Puerto del Carmen: Guided Scuba Dive (certified only)

Angel sharks make this underwater trip special. This 2.5-hour outing takes certified divers from Atlantis Diving Lanzarote by speedboat to one of Lanzarote’s best-known underwater areas, with an instructor, a small group, and well-maintained Cressi equipment. I like the six-person group limit and the chance to explore a protected marine area rather than simply practice near shore.

I also like that the group is kept at a similar certification level, which should make the session safer and more comfortable. The main consideration is that the price of $63 does not include diving insurance, hotel transport, or any guarantee of a particular site, since sea and weather conditions decide where you go.

Key points to know before booking

• Angel sharks are the star attraction: You may see these native animals along with other protected marine life.
• A speedboat gets you to the site: The RIB boat makes the outing feel active and saves time compared with a slower transfer.
• Only certified divers can join: PADI, SSI CMAS, and equivalent certificates are accepted.
• Small groups matter underwater: A maximum of six participants allows closer attention from the instructor.
• Equipment is replaced yearly: The center uses Cressi gear and says it renews the equipment each year.
• The site depends on conditions: Sea state and weather may change the location of your underwater session.

What the Puerto del Carmen outing is really like

This is not a beginner lesson or a first-time introduction to scuba. You need a current certification such as Open Water Diver, Advanced, Rescue Diver, or an equivalent qualification from PADI, SSI CMAS, or another recognized system.

The activity begins at Atlantis Diving Lanzarote, located on the lower level of the commercial center. You reach the center by using the long ramp, then get fitted with your equipment before heading to the boat.

The total time is about 2.5 hours. That includes preparation, travel by RIB boat, the underwater session, and the return to the center. The exact starting time depends on availability, so check the schedule carefully when you book.

I like this format for a holiday morning or afternoon because it gives you a proper marine outing without taking up an entire day. You should still allow extra time before and after the official duration if you need to change clothes, organize personal items, or arrange transport to and from Puerto del Carmen.

Getting ready at Atlantis Diving Lanzarote

The equipment fitting is an important part of the morning, not just a quick handoff. You receive scuba equipment from the center, including Cressi gear that is replaced yearly according to the activity details.

That yearly replacement policy may reassure you if you are particular about rental equipment. It does not remove the need to inspect your kit, check the fit, and tell the instructor immediately if anything feels wrong. A mask that leaks or a suit that fits poorly can distract you throughout the session.

Bring your diving certification. You also need a medical statement. If you do not have a current medical certificate, you may complete a medical questionnaire and self-certify, provided you meet the conditions stated by the center.

The session is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart problems or epilepsy. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, which is a basic but important safety rule for any scuba activity.

The center can arrange diving insurance for €8 per day. Since insurance is not included in the $63 price, factor that extra cost into your budget before you decide the outing represents good value.

A speedboat ride to Lanzarote’s underwater world

Once everyone is ready, you board a RIB boat and travel from Puerto del Carmen toward the selected site. The boat is part of the appeal here. You are not simply walking into the water from a beach, and the short transfer helps the activity feel like a real sea expedition without turning it into a full-day cruise.

The chosen site can change. Sea conditions and weather determine where the group goes, so you should think of the advertised marine life as a possibility rather than a fixed promise.

That flexibility is sensible. A good instructor will choose a site that suits the conditions and the group’s certification level instead of forcing a particular location in poor weather. The tradeoff is that you may have a different underwater setting from the one you imagined when booking.

The group is made up of participants at the same certification level. This is useful because the pace and technical expectations should be more consistent. A group of six is also small enough for the instructor to keep track of everyone without the crowded feel of a large boat operation.

Meeting angel sharks near Puerto del Carmen

The main natural attraction is the possibility of seeing angel sharks. These unusual native animals are one of the most memorable reasons to choose this session instead of a standard pool practice or casual snorkeling trip.

You will also look for other marine life and protected flora and fauna. Lanzarote forms part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where natural ecosystems receive special conservation attention. That status gives the underwater setting added importance, though it does not guarantee a particular animal sighting.

Angel sharks are wild creatures, not a scheduled performance. Your chance of seeing one depends on location, visibility, conditions, and luck. I would book this for access to a protected marine environment and the possibility of an encounter, not as a guaranteed animal show.

The activity emphasizes good visibility. Clear water can make a major difference for certified divers, especially if you want to observe marine life rather than focus on navigation and basic skills. Still, visibility can vary, and the weather may affect the site selection.

Why the instructor and group size matter

A certified scuba instructor accompanies the group. The instructor’s role is especially important because this is an open-water session in changing conditions, not a controlled indoor exercise.

