Puerto del Carmen: 2 Guided Scuba Dives (certified only)

Puerto del Carmen’s underwater world is the real draw here, especially the chance to look for angel sharks in one of their last stable habitats. I like the small guide groups, limited to four divers per guide, and the way the skipper chooses sites according to the day’s sea and weather. That makes the outing feel safer and more personal than a large boat operation.

I also like that the package includes the full set of scuba equipment, a van transfer, and the RIB boat ride. The main consideration is that this is strictly for certified divers, and diving insurance is not included in the price. If your certification is current and you want two proper underwater sessions rather than a beginner lesson, this is a focused half-day option.

Key points to know before you book

• Angel shark territory: Puerto del Carmen lies within a protected biosphere where you may look for the area’s rare angel sharks.
• Two guided sessions: You spend about two hours underwater in total, with sites selected according to sea and weather conditions.
• Small groups: No more than four divers are assigned to one guide, and the group is arranged by certification level.
• Annual equipment replacement: The included Cressi gear is regularly replaced each year, with a dive computer supplied.
• Simple transport: A van takes you from Atlantis Diving Lanzarote to the RIB launch point, then brings you back after the boat trip.
• Certified divers only: PADI, SSI, or CMAS Open Water, Advanced, and Rescue certifications are accepted.

Puerto del Carmen’s protected underwater world

Puerto del Carmen is one of Lanzarote’s best-known places for water activities, but the appeal here is below the surface. You head into waters within a biosphere reserve, where much of the marine life and underwater plant life receives protection.

That protection matters because you are not simply looking at a bare seafloor. The area supports a range of marine life, including the angel shark, known scientifically as Squatina squatina. The waters around Lanzarote hold the only remaining stable population of this species, making the possibility of seeing one a major reason to choose this trip.

I would treat an angel shark sighting as a bonus, not a promise. Marine animals do not follow a schedule, and the skipper’s choice of sites cannot guarantee a particular encounter. Still, having a guide who knows the local sites gives you a better chance of noticing creatures you might swim past on your own.

The clear water is another strong point. Good visibility helps you read the underwater scene, watch your position, and spot marine life at a sensible distance. It also makes the trip appealing if you want to build confidence after a period away from scuba activities.

Meeting at Atlantis Diving Lanzarote

Your morning begins at Atlantis Diving Lanzarote, located on the lower level of a commercial center. Access is by the long ramp, so allow a little time to find the entrance rather than rushing in at the last minute.

You will meet the team, present your certification, and get ready for the transfer. Bring your diving certification and medical statement. If you do not have a current medical certificate, you may complete a medical questionnaire and self-certify, provided you meet the stated health requirements.

This is not a casual tryout session. You need a current certification from PADI, SSI, or CMAS at Open Water, Advanced, or Rescue level. The structure is designed for people who already know basic scuba procedures and can manage themselves in the water.

The guide groups divers by certification level. That is an important practical detail. A group of similar ability can move at a more comfortable pace, and it avoids putting a newly qualified Open Water diver in the same group as someone seeking a more demanding outing.

The van transfer and RIB boat ride

After the preparation at the center, a comfortable van takes you to the RIB speedboat launch site. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Atlantis Diving Lanzarote at the start and finish.

The van transfer keeps the arrangement straightforward. You do not need to carry tanks and a full set of equipment through town or arrange a separate taxi to the boat. The included transport also means the outing works as one connected half-day activity rather than a series of separate bookings.

The RIB gives the group access to underwater sites around Puerto del Carmen. The skipper decides where to go based on sea and weather conditions. I see this as a benefit rather than a missing fixed itinerary. Water conditions can change, and a site that is excellent on one morning may be less comfortable or less suitable later in the day.

The tradeoff is that you cannot choose a named site in advance. If you have your heart set on one particular location, this flexibility may feel vague. If your priority is a safe and worthwhile day on the water, local decisions based on conditions are usually more useful than a rigid route.

Two underwater sessions, chosen for the day

The central part of the outing is two guided scuba sessions around Puerto del Carmen. Together, the underwater portion lasts about two hours, within a total activity time of roughly four hours.

You follow the guide rather than setting your own route. That helps with navigation and lets you pay more attention to the marine life around you. A local guide can also point out creatures that blend into the seafloor, including the angel shark you are hoping to find.

The group limit is no more than six participants overall, with no more than four divers per guide. That is small enough for the guide to keep track of the group without creating the feel of a crowded boat outing.

The guide group is also matched by certification level. For you, this means the pace and general expectations should be more consistent. It does not remove the need to be comfortable with your own equipment and basic skills, but it adds a useful layer of supervision.

The sessions are not presented as technical instruction. You should expect guided exploration, not a classroom refresher or a certification course. If you have not used scuba gear in a long time, tell the team before entering the water so they understand your experience level.

Cressi equipment and what is included

The price includes the equipment needed for the two sessions:

• Tank and weights
• Fins and boots
• Wetsuit
• Mask
• Buoyancy jacket
• Dive computer

The equipment is Cressi, and the center replaces it each year. That does not mean every item will feel brand new on the morning of your trip, but it does indicate a regular replacement cycle rather than equipment being kept in service indefinitely.

I particularly value the included computer. It gives you useful information during the session and avoids the need to bring or rent one separately. The wetsuit, boots, and buoyancy jacket also cut down on the amount of personal gear you need to pack.

You should still bring the practical basics that are not listed as included, such as your certification and medical paperwork. Personal comfort items are up to you as well. The important point is that the main scuba kit, tanks, weights, boat transport, and van transfer are bundled into the price.

