First you float, then the fish crowd in. This Playa Chica snorkeling trip in Puerto del Carmen turns the Atlantic into a simple, guided show—small-group and focused on helping you relax fast. You’ll learn the basics, put on proper equipment, and spend about an hour on the surface following colorful sea life.

I love the Scubapro snorkeling gear approach, because it’s not just rented junk—it’s fitted and ready for real comfort. I also like the patient, hands-on coaching style from instructors such as Igor and Raul, plus friendly support for first-timers and families in the group.

One thing to watch: there’s no hotel pickup, and timing matters. Late arrival means you can miss the start, so plan to show up a bit early.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Scubapro equipment provided, including wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins for a better fit
• PADI-certified instructor leads you with safety rules and gear know-how before you enter the water
• One hour guided snorkeling from the shore at Playa Chica with a small group (max 10)
• Warmth for cooler months thanks to the wetsuit, which also helps with buoyancy
• Cookies and a sea-view break right after you get out of the water
• Safety-first rules like staying with the guide and not touching marine life

Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen: Why This Works for Snorkeling

Puerto del Carmen sits right on Lanzarote’s Atlantic edge, and Playa Chica is one of the reasons this area is popular for water-time. The tour is designed around shore entry, not complicated boat logistics. That matters if you’re nervous, traveling with kids, or you just want the day to feel smooth and easy.

The snorkeling itself is built around “from the surface” exploration. You don’t need to hold your breath for long periods or do anything technical. The guide keeps you in a small group and helps you spot fish and other critters as you float and follow what’s nearby. It’s a very doable way to see marine life without turning your holiday into a training course.

The group size cap (10 people) is also a big deal. It means you’re not just part of a crowd. You get real attention during the briefing and while you’re in the water—especially useful when you’re learning how the mask fits, how fins feel, or how to breathe comfortably through your snorkel.

And yes, the Atlantic can be cooler in certain seasons. The tour leans into that with a wetsuit, so you’re not freezing halfway through the experience.

Scubapro Gear + Wetsuit Fit: Comfort Is the Real Luxury

This isn’t a bare-bones snorkeling drop-off. You get high-quality Scubapro snorkeling gear, including mask, snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit. That combo changes everything. A good mask seal helps you avoid leaks and constant readjusting. Comfortable fins make it easier to move when you want to, and relax when you don’t.

The wetsuit has two benefits you’ll feel right away. First, it keeps you warmer in cooler months (the tour explicitly notes winter is possible thanks to the suit). Second, it helps with buoyancy. That means you can focus on looking at fish instead of wrestling your body position every minute.

Before you enter the water, the guide gives you a safety briefing and explains how to use the equipment correctly. That’s where first-timers usually go from anxious to calm. One of the most repeated themes in the feedback is how patient instructors are with the group—especially when someone feels nervous about being in the water.

Also, the tour setting includes a clear rule: don’t touch marine life. It’s not just a lecture. It’s part of keeping the experience respectful and safe for both you and the animals.

The 2-Hour Timeline: Briefing, Shore Entry, and About One Hour Snorkeling

The tour is listed as 2 hours total, with about one hour in the water. The rest is setup and break time, which is smart. Snorkeling feels better when you’re not rushed into the sea before you know how the gear works.

Here’s the rhythm you should expect:

• You arrive at Playa Chica and get geared up with the wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins.
• The instructor runs a briefing on snorkeling technique, safety basics, and what marine life you might spot.
• Once everyone is ready, you enter from the shore as a small group.
• You’ll spend roughly an hour floating on the surface and following fish, while the guide helps you look in the right places.
• You exit the water, warm up, and get cookies with a chat and a sea-view pause before heading back.

That one-hour snorkeling block is the core experience. It’s long enough to get comfortable, but short enough that most people still feel fresh—especially kids or travelers who are new to the ocean.

One practical tip: arrival punctuality really matters. The start time is fixed, and late arrivals can’t join once it’s underway. I’d plan to be early, not just on time.

What You’ll See Under the Surface (Without Needing Scuba Skills)

This is an introductory snorkeling experience, not a certification course. The tour is built for people who like being in the water, including first-timers. You’re not expected to have any prior skills beyond basic comfort in a swim mask and snorkel setup.

What you’re likely to enjoy most is the guide’s ability to help you notice things quickly. The tour includes assistance spotting colorful fish and amazing critters, and the feedback backs that up—multiple people mention seeing a great variety of marine life and feeling confident because the instructor knew where to look.

Also, you’re doing this from the surface. That keeps things relaxing. Once you learn a few simple tricks—like breathing through the snorkel without panic and maintaining an easy floating posture—you’ll probably be surprised how calm it feels to just follow what the fish are doing.

