Angel sharks show up fast. This Puerto del Carmen day trip is for certified divers who want two guided dives in a protected marine area, helped by a small-group setup and solid, regularly replaced equipment. I like that the team keeps things structured and safe, and I also like the high-quality gear plan (Cressi kit replaced each year). One thing to weigh: it’s not for first-timers, and it’s not suitable for some medical conditions.

You’ll start at Atlantis Diving Lanzarote, then head by comfortable van to a RIB speedboat launch. The skipper picks the day’s dive spots based on water and weather, which matters because it changes how smooth the ride and how good the underwater conditions feel.

You’re diving in a biosphere reserve where most marine life is protected, and the operator targets rare species—especially the Angel Shark (squatina squatina), noted as the only remaining stable population there. After the dives, you can either stay at the beach or return to the dive center to fill out your dive log.

Key things I’d zero in on

• Two guided dives around Puerto del Carmen for certified divers only
• Small ratios: no more than 4 divers per guide, with limited overall group size
• Cressi gear replaced yearly, plus dive computer included
• Skipper-led site selection based on conditions for the day
• Protected biosphere target where the Angel Shark has a stable presence
• Van + RIB speedboat transfers handled for you

Atlantis Diving Lanzarote: meeting point that keeps your morning simple

This experience starts at Atlantis Diving Lanzarote in Puerto del Carmen, on the lower level of the commercial center. The access is via a long ramp, so you can plan to arrive with a little time to get settled before you meet the guide.

When you meet up, you’re not just checking in and hoping for the best. The day has a clear rhythm: you meet the guide in the morning, then you get loaded onto a van for the transfer. The operator also runs with multilingual guidance—Catalan, English, Spanish, and Italian—so you’re less likely to miss key safety or briefing points.

One detail I really like for divers: they group you by certification level. That means you’re diving with people who are at a similar stage of training, which keeps the pace realistic and the briefing relevant. If you’re certified and comfortable in current conditions, this kind of match helps the whole group feel more confident.

Van transfer to the RIB: why the skipper’s decision is part of the value

The transfer isn’t just “getting there.” It’s part of how your dive day is managed.

You’ll ride by van from the dive center to the RIB speedboat launch site. Then the speedboat takes over, and the skipper decides where to dive based on the day’s water and weather. That matters more than it sounds. Even in a great diving destination, conditions change. When the operator adapts the plan, you’re more likely to get the kind of underwater visibility and comfort that make a dive enjoyable rather than a struggle.

Also, the RIB part is practical: you’re moving by a faster boat option rather than dragging the day out with long surface time. For most certified divers, that means you spend more of your energy where it counts—underwater.

Two guided dives in a protected biosphere: what you’re actually hunting for

The heart of this trip is two guided scuba dives around Puerto del Carmen, with a dive time total of about 2 hours. The exact underwater timing will depend on the day, but the structure is consistent: you’ll do two separate dive outings with time to reset between them.

Here’s what I’d focus on underwater, based on what the operator is openly targeting:

• You’re diving within a protected biosphere reserve where underwater flora and fauna are safeguarded.
• You’re looking for rare marine life, with the Angel Shark called out as a major target.
• You’ll follow your diving guide, which increases your chances of spotting wildlife.

The Angel Shark (squatina squatina) is the specific “why it’s worth it” detail here. In the materials for this experience, the Angel Shark is described as having the only remaining stable population in this area. Even if you don’t get a dramatic close encounter, having a dive plan aimed at a rare species signals that the operator isn’t doing a generic two-dive route and calling it a day.

And the protected-reserve angle matters for how you’ll feel as a diver. You’re not only chasing animals for photos—you’re diving into a space where the operator is emphasizing protection and conservation. That tends to shape how guides move and how you experience the environment: slower, more deliberate, and focused on the marine life rather than stirring up trouble.

What “guided” means here: small groups that help you stay confident

This is a day trip for certified divers, and the “certified only” requirement shapes everything. You’re expected to already know how to handle your kit, manage buoyancy basics, and follow standard dive procedures. The guide’s job is then more about site awareness, tracking marine life, and keeping the group safe and comfortable.

