Puerto del Carmen: Try Scuba Diving from the beach

Discover the Charm of Scuba Diving at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen

For those eager to try scuba diving without prior certification, the tour at Playa Chica offers an inviting introduction in Lanzarote. Priced at $113 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours, this experience combines expert guidance with the thrill of exploring the Atlantic Ocean’s underwater treasures. The tour is ideal for first-timers who seek a safe, relaxed, and personalized dive, with small groups limited to 4 participants ensuring attention to individual safety and comfort.

The tour starts at a well-known spot in Puerto del Carmen called Playa Chica, which locals affectionately refer to as their “little aquarium.” With its stunning marine biodiversity and visibility ranging from 15 to 40 meters, this site promises an engaging encounter with tropical fish, corals, and even larger creatures like groupers, barracudas, and rays. This experience is not just about observing marine life; it’s about feeling confident and secure as you take your first breaths underwater alongside professional instructors.

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Key Points

• Beginner-friendly scuba experience suitable for first-time divers
• Two-hour duration including briefing, practice, and open water exploration
• Small group size of up to 4 participants for personalized attention
• Includes dive equipment, insurance, and guidance from certified PADI instructors
• Explores Playa Chica, known locally as the “little aquarium,” rich with marine life
• No prior certification needed; perfect for those wanting a safe introduction to diving

Starting Point at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen

The adventure begins at Playa Chica, a popular diving spot in Puerto del Carmen. After booking, a staff member contacts participants to gather personal details, including sizing for the equipment, and confirms the exact meeting time and location 1-2 days before the activity. The meeting point is easy to spot, with blue IKEA bags near the last bench along the sandy parking area, close to the ocean on the left from the local restaurant.

This location offers convenient access for a short walk to the dive site, where many dive center cars and fellow divers are visible. The setup ensures a smooth start for those new to the area, making it simple to arrive and prepare for the brief safety instructions and gear distribution.

The Safety Briefing and Equipment Setup

The tour features a 30-minute safety briefing conducted in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French. During this session, the instructor explains essential safety rules, breathing techniques, and basic scuba skills. This clear guidance helps build confidence before entering the water.

Participants receive high-quality dive equipment, which includes everything needed for the experience. The focus remains on safety, with instructors emphasizing patience and ensuring everyone feels comfortable before moving into the shallow water for practical exercises.

Practice in Confined Water Before the Open Water Dive

Once familiar with the equipment and safety protocols, the group transitions to a confined water session in shallow areas. Here, participants practice key skills such as breathing underwater, equalizing, and managing buoyancy, all under the gentle supervision of the instructor.

This phase lasts approximately 75 minutes and provides a step-by-step approach to getting comfortable with the underwater environment. The instructors are attentive, making sure each participant masters the basics before proceeding.

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The Open Water Dive Along the Reefs of Playa Chica

Following the practice session, participants are ready to venture into the open water. The dive extends to a maximum depth of 12 meters, suitable for beginners and offering a safe yet exciting experience. The underwater landscape features vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, including schools of small fish, and larger species like groupers, barracudas, rays, and even angle sharks.

Visibility during the dive varies, but even in shallower areas, divers enjoy sightings of marine sponges, octopus, cuttlefish, crabs, and flounders. The instructors ensure the dive remains relaxed and enjoyable, focusing on individual attention and making sure each diver feels secure throughout.

Why Playa Chica Is a Top Choice for Beginners

Playa Chica offers a calm, protected environment ideal for first-time divers. Its reputation as the “little aquarium” stems from the diverse marine life and clear waters, which maximize the experience. With many divers and dive center cars nearby, the site is well-equipped and accessible.

This location’s varied marine life and visibility make it a fascinating introduction to ocean exploration. The instructors’ focus on patience means the pace is comfortable, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their first encounter with the underwater world at their own speed.

Inclusive Features and What’s Not Included

The tour includes a detailed briefing, guided dive from Playa Chica, dive equipment, dive insurance, and guidance from certified instructors fluent in English, Spanish, and French. Participants are also offered water and cookies to restore energy after the dive.

What is not included are towels, swimwear, hotel transfers, or any other personal items. Participants should arrive prepared with swimwear, towels, and beachwear. The activity is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with certain medical conditions like heart issues, respiratory problems, or epilepsy.

Logistics and Meeting Arrangements

After booking, the activity provider contacts each participant to finalize details, including equipment sizing and insurance. The exact meeting time and location are shared 1-2 days before the activity, emphasizing the importance of communication. It’s recommended to Whatsapp if no confirmation is received.

The meeting spot is easy to locate, situated near the last bench along the sandy parking lot, with blue IKEA bags as identifiers. The activity concludes back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Suitability and Precautions for First-Timers

This experience is designed specifically for beginners and does not require prior certification. However, participants must be medically fit and healthy; pre-existing conditions like asthma, heart problems, or recent surgeries could restrict participation. A medical statement may be needed, and a health questionnaire is completed on-site.

This tour excludes individuals over 70 years old, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and those with respiratory issues or high blood pressure, aligning with safety standards.

Reviews Highlighting Quality and Safety

The tour receives an excellent rating of 5 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. Feedback highlights the professionalism of the guides, describing the experience as great and recommending it confidently. One review notes the tricky conditions, but still praises the safety measures and fun briefing that made the experience enjoyable, especially for younger participants.

This positive feedback underscores the quality of instruction and the stunning dive site. The focus on individual attention appears to deliver a stress-free and memorable first-time diving experience.

Accessibility and Additional Information

This tour is in multiple languages and offers the flexibility of reserve now, pay later. The small group size ensures personalized attention for each diver. It’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or anyone with serious health issues, but it’s perfect for adults eager to explore the underwater world in a safe environment.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing travel plans. Participants should bring swimwear, change of clothes, towel, and beachwear for before and after the dive.

Beginner-Friendly Scuba Diving at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen

This tour offers a safe, engaging introduction to the underwater realm of Lanzarote. With expert guidance, vibrant marine life, and a relaxed pace, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into scuba diving. The small group setting and high-quality equipment ensure a personalized experience that prioritizes safety and enjoyment.

While not suited for some medical conditions or very young children, the tour is perfect for adults ready to explore the ocean for the first time. The stunning visibility and diverse marine life at Playa Chica promise a memorable and confidence-building outing in Lanzarote’s waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior experience or certification required for this tour?
No, this experience is designed for beginners and does not require prior certification.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers briefing, guided dive, dive equipment, insurance, and guidance from instructors fluent in multiple languages, plus water and cookies.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 2 hours, including safety briefing, practice, and open water exploration.

What medical conditions could prevent participation?
People with heart problems, respiratory issues, epilepsy, recent surgeries, or those over 70 should consult medical advice before booking.

Where does the activity meet?
The meeting point is at Playa Chica, with clear identifiers near the last bench along the sandy parking area, close to the ocean.

Can children participate?
Participants must be over 10 years old; the tour is not suitable for younger children.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the activity does not include hotel transfer; participants should arrange their own transportation to the meeting site.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towels, change of clothes, and beachwear for before and after the dive.

Is the experience suitable for pregnant women?
No, pregnant women are not recommended to participate for safety reasons.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, ensuring flexibility for changing plans.

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