Angel sharks in Lanzarote, no guesswork. I love that you swim as a certified-only group, so the briefing and underwater pace match your level. I also like the use of yearly replaced Cressi equipment, which keeps the gear in good shape. The one catch: you need current scuba paperwork and a medical statement, and this is not for beginners.

You meet at the Atlantis scuba center on the lower level of the commercial center, then get kitted out before hopping on a RIB speedboat. In about 2.5 hours total, you’re out far enough to chase good visibility, yet back at the center when your session ends.

I’m especially drawn to the setting: Lanzarote is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so you’re not just seeing fish—you’re visiting an ecosystem that’s meant to be protected. If sea and weather change, the exact underwater spot can vary, so come with flexible expectations.

Key things I’d bank on

• Same-certification groups (max 6) mean less waiting and less confusion
• RIB speedboat transport gets you to the south-coast waters quickly
• Yearly replaced Cressi gear is built into the price
• You’re set up for protected marine life, including native angel sharks
• The underwater location can shift based on conditions for visibility

Puerto del Carmen’s south-coast underwater session, built for certified scuba participants

This experience is made for people who already hold a scuba certificate and want a guided outing off Lanzarote’s south coast. You start in Puerto del Carmen and head out by speedboat, with the goal of reaching a spot where visibility is good and marine life is easier to spot.

What I like most is that the operator keeps the group focused. Everyone in your water group is at the same certification level, which matters more than people think. When your skills match the plan, you can relax, listen, and enjoy the scenery instead of playing catch-up underwater.

And the “why Lanzarote?” answer is practical. The tour is tied to the Lanzarote Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated area meant to conserve ecosystems. That doesn’t automatically guarantee a wall of fish, but it does point you toward places where wildlife is respected and where the operator has reason to care about environmental conditions.

Meeting at the scuba center: location, timing, and what you must bring

You meet at the Atlantis scuba center on the lower level of the commercial center in Puerto del Carmen. It’s reachable via the long ramp, which you’ll want to plan for if you’re carrying fins, a bag, or anything awkward.

There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included. You should assume you’ll get there on your own and be ready to kit up when the group assembles.

Two items are required before you get on the boat:

• Your scuba certification (SSI CMAS, PADI, or equivalent)
• A medical statement

If you don’t have a current scuba medical certificate, you can self-certify using a medical questionnaire. If you do have one, bring it along—follow the rules the center gives you, because this trip is only for people cleared to participate.

One more small but important rule: alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That’s not a vibe check. It’s a real safety requirement for underwater activities.

Getting kitted out, then heading out on a RIB speedboat

After meeting, you’ll be fitted with scuba equipment and set up by the staff. The pace here is usually pretty direct: you arrive, you get gear, and then the group boards the RIB speedboat.

This matters because your actual underwater time depends on logistics and sea conditions. By moving quickly from the scuba center to the water, the operator maximizes the chance you’ll spend more time where you want to be.

You’ll also appreciate the small group size: limited to 6 participants. In practice, that means you’re more likely to get clearer instructions, quicker checks, and less time waiting around while someone else sorts equipment.

Your guide is also there live for the whole experience, speaking Catalan, English, Spanish, and Italian. That’s genuinely helpful if your certification is in one language but your comfort level is best in another. You’ll also get a group briefing designed for your level, since you aren’t mixing Open Water with far more advanced participants.

Yearly replaced Cressi equipment and what that means for your safety

The operator uses Cressi scuba equipment that is replaced yearly. That’s a detail I’m glad is spelled out, because underwater comfort often comes down to small things: hoses that feel right, regulators that behave predictably, and gear that’s not showing its age.

A certified instructor/guide is part of the deal too. That doesn’t mean you’re being treated like a child. It means the plan is built for safe participation at your certification level, with someone overseeing the group and the conditions.

It also helps that the tour is structured around people in the same certification group. When everyone’s trained for similar depth and skills, the guide can run the activity with less guesswork—especially in a location where sea and weather can affect what’s possible.

Insurance isn’t included, but scuba insurance can be arranged at the dive center for €8 per day. If you already have coverage, you can skip it. If you don’t, it’s worth factoring into your budget so you’re not trying to solve that problem at the last minute.

Where you’ll go underwater: south-coast views and changing conditions

The underwater spot isn’t guaranteed to be the same every time. The information is clear: the location varies depending on sea and weather conditions. I actually think that’s a good sign. It means the operator is making visibility and safety priorities.

On your side, you’ll want to understand what “good visibility” means in real terms. It usually translates into easier spotting of marine life and a more comfortable experience for buoyancy control. Clearer water also helps your brain relax; you spend less time worrying about what you might miss.

You’re also in a protected ecological zone. Lanzarote is described as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, meaning ecosystems are conserved well. While conservation wording can feel like marketing, in this context it lines up with what you’re promised to see: protected flora and fauna, not just common fish that you’d find anywhere.

