Snorkeling in Puerto del Carmen feels personal. You’ll get one certified instructor for a small group (max 8), plus a pre-water briefing that teaches you what you’re about to see. I love the way the guide focuses on real identification, from parrotfish and barracudas to rays and angelfish, so you don’t just swim—you learn.

The main thing to think about is fitness: you need to be able to swim, and the time in the water is limited to about 1 hour.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group size (8 max) means more attention and easier equipment help.
• 30-minute theory briefing sets expectations and improves what you notice in the water.
• Gear and insurance included so you’re not scrambling at the beach.
• Focused marine spotting: fish families plus non-fish life like octopus and cuttlefish.
• Instructor support on safety and technique once you’re in the water.
• Post-snorkel extras like water and biscuits have shown up as part of the experience.

Playa Chica meet-up: finding Atlantis and getting ready fast

Your tour starts at Playa Chica (Puerto del Carmen). This is the actual snorkeling area, not a dive center, so head straight to the beach zone where the activity takes place.

Look for the Atlantis van parked nearby and instructors wearing bright yellow. You’ll also spot white equipment boxes, each labeled with your name, which helps you grab the right gear quickly and get in a good rhythm.

Even though Lanzarote’s coast can look calm from the beach, conditions can change. Plan to arrive ready with your swimsuit on so you lose less time before the briefing.

The 30-minute briefing: turning random sightings into real recognition

Before you enter the water, you get about half an hour of theory. This isn’t just rules and safety. The instructor explains the land and aquatic environment of the area, including what’s typical for the Macaronesia region.

You’ll learn which animals and species are common locally, and the guide helps you understand how to recognize them instead of hoping they swim by. That matters because snorkeling time is short—your best results come from knowing what you’re actually looking for.

If you like marine life, this is where the tour earns its value. The briefing gives you mental “search terms” for what you’ll see later, so the hour in the water feels productive rather than vague.

Gear, technique, and safety with a bright, patient guide

Once you’re on-site, you’ll be working with a certified snorkeling instructor who stays focused on proper equipment use. You’ll also get guidance on how to feel comfortable in the water—how to move, how to clear your gear, and how not to waste effort.

One detail I really appreciate is that you’re not left to figure things out alone. The tour includes all snorkeling gear and water activities insurance, which takes away a lot of friction for a first-time or casual snorkeler.

In the experience, the instructors are also described as patient and attentive—names like Martín and Laura show up in the way the group is supported and explained to. If you’re a little nervous, that kind of calm coaching can make a big difference.

The 1-hour in-water session: how you actually spot fish and bigger life

Your time in the water is about 1 hour, guided from start to finish. Before you get there, you’ll get practical instruction so you’re using your equipment correctly, which helps you conserve energy and stay aware.

Once you’re in, the instructor helps you look for typical Atlantic shore life. Expect a guided focus on fish families such as parrotfish, barracudas, rays, and angelfish—the kind of animals that make people stop swimming and just watch for a while.

This is also a tour that goes beyond fish. You’ll be introduced to non-fish marine life like octopuses, cuttlefish, and nudibranchs, learning what to look for so you can recognize them more easily later.

From the way the experience is described, the goal is not just seeing one or two highlights. It’s about helping you understand what you’re seeing so it feels satisfying, not random.

What you’ll learn to identify in the Macaronesia Atlantic

The Atlantic waters here can feel “clear” from the surface, but the bigger win is what the guide teaches you to notice. In the experience, you’re not handed a list. You’re taught how to recognize patterns and likely species in the area.

You’ll get the names and families of common fish that inhabit these shores. Then the instructor connects that to what you’re seeing in real time, including how different animals behave and where they tend to show up.

You’ll also cover non-fish animals that are often harder to notice on your own. Octopus and cuttlefish can be easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for, and nudibranchs are the sort of creatures you’ll only catch if you slow down and look closely.

A recurring theme in the experience is lots of sightings of varied marine life. People describe seeing very high numbers of fish and also specific animals like octopus, while enjoying the overall diversity.

