Snorkeling at Playa Papagayo, Lanzarote: kayak and marine life

Paddle to a beach, then spend an hour in the water looking for fish.

Kayak and snorkel at Playa Papagayo, Lanzarote, paddling the shoreline for 45 minutes before an hour and 15 minutes of snorkeling or beach exploration. The guide provides a training session on paddling, explains the area's history during the paddle, and leads the group through caves on the return if weather allows. Snorkeling gear, a waterproof bag, water and fresh fruit are included; wetsuits are available if needed. Children from age 5 are welcome, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian and French.

The Experience

What happens if you want to snorkel but don't want to swim out from shore? This activity solves it by putting you in a kayak first. You meet at 9:45 a.m., get fitted with snorkeling gear and a waterproof bag, and spend a few minutes learning how to paddle and stay organized on the water. Then you paddle along the bay's shoreline for about 45 minutes, stopping a couple of times so the guide can point out the area's history and take photos. The whole group stays together, and the guide is with you the whole way.

Once you reach Playa Papagayo, you get snacks and fresh fruit, then you have a choice. If you want to snorkel, you spend an hour and 15 minutes in the water looking for small fish and whatever else is moving around. If you'd rather not get in, you can walk the viewpoints around the beach and take in the scenery. Either way, you're not rushed—the time is built in. Weather permitting, the paddle back includes a detour through some caves so the guide can take more photos from inside. You're back at the starting point around 1 p.m., and photos from the day get sent to everyone via WeTransfer afterward.

The gear is handled: snorkeling equipment, a waterproof bag to keep your things dry, water for the paddle, and wetsuits if you need them for warmth in the water. No experience is required—the guide walks you through paddling before you leave shore. The group is small enough that the guide can keep an eye on everyone and explain things as you go.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear and a waterproof bag.
• water and fresh fruit during the activity.
• a guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French.
• training on paddling before you launch.
• wetsuits if you need them.
• photos taken during the day sent via WeTransfer after the activity.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by PAPAGAYO WATERSPORTS

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel but prefer not to swim out from shore—the kayak gets you to the beach, and the guide stays with a small group the whole way, so you're never alone on the water or in it.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How long do I actually spend paddling versus snorkeling?

You paddle for approximately 45 minutes to reach Playa Papagayo, then spend an hour and 15 minutes at the beach. Those who snorkel use that time in the water; those who don't can explore the viewpoints on land. The whole activity runs about three and a half hours from start to finish.

What's the snorkeling like at Playa Papagayo?

The guide describes small fish as what you'll see in the water around the beach. The snorkeling happens in a bay setting, so you're not far from shore, and the guide is there to help if you need anything.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join?

No experience is required. The guide gives a training session on paddling before you launch, and snorkeling gear is provided. Children from age 5 are welcome, and wetsuits are available if you want extra warmth in the water.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling gear, a waterproof bag, water, fresh fruit, and a guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French are all included. Wetsuits are available if you need them. Photos taken during the activity are sent to you afterward via WeTransfer.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The paddle and snorkeling go ahead in normal conditions. On the return journey, if weather permits, the guide takes the group through caves for photos. If conditions don't allow it, you'll paddle straight back to the starting point.

Is this activity accessible if I have mobility concerns?

The activity is wheelchair accessible, and public transportation options are available nearby. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. However, the activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health, since paddling and snorkeling involve physical exertion.