Lanzarote snorkeling can feel effortless. This Puerto del Carmen shore trip sends you into the Atlantic from Playa Chica so you can learn the basics on the surface and then float while the guide helps you spot local marine life.

I love two things here: the Scubapro gear, and the way the instructors keep first-timers calm and moving. Names that kept popping up in real-world feedback include Igor and Raul, both praised for patience during the water time.

One possible drawback: there’s no hotel pickup, and you must be reachable ahead of time for equipment sizing and insurance, or you may not be able to join.

Key things that make this snorkeling trip work

• Shore entry at Playa Chica keeps the trip simple and gear-focused
• Scubapro snorkeling gear plus a wetsuit for warmth, even in cooler months
• Small groups (max 10) mean you get help, not just instructions from afar
• About one hour on the surface following fish and critters with guidance
• Not touching marine life keeps it safe for you and the ecosystem
• Water and cookies after your swim, with time to chat and reset

Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen: the easy start you’ll appreciate

This is the kind of activity that starts close to where you’re already staying. You meet right at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen, and you’ll see divers and scuba-related cars around the meeting area. The local team hangs out near the last bench you pass when you walk from the restaurant toward the sandy parking area (ocean on your left).

Look for blue IKEA bags. That little detail matters because there’s no hotel pickup and the start time is real. If you arrive late, you may not be able to join and there’s no refund for missed departures. I like tours that are honest about timing like that—it saves you from guessing games.

Also, the exact meeting location and start time are shared after booking (usually 1–2 days before). Then the provider reaches out again to request participant details for sizing and insurance. If you’re the type who ignores messages until the next day, set a reminder now.

Gear at the right level: Scubapro snorkeling equipment and wetsuit comfort

The best snorkeling trips remove friction. Here, that starts with the included kit: fins, mask, snorkel, and a wetsuit. The gear is described as high quality Scubapro snorkeling gear, and that matters more than people think—especially the mask fit and snorkel comfort. If the mask leaks or you’re constantly adjusting it, you spend your energy fighting equipment instead of watching fish.

The wetsuit is a quiet win. You’re in the Atlantic, and the water can be cool depending on season. A wetsuit keeps you warm and also helps you float, which makes the whole experience feel less like a test and more like a relaxing swim.

You’ll still want to bring sensible basics: swimwear under the wetsuit if that’s your style, plus a change of clothes and a towel for after. Sunscreen is also on the list because you’ll be outdoors for the briefing and again while you dry off.

The briefing: where first-timers gain confidence fast

Before you enter the water, you get a briefing and a short gear lesson. The focus is practical: how to use the mask, snorkel, and fins correctly, plus what to expect in the water. This is an introductory experience, not a certification course, so you’re not being evaluated like it’s a test.

The guide also tells you what marine life you can look for and how to make the best of your time. That coaching is key because snorkeling feels simple—until you realize you need to manage breathing and stay calm while floating. A good instructor doesn’t just tell you what to do. They watch you do it and help you adjust.

In feedback, instructors like Igor and Raul were repeatedly praised for being patient and thorough. One person even highlighted how a guide supported children with different anxieties and needs, which tells me the instruction style is hands-on, not one-size-fits-all.

Once you’re in: what the one-hour guided swim actually feels like

After everyone is dressed, you enter from the shore and start the guided portion. You’ll stay in a small group, and the guide assists you as you float and scan the water.

The in-water time is about one hour, and it’s mostly on the surface. You’ll follow fish and watch critters from above while the guide helps you spot things you’d likely miss on your own. This is not a sprint. It’s more like slow-motion exploring.

That’s why it works for people who are curious about the underwater world but aren’t ready to commit to scuba. You get the Atlantic views and marine wildlife without the added pressure of staying fully submerged. If you’re nervous, that surface format can be easier. You’re not wrestling buoyancy the whole time.

When you come out, cookies are waiting. Yes, cookies. It’s a small detail, but it turns the end of the activity into something human: a break, a chance to chat, and a moment to enjoy the sea view before you head back.

What you’ll see: fish spotting tips from the guides

The tour centers on marine life you can see from the surface—colorful fish and other underwater critters. The exact species aren’t listed here, so I can’t promise a specific lineup. But the guide’s job is to help you notice what’s there.

Here’s what makes the spotting part easier during this trip:

• The guide points out targets while you’re floating, so you’re not just searching randomly
• The group stays small, so you can actually see what the guide is indicating
• You learn simple snorkeling tricks, so you can focus on sightlines instead of technique

One of the most repeated themes in real feedback is that instructors helped people feel safe and comfortable while still delivering great views. That combination is what turns a snorkel from I’m-trying-not-to-panic into I can’t believe I’m seeing this.

There’s also a clear rule: don’t touch marine life. That’s both an ethics and safety thing. You’ll want to keep your hands to yourself and let the ocean do its thing.

