-step.
• Fish spotting with real names: you’ll be encouraged to look for parrot fish, bream, wrasse, damsel fish, and more.
• Pickup option in Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero (ask for it when you book).

Playa Chica’s protected cove: why it’s a smart start

Playa Chica is a sheltered bay on Lanzarote, and that matters. When you’re starting in a calmer, protected spot, you can focus on breathing, buoyancy, and actually enjoying what’s under the surface.

The tour begins right by the beach area in front of the snorkeling shop, so you’re not losing time to long transfers. You get straight into the moment: fins on, mask checked, then into the water.

If you’re a first-timer, this kind of setup is exactly what you want. The guide doesn’t just throw you in and hope for the best.

The 2-hour plan: from fins to fish spotting

Your tour is about 2 hours total, starting at 3:00 pm. You can also add a free pickup if you’re staying in Puerto del Carmen or Puerto Calero—you’ll wait outside your reception, then the team handles the rest.

Once you’re at the beach, the guide helps you put on the fins, mask, snorkel, and wetsuit. That part sounds basic, but it’s worth paying attention to: a good mask fit and a comfortable snorkel setup can make the whole experience feel easy.

Next comes the confidence-building step. You’ll practice breathing in shallow water before going out farther. The goal is simple: get your breathing rhythm, then let the guide lead the tour through the bay at your pace.

From there, the guide shows you marine life and points out what to look for—so you’re not just floating around hoping to spot something. Then you return and the activity ends back at the meeting point area.

What you’ll see: parrot fish, bream shoals, and more

This tour is built around the best kind of snorkeling: knowing what you’re hunting. Your guide explains the marine life you’re likely to spot, and you’ll get encouraged to keep your eyes peeled as you move through the bay.

Here are the headline species mentioned for this route:

• Parrot fish (a key highlight)
• Shoals of bream
• Colorful wrasse
• Damsel fish
• Plus, in the early water, you may also spot crabs, depending on where you look and how you move along the shoreline.

The trick is how the guide runs the session. Instead of telling you one generic thing, they help you recognize fish types as you go. That turns snorkeling from random sighting into a “now I see it” moment.

Also, because you practice first in shallow water, you’re more likely to actually enjoy the fish spotting rather than spend the whole time trying to stay calm.

How the guides actually help (Marian, Eva, Marta)

The biggest strength here is how the guide turns gear time into real confidence.

Some guides in particular are noted for being attentive and informative. Marian, for example, is described as explaining the fish you’ll see ahead of the water time—so kids (and adults) can match what’s in the bay to what they learned.

Eva is praised for professionalism and patience, especially when someone isn’t sure they’re confident in the sea yet. One family situation included a mom who was a bit nervous, and the guide helped her step by step so she could enjoy it instead of feeling stuck.

Marta is also highlighted for being an excellent monitor, with professional guidance throughout. The common thread in these examples is that the guide doesn’t just manage the group; they actively help you succeed.

If you’re traveling with children or you’re brand-new to snorkeling, this kind of coaching is a big deal. You’ll spend less time guessing and more time looking.

Gear that’s included, and why it matters for first-timers

You don’t need to bring snorkeling gear. The tour provides a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins, which removes one of the most annoying travel friction points.

The wetsuit is especially useful on Lanzarote, where “chilly but not freezing” water is common. Even if you’re comfortable in the ocean, a wetsuit helps you stay comfortable long enough to enjoy the full 2 hours.

Mask and snorkel fit can be the difference between a great session and a stressful one. Since the guide helps you put everything on, you’re less likely to battle leaks or sloppy positioning.

And since you practice breathing in shallow water first, you’re building a skill before you feel pressured by deeper moving water.

Price and value: is $46.86 a fair deal?

At $46.86 per person for about 2 hours, this sits in a reasonable range for guided snorkeling in a known spot on Lanzarote—especially because gear is included and the tour is private.

Here’s why I think the value is actually the point:

• You get guided instruction, not just a basic equipment handoff.
• You get shallow-water practice, which reduces the “first time panic” factor.
• You get marine-life explanations so your sightseeing becomes purposeful.
• Your group stays private, which usually makes it easier to move at a pace that works for you.

If you were paying separately for gear rental, figuring out where to start, and trying to identify fish without a guide, the cost would add up fast. This isn’t only about snorkeling time—it’s about making the experience work.

Who should book this snorkeling tour at Playa Chica?

I’d especially recommend this tour if:

• You want an easy win on your schedule—a short, guided outing that fits nicely into an afternoon.
• You’re bringing kids, since the tour’s structure supports first-timers with practice time and clear guidance.
• You like learning what you’re seeing, not just floating around.
• You’d prefer a private group so the guide can focus on your comfort and pace.

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re set on long open-water snorkeling. This one is about the bay, the guidance, and the short session.
• You’re traveling during a stretch where weather changes often. Since it requires good conditions, you may need flexibility.

The upside is that even if you’re nervous, the guide’s job is to keep you comfortable and help you move forward safely.

Before you go: small things that make it better

This is the kind of experience where prep can quietly improve your time.

Wear swimwear under your wetsuit plan, and think about comfort around your mask fit. If you’re sun-sensitive, plan for protection before you get in the water, since you’ll be on the beach around the start time.

Also, go in expecting instruction. The snorkeling becomes much more satisfying when you treat it like a short skill session: practice first, then enjoy the bay and the fish.

And if you’re booking pickup, make sure you provide the requested hotel/accommodation name and be ready to wait outside reception at the pickup time.

Should you book this tour or skip it?

I’d book it if you want a guided, beginner-friendly snorkeling experience in a sheltered bay, with real fish-spotting help and included gear. The private setup and the shallow-water breathing practice are strong reasons to choose this over a more casual “rent gear and go” option.

Skip it only if you know you won’t be flexible with weather, or if you’re specifically looking for a long, far-reaching open-water style of snorkeling. Otherwise, this is a straightforward, high-comfort way to enjoy Lanzarote’s marine life without making it complicated.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling tour in Playa Chica?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

Is the tour private, and is it offered in English?

Yes. It’s private (only your group participates) and it’s offered in English.

Do you offer pickup from hotels?

A free pickup service is offered in the resorts of Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero. You’ll need to give the name of your hotel or accommodation in those areas and wait outside reception.

What snorkeling gear is included?

You’ll be provided with a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins.

Where does the tour start and end?

The snorkeling starts at Playa Chica Beach, directly in front of the dive center. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What marine life might I see?

You can expect to see shoals of bream, colorful wrasse, damsel fish, and parrot fish.

What happens if the weather is poor, or if I cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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