Puerto del Carmen: Snorkeling Trip with Dive Instructor

A salty splash, a simple mask, and suddenly Lanzarote’s Atlantic feels close. This Puerto del Carmen snorkeling trip is built for real beginners, with Scubapro gear and small groups led by a PADI-certified instructor. You learn the basics fast, then you float on the surface and follow the fish.

What I like most is how much attention you get before you even hit the water. The briefing covers equipment and safety, and the guides use a patient, step-by-step pace, like Igor and Raul did for multiple families and first-timers.

One thing to think about upfront is timing and logistics. There is no hotel pickup, and the activity starts at the scheduled time, so you’ll want to arrive early and ready.

Key highlights that matter on the water

• Scubapro snorkeling gear plus a wetsuit so you can stay comfortable and buoyant
• 1-hour guided swim from the shore, with your group staying small (up to 10)
• PADI-certified instruction focused on comfort, confidence, and safety
• Practical coaching that helps you spot fish and handle the equipment correctly
• Guides who manage nerves well, with examples including Igor, Raul, Elva, and Mo

Playa Chica is the easy entry to Lanzarote’s Atlantic

Puerto del Carmen is a strong base for ocean time, and Playa Chica is where this trip keeps things straightforward. You meet at the shore, where you can see plenty of scuba activity nearby and spot the local team’s setup (look for the blue IKEA bags).

What I like about this meeting style is that you are not fighting complicated transfers. You are simply walking in with your swimsuit plan, getting geared up, and stepping in when everyone is ready.

The water here is Atlantic ocean water, and you are experiencing marine life from the surface rather than doing any technical underwater work. That makes the whole experience feel relaxed, even if you are nervous about the ocean.

What the 2-hour experience actually feels like

The total duration is about 2 hours, but the key part is the hour you spend in the water. Between arrival and departure, you’ll go through a briefing, get fitted with gear, then enjoy a guided snorkeling session.

First comes the safety briefing and equipment walkthrough. Your instructor shows you how to use the mask, snorkel, and fins correctly, and they explain how to stay safe while you’re floating. This is not a certification lesson, it is an intro experience to help you get confident.

Next, you suit up and enter the water from the shore. You stay in a small group, and your guide works with you while you relax on the surface and follow where the fish are hanging out.

After about an hour, you come back out and warm up again. Cookies are waiting, and you can chat with your guide and the group with a sea view before heading back. That little shore-side reset is surprisingly nice when you realize you did not spend the whole time white-knuckling your snorkel.

Scubapro gear and the wetsuit trick for comfort

This trip includes high-quality snorkeling gear, including Scubapro fins, a mask, a snorkel, and a wetsuit. If you’ve snorkeled before with random rentals, you know how big a difference a good mask seal and fins can make. Here, that matters because the whole experience depends on feeling stable and comfortable.

The wetsuit has two jobs. It keeps you warm enough that snorkeling can still work during cooler months, and it helps with buoyancy so you spend less effort staying afloat. Even if you are not a strong swimmer, the wetsuit support can help you focus on relaxing and looking around.

One practical note: since you’ll be using fins and holding a snorkel, make sure you actually spend those first minutes listening when the instructor adjusts your gear. In the reviews, guides like Igor and Raul were praised for being patient and thorough, and that start-up coaching is exactly where your comfort is won.

The guided snorkeling session: 1 hour of fish spotting

Once you are in the water, you follow the guide and the fish. The group stays within a small area, which helps keep the experience calm instead of chaotic. You’ll float on the surface for about an hour, using basic snorkeling skills to move slowly and watch what comes by.

What surprises many first-timers is how easy and relaxing snorkeling can feel after you get the basics right. A snorkel is not complicated, but it does take a moment to breathe naturally and keep your mask in place. That’s why the instructor briefing matters so much.

You are also guided to spot colorful fish and other marine critters. There are no promises about specific species because the ocean does what it wants, but the overall goal is clear: see Lanzarote’s marine life from above without the pressure of staying submerged.

And there’s a key rule that you should treat like part of the safety plan: touching marine life is not allowed. It protects you and the animals, and it keeps the experience respectful.

Instructors make or break the experience

Here’s the big theme from the strongest feedback: the guides are patient, clear, and good with different comfort levels. Multiple reviews name instructors including Igor, Raul, Elva, and Mo, and they repeatedly get credit for calm instruction and careful group management.

If you are traveling with kids, this matters even more. A couple of families highlighted how the guides handled children with different anxieties and needs, including kids who were nervous at first. That kind of pacing is not automatic on tours, so it’s worth valuing here.