The instructor can help with equipment, site choices, group pace, and underwater awareness. The supplied languages are Catalan, English, Spanish, and Italian, so you should have a better chance of receiving safety instructions in a language you understand.

The group limit of six participants is one of the strongest practical features. Small groups usually make it easier to ask questions, stay near the instructor, and receive help if you have trouble with equipment or buoyancy.

That said, the experience is still aimed at certified participants. You are expected to arrive with basic scuba skills rather than rely on the instructor for a complete lesson. If you have not been in the water for a long time, ask about your comfort level before booking and be honest about your recent experience.

What the $63 price includes

At $63 per person, the price covers the core parts of the outing:

• Boat transportation to and from the selected site
• Scuba equipment
• A certified guide

That makes the price fairly easy to understand. You are paying for a guided marine session with equipment and boat access, rather than paying separately for each of those main elements.

The extra costs are just as important. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and diving insurance is separate. The center can arrange insurance for €8 per day, so the actual cost may be higher than the headline price.

For a certified diver who already plans to be in Puerto del Carmen, the value is strongest. You get a small group, boat access, equipment, and professional supervision in one compact activity.

The value is weaker if you need a transfer from another part of Lanzarote, need insurance, or expect a specific site and guaranteed angel shark sighting. You should also remember that the equipment is supplied for the session, but the activity does not include a longer training course or certification upgrade.

Who will enjoy this most

This outing suits certified divers who want a short, organized way to see Lanzarote underwater. It is particularly practical if you are staying in or near Puerto del Carmen and do not want to spend an entire day at sea.

It also suits divers who prefer small groups. The six-person maximum gives the session a more personal feel than a large boat operation, and keeping participants at a similar certification level should make the pace easier to manage.

You might also choose it if native marine life interests you more than a standard recreational swim. The chance to see angel sharks gives the outing a clear identity.

I would be more cautious if you are newly certified, have not used scuba equipment recently, or feel uncertain about completing an open-water session. The instructor is there to guide you, but this is not a beginner course.

It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart problems or epilepsy. If you have a medical concern, you should resolve it before booking rather than wait until the morning of the activity.

Practical tips for a smoother morning

Bring your certification and medical statement. If you plan to use the medical questionnaire instead of a current medical certificate, complete the process carefully and ask the center if anything is unclear.

Wear practical swimwear under your equipment and bring anything you normally need after a boat trip. The supplied details do not specify a full packing list, so keep your personal belongings simple and follow the center’s instructions.

Do not assume hotel transport is arranged. You need to reach Atlantis Diving Lanzarote at the commercial center yourself. The meeting point is on the lower level, accessible by a long ramp.

Check the starting time when booking. The activity lasts 2.5 hours, but the available start times can vary.

Stay flexible about the site. The final location may change with weather and sea conditions. This is a safety feature, not a flaw, but it means you should avoid promising yourself a certain route or animal encounter.

Finally, ask about insurance before the session begins if you do not already have appropriate cover. The €8 daily option is an additional cost, but it may be worth considering for peace of mind.

Cancellation and booking flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which can help if your Lanzarote schedule is still moving around.

The small group size means spaces may be limited. If your dates are fixed, it is sensible to check availability early, especially if you need a particular language or time of day.

My verdict on this Puerto del Carmen scuba session

I like this outing for its clear focus: certified divers, a small group, a speedboat, and a chance to see Lanzarote’s protected marine life. The possibility of angel sharks gives it more character than a generic equipment-and-water session.

The price is reasonable when you include the boat, gear, and guide, but remember the separate insurance and your own transport to the center. The changing site is also worth accepting before you book.

Book it if you are certified, comfortable in open water, and want a compact marine adventure with professional support. Skip it if you need beginner instruction, a guaranteed animal sighting, or a fully inclusive package with hotel pickup.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for beginners?

No. It is only for certified divers with a PADI, SSI CMAS, or equivalent certification, such as Open Water Diver, Advanced, or Rescue Diver.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including preparation, boat transportation, the underwater session, and the return to the meeting point.

Where does the activity begin?

You meet at Atlantis Diving Lanzarote on the lower level of the commercial center. The center is accessible by a long ramp.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point at Atlantis Diving Lanzarote.

Is scuba equipment included?

Yes. Scuba equipment is included, and the center uses Cressi equipment that is replaced yearly according to the activity information.

Is diving insurance included in the price?

No. Diving insurance is not included. The center can arrange insurance for €8 per day.

Can I see angel sharks?

The activity visits areas where you may see native angel sharks and other protected marine life. Sightings are not guaranteed, and the site may change according to sea and weather conditions.

What languages are available?

The live guide is available in Catalan, English, Spanish, and Italian.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.