Snorkelling off Puerto del Carmen is a fast way to feel the sea come alive. In this 1.5-hour Playa Chica experience, you get a guide-led setup and training so you can focus on fish, not fumbling gear. I love that the lesson is structured: practice breathing in shallow water, then a guided swim where you can spot species like bream and colourful wrasse. I also like that the shop at Manta Diving Lanzarote keeps it small, with groups capped at 10, so you’re not lost in the crowd. One thing to keep in mind: this activity needs good weather, so if conditions are poor you’ll need to be flexible with your date.

If you’re new to snorkelling, the flow is pretty confidence-building. You’ll be kitted out with a wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins, and the guide helps you get set before you enter the water. A short practice stretch makes a big difference—clearing your mask and snorkel and learning to move with fins before you’re “on the route.” The potential drawback is simple: you’re on the water about 30–45 minutes, so think of it as a focused taste, not a long, wandering session.

Key things that make this snorkelling trip worth it

• A real beginner briefing: breathing with the snorkel, clearing gear, and fin technique before you swim out
• Playa Chica bay’s calm setup: shallow-water practice first, then guided spotting in the same area
• Small group size (max 10): easier attention and safer pacing in the water
• Equipment included: wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins—so you don’t waste time shopping
• Guides with clear, caring coaching: some sessions run with instructors like Sam or Víctor, known for being attentive
• You may get photos/videos after: a nice extra for sharing, if the team offers it

From shore to sea: how the session actually runs

This snorkelling experience is built like a lesson, not a free-for-all. The whole thing lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, starting and ending back at Manta Diving Lanzarote on C. Tenerife in Puerto del Carmen. The meeting point is near public transportation, which is useful if you’re not relying on a taxi.

The big idea is that you don’t just get gear and jump in. Your instructor gives you a briefing covering snorkelling basics and what you’re likely to see underwater. That matters because “snorkel confidence” is mostly technique: how you breathe, how you handle water in your mask, and how you move with fins without kicking like a maniac.

Gear fitting: wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins

You’ll receive a wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins. Then you’ll work through the basics on land first, with the guide showing you how to put on the equipment properly. If you’ve ever worn a mask that feels wrong after you’re already in the water, you’ll appreciate this. Getting it right before you enter reduces irritation and stops the annoying adjustments that can take up your limited time.

The guide also helps you get comfortable with the fins. This is a small detail, but it’s one of the most important parts of the experience—good fin control lets you swim steadily, which makes it easier to watch fish instead of battling your body position.

The shallow-water practice: where beginners get real momentum

Before anyone heads out, you start snorkelling in shallow water. That’s where you practice breathing with the snorkel. You also learn the basics of what to do if water enters your mask or snorkel, because it happens. The guide shows you what to do so you’re not panicking underwater.

This is where the small-group structure pays off. With fewer people, it’s easier for the instructor to check your technique. It also means you can ask questions when something feels off, instead of waiting until the end.

Playa Chica bay: why this spot helps you see fish

The tour snorkels in crystal clear waters of Playa Chica. Even if you’ve never snorkelled before, this kind of setting makes a difference. Clear water means you spend more time looking and less time squinting.

Playa Chica is also treated as the key location for marine life viewing in this experience. Your guide will show you where to look and what to watch for as you move through the water.

What you can spot (based on what the guide highlights)

You’ll be encouraged to keep an eye out for shoals of bream. You may also see colourful ornate wrasse, canarian and atlantic damsel fish, and parrot fish. Even if you don’t learn every name, you’ll still get the core experience: moving through water while schools and reef fish drift in and out of your view.

A practical tip: when you first enter the guided swim, don’t chase fish that dart away. Instead, settle into a calm pace and scan the areas your guide points out. Most of the best sightings come when you slow down and let the motion of the water do some of the work.

The guided swim: 30–45 minutes of real underwater time

Once the group is comfortable, the guide takes everyone on the snorkelling tour for about 30–45 minutes. This is the main event.

What I like here is that the guidance continues after the training. You’re not just released to fend for yourself. The instructor helps you move and shows you different marine life along the route.

Movement with fins: the secret to staying relaxed

In snorkelling, the goal isn’t speed. It’s control. The guide teaches you how to move with fins so you can hover and glide rather than constantly sink and kick.

If you tend to get tired easily, focus on small, steady movements. The more controlled you are, the more energy you save for watching fish.

How long is enough?

