Beach-to-reef scuba is a great first try. You get a 15-minute briefing on what to do before you ever reach the water, then you suit up with full scuba gear and go in from Playa Chica in the protected bay. I like how the start feels controlled and simple, not like you’re being thrown into the deep end.

My other favorite part is the pacing: you practice breathing and basic skills in shallow water, then move gradually down to a max of 6 meters while spotting lots of fish. You’ll also have photos taken during the session (about 30 digital pictures), but plan for an extra 20 Euro cost if you want the underwater photos package for your first water session.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Beginner-friendly start from Playa Chica, right by the scuba team and in a protected bay
• 15-minute on-land briefing so you know what’s coming before you get wet
• Shallow-water breathing practice and skills before going deeper
• Gradual descent to 6 meters max, keeping the experience steady and manageable
• About 30 digital pictures captured during the session (underwater photos cost extra)
• Small group size of up to 10, which helps you get closer instructor attention

Why Playa Chica makes a smart first scuba experience

Playa Chica is one of those places where the water conditions can work in your favor. The big reason I’d point you here as a beginner is the protected bay setup. Starting in a quieter, calmer area helps you focus on the basics—breathing, staying relaxed, and getting your body comfortable in gear—without fighting rough surf or strong currents.

You’ll also get the psychological win of being able to look at the sea life while still feeling close to the surface. Early on, that matters. When you’re new, being able to check depth, feel steady in the water, and know your instructor is right there makes the whole experience feel safer and more fun.

Another practical plus: the entry is from the beach. That’s usually easier than hopping into a boat, especially when you’re still learning how your body responds in scuba gear.

The 15-minute briefing, medical questionnaire, and gear fitting

Before anything happens in the water, you’ll get a short lesson that covers the key things you must know to do the session safely. Plan on about 15 minutes of explanation before suiting up. This isn’t just random talk—it’s the setup that helps you understand what you’ll practice once you’re under.

You’ll also need to fill out a medical questionnaire before the program starts. That’s standard, and it’s worth taking seriously. If you have any health concerns, answer carefully and follow the team’s guidance. It’s the quickest way to avoid problems later.

Then comes the part that many first-timers underestimate: proper fitting. The program includes full scuba equipment and a wetsuit, and the instructor works with you as you get into it. When gear is fitted well, your breathing feels more natural and you spend less energy adjusting everything while you’re supposed to be learning.

What happens in the water: shallow skills, then up to 6 meters max

Once you’re in, the session follows a beginner-friendly rhythm. You start in the shallow part of the bay to get used to breathing and to learn a few essential skills. This is where most first-timers breathe better—literally—because you’re not yet dealing with the mental load of deeper water.

Then you gradually move deeper with the instructor’s guidance. The maximum planned depth is 6 meters. That depth limit is a big deal for new scuba participants because it keeps the experience within a comfortable training range while still giving you plenty of underwater time to actually see the sea life.

During the session, you’ll be close to the instructor the whole time, and you’ll likely feel that early weightlessness people talk about. The key is that it happens after you’ve already practiced the breathing basics—so it doesn’t feel scary. It feels surprising in a good way.

Also note the session timing: the whole experience is about 2 hours. That’s enough time to do the setup, learn the basics, and enjoy the underwater part without dragging on.

Fish sightings and the photo situation (what’s included, what costs extra)

The underwater payoff is straightforward: you’ll see lots of fish while you’re in the bay. Because this is a beginner-oriented session in a protected area, you’re not racing to far-off sites. You’re staying in a place where the instructor can keep everyone together and focused, while you still get real underwater sights.

Photos are part of the plan, too. You can expect around 30 digital pictures taken during the session. That’s great for first-timers because it means you don’t need to worry about bringing a camera or figuring out how to capture shots while learning.

Here’s the money detail to plan for: underwater photos of your first water session are not included and cost 20 Euro. So you can treat it like this—photos are taken whether you buy later or not, but if you want the photos for keeps, you’ll likely pay that add-on.

Quick tip: if you’re even slightly unsure, ask the team at the start how they deliver the photos and what the 20 Euro option includes. That way there are no surprises while you’re still thinking about buoyancy and fish.

Instructor attention and small group size (up to 10)

A big reason this feels good for beginners is the maximum group size of 10. Smaller groups tend to mean more hands-on attention. In a scuba setup, that matters because early on you’ll probably have questions and you’ll need quick feedback when something feels off.

