REVIEW · LANZAROTE
Lanzarote: Try Scuba Diving – Atlantic Museum (no-certified)
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Pura Vida Diving · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Your first trip underwater starts in calm water. What makes this Lanzarote experience special is the combo of Flamingo Beach skill practice and an Atlantic Museum underwater visit, all paced by instructors. I really like the close teaching focus, with coaching that can run up to a 2:1 ratio during the try-scuba portion, and I also like that the day builds from basics to seeing marine life. One thing to consider: this isn’t for non-swimmers, and it’s not suitable if you have heart problems.
Over about 7 hours, you’ll get fully kitted out, snack and water to keep you steady, and an instructor who stays with you throughout. The crew works in Spanish and English, so you’re not left guessing. If you’re the type who panics when gear goes on or buoyancy feels weird, you’ll probably appreciate how structured the whole flow is.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away
- How the 7-Hour Try-Scuba Day in Lanzarote Feels
- Flamingo Beach: Learning Scuba Control Where You Can Think
- Second Session at Flamingo Beach: Marine Life Without the Chaos
- Atlantic Museum Underwater: A Different Kind of Seeing
- Small-Group Coaching and Professional Instructor Support
- What’s Included (and Why That Matters for Value)
- About the 30€ GoPro souvenir
- Price in Context: Is $253 Worth It?
- What to Bring and Wear So the Day Doesn’t Get Annoying
- Safety Rules You Must Follow Underwater
- Who This Experience Is Best For (and Who Should Skip)
- Should You Book This Try-Scuba in Lanzarote?
- FAQ
- How long is the try-scuba experience?
- What’s included in the $253 per person price?
- Do I need prior swimming ability?
- What languages will the guide speak?
- What should I bring with me?
- Are there rules about touching sea life or plants?
- Is there a photo souvenir option?
Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

- Up to 2:1 coaching during the try-scuba portion for real feedback
- Flamingo Beach practice in calmer, confined water before you go farther
- Two underwater sessions at Flamingo Beach: skills first, marine life second
- Underwater museum time at the Atlantic Museum with an instructor
- Snack, water, insurance, and scuba gear all included
- GoPro photo souvenir available for 30€ after the experience
How the 7-Hour Try-Scuba Day in Lanzarote Feels

This isn’t the kind of activity where you’re rushed into the deep end and told to “figure it out.” The format is built around learning how your body and breathing work underwater. You start with the practical stuff: gear up, orientation, and controlled practice in the water conditions at Flamingo Beach.
Then the day expands. You’ll have two water sessions at Flamingo Beach—first to work on control and buoyancy, second to slow down and watch what’s around you. After that, you head to the Atlantic Museum for the underwater museum visit. It’s the rare setup that mixes confidence-building with something you can actually look forward to.
For most people, the “7 hours” matters in a simple way: it’s long enough to do this properly, but not so long that you feel cooked by the time you get wet. Plan to spend that whole day focused on one activity, not hopping around the island.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Lanzarote.
Flamingo Beach: Learning Scuba Control Where You Can Think

Flamingo Beach is the training ground. You’ll head there with your instructor and get your scuba gear sorted before you even go in. This matters because the first underwater moments can feel like a puzzle—mask seal, breathing rhythm, and staying relaxed enough to move naturally.
During the first water session, your job is mainly control:
- practice buoyancy and basic scuba skills
- work on staying calm in confined water
- learn how to move without fighting the water
If you’ve never done scuba before, this is the most valuable part of the day. Being able to hover steadily (instead of sinking, popping, or flailing) is what turns an underwater experience from stressful to enjoyable. And because the coaching can run close to 2:1, you’re more likely to get quick corrections instead of vague “just try harder.”
One practical consideration: you’ll need to be comfortable being in the water and following instructions quickly. There’s no “hover and chat” phase where you can drift without paying attention.
Second Session at Flamingo Beach: Marine Life Without the Chaos