If you’re coming from a scuba background, this is still a worthwhile switch. It’s easier to slow down. No training pressure. Just watching life move in the Atlantic from above.

Instructor Coaching: Why Igor, Raul, and Elva Come Up Again and Again

The biggest strength of this tour shows up in the human side of the experience. The instruction style is patient, friendly, and practical. Names like Igor, Raul, Elva, and Mo appear in the feedback, and they share a common theme: they make people feel safe while they learn.

That’s especially important because snorkeling has a psychological curve. The technical part is usually manageable. The nerves can be the real hurdle—worrying about the ocean, managing the mask, or wondering if you’re doing it wrong.

From the feedback, the guides spend real time reassuring people and adjusting to different needs within the group. One family-focused comment specifically praises how an instructor managed children with different anxieties, making sure everyone felt comfortable the whole time. Another highlights how communication before the day was prompt and helpful.

If you’re the kind of traveler who needs reassurance, this tour is set up for that. A small group plus attentive coaching is a strong combo.

One quick reality check: the tour lists that it’s not suitable for non-swimmers. If that category feels like it applies to you, I’d contact the provider before booking so they can confirm fit. Even when instructors can help nervous first-timers, you should still respect the safety boundaries.

Price and Value: What You Get for About $65

At $65 per person for 2 hours, you’re paying for more than a mask-and-fins rental. The price includes high-quality snorkeling gear, insurance, and a PADI-certified instructor. It also includes water and cookies, which sounds small, but it helps the experience feel complete rather than like a quick drop-in.

It’s also clear that the “in-water” part is managed—about one hour guided—so your money goes toward safety, spotting marine life, and helping you use the equipment correctly.

What’s not included is hotel pickup and drop-off. That’s the trade-off. If you’re staying somewhere convenient to Playa Chica, you’ll probably think the value is solid. If you’re far away and need extra transport, factor that into your real cost.

Tips for the guide (around 10%) are appreciated. That’s normal in many tour settings, and it fits with the fact that the experience leans heavily on instruction quality.

Before You Go: Packing List and Ocean Rules That Matter

This trip keeps things simple. Bring the basics and you’ll be fine.

What to bring:

• Swimwear
• A change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen

What to know:

• Don’t touch marine life. This is a real rule during the tour.
• The guide meets you directly at the snorkeling location at Playa Chica.
• The wetsuit is part of the provided setup, so you’re not trying to guess what the water temperature will do to your comfort.

Meeting point tip (so you don’t lose time): the operator sends the exact location and time after booking, 1–2 days beforehand. If you don’t hear from them, you’re told to reach out via WhatsApp. You’ll look for the local team near a last bench area while walking from the restaurant toward the sandy parking, with the ocean on your left. Blue IKEA bags are part of the visual cue.

One more practical thing: after booking, they request participant sizing and insurance details. If you’re last-minute, keep an eye on your inbox and phone so they can prepare equipment.

Who Should Book This Snorkeling Trip (and Who Might Pass)

This experience fits best if you want:

• A guided, first-time-friendly snorkeling session
• A small group with hands-on help
• Proper equipment, not trial-and-error rentals
• A short, relaxed plan: 2 hours total with about 1 hour in the water

It’s also a nice option if you’re not ready for scuba skills but still want a real taste of Lanzarote’s marine life from the surface.

Who should be cautious:

• Children under 8
• Pregnant women
• Non-swimmers
• Anyone who knows they’ll arrive late. The start time is fixed, and late arrivals can’t join after it begins.

If your group includes nervous swimmers or kids with different needs, the repeated praise for patient coaching is a strong signal that this tour is built for comfort, not intimidation.

Should You Book This Puerto del Carmen Snorkeling Tour?

Yes, I’d book it if you want an organized, low-pressure snorkeling experience at Playa Chica with solid gear and an instructor who takes safety and comfort seriously. The value is strong for the level of support included: Scubapro equipment, a PADI-certified instructor, gear instruction, about an hour guided in the water, plus cookies and a sea-view break.

Just be realistic about logistics. No hotel pickup means you’ll want to get yourself to the meeting point on time. And if you’re unsure whether you fit the non-swimmer or age guidelines, confirm with the provider before you rely on the tour working out.

If you do that, you’re set up for a very enjoyable Atlantic float where the fish do most of the work.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling trip?

The total duration is 2 hours, with about 1 hour guided snorkeling in the water.

What’s included in the price?

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

Where does the tour take place?

The activity is held at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen, and your instructor meets you at the dive location.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?

No. The tour provides the snorkeling equipment, including Scubapro gear: fins, mask, snorkel, and a wetsuit.

What should I bring with me?

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

What languages are the instructors available in?

The instructor is available in English, Spanish, and French.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It’s listed as not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, and non-swimmers.

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