If you’ve never worn scuba gear, this makes it easy. It’s a beginner program from Playa Chica with a clear briefing, supportive instruction, and a calm bay setting. I like that the session starts on land with a 15-minute explanation, then moves straight to gentle practice before you go deeper.

Two things I’d highlight right away: the instruction is hands-on in the water, and you get to experience the feeling of weightlessness in a protected bay. A thoughtful plus is that the group is kept small (max 10), which matters when you’re still getting comfortable with breathing and buoyancy.

One consideration: this runs only when the conditions are right. If the weather is poor, they may switch the date or refund you, so plan with a little flexibility in your Lanzarote schedule.

Key things to know before you go

• Beginner-friendly pacing with skills first in shallow water
• Max depth of 6 meters, with gradual progression during the session
• Protected bay from Playa Chica, right in front of the center
• Photos taken for you during the experience (but not included in the price)
• Small groups (up to 10), so you get real attention from the instructor
• Medical questionnaire required before you start

Playa Chica is a smart place to start

Playa Chica is one of those Lanzarote spots that works well for first-timers. You’ll be in a protected bay right in front of the activity base area, so the water conditions are typically calmer than you’d get in open ocean. For your first time using scuba equipment, that calmer start really helps you focus on breathing and balance instead of fighting the sea.

This is also set up as a true starter experience, not a quick “put on gear and hope for the best” moment. The program begins with a short briefing, then you go together with your instructor into the water from the beach. That sequence keeps the stress low and your confidence higher.

You also get the visual payoff early. Even on the shallow side, you’ll be able to look around and spot marine life as you settle in. In other words, you’re not waiting until the end to see why people love this.

The 2-hour timeline, step by step

The whole thing takes about 2 hours, starting at 12:00 pm. You’ll feel a mix of classroom prep and hands-on practice, and that balance is exactly what beginners need.

First comes a 15-minute explanation. This isn’t a long lecture. It’s the essentials: what to expect once you’re in the water, how to manage breathing, and what skills you’ll practice. If you learn better by doing, you’ll probably like the fact that the briefing is quick and practical.

Then you get geared up. They’ll help you put on a wetsuit and the full scuba equipment. In a beginner setting, this matters more than you might think. Getting the fit right early makes breathing easier and helps you feel steady once you enter the water.

Next is the waterwork in shallow area. You’ll spend time in the shallows getting comfortable with breathing, and you’ll do a few core skills. The goal here is simple: you should finish this stage feeling like you can handle the equipment and your instructor can guide you clearly.

After that, you move into the bay and gradually go deeper, up to a maximum of 6 meters. The gradual change is one of the best parts for new divers because you’re not thrown into a deeper environment all at once. During the session, you can expect to see lots of fish, and they’ll take photos while you’re underwater.

Finally, the activity ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not dealing with long transfers or extra logistics afterward.

Shallow skills first: why it’s worth your attention

A beginner program lives or dies by the shallow-water practice. Here, the shallow part is where you learn to coordinate your breathing and feel what buoyancy is like. That early practice helps you avoid the common beginner panic loop: you feel unsure, you hold your breath, you get tense, then everything feels harder.

I like that this program explicitly includes a “get used to the breathing” phase plus a few skills. Even if you don’t remember every detail from the briefing, the real learning happens when you repeat the motions in calm water. Your instructor is with you in the water, guiding you through what to do and when.

There’s another underrated benefit: shallow water is where you can look around without needing to think too hard. Once your body stops fighting the equipment, you’ll actually notice the underwater life. That’s when Lanzarote’s marine scene starts to feel real.

The underwater experience: fish, calm water, and photos

Once you’re comfortable, you’ll go deeper gradually, maxing out at 6 meters. That depth is a sweet spot for first-timers: deep enough to feel like an actual scuba experience, but not so deep that everything becomes complicated.

The bay setting helps here too. Because it’s a protected area, you’re more likely to get a relaxed experience rather than a survival-mode session. In that calm zone, it’s easier to stay focused on your instructor’s cues and to enjoy what’s around you.

You should expect to see lots of fish. The exact species aren’t listed, so I won’t pretend to know what will be there on your specific day. But the program is designed around the idea that you’ll leave with good underwater sightings, not just a lesson.

A bonus for many first-timers: they take about 30 digital pictures during the experience. These are part of how the operator helps you remember the day. Just be aware that underwaterphotos of your first dive are not included in the price, and they’re listed at 20 Euro if you want them.

