REVIEW · LANZAROTE
Puerto del Carmen: Try Scuba Diving with 1 Dive
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Atlantis Diving Lanzarote · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Clear-water confidence starts fast. I like the SSI-certified instructors and the small-group setup (max 2 participants per coach, with a limit that keeps the experience personal), and that’s what makes a first scuba session feel manageable; one big consideration is the language rule, because you must be able to fully understand the safety briefing in the language you choose when booking.
You’ll also get a lot for your money: free photos and videos, all equipment included, and a controlled plan with a max depth around 6 meters and about 30–40 minutes in the water.
In This Review
- Key Highlights That Matter in Real Life
- Where You Start in Puerto del Carmen (and Why It’s Simple)
- Gear-Up and Safety Checks: The Part That Makes Beginners Relax
- The Underwater Plan: Max 6 Meters and a Comfortable Pace
- What You’ll See in Lanzarote’s Clear Warm Water
- Photos and Videos: Proof You Were There (Without Any Work)
- Price and Value: Why ~$74 Can Make Sense
- Language Requirements and Other Practical Gotchas
- Small Group Size: What You Gain (Besides a Better Photo)
- Who Should Book This Puerto del Carmen Session?
- Should You Book This One-Dive Scuba Try Session?
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point for this experience?
- How many people are in the group?
- How long is the experience, and how much time is spent underwater?
- What is the maximum depth?
- What languages are the instructors?
- Do I need prior scuba experience?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?
- What should I bring, and what is not allowed?
- How long should I wait before flying after the activity?
Key Highlights That Matter in Real Life

- SSI-certified coach with close supervision and a 1-to-2 participant teaching style
- Shallow limit (about 6 meters) with roughly 30–40 minutes underwater
- Small groups capped so training stays calm, not chaotic
- Free digital photos and videos from the activity
- See real marine life in clear warm water, with past sightings including an angel shark
- Get a digital completion certificate (not an independent scuba qualification)
Where You Start in Puerto del Carmen (and Why It’s Simple)

This experience is built to be straightforward: you meet at the local partner’s office at Centro Comercial Montaña Tropical, Unit L6, Calle El Toscón 7, 35510 Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, then the activity ends back at the same place. Hotel pickup isn’t included, so plan on getting there under your own steam (a taxi is usually easiest).
You’re looking at a 2-hour experience window, but exact start times vary by availability. On top of that, you’ll complete an online medical questionnaire before you’re allowed to take part, so handle that step early—waiting until the last day can throw off your schedule.
What I like about this setup is how quickly you can get moving. There’s no long tour-by-bus structure. It’s basically: meet, gear up, safety briefing, then you go to an underwater location for a first-timer-friendly session.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Lanzarote.
Gear-Up and Safety Checks: The Part That Makes Beginners Relax

Your morning (or afternoon) starts at the scuba center, where an SSI professional instructor teaches the basics you need to feel safe and in control: breathing, communication, and what to do if something feels off. The goal isn’t to scare you with theory. It’s to give you a repeatable routine so you know what’s happening the whole time.
Then you’ll head to the underwater location and:
- assemble your scuba equipment
- do safety checks with the instructor watching closely
- enter the water at your own pace under guidance
A theme that comes through in the way this is run is patience. Instructors are described as calm, friendly, and really focused on getting everyone comfortable—especially if you’re nervous, new to breathing techniques, or you simply don’t move fast under pressure. Names you may run into include Maria, Carla, Graizka (spelled both Graizka/Gaizka), Connor, and support staff like Marion—and the common thread is clarity.
Practical tip: wear swimwear and bring a towel. You’ll thank yourself when you’re changing quickly before and after the water time. Also, alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed, and it’s a rule you should respect, even if you’re tempted to treat the outing like a relaxed beach day.
The Underwater Plan: Max 6 Meters and a Comfortable Pace

Once you’re suited up, the session follows a controlled structure designed for first timers. The max depth is about 6 meters (20 feet), which keeps things simple and reduces the pressure stress that makes new people feel overwhelmed.
From there, you get:
- about 30–40 minutes in the water
- guided instruction throughout
- the chance to explore without rushing
The small-group structure is a big part of why this works. The experience is limited to a small set of participants, and the instructor support ratio is strong—one instructor for every two participants. That matters because it means you’re not just another body getting pointed at a reef. You can actually ask questions, and you’re watched closely.
Also, expect the feeling of weightlessness as you move through the water. That’s one of those things you can’t fully picture until you’re there—your body suddenly feels lighter, and that alone often turns anxiety into curiosity.
What You’ll See in Lanzarote’s Clear Warm Water
The underwater world here is described as clear, warm, and blue, with colorful fish and living reef life you can actually spot. The training is shallow enough that you’re not busy trying to survive your own breathing. Instead, you can look around and enjoy it.
You’re going to see a lot of the basics that make scuba worth it: fish cruising in and out of the reef, small movements you notice when you slow down, and that calm rhythm where nothing changes quickly—so you can take it in.
One memorable example from past experiences is an endangered angel shark sighting. You can’t bank on seeing a specific animal, but you can count on the fact that the site has enough life to make your first session feel real, not like a boring training pool.
Photos and Videos: Proof You Were There (Without Any Work)