After you get the hang of your basic control, the second Flamingo Beach session shifts toward what most people actually came for: marine life viewing.
The crew has you explore the area while staying within the training goals. The rules here are clear:
- you’re not allowed to touch marine life
- you’re not allowed to touch plants
That might sound strict, but it’s for good reasons—touching can damage fragile underwater life, and it can also put you at risk if you’re fiddling with things you shouldn’t. The result is that you get a calmer, more respectful experience. You can focus on watching instead of feeling tempted to grab, poke, or “help.”
This session is also where the skill practice starts paying off. When buoyancy is under control, you can look longer. You stop fighting the water and start seeing the shapes, movement, and small details that make the Atlantic feel alive.
Atlantic Museum Underwater: A Different Kind of Seeing
The Atlantic Museum is the day’s big contrast. After Flamingo Beach, you switch gears from training-oriented water to an underwater museum visit.
Here’s why this stop is so worth it:
- you’re not just learning technique—you’re using it to explore something specific
- you get to experience the undersea world as a whole, not only as a classroom
- it turns the day into a story, not a checklist
You’ll go underwater with the professional instructor guiding the experience. The activity centers on exploring the underwater museum itself. Even if you’re nervous at first, this is the point where your “I can do this” feeling usually clicks in.
Also, remember: you’ll still be a beginner. The goal isn’t to perform perfect maneuvers. The goal is to stay safe, stay calm, and enjoy the sights while following guidance.
Small-Group Coaching and Professional Instructor Support
The reviews point to one thing again and again: people felt supported, not shoved through it. That’s exactly what you want on a first try-scuba experience.
At Pura Vida (the provider), the format can include up to a 2:1 ratio during the try-scuba part. In practical terms, this means you’re more likely to get:
- personal feedback on buoyancy and comfort
- clear, supportive guidance in Spanish or English
- quick fixes when something feels off
One of the best signs is when instructors don’t just tell you what to do—they make you feel like part of the group. That reduces the “I’m embarrassing myself” stress that can ruin the first 10 minutes of any water activity.
What’s Included (and Why That Matters for Value)
This experience includes the essentials you’d otherwise have to figure out on your own:
- insurance
- snack and water
- scuba equipment
That’s the real value equation. If you’re traveling in Lanzarote and trying to keep planning simple, having gear sorted and insurance handled is a big deal. You’re not spending your time buying random items or hunting for rentals at the last minute.
It also means you can pack lighter. You still need to bring your personal items (more on that below), but the core scuba setup is taken care of.
About the 30€ GoPro souvenir
There’s an optional souvenir: a photo made with a GoPro camera for 30€. If you like having something tangible from the day—especially an image you didn’t have to manage yourself—this can be a nice add-on. If you prefer to rely on your own photos or you’re traveling light, you can skip it.
Price in Context: Is $253 Worth It?
At $253 per person, you’re paying for a full, guided day with real instruction. The value comes from the combination of:
- equipment provided
- insurance included
- snack and water included
- structured learning at Flamingo Beach
- an additional underwater museum visit
If you were to price these pieces separately, the day would usually cost more once you factor in gear rental, instruction time, and the guided transport plan between spots. Here, the cost is wrapped into a single experience with a clear flow.
It’s not a cheap activity. But for a beginner-friendly try-scuba setup that covers both training and an underwater museum experience, it’s the kind of price that often feels fair—especially if you’re aiming for confidence, not just a one-off splash.
What to Bring and Wear So the Day Doesn’t Get Annoying
This is the part that keeps your energy up and your mood steady. The activity asks you to bring:
- swimwear
- a change of clothes
- a towel
- sunscreen
- water
My practical advice: treat it like a beach-to-water-to-more-water day. You’ll want sunscreen on early, and you’ll want dry clothes ready for after. If you don’t like the feeling of damp gear touching your skin on the return, pack your change clothes properly rather than cramming them into a small pocket.
Also, don’t forget you’re underwater enough that you’ll notice comfort issues. Wear what you know you can move in, then let the staff fit the scuba gear.
Safety Rules You Must Follow Underwater
A try-scuba experience is only fun if it stays relaxed and safe. Here, the key rules are simple:
- you’re insured
- you’ll be guided by a professional instructor
- you must not touch marine life
- you must not touch plants
The no-touch rule is about protecting the underwater life and keeping you safe. Even if something looks harmless, you don’t need to touch it to enjoy it.
And one more practical “know before you go” point: if you have any medical condition, you should advise in advance. You don’t want surprises once you’re kitted up.
Who This Experience Is Best For (and Who Should Skip)
This try-scuba day fits well if you:
- can swim (swimming skills are required)
- want guided instruction without going it alone
- are excited by both beginner training and an actual underwater museum experience
It’s not suitable for:
- non-swimmers
- people with heart problems
If you’re on the fence because you’re nervous, that can still be normal. The difference is whether you’re willing to follow instructions and stay focused underwater long enough to learn. This day rewards calm learners with a real payoff: the chance to enjoy Flamingo Beach marine life and then see the Atlantic Museum underwater.
Should You Book This Try-Scuba in Lanzarote?
Book it if you want a beginner-friendly structure: practice first, then enjoy. I’d especially recommend it if you like the idea of close 1:1-style attention (up to 2:1) rather than a big-group “good luck” approach.
Skip it if you’re not comfortable swimming, if you’re dealing with heart-related concerns, or if you hate the idea of following strict underwater rules like not touching marine life or plants.
If you’re comfortable in the water and you want one organized day that mixes skill-building with a memorable underwater stop, this is a strong choice for Lanzarote.
FAQ
How long is the try-scuba experience?
The experience lasts 7 hours. Starting times depend on availability.
What’s included in the $253 per person price?
It includes insurance, a snack, water, and the scuba equipment.
Do I need prior swimming ability?
Yes. Swimming skills are required, and the experience is not suitable for non-swimmers.
What languages will the guide speak?
The live tour guide speaks Spanish and English.
What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, and water.
Are there rules about touching sea life or plants?
Yes. You’re not allowed to touch marine life or touch plants.
Is there a photo souvenir option?
Yes. There is a GoPro photo souvenir available for 30€ (GoPro camera photo).

