Thirty to forty-five minutes sounds short until you remember the setup time and learning curve. With beginners, the real win is that you get guidance early, so you actually enjoy the time you’re in the water. Think of this as a structured introduction: you leave with competence, not just a memory.

Guides who keep it safe and simple

Good guides are what separate a relaxing snorkel from a stressful one. Here, you’ll get instruction before entering the sea, plus ongoing support during the swim.

The reviews highlight guides like Sam and Víctor for being helpful, attentive, and reassuring. That shows up in the details: making sure you understand how to use the equipment, checking that you’re comfortable in shallow water, and staying close enough that you can enjoy the experience without constantly wondering what to do next.

One more smart touch from the way the session is described: the briefing is framed as short but effective. You get the essentials you need to snorkel well, without a long lecture that drains your energy before you even get wet.

Price and value: is $40.12 a fair deal?

At about $40.12 per person, this is priced like a straightforward, beginner-friendly activity with instruction and equipment included. And that’s the key part of value here: you’re not paying extra for the basics.

You get:

• wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins (all provided)
• a briefing and in-water coaching
• a guided swim where you’re shown what to look for
• a session built around shallow-water practice

Also, the group size is capped at 10, which usually helps the guide keep eyes on everyone. That’s hard to price, but you feel it when you’re the one borrowing experience with equipment you haven’t used before.

If you’re booking in peak season, it’s smart to reserve ahead. On average, this is booked about 14 days in advance. Early booking usually also gives you more schedule choices, especially since the activity depends on weather.

What to bring (and what you can skip)

You’re given the snorkelling kit, so you can travel light. The tour is designed to be accessible for most people, with beginners specifically called out as a good match.

Still, I’d plan for the basics you’ll want on any beach water activity:

• Swimwear under the wetsuit (you can confirm what’s best before you go)
• Sunscreen for the parts of you not covered by the wetsuit
• A towel for after
• A phone in a waterproof pouch if you’re using it for photos

Also, because you’re starting at a set meeting point and ending back there, you don’t need to plan complicated logistics during the session.

The practical reality: weather and timing

This experience requires good weather. That means the ocean conditions matter more than your calendar will like.

If the trip is cancelled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s worth keeping in mind when you’re planning your Lanzarote days. If you’re visiting for only a short time, consider booking this earlier in your stay so you have backup options if conditions turn.

Timing-wise, you’re looking at about 1 hour 30 minutes total. It’s not a half-day commitment, which makes it a good add-on to a bigger Puerto del Carmen plan.

Who this snorkelling trip suits best

This is a strong choice if:

• you’re a beginner and want structure, not just gear
• you want guided spotting of fish species rather than wandering randomly
• you prefer a small group (max 10) so the instructor can actually help
• you want a wetsuit snorkel in Playa Chica rather than a tougher, deeper-water outing

It’s also a good option if you’re travelling with someone who’s unsure about snorkelling. The shallow-water practice and clear instruction reduce the guesswork for both of you.

If you’re an experienced snorkeller chasing long swim times or challenging conditions, this might feel short. The upside is that you’ll likely leave feeling more confident and comfortable in calm, clear water.

Should you book snorkelling in Puerto del Carmen?

Book it if you want a beginner-friendly, guided introduction to Lanzarote’s underwater life in a friendly setting like Playa Chica. The best reasons to choose this one are the training before you swim, the small group size, and the fact that the key equipment is included.

Skip it or consider alternatives if you’re set on a longer snorkel session or you only have one rigid day planned (because it’s weather dependent). Also, if you expect huge, dramatic underwater landscapes, remember this is a short, guided experience designed around fish spotting and comfortable technique.

If your goal is simple and solid—get in the water, see marine life, and come out feeling like you did it right—this is an easy yes.

FAQ

Where does the snorkelling tour start?

The experience starts at Manta Diving Lanzarote, C. Tenerife, 2, 35510 Puerto del Carmen, Las Palmas, Spain. It ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the snorkelling experience?

The total duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Is the tour beginner-friendly?

Yes. It’s designed for beginners, and you can snorkel with no previous experience. The guide covers the basics and you practice in shallow water first.

What snorkelling equipment is included?

You’re provided with a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins.

What marine life might I see?

You can keep an eye out for shoals of bream, ornate wrasse, canarian and atlantic damsel fish, and parrot fish.

How big are the groups?

The group size is capped at a maximum of 10 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.