Lanzarote: Beginner Try Scuba Diving Costa Teguise (2 dives)

Lanzarote gets even better below sea level. This six-hour Costa Teguise experience gives beginners a calm introduction to scuba with a safety lesson, full equipment, and two guided underwater sessions at Playa Chica. You start shallow, at 3 to 5 meters, then continue as deep as 12 meters once you feel more at ease.

I like the small groups of up to three people, which give the instructor room to watch each person closely. I also like the two-stage plan: the first session is about getting comfortable, while the second usually feels more relaxed because you already know the gear and basic hand signals. The main consideration is that this is not suitable for non-swimmers or people with several listed medical conditions, and the six-hour schedule includes a long break between sessions.

The instructors receive especially warm praise for their patience. Götz is singled out for explaining everything carefully and keeping a close eye on the group underwater, while Michi handles pickup planning. The experience can suit a first-time scuba participant well, but you should be comfortable in the water and complete the required medical questionnaire before entering the sea.

Key points to know before booking

• Two sessions at different depths: The first lasts about 40 minutes in 3 to 5 meters of water. The second lasts about 40 minutes at 6 to 12 meters.

• Very small groups: Groups are limited to three people, with private options also available.

• Shore entry at Playa Chica: The standard plan uses Playa Chica, with transport to another site if weather requires it.

• Patient instruction: Götz is praised for taking his time, explaining clearly, and staying alert to each participant underwater.

• Pickup across the resort area: Transport is available from Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Tahiche, and Las Caletas, with advance accommodation details needed.

• Marine life at close range: You might see cuttlefish, octopuses, breams, seahorses, and other fish.

Why this Costa Teguise experience works for beginners

Trying scuba for the first time can feel like a lot at once. You must manage a mask, breathing equipment, buoyancy, hand signals, and the strange feeling of hearing your own breath underwater. This outing deals with that by keeping the first session shallow and placing an instructor beside you.

The opening theory and safety briefing lasts about 20 minutes at Playa Chica. You learn how the equipment works, how to communicate underwater, and what to do if you feel uncomfortable. That short lesson matters because the goal is not simply to get you into the sea. It is to help you know what normal sensations feel like and how to respond calmly.

The limited group size is a real advantage. With no more than three participants, the instructor can give individual help rather than trying to manage a large line of beginners. That is especially useful during the first few minutes, when you are adjusting to the mask and regulator.

I also like the way the program gives you two chances instead of one long attempt. The first session can be used to find your breathing rhythm and settle your nerves. By the second, you have already worn the equipment underwater, practiced basic communication, and learned how to move with less fuss.

Pickup from Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Tahiche, or Las Caletas

The day begins with hotel or accommodation pickup in Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Tahiche, or Las Caletas. You need to provide your accommodation details when booking so the pickup can be arranged. The transport includes short and longer van segments, with the stated journey taking about 8 minutes and another taking about 30 minutes.

That transport is useful if you do not have a rental car, but it also means your day follows the operator’s schedule. You should allow the full six hours rather than trying to fit this neatly into a short gap between other plans.

The usual destination is Playa Chica. If weather conditions make another site more suitable, transport to a different location is provided when necessary. That flexibility is sensible for a sea-based activity, since the best entry point can change with conditions.

Pickup and return are included from the named areas, but food and drinks are not. Eat something light before setting out, as recommended, and bring water for the day. Do not arrive after drinking alcohol, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed during the activity.

Playa Chica and the first shallow session

At Playa Chica, you begin with the safety and theory briefing before getting into the water. This is the point where you are introduced to the equipment and underwater communication. If you feel nervous, speak up early. The small-group format allows the instructor to slow down and address concerns before the session begins.

The first underwater session reaches a maximum depth of 5 meters and lasts around 40 minutes. That shallow limit is not just a technical detail. It gives you room to focus on breathing and basic movement without immediately adding the pressure of a deeper setting.

The first session is also where the guide checks how you respond to the equipment. Your comfort level may change once you are in the water, and a patient instructor can make a large difference. Götz receives particularly strong praise for letting people take their time instead of rushing them.

Expect this part to feel more like practice with wildlife nearby than a fast-moving sightseeing trip. You may see fish and other marine life while your attention remains on staying calm and following the instructor’s signals. Cuttlefish, octopuses, breams, and seahorses are among the creatures you might encounter.

The session lasts around 40 minutes, but the total time in the water can feel shorter if you are concentrating hard. That is normal for a first attempt. The value lies in getting comfortable enough to continue, not in covering a large distance.

The one-hour break between sessions

After the first session, you have about an hour to rest. This is a useful pause rather than dead time. You can dry off, regain your energy, ask questions, and think through anything that felt unfamiliar.

The break also gives you a chance to decide what you need from the second session. Perhaps you want to improve your breathing, adjust the mask, or ask for another explanation of hand signals. Use the instructor while you have the chance. A beginner program works best when you speak plainly about what feels easy and what does not.

You need to bring your own swimwear and towel. Food and drinks are not included, so plan ahead. A light meal before the activity is recommended, but avoid turning up overly full just before entering the water.

The six-hour duration may feel long if you expected two short sessions. In practice, the briefing, transport, equipment preparation, two water sessions, and rest period fill the day. I would avoid scheduling another major activity immediately afterward.

The second session, up to 12 meters

The second session reaches between 6 and 12 meters and lasts about 40 minutes. By now, you have already used the equipment and know the basic routine, so this part is often calmer. The extra depth gives you a broader underwater setting, while the instructor remains with you.

