I love seeing Atlantic life up close. With guides like Martín, you get real-time identification for fish and non-fish (parrotfish, rays, octopus), plus a safety-first check of how you use your snorkel gear. The only real drawback is you need to be able to swim comfortably, because most of the time is spent in the water.

You start at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen, not at some far-off office—look for the Atlantis van and instructors in bright yellow. This is a small group capped at 8, with a 30-minute theory briefing and then a full hour snorkeling.

Key things you’ll notice right away

• 30-minute briefing that helps you recognize what you’re seeing in the Atlantic
• Small group size (8 max) so you actually get coaching, not just a handout
• All snorkeling gear included, with your items set up in labeled boxes
• Instructor-led species ID, from parrotfish and barracuda to rays and nudibranchs
• Safety-first guidance in the water, including how to use the equipment properly

Playa Chica logistics: where the experience starts

This snorkeling tour is based at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen. The meeting point is the water spot itself, not a center where you’d wait with a counter full of forms. When you arrive, keep your eyes open for the Atlantis van parked nearby.

You’ll also see the team wearing bright yellow, and there are white equipment boxes with each participant’s name already marked. That small detail matters: you can get suited up fast, then spend your limited time actually in the water.

Before you go, make life easy on yourself. Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Once you’re at the site, you’ll want to be ready to focus on the briefing instead of scrambling for stuff.

The 2-hour rhythm: briefing first, then real water time

The whole tour runs 2 hours, with the pacing built for beginners and experienced swimmers alike. You’ll start with about 30 minutes of theory, then move into around 1 hour in the water with your instructor.

Why this works: that first half hour isn’t just admin. It’s where the guide explains the land and aquatic environment—basically, what kind of marine life you’ll likely run into and how to think about it once you’re snorkeling. Then, right when you’re about to gear up, you learn the proper use of the equipment and get safety coaching.

If you’re the type who worries you’ll blank underwater, this structure helps. You spend less time guessing and more time looking with purpose.

What your instructor teaches you (and why it changes everything)

The main value here is that you’re not just floating and hoping for cool sightings. Your instructor accompanies you and explains what’s around you—covering typical flora and fauna from the Atlantic and specifically the Macaronesia region.

In the briefing and again in the water, the guide focuses on common fish families you can expect to see, such as:

• parrotfish
• barracudas
• rays
• angelfish

Then you also learn the non-fish stars—things that people often miss when they focus only on big fish. This includes octopuses, cuttlefish, and nudibranchs. You’ll learn how to identify them enough that you can actually recognize them again later.

This is the part I’d highlight if you’re deciding whether this is worth it. Marine life is easy to overlook when you don’t know what you’re looking at. With an instructor calling out what’s in front of you, your snorkeling time turns into real learning.

The snorkeling experience in Puerto del Carmen’s Atlantic waters

Once you’re suited up, you head into the crystal waters of the Atlantic Ocean along Puerto del Carmen. The exact sights can vary with conditions, but the tour is designed around the same idea: you’ll explore the ocean life and see a mix of fish and other marine creatures in a guided, safe way.

The best part is how much your viewing improves once you connect what you see to what you learned on shore. In guides’ explanations, you’ll get names, families, and practical recognition cues, so the ocean doesn’t feel random.

And the sightings can be impressive. One review noted seeing very many fish and coral areas, while another mentioned angel sharks and an octopus. That tells you the tour isn’t only for generic sea life—you can get memorable encounters when you combine clear water with focused guidance.

If you like photos and video, you’ll also be able to share what you capture. The tour highlights sharing your videos and photos, so it’s a good option if you want proof of the moment, not just the memory.

Safety and equipment: what’s included and what to watch for

This is an instructor-led snorkeling format, so you’re not on your own with a snorkel and prayers. You’ll receive coaching on the proper use of the equipment, plus safety checks when you’re in the water.

A few practical things are built in:

• All snorkeling gear is included
• Water activities insurance is included
• You’ll have one professional instructor with your group

For comfort and logistics, it also helps that equipment is ready for you in labeled boxes. That means less time sorting gear and more time getting comfortable with it.

