Looking for a way to explore Lanzarote’s marine beauty without needing to be a seasoned diver? This guided snorkeling tour at Playa Chica offers a fantastic introduction to the island’s underwater world. For just $59 per person, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours floating along the coast, learning from knowledgeable guides, and marveling at colorful fish amidst lava rocks. The tour starts right on the beach, making it accessible and convenient for travelers staying in Puerto del Carmen or Puerto Calero.
What makes this experience stand out? First, the high-quality gear included—mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit—ensures comfort and safety. Second, the informative guidance from local experts helps you spot marine life, making the tour both fun and educational. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that resort pickups are limited to certain locations, so if you’re staying farther out, you’ll need to make your way to Playa Chica. This tour suits travelers eager for a relaxed, family-friendly introduction to snorkeling, especially those new to the activity or looking for a straightforward, enjoyable outing.
Key Points
- Accessible location: Starts directly from Playa Chica, a protected beach ideal for beginners.
- Highly rated guides: Knowledgeable and friendly, making marine life easy to spot and understand.
- All-included gear: Top-quality equipment, with the option to extend use after the tour.
- Educational experience: Learn about Lanzarote’s marine environment from experts.
- Flexible booking: Reserve now, pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Limited pickup areas: Only available from Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero.
Exploring Lanzarote’s Underwater World
Lanzarote is famous for its volcanic landscapes, but beneath the surface, there’s a vibrant marine environment that many visitors overlook. This snorkeling tour is a perfect way to see it without needing deep diving skills or heavy equipment. Starting at Playa Chica, the tour offers a relaxed, shallow introduction to the marine life that thrives around these lava rocks.
From the moment we arrived, the friendly staff made us feel at ease. The briefing was straightforward, covering how to use the gear and what marine creatures to look for—expect shoals of colorful fish darting between rocks, possibly even some hidden crabs or sea anemones. The guides, equipped with local knowledge, pointed out the best spots, which is particularly valuable for those unfamiliar with snorkeling or the local marine ecosystem.
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What to Expect on the Tour
The tour kicks off right on the beach at Playa Chica, a protected area known for its calm waters and clear visibility. After a quick equipment fitting and safety briefing, we entered the water, which was comfortably shallow. This setup is excellent for beginners or families with children over six, as the water isn’t deep or intimidating.
The guide led us along the shoreline, highlighting interesting formations and marine creatures. We loved the way the guide pointed out small schools of fish that shimmered in the sunlight filtering through the water. The half-hour extension after the tour is a bonus—more time to explore at your own pace with gear still on, which many reviewers say is well worth the extra cost.
What We Loved
One of the most notable aspects was the quality of the snorkeling gear. The masks fit comfortably, and the fins helped us glide effortlessly, making the experience smoother than expected. The equipment is clean, well-maintained, and suitable for all body types.
Another highlight was the guides’ knowledge. They didn’t just lead us along; they shared insights into the local marine life, helping us identify species we’d never have recognized on our own. This educational element made the tour feel more meaningful than simply floating in the water.
Considerations and Tips
A potential downside is the limited pickup service—if you’re staying outside of Puerto del Carmen or Puerto Calero, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Playa Chica. The tour’s duration, about 1.5 hours, is just right for a relaxed introduction, but some might wish for a longer experience. Fortunately, the gear extension allows extra exploration, which many find satisfying.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Will Enjoy This
This snorkeling tour is ideal for families with children over six, first-time snorkelers, or anyone looking for a low-impact, scenic aquatic adventure**. It’s not suited for those who prefer advanced water activities or longer excursions, but for a safe, friendly, and educational experience, it hits the mark.
In-Depth: The Itinerary and Experience
Starting directly on the beach, the tour begins with a friendly briefing aboard the small, comfortable diving center—easy to spot with its white building bearing the red and black Safari Diving logo. The staff’s professionalism and approachable manner immediately put us at ease. The focus on safety and proper equipment use is clear, which is reassuring for beginners.