You should not read the 12-meter maximum as a promise that every participant will reach that depth. The actual plan depends on your comfort, the instructor’s judgment, and the conditions on the day. For a first experience, feeling in control is more important than reaching the deepest stated point.

This second session is where the two-part structure pays off. You have already handled the initial surprise of breathing underwater. You can spend more attention looking around, watching fish, and noticing the shape of the seabed rather than thinking about every piece of equipment.

The small group remains important here. An instructor watching three people can keep close track of each participant and respond quickly if someone needs help. One participant specifically praised Götz for maintaining a watchful eye underwater while the group saw fish, seahorses, and octopuses.

What you might see under Lanzarote’s water

The marine life is one of the strongest reasons to choose this activity instead of treating scuba as a quick equipment test. Cuttlefish may change the feel of the encounter because they move in a more unusual way than schooling fish. Octopuses can be harder to spot, which makes the instructor’s guidance useful.

Breams and other fish are also possible sightings. Seahorses are mentioned among the creatures seen during one outing, though wildlife can never be guaranteed. You should come ready for a natural setting, not a staged display.

Your experience of the wildlife will depend on visibility, weather, the site selected, and how confidently you move underwater. Beginners often see more once they settle down. Slow breathing and following the instructor’s pace can help you notice small creatures instead of rushing past them.

There is also a practical lesson here: the best day is not necessarily the day with the longest list of animals. A calm, supportive introduction can matter more than a rare sighting, especially if this is your first time using scuba equipment.

The guides and the feel of the instruction

The most highly praised part of this experience is the instruction. Götz is described as careful, patient, and attentive. One participant appreciated being allowed to get used to the equipment without pressure, while another noted the balance between humor and seriousness.

That balance suits beginners. Too much joking can make safety instructions feel casual, but an overly stern approach can make a nervous person tense. The feedback points to an instructor who keeps the mood friendly while treating the water and equipment with proper care.

Michi is associated with the planning and pickup arrangements, which were described as uncomplicated and punctual. That matters because a smooth start removes one common source of stress on an activity day.

Instruction is available in Spanish, English, German, and Irish. If language support is important to you, check that your preferred instructor is available at your chosen time. Private and small-group options are offered, so you can ask about the format that best matches your needs.

Is $147 a fair price?

At $147 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Lanzarote. It includes two guided sessions, equipment, diving insurance, the theory and safety briefing, and transport when required. Pickup and return are also included from Costa Teguise, Tahiche, and Arrecife, with Las Caletas listed as a pickup and return point as well.

The value comes from the instruction and the small group, not just from time in the water. If you were to arrange equipment, insurance, transport, and a private guide separately, the cost could rise quickly. Here, the key benefit is having a trained instructor beside you throughout both sessions.

Photos are not included, so you should not expect an image package as part of the price. Food and drinks are also extra. If taking underwater pictures matters to you, ask about the available options before booking rather than assuming they are part of the package.

For someone who wants a careful first taste of scuba, the price is easier to justify. If you are already certified and have plenty of experience, the shallow first session and beginner pacing may feel too basic for the money.

Who should book this activity?

This outing is best for a first-time participant who can swim, feels reasonably comfortable in the sea, and wants close guidance rather than a large group. The age limit is 10 years and above. It can work well for a couple, friends, or a family with older children, provided everyone meets the health and swimming requirements.

You should not book if you are a non-swimmer, pregnant, or have back, heart, respiratory, mobility, or claustrophobia concerns. The restrictions also include epilepsy, a current cold, recent surgery, and other pre-existing medical conditions.

Every participant must complete a medical questionnaire at the dive center. If you have a medical condition that is not clearly covered by the list, contact the provider before booking and ask if scuba is suitable. Do not wait until the activity day to raise a serious concern.

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, and a towel. The activity requires a valid identity document, and you should plan for a full half-day away from your accommodation.

Practical verdict for your Lanzarote plans

I would book this if you want a gentle first step into scuba and value patient supervision. The two sessions let you build confidence gradually, while the three-person group limit gives the instructor time to help each participant.

I would skip it if you cannot swim, have one of the listed health restrictions, or want a fast, deep underwater trip with little instruction. At $147, the experience makes the most sense for beginners who will use the guidance, transport, equipment, and insurance.

For the best chance of enjoying it, eat lightly, arrive with the right documents, bring a towel, and tell the instructor exactly how you feel. If you do that, the second session may be the point where scuba stops feeling strange and starts feeling like a new way to see Lanzarote.

FAQ

How long does the Costa Teguise scuba experience last?

The activity lasts about six hours, including pickup, transport, the briefing, two underwater sessions, and a break.

How deep are the two underwater sessions?

The first session reaches 3 to 5 meters. The second reaches between 6 and 12 meters.

How long does each session last?

Each session lasts around 40 minutes with an instructor.

Is previous scuba experience required?

No. The activity is designed as a beginner introduction and includes equipment instruction, underwater communication, theory, and safety guidance.

How many people are in each group?

Groups include no more than three people. Private groups are also available.

Where does the activity take place?

The usual site is Playa Chica. Another site may be used if weather conditions require it, with transport provided when necessary.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and return are available from Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Tahiche, and Las Caletas. You need to provide your accommodation details when booking.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, and a towel. Food, drinks, and photos are not included.