Angel sharks are easier here than you think. You’ll get two guided scuba sessions around Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote’s protected waters, with the chance to spot rare life like the Angel Shark. What makes it special is the guide-led search, plus the fact you’re working in a biosphere where much of the underwater life is protected.

I really like the small group setup (no more than 6 total, and ideally no more than 4 divers per guide), because it makes the whole experience feel calm and personal. I also liked how the shop runs with high-quality Cressi equipment that gets replaced each year. The main catch: it’s only for certified divers, and it’s not suitable for some medical situations, including pregnancy and certain health conditions.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Small-group coaching: no more than 6 participants, and groups of up to 4 per guide
• Angel Shark territory: the area holds the only remaining stable population of Angel Shark (squatina squatina)
• Quality gear you can trust: Cressi equipment replaced each year, plus a computer for buoyancy/air awareness
• Easy logistics: van transfer to the RIB speedboat launch site, then back again
• Skipper chooses the best spots: locations are selected based on water and weather conditions

Puerto del Carmen Underwater Plan: Why This One Feels Efficient

Puerto del Carmen is one of those places where the “how do I do this?” part matters as much as the “what will I see?” part. This experience keeps the focus on the water: morning meet-up at Atlantis, a quick transfer by van, then out on a RIB speedboat to the spots that match the day’s conditions.

The best part for me is that you’re not just paying for time underwater—you’re paying for guidance in a protected biosphere reserve. That’s a big deal if you care about spotting less-common animals. The information you’re working from is clear: the waters here include a stable population of Angel Shark (squatina squatina). That means this isn’t random “maybe we’ll see something cool.” It’s targeted where that species is known to persist.

Also, the guide-to-diver ratio is set up to keep things manageable. With small groups and a limit of 4 divers per guide, you’re more likely to stay together, follow instructions, and actually enjoy the experience instead of feeling like one more name in a big schedule.

Getting There: Atlantis Meeting Point to RIB Speedboat Ride

You’ll meet at Atlantis Diving Lanzarote on the lower level of the commercial center, accessed by a long ramp. If you’re the kind of person who hates arriving late, give yourself a little extra time to walk it in and find the correct entrance—ramps can make a place feel longer than it looks.

From there, you load into a van transfer to the RIB speedboat launch area. Once you’re on the boat, the skipper decides where to go based on water and weather conditions. I like that approach. Conditions change fast in open water, and a good operator adapts rather than forcing a “fixed itinerary” no matter what the sea is doing.

Practically, this means the day won’t feel rigid. You’ll still get your two guided sessions, but the “where” is chosen for safer conditions and better chances to see what you came for.

Gear and Setup: Cressi Equipment That’s Replaced Each Year

Here’s where this tour quietly earns its value. You’re not showing up with mystery rental gear and hoping for the best. Included gear covers the essentials and the comfort pieces that make underwater time easier:

• tank
• weights
• fins
• boots
• wetsuit
• mask
• buoyancy jacket
• dive computer

The standout detail is the equipment brand and turnover: it’s Cressi, and it’s replaced each year. That matters because older gear can mean everything from fin discomfort to less reliable performance in buoyancy—small things that get annoying fast during longer underwater sessions.

If you’ve ever had a wetsuit that pinches or a mask that never feels right, you already know how much better it is when the setup is maintained. This operator builds that into the experience, so you can spend your energy on the water instead of fighting your kit.

Two Guided Underwater Sessions: What the 4-Hour Rhythm Really Means

The total duration is about 4 hours, with about 2 hours scheduled for the underwater portion. In real life, that translates into a morning flow: meet at the center, transfer to the boat launch, head out, do two guided sessions, then return.

The day uses two planned stops conceptually:

1) Starting at Atlantis Diving Lanzarote

2) Puerto del Carmen underwater time for the guided sessions

3) Back to Atlantis

The “two sessions” part is big. It gives you a second chance to settle in. Your first session often functions as your calibration: getting comfortable with weight balance, buoyancy jacket control, and the rhythm of moving with a guide. The second one is where you usually have more mental bandwidth to look for animals and take in the environment.

And because you’re a certified diver, the guide isn’t teaching fundamentals from scratch. Instead, you follow along to improve your odds of spotting marine life—especially the rarer stuff that you can miss if you’re just going through the motions.

The Marine Life Angle: Protected Waters and Angel Shark Odds

This is where the tour becomes more than a checklist. The underwater area is described as a biosphere where most underwater flora and fauna are protected. That matters because you’re not just seeing “stuff,” you’re seeing an ecosystem that’s managed and preserved.

Then comes the headline animal: Angel Shark (squatina squatina). The key detail isn’t just that they might show up—it’s that the area has the only remaining stable population. That’s a specific conservation note, and it supports why this experience is positioned as an “if you’re into real marine life” option.

So what does the guide do differently? The tour is designed around the idea that you’ll follow the guide’s lead to increase your chances of spotting marine life. In plain terms: you’re not wandering randomly and hoping you cross paths. The guide helps you work the conditions and the spot-selection for the day.

