Puerto Del Carmen: Try Scuba Diving with 2 Dives and Photos

Ready for weightless first steps? Puerto del Carmen gives you clear, warm water, plus a safety-first setup for first-timers. You start with calm coaching from a certified instructor, then go down in two controlled sessions at 6 metres and 12 metres to see colorful fish and reef life.

I especially like the small-group feel. You are paired at 1 instructor for every 2 participants, with a maximum of 2 people per instructor, so you get real attention, not a loud lecture. I also like that the program builds confidence step by step, with an initial water visit designed for comfort, then a deeper second visit once you feel steady.

One thing to consider is that the rules are strict for a reason. You must follow the safety briefing in the language you select at booking, and if you cannot understand it fully, you will not be allowed to go in. Also, there is no hotel pickup, so you need to get yourself to Playa Chica on time.

Key Things That Make This Scuba Experience Worth It

• Small ratios and tight groups: up to 6 participants, and 1 professional instructor for every 2 people
• Two staged underwater sessions: first to a max of 6 metres for confidence, second to a max of 12 metres for more sea life
• Safety checks that get time: you assemble equipment, do checks, then enter at your own pace
• Certified coaching: professionals certified by PADI and SSI guide the whole experience
• A take-home credential: you leave with a diving diploma after the two sessions
• Clear meeting point details: Playa Chica entry location, look for the Atlantis van and bright yellow instructors

Playa Chica Setup: How You Start Without Stress

This experience starts at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen. Important detail, it is the water-entry location, not the office or the gear shop. The practical way to find everyone is to look for the Atlantis van nearby, and instructors in bright yellow.

When you arrive, you should see white equipment boxes labeled with your name. That small bit of organization matters more than you might think. If you have never used scuba gear before, the last thing you want is a scramble while everyone is waiting. Here, the gear is ready, so your time goes toward learning and getting comfortable.

The session runs about 4 hours, so plan a morning or afternoon buffer around it. No hotel pickup means you will also want to handle getting there in advance, especially if you are relying on walking or local transport.

Training That Prioritizes Safety and Comfort

Before you go in, you get an instructional session led by a certified professional. The focus is what you actually need on your first attempt: breathing underwater and communicating underwater, plus safety basics you can trust.

Two details stand out from the program style. First, the instructor ratio is tight, so you are not getting pushed through like a factory line. Second, language comprehension is mandatory. You choose your booking language, and you need to be able to understand the safety briefing fully. If you cannot, you will not be allowed to dive, and there is no refund in that case. It is not meant to scare you, it is how they keep control of a high-risk activity.

From the instructor names praised in feedback, you can also get a sense of the tone you are likely to meet. People mention patience and calm guidance from instructors like Geraldo, Emmanuel, Mhari, Kieran, Connor, and Mike. That tracks with what you want as a beginner: clear direction and a steady pace when your body and brain are still figuring out breathing through a regulator.

The First Water Visit to 6 Metres: Confidence Over Showmanship

Your first underwater session has training built into it. The plan is a maximum depth of 6 metres, with 30 to 40 minutes in the water.

That depth limit is a smart choice for first-timers. At 6 metres, you are still dealing with the basics, but the water pressure changes are easier to manage while you learn. It is also where you get that classic scuba feeling, the controlled weightlessness that makes everything look slightly slower. If you have ever been curious about scuba but worried you would panic, this is the piece you should pay attention to.

You will assemble your equipment, do safety checks, then enter the water under guidance. The program expects you to go in at your own pace, which is key. You do not need to prove anything. Your job is to follow instructions, stay relaxed, and practice the breathing and communication basics until they feel normal.

Break and Snack: Why the Pause Matters

Between the first and second underwater sessions, you take a break and have a snack. That matters for two reasons.

One, it keeps your energy up, so you can stay calm in session two. Two, it gives your instructor time to assess how you handled the first visit and how you are feeling for the next one.

You may be thinking, why not go straight again? With beginners, a small reset improves safety and enjoyment. You come back to the next session with clearer focus, not shaky nerves.

The Second Underwater Session to 12 Metres: More Time to See Sea Life

The second session goes deeper, with a maximum depth of 12 metres and plenty of time to see sea life.

This is where you get more of the underwater “wow” without turning it into an advanced technical problem. At 12 metres, you can often see a wider variety of marine life, and you get a longer window to observe how fish and reef life behave. The goal here is not speed or distance. It is watching, staying stable, and letting your instructor guide you to places where the scenery is worth the effort.

