Try Scuba Diving in Lanzarote (No experience needed)

Playa Chica makes your first underwater moment feel simple. In about two hours in Lanzarote’s Puerto del Carmen area, you do a beginner try session that starts in very calm, shallow water before moving out to see what the island’s reefs look like.

What I really like is the PADI-certified instruction and the step-by-step flow. You get organized with paperwork and gear first, then you practice breathing and basic control close to the shore, so the whole experience stays manageable. I also like the small-group setup (up to 4 people), which means more attention and less waiting around.

One thing to plan for: you need to be comfortable in the water and be medically fit after a health questionnaire. Weather also matters, so if you only have one tight day, build in a little flexibility.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small-group coaching (max 4 travelers): You get a personal pace and a better chance to ask questions.
• PADI-certified instructor + structured briefing: Equipment use and marine life basics are covered before you go in.
• Shallow-water skills first: You practice breathing and simple tasks before heading out.
• Shore-friendly beginner areas: The experience is planned for easy entry, then relaxed reef exploration.
• Included essentials: Equipment, underwater insurance, and refreshments plus a small snack are all part of the price.
• Bring your own swim setup: Towels and swimwear are not included.

Where you start, and why Playa Chica is a smart choice

This experience is based around Lanzarote’s Puerto del Carmen coastline, with the meeting taking place near Playa Chica. The provided start point is listed at C. Bajamar, 2, 35510 Tías (near the Playa Chica area), and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Starting here matters more than you might think. Playa Chica is one of those places where the water conditions tend to be beginner-friendly, and that makes the early part of the session easier. Instead of feeling like you are rushing into colder water or rougher entry, you get time to settle, learn the gear, and get your body used to breathing underwater at a gentle pace.

If you are staying in Puerto del Carmen, this is also convenient. The location is noted as being near public transportation, so you are not forced into a complicated taxi route just to do a short, two-hour activity.

What happens before you enter the water

You do not just show up, grab fins, and go. You meet your instructor, then you handle the basics: equipment setup and paperwork. That part is not glamorous, but it is exactly what keeps first-timers from feeling overwhelmed.

Here is the typical order you can expect:

• meet your instructor at the start point
• try to organize your equipment and complete the required paperwork
• get a briefing on what to expect, including equipment use and some marine life pointers
• gear up and then begin with practice in shallow water

That “paperwork first” rhythm is valuable. It tells you the operator takes safety seriously, and it also buys time for staff to check that everything fits correctly. Good gear fit is the difference between feeling okay and feeling annoyed. And because this is meant for beginners, the team keeps instructions clear and practical.

One small planning note: towels and swimming wear are not included. You will want to arrive ready with your swim essentials so you are not scrambling right before you change.

Shallow-water practice, breathing control, and real confidence

The main magic of this try session is that it starts shallow and stays structured. After briefing and gearing up, you begin with skills practice in calm water. You will do short skills sessions designed to help you feel relaxed with breathing underwater.

Think of this as the “learning your new normal” phase. Even if you feel excited, your brain still has to adjust to how your body behaves with a regulator, breathing patterns, and buoyancy. Practicing these basics before you go anywhere scenic is what makes the later part enjoyable rather than stressful.

The experience is designed for easy confidence-building:

• you start shallow
• you do skills at a pace that lets you get comfortable
• once the group is ready, you move into the main underwater exploration

In the reviews, people consistently highlight the instructors’ calm approach and patience. Names that come up include Igor, Raúl, Adrian, Chantal, Laurent, and Lawrence. While you might not get the same person, the pattern is clear: the team focuses on making first-time participants feel safe and in control.

The reef exploration part: what you actually get to see

After everyone is comfortable, you head out for a reef-focused underwater session around Lanzarote’s coast. The operator notes that they choose beginner-friendly spots with easy shore entry, which is a big deal. It reduces the time spent figuring out logistics in the water and keeps the focus on seeing marine life.

You can expect underwater scenery suited for a first experience: fish, interesting underwater formations, and a slower, relaxed pace. One recurring theme from the feedback is that the visibility can be excellent around this area, so the reef looks crisp instead of gray and flat.

A few people also mention the Museo Atlántico underwater museum as part of their broader experience with the same operator, especially for multi-day or VIP-style plans. If that museum is your goal, you should ask about it when you book, since this specific try session is described as a beginner reef exploration.

Either way, the goal here is not “max depth” or “speed run.” It is a guided, beginner-safe experience that helps you understand what scuba feels like and decide if you want to keep going.

Instructor quality, and why names like Igor and Raúl matter

This kind of experience rises or falls on the instructor. The good news: the operator is repeatedly praised for professional, reassuring guidance and clear communication.

In the reviews, Igor is mentioned as a strong instructor who kept the session calm and helped people feel safe. Raúl also shows up in feedback for patience and reassurance, with one first-timer specifically mentioning how nerves were handled during the experience. Adrian is another name that appears with compliments about overall professionalism, help, and patience.

Chantal is also mentioned in connection with the pre-experience information and booking communication. Laurent and Lawrence appear in reviews related to supporting participants and helping people feel comfortable, especially when first-timers were nervous about the whole process.

