Scuba Diving in Lanzarote (for certified divers only)

Playa Chica makes scuba simple. This trip is built for certified scuba divers who want two coached underwater sessions in a small group with a PADI instructor calling the shots. You start on shore at Playa Chica, so you can focus on breathing, buoyancy, and spotting marine life instead of organizing everything yourself.

I especially like how much is handled for you: tanks and weights are included, and you get water and cookies during the surface break. I also like the way the plan adapts to conditions and experience, since the team chooses the most suitable sites from Playa Chica’s network of shore locations.

The main catch is pretty clear upfront: this experience is only for certified divers with recent experience in the last 12 months, and you’ll need to be medically fit for diving. If you cannot meet those requirements, you will need a different package.

Key highlights worth clocking before you book

• Small group, max 5 divers: less waiting around, more personal attention.
• PADI instruction plus paperwork and briefing: you get guided planning and gearing-up support.
• Two shore-based underwater sessions near Puerto del Carmen: easy access via beach entry or stairs by the pier.
• Plenty of site options at Playa Chica: the team selects the right depth and conditions for your level.
• Refreshments on the surface break: water and cookies keep you comfortable between sessions.
• Volcanic scenery and reef features: you can expect overhangs, caverns, and lots of marine life.

Playa Chica shore access, the smart way to spend your morning

Lanzarote’s dive reputation is real, and Playa Chica is one of the places where it feels almost effortless to get into the water. You meet in Puerto del Carmen and then work through equipment prep and the required paperwork with your instructor before anything gets wet. The whole rhythm is designed to get you down feeling calm, not rushed.

What makes Playa Chica practical is the shore setup. You can enter by walking through the beach, or use the stairs by the pier. That matters because it reduces the time spent on logistics and boosts the time you actually spend underwater, where the fun happens.

And since this is capped at 5 travelers, the team can keep a close eye on buoyancy, spacing, and air consumption. It also means you are less likely to feel like you are part of a big, noisy crowd.

Price and value: what $96.75 includes, and what might cost extra

At $96.75 per person for about four hours, this can be a solid value for certified divers who already have their scuba skills dialed in. The big reason is that key gear for the outing is included: tanks and weights, plus the professional PADI divemaster or instructor.

Here’s what you should mentally budget for if you do not bring everything:

• Dive equipment rental is available for an extra charge (not included).
• Towels and swimming wear are not included.
• A 10% tip for the guide is recommended.
• Personal dive accident insurance is obligatory in Spain. Day plans are available, but you need to purchase it separately.

So the “true” cost depends on your gear situation and whether you already have day insurance. If you already travel with your own mask, fins, and wetsuit, you will likely feel like you got a lot for the money.

Meeting point and first 30 minutes: paperwork, gear setup, briefing

You start at 8:15 am at C. Bajamar, 2, 35510 Tías, Las Palmas, Spain, and the activity returns you to that same meeting point. It’s also noted as near public transportation, which helps if you are not planning to rely on taxis for every stop.

Before you enter the water, you will organize your equipment and complete the required paperwork. Even if you are an experienced certified diver, this still matters because it sets the tone for the day. Then comes the instructor briefing, where you get the plan for the site, how the session is managed, and what to expect in terms of marine life.

This is also where the team discusses gearing up and planning. In plain terms, it reduces the “figure it out in the moment” stress. And that tends to make the underwater time smoother, especially when you are adjusting to a new location.

Two underwater sessions at Playa Chica Beach, with a real surface break

The core format is simple. You do two underwater sessions at different spots around Playa Chica. Each one lasts about 45 minutes, depending on your air consumption and conditions.

Between sessions, you get a 45 to 60 minute surface interval with refreshments and cookies. That timing is more than a nice break. It also gives you a chance to rehydrate, check gear, and mentally reset before the second site. For many divers, that second session is where you finally feel fully comfortable in the environment.

The team also uses weather and experience level to choose the right site. If conditions are less favorable or you are newer to the kinds of shore environments Lanzarote offers, you will not be shoved into the most demanding option.

What makes Playa Chica special: volcanic shape, reef structure, and lots of life

Playa Chica is not just a convenient entry spot. It has more than 10 different shore locations, with depths ranging roughly from 5 to 40 meters. That means the team can match your comfort level and the day’s conditions to the right depth and underwater terrain.

On a good day, you can expect the visual mix Lanzarote is known for: reef structure wrapped around a volcanic landscape. The underwater scenery can include overhangs and caverns, plus open areas where marine life is easier to spot. The goal is variety within one morning, without the need for a long transfer to a far-off site.