“Dress like a snorkeling pro”: comfort tips that actually help

The tour encourages you to dress for snorkeling—don’t show up in clothes that make you feel bulky or awkward in the water. Swimwear ready and a towel handy saves time and stress.

Sunscreen matters too. You’ll be in the sun before and after your swim, and it’s not fun to be scrambling when you’re already damp.

Here’s what I suggest you do so you feel comfortable in the water:

• Wear your swimwear under your clothes so you can change fast at Playa Chica.
• Bring a towel so you can dry off immediately after the swim.
• Use sunscreen before you start the briefing, not at the last second.

And yes, bring your ID. The tour notes passport or ID card as something you should have.

Photos, videos, and a small post-snorkel reset

The experience includes time to enjoy your videos and photos after the snorkeling. You’ll have plenty of moments where you can pause your movement and record what you’re seeing, especially once you’ve been taught what to look for.

A nice added detail: after the activity, you may be offered a small refreshment like biscuits and water. It’s a small thing, but it helps you transition out of “saltwater mode” and into enjoying Puerto del Carmen.

If you like sharing what you saw, this is the kind of tour where your photos actually feel meaningful because you learned what you were filming.

Price and value: is $59 fair for what’s included?

At $59 per person for 2 hours, this tour is priced like a quality guided activity rather than a basic rental. Here’s what you get that justifies the cost:

• One professional instructor
• A 30-minute theory briefing
• 1 hour in the water with guidance
• All snorkeling gear included
• Water activities insurance
• Reception on the snorkeling area
• Small group size (8 max)

If you’ve ever paid for gear plus paid for someone to explain what you’re looking at, the value becomes easier to see. The price isn’t only for equipment—it’s for interpretation, safety coaching, and helping you identify what’s in front of you.

Also, the small group matters. Less crowding usually means less time waiting for help, and more time staying calm and watching.

Who this snorkeling tour suits best (and who shouldn’t book)

This is a great choice if you want an organized snorkeling experience with real guidance. You’ll get the most from it if you enjoy marine life and you like learning how to recognize what you see.

It’s also described as wheelchair accessible, which is helpful for travelers who need that level of access. The tour is offered with instructors who can work in English, Spanish, and Catalan.

Not everyone should book it, though. It’s not suitable for children under 6, and it’s not for non-swimmers. The tour also states that you should be able to swim, so don’t stretch your comfort just to check a box.

One more consideration: with only 1 hour in the water, this isn’t the kind of snorkeling where you spend half the day exploring. It’s focused and guided—aim for that style, not for a long, independent roam.

Quick do’s and don’ts before you hit the water

The tour clearly lists what to bring: passport or ID, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

There are also clear restrictions: no alcohol and no drugs. That’s good for safety and it keeps everyone comfortable in a guided water activity.

If you’re unsure about readiness, take the swim requirement seriously. The experience works best when you can move confidently in the water and follow the instructor’s technique.

Should you book Atlantis Diving Lanzarote’s snorkeling with an instructor?

If you want snorkeling that feels structured, informative, and friendly, I’d book it. The combination of small-group attention, guided species learning, and gear + insurance handled makes it a smart value for Puerto del Carmen.

You should consider skipping it only if you don’t feel comfortable swimming or you’re looking for a long, unguided session. For most people who want a safe, instruction-led swim and better marine spotting, this is an excellent match.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling tour in Puerto del Carmen?

The experience lasts 2 hours, with about 1 hour in the water and a half-hour briefing beforehand.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at Playa Chica (Puerto del Carmen). The note says this is the snorkeling area, not the dive center.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes snorkeling gear, one professional instructor, water activities insurance, and reception at the snorkeling area.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. The activity notes it is not suitable for non-swimmers, and you need to be able to swim.

What languages are the instructors available in?

Instructors can provide guidance in English, Spanish, and Catalan.

What should I bring?

Bring passport or ID, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Are small groups used?

Yes. It’s a small group limited to 8 participants.

Is the activity suitable for young children?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 6.

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