Diving insurance is separate. The center can arrange it for 8 euros per day, so add that to your budget if you do not already have suitable coverage. This is a small but important cost, especially because the advertised price of $118 per person does not include it.

How the guide-led format improves the outing

A guided format can make a noticeable difference in a place with abundant marine life. You may see a shape on the bottom and wonder if it is a rock, a ray, or an animal resting in the sand. The guide knows what to watch for and can help you read the environment.

The limited group size also supports a more individual approach. The operation is designed to adjust to each diver’s ability, with a structured and safety-focused setup. That is useful if you are confident but out of practice, or if you have only recently moved beyond your first certification.

The arrangement is not completely private. You share the boat and guide with other certified divers, and the total group can reach six people. If you want a one-to-one instructor or a custom route, you would need a different kind of booking.

Still, the four-to-one guide ratio is a good middle ground. You receive more attention than in a large group, without paying the full cost of a private guide. The same-certification grouping also helps keep the outing organized.

What happens after the second session

After the two underwater sessions, you have a choice. You may remain at the beach, or return in the van to Atlantis Diving Lanzarote and complete your dive log at the center.

That choice gives the half-day a little flexibility. If you want to enjoy the coast after leaving the water, you can stay behind rather than being rushed straight back. If you need to record your sessions, ask questions, or finish the practical end of the day with the team, return to the center.

The activity ends back at the meeting point when you take the van back. Since there is no hotel pickup, plan your next activity with enough time to get from the center to wherever you are going. The total duration is four hours, but exact starting times depend on availability.

I would not book a tightly timed lunch, ferry, airport transfer, or another water activity immediately afterward. Sea conditions and loading equipment can affect the rhythm of the morning, and it is better to leave yourself breathing room.

Is $118 a fair price?

At $118 per person, the price is reasonable if you need a complete set of equipment and transport. It covers two guided scuba sessions, the tank, weights, wetsuit, mask, fins, boots, buoyancy jacket, and computer. It also includes the van ride to the boat and the RIB transportation.

The value is strongest for visitors who have not brought their own kit. Renting equipment separately, arranging transport, and finding a boat operator would take more planning and could cost more once everything is added.

The price is less attractive if you already own all your equipment and want a very long underwater session. The two sessions total about two hours, while the complete outing lasts four hours. You are paying for the guide, logistics, boat, equipment, and local organization, not just time underwater.

Remember to add the possible 8 euro insurance charge. Hotel transport is also extra because it is not included. On the positive side, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Lanzarote plans are still shifting.

Who will get the most from this activity

This outing suits certified divers who want a guided introduction to Puerto del Carmen’s marine sites without committing to a full-day boat trip. It is especially practical if you want to travel light and use a complete set of supplied gear.

I would also recommend it to divers who prefer a small group. The group limit and guide ratio offer more personal attention than a large excursion, while the certification-level grouping helps keep the pace sensible.

It may work well for a diver returning to the sport after some time away, provided you are medically fit and comfortable with your certification level. The guide-led format can help you focus on surroundings instead of worrying about navigation.

It is not suitable for non-certified participants. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart problems or epilepsy. If you have doubts about your medical fitness, deal with that before booking rather than leaving the question until the morning.

Practical details to get right

Use the commercial center’s long ramp to reach the lower-level Atlantis Diving Lanzarote center. Arrive ready with your certification and medical statement, or complete the medical questionnaire if you are eligible to self-certify.

You should not use alcohol or drugs before the activity. That rule is basic, but it matters for any scuba outing. Bring only what you need, and make sure your schedule allows four hours for the full activity.

The team speaks Catalan, English, Spanish, and Italian. That is helpful if you want to discuss your certification, medical information, or equipment needs in a language you are comfortable using.

The operation receives its strongest praise for being friendly, attentive, organized, and careful about matching the outing to individual ability. Those qualities matter more here than flashy extras. A well-run morning with clear instructions and sensible site choices is exactly what you want on the water.

Should you book the Puerto del Carmen scuba outing?

Book it if you are certified, want two guided underwater sessions, and value a small group with equipment and boat transport included. The chance to look for angel sharks in protected waters adds a special local reason to choose Puerto del Carmen rather than treating this as a generic boat trip.

Think twice if you need hotel pickup, want a private guide, or prefer to choose a specific site in advance. You should also budget for insurance if you do not already have it.

For a certified diver seeking a structured, safe, and reasonably priced half-day, I would consider this a strong choice. The annual equipment replacement, small guide groups, and flexible site selection make the package more useful than a bare-bones boat ride.

FAQ

Where does the activity begin?

You meet at Atlantis Diving Lanzarote, located on the lower level of a commercial center. Access is by the long ramp.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts about four hours. The two underwater sessions together take about two hours.

How many scuba sessions are included?

Two guided scuba sessions are included at sites around Puerto del Carmen.

Who can join the activity?

The activity is for certified divers with PADI, SSI, or CMAS Open Water, Advanced, or Rescue certification.

Is scuba equipment included?

Yes. The package includes a tank, weights, fins, boots, wetsuit, mask, buoyancy jacket, and dive computer.

Is transport included?

Van transport from the dive center to the RIB launch site and speedboat transportation are included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is diving insurance included?

No. Insurance can be arranged at the dive center for 8 euros per day.

What documents should I bring?

Bring your diving certification and medical statement. If you do not have a current medical certificate, you may self-certify by completing a medical questionnaire.

How large is the group?

The total group is limited to six participants. Each guide has no more than four divers, and participants are grouped by certification level.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.