If you are the type who loves spotting animals, you will likely enjoy the way the guide helps you look. In other outings with this team, guides have been praised for noticing small and unusual sightings, including octopus spotting and seahorses. You do not need to be an expert naturalist to enjoy it, either. The briefings and pacing help you actually see what is around you.

How the team keeps it safe without making it stiff

This experience is designed for certified divers only, so the tone is practical rather than beginner-style. Still, safety is clearly part of the culture. You start with an instructor briefing, and the plan adapts based on weather and experience level.

The small-group cap of maximum 5 helps safety in a very real way. Your instructor can keep closer track of spacing and comfort. That is especially helpful in shore-based environments where entry and navigation cues matter.

There’s also plenty of positive feedback about patient, supportive guidance. Names that show up in the team stories include Igor and Raúl, and divers describe them as friendly, attentive, and focused on thorough briefings. Other instructors mentioned include Chantal, praised for competence and patience. Even if you do not know the name of your guide yet, the pattern is consistent: you are not left to guess.

Timing details that matter: weather, depth options, and air management

This trip depends on certain weather conditions. If conditions are poor enough to cancel, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund. That matters because Lanzarote shore sites can change how comfortable and safe entry and surface conditions are.

You should also plan around how the team manages air. Each underwater session is about 45 minutes, but it can vary. That variability is normal and it is the point. If you burn air quickly, your session might end sooner to keep the group safe and on schedule.

Depth options also affect your plan. With sites that range from 5 to 40 meters, the briefing helps you match your comfort level. If you are conservative with depths or still building confidence in new environments, tell your instructor in the pre-brief so they can set you up well.

What to bring so you do not spend your holiday chasing basics

You do not have to guess what matters. The listing makes it clear that towels and swimming wear are not included, so pack those. If you plan to rent equipment, confirm what you will need in addition to what you bring.

In practice, I recommend you show up ready for a salty, sandy morning:

• Swimsuit or swim wear (plus a way to change afterward)
• Towel
• Basic personal items like sunscreen and a small dry bag
• If you own your gear, bring your standard mask and any items you prefer for comfort

And remember the air-travel rule: you should not fly within 18 hours after two consecutive underwater sessions. If your departure flight is earlier than 6:00 am the following day, you might need to rethink timing or how many sessions you stack back-to-back.

Who should book this Playa Chica outing (and who should skip it)

This is for certified scuba divers only. The minimum certification level is Junior Scuba Diver or similar, and you must present your certification card, digital or printed.

It also requires that your certification use is recent. You need recent dive experience within the last 12 months. That is not meant to gatekeep. It’s there because comfort and safety drop when skills go stale, especially in a new shore environment.

You should be medically fit for diving and complete a health questionnaire. The provided notes explicitly say some pre-existing conditions might prevent diving, including asthma and heart problems or other serious conditions. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor ahead of your trip.

Minimum age is 10 years, so it can work for younger certified divers with the right qualifications.

Should you book? My practical take

Book it if you want a morning plan that feels well-run and efficient. The combination of shore access, a small group, and included basics like tanks, weights, and a coached plan makes this a good option when you already hold certification and want two solid underwater sessions without extra chaos.

Skip it or choose another option if you are not current on certification use within the last 12 months, or if you cannot meet the medical fit requirements. Also, if you are not prepared to buy personal dive accident insurance, factor that into your decision, since it is obligatory in Spain.

If your goal is to see Lanzarote’s volcanic reef scenery, with guides who help you look closely at marine life, this Playa Chica setup is a strong match.

FAQ

Do I need scuba certification for this Lanzarote experience?

Yes. This activity is only for certified scuba divers, with a minimum level of Junior Scuba Diver (or similar). You must also have recent dive experience within the last 12 months, and you will need to show your certification card (digital or printed).

How many underwater sessions are included, and how long are they?

You can expect two underwater sessions. Each one is about 45 minutes, depending on air consumption and conditions. There is a surface interval of 45 to 60 minutes with refreshments and cookies between them.

Where do we meet, and does the tour end nearby?

You meet your instructor at C. Bajamar, 2, 35510 Tías, Las Palmas, Spain with a start time of 8:15 am. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What equipment is included in the price?

Tanks and weights are included. Dive equipment rental is available for an extra charge. Towels and swimming wear are not included.

Are refreshments provided during the surface break?

Yes. You get water and cookies, including during the surface interval between your two underwater sessions.

What are the rules about flying after the sessions?

You should not fly within 18 hours after two consecutive underwater sessions. Your departure flight should not be earlier than 6:00 am the following day.

What if weather conditions are not suitable?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.