Snorkeling in Playa Chica, Lanzarote: guided marine life

Two hours in shallow water with fish, a guide, and everything you need to breathe underwater

Guided snorkeling in the shallow, protected bay of Playa Chica on Lanzarote's Puerto del Carmen coast, where you enter the water directly from the beach and see schools of bream, wrasse, damselfish and parrot fish. The guide provides all equipment—wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins—and teaches you to breathe with the snorkel in shallow water before taking you out to spot marine life. Children from age 5 are welcome; the guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and several other languages.

The Experience

What fish will you actually see if you go snorkeling in Lanzarote? The answer starts at Playa Chica, a protected bay in Puerto del Carmen where the water stays shallow and clear enough that you spot shoals of bream, colorful wrasse, damselfish and parrot fish without needing to dive. On a good day, a cuttlefish or octopus drifts through. The guide meets you on the beach itself—no boat, no drive to a trailhead—and walks you through the gear before you enter the water.

The first part of the two hours is practice. You put on the wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins on the sand, then wade into the shallows to get used to breathing through the snorkel while the guide watches. Once everyone is comfortable, the guide takes the group out to show you where the fish actually are and what to look for. The guide can assist if you need help and will point out the different species as you move through the water. It's designed to feel safe and manageable, not like a test.

You're in the water the whole time, not watching from a boat or standing on a platform. The bay is protected, so the water doesn't surge, but you're still moving and looking and breathing through a tube for two hours. Bring a towel and change of clothes; the dive center is steps from the beach where you start.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment—wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins.
• a live guide who teaches you to breathe with the snorkel and shows you the marine life.
• pickup included.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Safari Diving Lanzarote

Is this one for you?The two hours are spent mostly in the water, moving and looking and breathing through a snorkel in shallow conditions—a straightforward activity that suits anyone comfortable being in the bay for the full time, not a quick dip or a boat-based tour where you watch from the surface.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

10 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What kind of fish will I see snorkeling at Playa Chica?

Playa Chica's shallow bay is home to schools of bream, wrasse, damselfish and parrot fish. On some days, cuttlefish or octopus pass through the area. The guide points out the different species as you move through the water.

Do I need to know how to snorkel before I book?

No. The guide teaches you to breathe with the snorkel in shallow water before you go out to see the fish. The activity is suitable for all fitness levels, and children from age 5 are welcome.

What equipment do I get, and do I need to bring my own?

The snorkeling activity includes a wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins—everything is provided. You bring a towel and a change of clothes; the dive center sits directly on Playa Chica Beach.

How long does the snorkeling last, and when does it start?

The activity runs two hours total, including the time you spend learning to use the snorkel in shallow water and the time you spend in the bay spotting marine life. Pickup is included if you need transport to the beach.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and several other languages, so you can ask questions and learn about the marine life in your own language.