One review highlighted a specific instructor: Marta Soriano. The feedback credited her directly for making the experience unforgettable and highly recommended. While every instructor style differs, that’s a good sign that the team tends to be professional and encouraging.

What you should expect from the instructor role (based on how the session is structured) is not just a checklist. You’ll be doing shallow breathing practice and skills, then gradually going deeper. That requires steady guidance and clear cues, and a small group helps the instructor keep track of everyone.

If you’re the type who learns best by being shown rather than just told, this setup is likely to suit you.

Price and value: what you pay (and what you should budget for)

The price is $89.01 per person for the beginner scuba experience. For a two-hour program with full equipment included, that can be decent value—especially if you’re comparing it to costs that often pile up for rentals and guided instruction separately.

What’s clearly included:

• Use of scuba equipment

What’s not included:

• Underwater photos for your first water session (20 Euro)

So your “real total” is likely $89.01 plus that optional photo add-on, depending on what you want. If you’re the sort of traveler who always comes back with at least one good photo set, the 20 Euro might feel like a fair souvenir price. If you don’t care about underwater photos, you can keep the budget tighter.

One more timing detail that affects value: this is often booked about 14 days in advance on average. If you’re traveling in peak season or on a popular day, book ahead so you’re not stuck waiting for a later slot.

Where to meet in Puerto del Carmen for the 12:00 pm start

You’ll meet at:

Paseo de la Barilla, 4, 35510 Puerto del Carmen, Las Palmas, Spain

The session starts at 12:00 pm and ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup is offered, which is a real convenience if you don’t want to deal with timing buses or taxis. Still, even with pickup, you’ll want to be at the meeting area early enough to get signed in and fitted.

The meeting point is listed as near public transportation. That helps if you’re staying in town and prefer to arrive on your own schedule.

You’ll also use a mobile ticket, so have it ready on your phone. (And yes, bring a fully charged battery—nothing ruins a first experience like being stuck hunting for Wi-Fi.)

Weather matters more than you think

This kind of water activity depends on conditions. The experience requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, the team will offer a different date or a full refund.

Because this is a beginner session in a bay, you might assume weather won’t matter much. But it does. Wind and water conditions can change quickly, and safety comes first. If the forecast looks iffy, consider building flexibility into the rest of your day.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel in time, so you don’t have to lock everything in permanently—but do keep an eye on conditions as you get closer.

Who should book this, and who might want another option

This works best if:

• You’re a beginner who wants instruction before going underwater
• You want a controlled experience with a max of 6 meters
• You like the idea of seeing fish in an easy-to-manage bay setting
• You prefer a smaller group (up to 10) and hands-on coaching

You might choose a different option if you’re already advanced and looking for bigger depth profiles or longer, more exploratory underwater routes. This experience is about learning and getting comfortable, not chasing distant dive spots.

Health note: because you fill out a medical questionnaire, this is also a good reminder that scuba isn’t something to treat casually. If you have conditions that need approval, deal with that early so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Should you book this beginner scuba session from Playa Chica?

I’d tell you to book it if you want an easy on-ramp to scuba in Lanzarote—especially if you value clear instruction, a calm entry from Playa Chica, and a realistic depth target. The structure makes sense: briefing first, then shallow breathing practice and skills, then a gradual descent to 6 meters max with lots of fish in view.

The one thing I’d watch is the photo cost. Since underwater photos are 20 Euro and not included, decide upfront whether you want that souvenir set. If you do, it’s a small add-on relative to the overall price. If you don’t, you can treat the session as the main event and skip the extras.

If you’re traveling around Puerto del Carmen and want a memorable first scuba experience without chaos, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the session?

The meeting point is Paseo de la Barilla, 4, 35510 Puerto del Carmen, Las Palmas, Spain.

What time does the beginner session start?

The start time is 12:00 pm.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts about 2 hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes use of scuba equipment.

What is the maximum depth?

The maximum planned depth is 6 meters.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is a medical questionnaire required?

Yes. Before you start, you’ll need to fill out a medical questionnaire to check that you’re fit to dive.

Are underwater photos included?

No. Underwater photos of your first water session are not included and cost 20 Euro.

What happens if weather is poor?

If the activity is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.