Once everyone is geared up, the guide leads the group into the shallow waters, where the most eye-catching marine life usually congregates. The calm, protected waters of Playa Chica make for ideal snorkeling conditions. Visibility was excellent, allowing us to see the volcanic textures of the rocks and the darting fish with ease.
The guide pointed out colourful shoals of fish and explained the significance of the lava formations as a habitat for marine creatures. We appreciated the patience of the guides, who answered questions and helped less confident snorkelers feel more secure.
The tour route covers the highlights of Playa Chica’s underwater landscape, circling back to the entry point. During the tour, you’ll get close to lava rock formations that provide shelter for marine biodiversity. The extra 30 minutes of gear use afterward allowed us to linger and explore more quietly, which many other reviewers mention as a highlight.
Authentic Marine Encounters
Based on reviews, visitors appreciated how the guides’ local knowledge enhanced their understanding of the marine environment. One reviewer mentioned, “The guide explained the marine life so well, I now know what to look for on future trips.” This educational component elevates the experience beyond just floating in the water.
The visual beauty of the underwater scenery cannot be overstated—sunlight shimmering through the water, contrasting with the dark lava rocks, creates a striking setting. The calm waters and shallow depth make it an accessible thrill for nearly everyone, including cautious first-timers.
Practical Details and Value
At $59 per person, the tour offers excellent value. The inclusion of high-quality snorkeling gear and guided instructions makes it a cost-effective way to enjoy Lanzarote’s underwater sights. Since the gear can be used for extra time after the tour, it’s a good way to maximize your experience without additional costs.
Booking is flexible—you can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours ahead. This flexibility is helpful if your plans change unexpectedly. Keep in mind the limited pickup locations, so plan accordingly if you’re staying elsewhere.
Who Should Book This Tour?
If you’re a traveler looking for a gentle introduction to snorkeling, with helpful guides and beautiful scenery, this tour is perfect. It’s especially suitable for families, beginners, or those who want to see Lanzarote’s marine life without the hassle of complicated arrangements or heavy gear. Those seeking a longer, more adventurous marine experience might want to explore other options, but for a relaxed, well-organized outing, this is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Where does the tour start? It begins directly on the beach of Playa Chica, at a white building with the Safari Diving logo.
- Is the tour suitable for children? It’s recommended for children over 6 years old, as the water is shallow and calm.
- What equipment is included? High-quality mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit are provided.
- Can I extend my gear use after the tour? Yes, you can use the snorkeling gear for an additional 30 minutes after the guided part ends.
- Are pickups available from all resorts? No, pickups are only from Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero.
- How long is the tour? The guided snorkeling lasts about 1.5 hours, with extra time available afterward.
- Is the tour safe for beginners? Absolutely, the guides focus on safety, and the shallow waters make it accessible.
- What should I bring? Swimwear and a towel are recommended; sunscreen and water are also advisable.
- Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Does the tour include food or drinks? No, food and drinks are not included.
Final Thoughts
This guided snorkeling tour in Playa Chica offers a thoughtful, enjoyable way to experience Lanzarote’s underwater world. With friendly guides, top-notch gear, and calm waters, it’s a perfect fit for anyone new to snorkeling or looking for a relaxed, scenic outing. The emphasis on education and safety, combined with the stunning marine scenery, makes this experience both fun and memorable.
While the limited pickup options might be a consideration, it’s a small inconvenience compared to the overall quality of the tour. The ability to extend gear use and the local expertise of guides make this a smart choice for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a gentle, authentic glimpse beneath Lanzarote’s volcanic surface.
If your goal is a stress-free, visually rewarding underwater excursion with friendly guidance, this tour checks all the right boxes. It’s a valuable addition to any Lanzarote itinerary, especially if you’re eager to discover the island’s marine treasures at a reasonable price.
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