Now, the non-negotiable: you need to be able to swim. The tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers, and it also lists a minimum age of children under 6 (so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with young kids).

Also note the rules: alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. That’s not just for compliance—keeping the group clear-headed helps everyone stay safe in the water.

Wheelchair accessibility is listed as well. The tour doesn’t spell out the exact entry method in the details you provided, so if you need specific accommodation, you’ll want to confirm how the team handles getting you from Playa Chica into the water.

Group size, guide personalities, and what that means for you

This is a small group experience, limited to 8 participants. That changes the vibe. You get more chances to ask questions and more individual attention when you’re learning how to use the gear.

Guide style also shows up in the reviews. I noticed recurring praise for patience and good humor. One person highlighted that Martín was patient and funny, and that made the whole thing feel light while still being informative. Another mentioned Lorenzo as a very good guide and also pointed out the possibility of having the group size feel personal.

There’s another practical benefit to small groups: if something feels off—like breathing, balance, or comfort—your instructor can respond right away. One review described a partner having a minor issue during snorkeling and the team handling it immediately and professionally, with real care and reassurance. That’s the kind of situation you want a trained team ready for.

Language options: no guesswork about what you’re seeing

You don’t need to know marine biology to enjoy this, but language matters for understanding the explanations. The instructors offer English, Spanish, and Catalan, so most visitors should be able to follow along.

If you’re traveling with someone whose Spanish isn’t great or you’re working on your comfort in a new language, this flexibility is useful. It also makes the briefing feel less like a lecture and more like a guided conversation.

Price and value: is $59 worth 2 hours?

At $59 per person for a 2-hour experience, you’re paying for more than a snorkel rental. You’re getting:

• a 30-minute briefing
• 1 hour in the water with an instructor
• all snorkeling gear
• water activities insurance
• guided explanations of fish and non-fish species

The value is strongest if you care about identifying what you see. A lot of snorkeling tours fail at the same point: you get gear and a location, but nobody helps you recognize the life around you. Here, the instructor-led species knowledge is a core part of the experience.

It also helps that the group stays small (8 max). You don’t have to feel like you’re just one face in a crowd while the guide tries to manage everyone.

Who should book this Puerto del Carmen snorkeling tour

You’ll likely love this if:

• you can swim and want to spend time in the water
• you like marine life and want help recognizing what you’re seeing
• you’re traveling with someone who wants a guided experience, not just a self-guided shoreline outing
• you enjoy learning in a practical way, with explanations tied directly to the view

It’s also a nice fit if you get nervous about the ocean. Small group coaching and an instructor who pays attention can make the experience feel more manageable. Reviews specifically mention the instructor being kind when the group felt very small.

You might skip it if:

• you’re a non-swimmer
• you’re traveling with a child under 6
• you want snorkeling with zero instruction or zero rules (this is safety- and gear-focused)

Should you book? My decision rule

I’d book this tour if your goal is guided snorkeling with real identification, not just floating around waiting for something interesting. The mix of a structured briefing, gear included, and an instructor focused on fish families plus octopus/cuttlefish/nudibranchs is the winning combo.

Do it if you’re ready to swim and you’ll appreciate learning in the moment. Don’t overthink it—just show up with the basics (ID, towel, sunscreen, swimwear), and find the Atlantis van at Playa Chica so you can start on time.

If that sounds like your kind of day, this is a solid, value-packed way to experience Puerto del Carmen’s Atlantic life.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling tour?

The experience lasts about 2 hours total.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen. The details note it’s the water site, not the dive center area.

How many people are in a group?

The group is small, limited to 8 participants.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. All snorkeling gear is included.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes. You need to be able to swim, and it’s not suitable for non-swimmers.

What ages are suitable?

Children under 6 years old are not suitable for this activity.

What languages do the instructors speak?

Instructors are available in English, Spanish, and Catalan.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair accessibility is listed for the activity.

Is alcohol allowed?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

FAQ

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a pay later option?

Yes. You can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

Is water activities insurance included?

Yes. Water Activities Insurance is included.