If you personally get uneasy in open water, focus on the way the instruction is delivered, not just the activity label. You’ll learn the equipment, practice in your head, and then get guided support while you float and look for fish. That creates momentum, and momentum helps fear shrink.

One caution, though: the tour lists strict suitability limits. Children under 8, pregnant women, and non-swimmers are not suitable. If you are unsure where you fit, be honest with yourself and ask questions before you book.

Who this snorkeling trip fits best

This trip is a good match if you want ocean time without a heavy commitment. You get a beginner-friendly intro to snorkeling, a full gear package, and a guided experience that keeps things safe and simple.

It also works well if you like small groups. With up to 10 participants, you’re less likely to get lost in the crowd. The guide can actually see what people are doing and help adjust quickly.

You’ll probably enjoy it most if you:

• Want to see marine life from the surface
• Like the idea of learning basic skills before going in
• Travel with family or a mixed comfort group
• Prefer shore-entry simplicity over boat logistics

Price and value: what $65 covers in real terms

The price is $65 per person, and that cost makes more sense when you look at what’s included. You get the full equipment set (including Scubapro gear), a wetsuit, insurance, a PADI-certified instructor, and refreshments (water and cookies).

That matters because the most common hidden costs in water activities are gear rentals, insurance add-ons, and sometimes guide fees. Here, you’re paying for the full package. Also, the session is short and efficient, about 2 hours total, with 1 hour in the water, so you’re not spending your whole day waiting around.

The main value tradeoff is what is not included: there is no hotel pickup. If you can get to Playa Chica easily, the price feels straightforward. If you need complicated transport, that extra cost might be worth factoring in before you book.

Tips for the guide are appreciated (around 10%). If you felt supported, especially if you were a first-timer or traveling with kids, it’s a normal way to say thanks.

Logistics and small things that keep the day stress-free

This is a punctual activity. Late arrivals cannot join, and no refunds are given for missing the start. Build in buffer time for traffic and parking, and aim to arrive at least 5 minutes early.

After booking, the provider contacts you to request personal details for equipment sizing and insurance. You’ll get the exact meeting location and time 1 to 2 days before the activity. If you do not hear from them, contact them by WhatsApp, and check your inbox and phone.

What to bring is simple and listed clearly:

• Swimwear
• A change of clothes
• A towel
• Sunscreen

It helps to think through the “after” part too. You’ll come out of the water wearing a wetsuit, so having dry clothes ready keeps your comfort up.

Finally, keep the group rule in mind. You will be assisted and guided, but you should not touch marine life. Staying hands-off is part of how you keep the experience both safe and ethical.

Should you book this Puerto del Carmen snorkeling trip?

I think you should book if you want an easy, guided way to see Lanzarote’s marine life without doing underwater diving. The mix of high-quality Scubapro gear, shore entry at Playa Chica, and careful instruction from named guides like Igor, Raul, Elva, and Mo is exactly what makes this trip feel reassuring.

I would hesitate only if you know you do not meet the suitability limits, especially if you are a non-swimmer or traveling with someone who falls into the listed exclusions. If you are simply nervous, that’s different, and the repeated praise for patience suggests you’ll get real support during your first minutes in the water.

If you are ready to follow a guide, learn basic snorkeling technique quickly, and spend one calm hour floating while colorful fish come to you, this is a smart use of a vacation afternoon.

FAQ

What is included in the snorkeling tour price?

The price includes high-quality snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel, and wetsuit), a PADI-certified instructor, a safety briefing, a 1-hour guided tour in the water, insurance, plus water and cookies.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to get yourself to Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen.

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

The tour lasts about 2 hours total, including a 1-hour guided snorkeling session in the water.

Where does the tour meet?

The activity meets at Playa Chica, Puerto del Carmen. After booking, you receive the exact meeting location and time 1 to 2 days before the activity. You’ll be looking for the local team near the last bench when walking from the restaurant toward the sandy parking with the ocean on the left, and blue IKEA bags are mentioned as a clue.

What equipment brand do you use?

The snorkeling gear includes high-quality Scubapro equipment (fins, mask, snorkel) plus a wetsuit.

Is this suitable for beginners or first-time snorkelers?

Yes. It is an introductory snorkeling experience where you learn basic snorkeling techniques and how to use the equipment, with your instructor guiding you during the session.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. Touching marine life is not allowed.

Who should not book the tour?

The tour is listed as not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, and non-swimmers.

Can I cancel for a refund, and is there a pay-later option?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, meaning you do not pay anything today when you book.

If you want, tell me your group ages and whether anyone is a strong swimmer. I can help you sanity-check fit for this exact snorkel format.