So, while the exact underwater location may shift, the goal stays consistent: you’re going to areas off the south coast of Lanzarote where marine life is likely to show well, and where the environment is respected.

Angel sharks and protected marine life: what to expect in the water

The headline animal here is the native angel shark. You might swim with angel sharks and other protected flora and fauna, depending on the conditions and what’s present at the site that day.

Let’s make that more practical. Angel sharks aren’t like fish that perform on cue. You’re not guaranteed a perfect close-up encounter, but the tour is designed around the kind of sites where they are more likely to be present. The operator also emphasizes getting visibility good enough for marine-life viewing, which is exactly what you want when you’re hoping to see a creature that may not constantly swim in open water.

Expect also a broader underwater scene tied to the island’s ecosystems. The tour frames it as more than a simple sightseeing swim. You’re supposed to appreciate the underwater world as part of Lanzarote’s conserved environments, which typically means you’re more likely to see a mix of plant life and marine animals rather than a one-note experience.

A good rule of thumb for trips like this: don’t rush. Sharks, especially the native kind, tend to show up when you’re calm and your movement is predictable. If you’re anxious, the guide will often help you settle in, but your body also has to cooperate. You can do everything right and still not control animal behavior, so focus on your own technique and awareness.

How the 2.5 hours actually plays in your day

This activity lasts about 2.5 hours. That includes the time for meeting, kitting up, boarding the RIB speedboat, and returning back to the scuba center at the end of the outing.

Because start times depend on availability, you’ll want to check the schedule before you lock in anything else that day. In Puerto del Carmen, it’s easy to overplan. An outing like this eats a chunk of the morning or afternoon, and you’ll want your schedule to match the time you’re told to be at the center.

Also keep in mind that the underwater location can vary. That means the boat’s ride might feel a little different each day, and the underwater conditions might shift the way the guide leads the group. The good news: your guide and certified setup are there specifically to keep the experience smooth even when nature changes the plan.

Price and value: what you really get for $63

At $63 per person, this can be a solid value if you compare it to what you’d pay separately. Here’s what’s included:

• Boat transportation
• Scuba equipment
• A certified guide

That’s the expensive part for many scuba experiences: getting everyone to the right water, plus supplying gear that’s regularly maintained. If you’re traveling light and don’t want to rent gear for another activity, this inclusion matters.

Not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Diving (scuba) insurance

You can arrange insurance at the center for €8 per day. If you already have scuba coverage, you can treat that as optional and keep your total cost close to the advertised price.

My take: the $63 price works best if you’re already a certified scuba participant and you’re ready to show up at the center with the right documentation. If you’re missing certification or you’d need extra training, the “certified-only” structure would be a mismatch.

Who should book this Puerto del Carmen session—and who should skip it

This is only for certified scuba participants. Acceptable certifications include SSI CMAS, PADI, or equivalent—Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, and similar levels are mentioned. The key is that you must have the certification required by the center and be comfortable participating at your level.

It also has clear health filters. It is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with heart problems
• People with epilepsy

If any of those apply to you, don’t try to “tough it out.” Follow the operator’s rules.

If you’re a fit, certified diver with your paperwork in order, you’ll probably enjoy this more than a generic “see what happens” boat trip. The small group size, same-certification structure, and equipment replacement policy are all built to keep the underwater experience controlled and safer.

Should you book? My practical take

Book this guided certified scuba outing if you:

• Already have a scuba certificate (SSI CMAS, PADI, or equivalent)
• Want a small group (max 6) instead of a crowded boat
• Care about safety and equipment maintenance, including yearly replaced Cressi gear
• Are excited about the chance of seeing native angel sharks off Lanzarote’s south coast

Skip it if you:

• Don’t have the required certification
• Can’t meet the medical statement requirement
• Need hotel pickup, since that’s not included
• Are looking for a beginner-friendly intro session

If your goal is a guided, structured underwater experience in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve setting, this is the kind of trip that makes sense to book early so you can pick the start time that fits your day.

FAQ

Do I need a scuba certification to join?

Yes. This activity is only for certified scuba participants (SSI CMAS, PADI, or equivalent). You’ll need to bring your certification.

How long is the experience in total?

It lasts 2.5 hours. The exact start time depends on availability.

Where do I meet for the Puerto del Carmen scuba session?

Meet at the Atlantis scuba center on the lower level of the commercial center. The location is accessible via the long ramp.

What’s included in the $63 per person price?

The price includes boat transportation, scuba equipment, and a certified guide.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Do I need scuba insurance?

Scuba insurance is not included. You can arrange it at the dive center for €8 per day.

What should I bring on the day of the activity?

Bring your scuba certification and a medical statement.

Are there any health or eligibility restrictions?

Yes. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or people with epilepsy. If you don’t have a current medical certificate, you may self-certify using a medical questionnaire.

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