In feedback from people who did their first attempt here, you will see the same recurring highlights: lots of fish, and frequently mentioned sightings such as cuttlefish, octopus, seahorses, and other reef creatures. Even when conditions vary, Lanzarote’s clear, warm water is the big reason this experience works for beginners.

If you are a first-timer, your best strategy for session two is simple: focus on breathing and buoyancy basics, then look around. The fish will come into view once you stop rushing your own body.

Equipment, Professional Support, and the Diploma You Keep

All necessary scuba equipment is included. That is a big value point for first-timers because it removes the guesswork and the extra cost of buying gear you might only use once.

You also get insurance for the activity, plus a diving diploma at the end. That last part is more than a souvenir. It is a proof of completion that can make it easier to book future lessons or keep building your scuba skills.

A small caution on the photos: the experience title mentions photos, but the provided included list does not explicitly call out photo coverage. If photos matter to you, confirm what is included at booking time so you are not relying on an assumption.

Price and Value: What $153 Gets You in Real Terms

At $153 per person for a half-day with two structured underwater sessions, this is priced in line with what you usually pay for guided scuba for beginners in popular coastal spots. But the value comes from what is included.

You are not just paying for someone to hand you a tank. You are paying for:

• Certified instruction, with instructor support capped at a strong ratio
• All equipment
• Two separate underwater sessions with different depth goals
• Insurance
• A take-home diploma

Also, the group is capped at 6 participants. For scuba, that usually means a smoother experience than large groups where instructors spread thin. With beginners, being able to ask questions and get immediate corrections is what turns a “try it once” moment into a real confidence boost.

The main value downside is logistics. No hotel pickup means you need time to reach Playa Chica yourself. If you are staying elsewhere, factor in transport and buffer time.

Who Should Book This Scuba Trial in Puerto del Carmen

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want to try scuba with a safety-first approach
• Are a true beginner and want step-by-step coaching
• Like small groups and attention from instructors
• Want the two-stage structure (6 metres first, then 12 metres) instead of a single big leap

It is not the best fit if you have medical conditions listed in the program notes. The experience is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, and people with epilepsy. Age limits are also strict, listed as not suitable for children under 8, and there is also a note about under 10, so double-check age eligibility before you book.

If you are considering flying soon, plan ahead. After any scuba session, you need to wait at least 24 hours before boarding a flight.

Practical Tips to Make Your Day Smoother

A few small moves can dramatically improve your first scuba attempt:

• Bring swimwear and a towel. That is all they ask you to bring in the provided info.
• Choose a booking language you genuinely understand. The language comprehension rule is enforced for safety.
• Avoid alcohol or drugs before you go. The program lists that as not allowed.
• Expect an on-site medical questionnaire. It is part of the standard protocol and required before you start.

If you are nervous, you are not alone. Many people on similar first experiences feel wobbly at the start, and what helps most is getting reassurance fast from a calm instructor. In the feedback here, that style of support is a recurring theme, especially with instructors like Kieran and Connor, who are praised for clear instructions and patience.

Should You Book This Puerto del Carmen Scuba Trial?

If you want a beginner-friendly scuba experience with real structure, this is a solid choice. The combination of small groups, strong instructor ratios, and two sessions with controlled depth goals makes it easier to enjoy than many first-time options.

Book it if you value safety, want to learn breathing and underwater communication in a stepwise way, and you are okay handling your own trip to Playa Chica. Skip or reconsider if the language requirement is a worry, if you fall into a listed medical category, or if you have a flight scheduled within 24 hours.

If you do book, your best mindset is simple: treat the first session as training, and treat the second session as sightseeing under guidance. That is where the real payoff is, seeing colorful fish and reef life while you learn to stay relaxed underwater.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the activity?

You meet at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen. This is the water-entry location, not the dive centre. Look for the Atlantis van and instructors in bright yellow.

Do I get picked up from my hotel?

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

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts about 4 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What depths will I go to?

The first underwater session goes to a maximum of 6 metres. The second session goes to a maximum of 12 metres.

How big is the group and what is the instructor support like?

It is a small group limited to 6 participants, with one instructor for every two divers. There is also a maximum of two divers per instructor.

What do I need to bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

What should I know about language?

Language comprehension is mandatory. You must fully understand the safety briefing in the selected language. If you cannot, you will not be allowed to take part, and no refund will be issued.

Do I need to fill out a medical form?

Yes. You must complete a short medical questionnaire on-site before starting.

Can I fly right after scuba?

You must wait at least 24 hours after scuba before boarding a flight.