What this signals for you: this operator seems to invest in teaching style, not just gear. If you are anxious about the water, this matters. A good instructor can turn “I am scared” into “I can do this,” without making you feel rushed or embarrassed.

Price and value: what your $108.61 buys you

At about $108.61 per person for approximately 2 hours, this is not a cheap activity. But it is also not just paying for a “tour.” You are paying for a full beginner setup.

Included items are what make the value make sense:

• dive equipment (so you are not renting multiple things on your own)
• underwater insurance
• a certified PADI instructor
• guaranteed small groups (maximum 4 travelers)
• refreshments and a small snack

When you compare this to DIY costs, equipment rental alone can add up fast. Add instructor time and insurance, and the price starts looking more reasonable.

Also, the small-group cap changes the experience. With fewer people, the instructor can spend more time correcting your breathing rhythm and gear comfort. That is the difference between a checkbox experience and one that leaves you excited.

One thing to watch: group discounts are listed as a feature. If you are traveling with friends or family, ask if there are any options to reduce the per-person cost for your group size.

What to bring (and what you can skip)

From the info provided, towels and swimming wear are not included. Plan to bring:

• swimwear you are comfortable with
• whatever you use for a beach towel situation (or plan to buy one locally)
• basic swim footwear if that helps you feel stable getting in and out

Also, aim to arrive ready to change quickly. The session includes gear setup and paperwork before water time, so you will be moving from meeting point to ready-to-go without a lot of downtime.

If you tend to get chilly easily, you might want to dress smartly around the water time before and after. The activity is weather-dependent, and you will not want to stand around in damp clothes if the wind picks up.

Weather, health checks, and the rules you must follow

This is an experience that depends on conditions. The operator notes that it requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Before you go in, you will complete a health questionnaire. You should be medically fit for diving, and some pre-existing conditions might prevent you from participating, including asthma and heart problems. If you have any doubt, talk to your doctor before you arrive.

You also have a participation requirement around comfort in the water. “Most travelers can participate,” but you still need to feel okay in the water to do the shallow-water practice safely and comfortably.

After your underwater session, there are flight and altitude rules:

• no flying or going above 300 m altitude for 12 hours after one session
• no flying or going above 300 m altitude for 18 hours after two sessions

That is a real-life planning detail. If you are checking into a flight the same day, you need to account for the timing.

Timing, duration, and how to fit it into your Lanzarote day

The session runs about 2 hours. That makes it a good fit for a half-day break between beach time and dinner plans in Puerto del Carmen.

Because it starts with paperwork and equipment setup, do not schedule it like a “drop in whenever.” Give yourself a little buffer to arrive on time and get settled.

If you want the smoothest day, plan your other activities around the water. You will likely be more comfortable if you are not rushing to head somewhere right after. You get refreshments and a snack included, which helps you avoid the classic post-water hunger spiral.

If weather looks uncertain, have a flexible plan for the rest of the day. The operator can cancel due to weather and offer an alternative date or refund, so it is smart to keep your schedule adaptable if you can.

Who this try session is best for

This is built for beginners. The whole progression is beginner-friendly: shallow-water skills first, then an underwater reef exploration once you are comfortable.

It is also a great option if you:

• want professional coaching rather than figuring gear out on your own
• like small-group attention
• enjoy the idea of seeing Lanzarote marine life without committing to a long course

It is not ideal if you:

• do not feel comfortable in the water
• know you have a medical condition that might prevent participation
• have no flexibility for weather changes

If you have ever looked at scuba photos and thought, I want to try that but I do not know where to start, this is a sensible first step. And if the underwater museum is calling your name, consider asking about packages that include it, since that option shows up in feedback for this same team.

Should you book this try scuba in Lanzarote?

I’d book this if your priority is a guided, beginner-safe start with PADI-led instruction and small groups. The included equipment, insurance, and refreshments add real value, and the shallow-to-reef progression makes it far more likely you will feel calm and capable.

I would think twice if you are sensitive to water, have relevant health concerns, or are locked into a single-day plan with no weather buffer. In those cases, the safer move is to either book with flexibility or plan a day with fewer travel commitments.

If you want to make it work, come prepared with swimwear and water comfort, be honest on the health questionnaire, and let the instructor set the pace. That combination is where the best experiences tend to come from.

FAQ

Do I need any prior experience?

No. This is set up as a beginner try session with shallow-water skills first, then a guided underwater experience.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 2 hours.

What group size should I expect?

The maximum group size is 4 travelers, with a guaranteed small group setup.

Where do I meet the instructor?

The start point is listed at C. Bajamar, 2, 35510 Tías, Las Palmas, Spain, and the session is described as starting in the Playa Chica area, Puerto del Carmen.

What is included in the price?

Included are dive equipment, underwater insurance, a certified PADI instructor, guaranteed small groups, and refreshments with a small snack.

What should I bring since it is not included?

Towels and swimming wear are not included, so you will want to bring swimwear and a towel.

What happens if weather conditions are poor?

If the activity is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Are there any health or activity restrictions?

You must complete a health questionnaire and be medically fit for diving. You should also avoid flying or going above 300 m altitude after your underwater session, with restrictions of 12 hours after one session and 18 hours after two sessions.