A nice touch: you get free videos and photos with all activities. For a first scuba session, that’s more than a nice souvenir. It helps you remember the routine: how the gear felt, what your posture looked like, and what the instructor guidance actually meant.
You’ll also receive a digital certificate of completion. Important: this is not an independent scuba qualification, so treat it like a record of having completed this guided training, not a card that means you can go solo.
Price and Value: Why ~$74 Can Make Sense

The listed price is about $74 per person, and value comes from what’s included:
- equipment for the activity
- insurance for the experience
- instruction with strong supervision
- photos and videos included
- a digital completion certificate
Where the price can sting a bit is what’s not included: hotel pickup and drop-off. That’s easy to solve with a taxi or short local transport plan, but it’s still an extra step you need to budget for.
What makes this feel like good value is the coaching ratio and the fact that you’re getting a full first-timer teaching experience, not just someone handing you a mask and hoping for the best. If you’ve been quoted pricier half-day snorkel setups without real training, this style of structured guidance tends to feel more worth it.
Also, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the ability to reserve now and pay later can reduce stress if your Lanzarote plans wobble.
Language Requirements and Other Practical Gotchas

This part is crucial and non-negotiable. You must be able to fully understand the language of the instructors to participate. That includes hearing and comprehending the safety briefing. If you can’t, the provider will not compromise on safety—you won’t be taken into the water, and you won’t be eligible for a refund in that situation.
If you’re choosing English, Spanish, or Catalan, pick the one you’re confident you can understand under pressure. If you’re even slightly unsure, it’s worth reassessing before committing.
Other timing and health notes from the program:
- A medical questionnaire is required online before you can scuba
- You should leave 12 hours between your session and flying
- Not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with epilepsy, and children under 8
If you’re fit enough to travel and you can understand the safety briefing, you’re generally the right type of participant for this. If any of the health items apply, you should skip this specific activity and look for a medically screened alternative.
Small Group Size: What You Gain (Besides a Better Photo)
A small group isn’t just a comfort perk. It affects how the whole session runs:
- you spend less time waiting
- your equipment fit gets checked more often
- questions get answered before they snowball into confusion
- the instructor can monitor your breathing and comfort in real time
That’s why first-timers often come away saying the experience felt calming. If you start with a little anxiety, you’ll want a setup where the instructor is close enough to reassure you and adjust quickly. This experience is designed for that.
One more practical note: meeting point finding can be tricky for some people because map apps may show different pins. The safest approach is to check the address carefully ahead of time and confirm directions before you arrive—especially if you’re relying on your phone at the last minute.
Who Should Book This Puerto del Carmen Session?
Book this if you want:
- a structured first scuba session with calm coaching
- shallow water (max around 6 meters) and a comfortable schedule
- small-group attention rather than a crowded cattle-car feeling
- the fun part plus proof (photos/videos) without extra effort
It’s also a strong option if you’re the kind of person who needs clear steps and reassurance. The instructors are described as friendly, thorough, and helpful, and the teaching style includes watching for understanding—not just delivering instructions and moving on.
Don’t book it if you’re in any of the not-suitable categories listed above, or if you can’t meet the language understanding requirement for safety briefings.
Should You Book This One-Dive Scuba Try Session?
I’d book it if you match the basics: you can understand the instructor language, you’re comfortable completing the medical questionnaire, and you’re looking for a guided, shallow, small-group underwater experience with good supervision and free media. At around $74, the value stands up because equipment, insurance, and coached training are all included.
I’d think twice if language is a weak spot for you or if you’re not able to follow safety instructions clearly. In scuba, there’s no replacing comprehension with optimism.
If you want your first underwater experience to feel more like “confident training” and less like “guessing,” this is a smart choice in Puerto del Carmen.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point for this experience?
You meet at Centro Comercial Montaña Tropical, Unit L6, Calle El Toscón 7, 35510 Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
How many people are in the group?
The activity uses a small group format with a limit stated as max 4 participants. The coaching ratio is also described as 1 professional instructor for every 2 divers (with small-group control for comfort and safety).
How long is the experience, and how much time is spent underwater?
The duration is listed as 2 hours (with starting times based on availability). You’ll have 30 to 40 minutes in the water during the session, with the tour overall described as 2 to 3 hours.
What is the maximum depth?
The session includes a maximum depth of 20 feet (6 meters).
What languages are the instructors?
Instructors are listed as available in Spanish, Catalan, and English.
Do I need prior scuba experience?
No prior scuba qualification is mentioned as required. You’ll be taught the basics of safety, breathing, and communication underwater with an SSI professional before entering the water.
What’s included in the price?
Included items are scuba equipment, insurance for the activity, a professional instructor, a digital certificate of completion, and videos and photos for free in all activities.
Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
What should I bring, and what is not allowed?
Bring swimwear and a towel. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
How long should I wait before flying after the activity?
You should ensure you leave 12 hours between the session and flying.
