Also, the information points to well-maintained gear and the small-group format. Those two things reduce the most common reasons divers miss animals: distractions, clumsy equalization/comfort issues, or getting separated from the group.

Comfort and Safety: Small Groups, Certified Levels, and a Human Pace

This experience is for certified divers only, and the operator groups you by certification level for safety and enjoyment. You’ll be in a group with others at your same level—so nobody is stuck feeling underprepared or holding up the pace.

The guide-led structure helps your situational awareness, too. When groups stay small, it’s easier for the guide to watch everyone and keep the flow smooth. And with a stated maximum of 4 divers per guide, you’re not trying to communicate with a crowd through regulators and bubbles.

I also appreciated the “no-drama” safety posture implied by the medical and participation rules. You’ll need:

• your diving certification
• a medical statement

If you don’t have a current diving medical certificate, you may self-certify by filling in a medical questionnaire. That’s practical, but still serious—you’re not being treated like this is casual playtime.

For people with certain health issues, the tour isn’t suitable, including heart problems, epilepsy, and pregnancy.

After the Water: Beach Time or a Quick Van Back to Log Your Day

At the end of your underwater sessions, you typically have a choice. You can stay at the beach after the dives, or you can transfer back by van to the dive center to fill out your logbook.

That choice is more useful than it sounds. If you’re traveling with the mindset of, “We’ll do the activity and then I want time to wander,” staying at the beach can save time and keep the day flexible. If you’re the kind of person who likes finishing neatly—gear handled, log written, then back to your plans—then the return option is perfect.

Price and Value: Is $118 a Fair Deal?

At $118 per person, you’re paying for a package, not just air in a tank. Here’s what’s included:

• scuba gear (including tank, weights, buoyancy jacket, mask, wetsuit, fins/boots, and a computer)
• van transfer from the dive center to the boat launch
• speedboat transportation
• guided support in a small group

Insurance is not included, but you can arrange it at the dive center for 8 EUR per day.

When I judge value, I look at what you’re saving effort on:

• You don’t need to source equipment or coordinate transport to a boat launch.
• You’re getting two guided underwater sessions, not just a single try.
• You’re getting gear quality and replacement timing (Cressi, replaced each year).

If you already have a certification and want a guided, organized day with quality equipment and transport handled, the price starts to look fair. If you don’t have insurance and you plan to add it, your total cost rises a bit, but at least that’s clearly spelled out.

Who This Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a strong match if you:

• are a certified diver (PADI, SSI, CMAS Open Water Diver, Advanced, or Rescue Diver)
• want guided help to improve your chances of spotting marine life in protected waters
• like small-group experiences where the guide can actually manage the group
• value maintained equipment and a real operator rhythm

You should think twice or skip if:

• you’re pregnant
• you have heart problems
• you have epilepsy
• you’re not comfortable meeting the certification and medical statement requirements
• you don’t want to follow guide rules and stay within the group format

Also, this is best for divers who enjoy structured experiences. If you prefer to plan everything yourself and go off solo with no guidance, this format may feel too managed.

Should You Book This Puerto del Carmen Spot-Search?

If you’re certified and you care about marine life—especially the chance to encounter Angel Shark territory—this is the kind of trip I’d point you toward. The combination that makes it work is the small-group approach, the guide-led searching, and the gear quality that’s refreshed annually.

Book it if:

• you want a low-stress logistics day with a van + RIB setup
• you like the idea of two guided underwater sessions in one morning
• you want a guided plan in a protected biosphere area

Consider alternatives if:

• you’re not yet certified
• you don’t meet the medical suitability expectations
• you want a long, open-ended day rather than a tight ~4-hour window

FAQ

What’s the total duration of the experience?

It’s about 4 hours total, with roughly 2 hours scheduled for the underwater part. Exact starting times can vary, so you’ll want to check availability.

Do I need to be certified to join?

Yes. This activity is only for certified divers (PADI, SSI, CMAS with Open Water Diver, Advanced, or Rescue Diver).

Where do I meet the group?

Go to Atlantis Diving Lanzarote on the lower level of the commercial center, accessed via the long ramp. The activity ends back at this same meeting point.

Is the gear included?

Yes. The package includes scuba gear such as tank, weights, fins, boots, wetsuit, mask, buoyancy jacket, and a dive computer.

How do you get from shore to the water?

You’ll take a van transfer from the dive center to the RIB speedboat launch site, then use the speedboat for transportation.

Do I get a guide, and what languages are offered?

There’s a live tour guide, and languages offered include Catalan, English, Spanish, and Italian.

Is diving insurance included?

No. Diving insurance can be arranged at the dive center for 8 EUR per day.

What medical documents are required?

You’ll need your diving certification and a medical statement. If you don’t have a current medical certificate, you may self-certify by completing a medical questionnaire.

You Might Also Enjoy

Private Snorkeling Tour from Playa Grande Beach3 Hour Amazing Automatic Can Am Buggy Tour of Beautiful LanzaroteLanzarote: Advanced 5-Hour Fuerteventura E-Bike TourVolcano Hike – Timanfaya eruptions