Instructor quality matters more than you think

The reviews put a spotlight on instruction and reassurance. One standout detail: the experience is described as unforgettable with instructor Marta Soriano. That kind of feedback usually means the guide is good at explaining clearly and keeping you calm when you’re learning something new.

That’s what you want for a first scuba session. You’re not just buying access to water—you’re buying a teacher who can spot when you’re uncomfortable and help you adjust quickly. In a small group (max 10 travelers), it’s more realistic that your instructor can pay attention to you specifically rather than manage everyone from a distance.

If you get nervous in new situations, this is exactly the kind of setting where a supportive instructor makes the experience click. And if you’re excited, a good instructor still matters because they help you translate excitement into safe, comfortable control.

What the price covers, and where value shows up

The price is $89.01 per person for a roughly 2-hour beginner session. The included items are straightforward: use of scuba equipment. That’s a big deal for first-timers because renting gear incorrectly—or choosing the wrong size—can ruin comfort fast.

What’s not included is the underwater photography. Underwater photos of your first dive are listed at 20 Euro, so if photos matter to you, factor that into your total budget. On the flip side, having photos taken at all (and being able to choose to buy them) is a helpful compromise. You’ll get the moment captured without paying a full package price up front.

There’s also value in what’s not listed as “extras.” You get a structured briefing, a shallow practice time, fish sightings, and a guided progression to 6 meters—all in one controlled session. That’s what makes it feel like more than just “gear + water.”

Getting there: Playa Chica and meeting point reality

The meeting point is at Paseo de la Barilla, 4, 35510 Puerto del Carmen. The session starts at 12:00 pm and ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not stranded across town afterward.

Pickup is listed as offered in the tour summary, but the details aren’t provided here. If pickup is important to you, it’s worth checking when you book. Otherwise, plan on using public transportation since the location is described as near it.

For first-timers, keeping the logistics simple is part of the value. You’ll spend less energy figuring out transport and more on showing up ready—wetsuit day goes smoother when you’re not late.

Weather and the medical form: two practical checks

This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, they’ll offer a different date or a full refund. That’s normal for water activities, but it’s still a key planning point: try not to make this the only thing you’ve scheduled that day.

Before you start, you’ll need to fill out a medical questionnaire to check that you’re fit to dive. This isn’t busywork. Scuba changes how your body handles air pressure and physical effort, so the check is part of keeping the experience safer.

If you have any health questions, treat the questionnaire seriously and ask them during booking if you’re unsure. For a beginner session, clarity up front prevents stress later.

Who this is best for (and who might want a different plan)

This is a great fit if you:

• want an easy, structured beginner introduction to scuba
• prefer instruction in the water rather than learning by guessing
• like a small group format (max 10)
• want a calm setting from shore at Playa Chica
• want fish sightings plus the option of photos (about 30 digital pictures taken)

It may not be the best fit if:

• you’re traveling with zero flexibility because weather can cause a date change
• you don’t want to deal with the medical questionnaire step
• you’re photo-averse and hate add-on costs (because underwater photos aren’t included)

Should you book this Playa Chica beginner scuba session?

If you’re trying scuba for the first time, I think it’s a solid booking—especially because the program is paced like a lesson. The shallow practice first, gradual progression to 6 meters, and small group size are exactly the ingredients that make a first outing feel manageable.

The price is fair for what’s included—full equipment and instructor-led guidance—just keep the 20 Euro photo cost in mind if you want those pictures. And if you like your tours with a clean start time and an end back at the same meeting point, this one keeps life simple.

If weather is a wildcard in your plans, book with a little buffer day nearby. Do that, and you’ll be positioned to enjoy what matters: comfortable breathing practice, calm bay conditions, and fish-filled water with real coaching.

FAQ

What’s the price for the beginner scuba session?

It costs $89.01 per person.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 2 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 12:00 pm.

Where do we meet for the activity?

You meet at Safari Diving Lanzarote S.L.P, Paseo de la Barilla, 4, 35510 Puerto del Carmen, Las Palmas, Spain.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered.

Is scuba equipment included?

Yes. Use of scuba equipment is included.

Are underwater photos included in the price?

Underwater photos of your first dive are not included. They cost 20 Euro.

How deep do you go?

The maximum depth is 6 meters.

Is there a medical questionnaire?

Yes. Before you start, you need to fill out a medical questionnaire to check that you’re fit to dive.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded. Weather issues can also trigger a different date or a full refund.