Timing and group size: why 2 hours doesn’t mean rush

The activity lasts 2 hours total. That includes briefing, fitting gear, getting into the water, the guided swim (about one hour), and then drying off and taking a break after.

The group is kept small, with a limit of 10 participants. This isn’t just marketing. In water activities, smaller groups usually mean:

• more individual attention
• easier pacing for nervous swimmers
• quicker help if your mask or fins aren’t cooperating

You should still plan your arrival with buffer. No hotel pickup means you manage your own transit and parking. Late arrivals can’t join and won’t receive refunds, so arriving at least 5 minutes early is the smart move. If you’re driving in Puerto del Carmen for the first time, give yourself extra time. Parking can be the real boss battle.

Price value: what $65 includes (and what it doesn’t)

The price is $65 per person, and the value comes from what’s included. You get:

• High-quality snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel, wetsuit)
• Insurance
• A PADI-certified instructor
• A safety briefing and gear-and-marine-life explanation
• About one hour guided snorkeling from the surface
• Water and cookies

What’s not included is simple: no hotel pickup and drop-off. That’s the one thing you pay attention to, because it changes how convenient the trip feels based on where you’re staying.

When you compare costs, look at the hidden expenses too. If you had to rent equipment separately, buy or source a wetsuit, and then pay for guide time, it adds up fast. Here, the gear and instruction are bundled.

Also, tipping is appreciated around 10%. That’s not required in the data, but it’s a good local courtesy if you want to reward the patience and coaching that make the difference for first-timers.

Safety rules that matter in real life

This is a snorkeling experience, and the operator is clear about boundaries. The big one: you’re not allowed to touch marine life.

There are also clear suitability notes:

• Not suitable for children under 8
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Not suitable for non-swimmers

Now, one nuance: some real feedback mentions a person who was worried about swimming joining with reassurance and patient support. That suggests the guides do real help and coaching. Still, the official rule matters. If you cannot swim at all, treat this as a mismatch and pick something else.

Safety also depends on timing and communication. After booking, you’ll be contacted to request participant details for sizing and insurance. If you can’t be reached, or the info isn’t received in time—especially for last-minute bookings—participation may not be possible since equipment can’t be prepared. I recommend you answer quickly and double-check that the right phone and email details are working.

Who this trip fits best (and who should choose differently)

This snorkeling trip is a strong match if you want:

• An introductory experience without scuba pressure
• A surface-focused swim with guidance and help
• A small-group vibe where you can actually ask questions
• Included gear and a wetsuit for comfort

It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with family, as some feedback highlights guides working patiently with children who had different needs and anxieties. Still, keep the age rule in mind: kids must be 8 or older.

I’d be cautious if you:

• Need hotel pickup convenience
• Can’t meet the start-time rules
• Can’t swim at all (even with reassurance)
• Are pregnant (the activity says not suitable)

If you’re a confident swimmer but nervous about snorkeling equipment, that’s often the sweet spot. You’ll get instruction on mask and snorkel use, then spend your time calmly floating and looking.

Should you book this snorkeling tour at Playa Chica?

Book it if you want a straightforward, well-supported way to experience the Atlantic underwater world from the surface—complete with Scubapro gear, a wetsuit, and a PADI-certified instructor in a small group. The “about one hour in the water” format is long enough to enjoy real fish spotting, but not so long you get exhausted or cranky.

Skip it if you’re relying on hotel pickup, you expect to be able to join last minute without communication, or you fall outside the suitability rules (especially non-swimmer status or pregnancy).

If you do book, the smartest move is simple: respond to the sizing and insurance messages quickly, arrive early at Playa Chica, and go in with a hands-off mindset for marine life. You’ll spend your energy on the fun part: watching fish drift by while your guide keeps everything easy.

FAQ

Where does the snorkeling tour start?

The activity is held at Playa Chica, Puerto del Carmen. The instructor meets you directly at the dive location. The team is near the last bench when walking from the restaurant toward the sandy parking area (ocean on the left). Look for blue IKEA bags.

How long is the experience, and how much time is in the water?

The total duration is 2 hours. You get about 1 hour of guided snorkeling in the water after the briefing and equipment fitting.

What’s the price and what does it include?

It costs $65 per person and includes the snorkeling equipment (fins, mask, snorkel, wetsuit), insurance, and a guide/instructor. You also get water and cookies.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear or a wetsuit?

No. The tour provides high-quality snorkeling gear, including fins, mask, snorkel, and a wetsuit.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to Playa Chica.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen.

What languages are the instructors available in?

The instructor languages are English, Spanish, and French.

Is this suitable for children and non-swimmers?

No for children under 8 years, and no for non-swimmers. It is also listed as not suitable for pregnant women.

Are guests allowed to touch marine life?

No. Touching marine life is not allowed.

What if I cancel last minute or arrive late?

Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity starts at the indicated time, and late arrivals cannot join and do not receive refunds.

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