Two numbers tell you a lot about how the guide service is set up:

• Groups are limited to 6 participants.
• Per the dive guidance, it’s no more than 4 divers per guide.

That ratio matters. With fewer divers, the guide can actually watch everyone, spot small problems early, and help you adjust quickly. It also means you’re less likely to feel like you’re getting left behind while trying to keep up with a bigger group.

In the value side of this review: you’re paying for equipment, boats, transfers, and guided spotting help. With this group size, you’re also paying for your guide to be present, not just “someone in the water at the start.”

Cressi equipment and dive computers: comfort and safety you don’t have to guess

All scuba gear is included. That’s a big deal if you don’t want to haul your own kit or deal with rental quality uncertainty.

Included equipment:

• tank
• weights
• fins
• boots
• wetsuit
• mask
• buoyancy jacket
• dive computer

The operator also specifies they use Cressi equipment that’s replaced each year. I like this detail because it points to a predictable baseline of performance. Old gear can mean sticky buckles, worn seals, or a dive computer that’s quirky at the worst moment. Fresh equipment tends to mean fewer distractions and more confidence in fit and function.

Also, you shouldn’t underestimate how helpful a dive computer is on a guided day trip. It keeps everyone aligned with dive profiles, helps with safe timing decisions, and reduces the “math under stress” feeling that can happen when divers are improvising their own logs.

Bottom line: if you’re trying to travel light, this gear setup is a real plus. If you do bring your own gear, you still might prefer to use the included kit because it’s all part of the operator’s safety system and standardization.

How the 4-hour schedule usually plays out

The total duration is listed as 4 hours. That includes the morning meet-up, van transfer, speedboat ride, briefing time, two scuba dives totaling around 2 hours underwater, then wrap-up and return to the meeting point.

It’s also set up for efficiency. The operator isn’t trying to turn this into a half-day “tour” with long waiting periods. You’re there for diving, and the plan reflects that.

One extra detail: after your dives, you can choose to stay at the beach or go back to the dive center to fill out your dive log. That flexibility is small but useful. If you want a little downtime in Puerto del Carmen without committing to extra transport, staying at the beach can help you stretch the day.

Price and value: is $118 a fair deal?

At $118 per person, you’re not just paying for two underwater hours. You’re paying for a full package of the things that actually cost money in a dive operation:

• guided dives for certified divers
• scuba gear (including weights, buoyancy jacket, and dive computer)
• van transfer to the boat launch
• speedboat transportation

The value becomes clearer when you consider what’s not included. Diving insurance isn’t included in the price, and you also don’t get hotel pickup or drop-off. So you may need to add those costs depending on your situation.

If you don’t already have diving insurance, the dive center says you can arrange it for 8 euro per day. That gives you a clear path: you can budget for insurance without hunting around for a separate policy. And because it’s a day trip, you’re not guessing how many days you’ll need coverage for.

So when is this price a good fit? When you:

• want a guided two-dive plan with transport handled
• don’t want to worry about rental gear quality
• value small-group attention for wildlife spotting

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This experience is only for certified divers. The acceptable certifications listed include:

• PADI
• SSI CMAS (Open Water Diver, Advanced, or Rescue Diver)

It’s not for beginners. If you’re still working through entry-level training, you’ll need another course or a discover-scuba style option somewhere else.

Health fit matters too. The activity is not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• people with heart problems
• people with epilepsy

You’ll also need a diving certification and a medical statement. If you don’t have a current diving medical certificate, you may self-certify by filling in a medical questionnaire.

If you fall into any of the health categories above, don’t try to “make it work.” The site rules are explicit, and diving with those risks is exactly what you want to avoid.

Practical tips that make a real difference on dive day

These are simple, grounded moves that match how this trip is set up.

• Bring your certification card. It’s required, and the day is built around diving at a certain level.
• Bring your medical statement (or complete the self-certification questionnaire if you’re eligible).
• Plan to avoid alcohol and drugs. They’re not allowed.
• Expect the skipper to change sites based on conditions. If you’re the type who likes fixed plans, this is still worth it—because it’s condition-led.
• Follow your guide. The operator specifically says this helps increase your chances of spotting marine life. In practice, that means staying aware of where the group is moving and not breaking formation to chase your own idea of what you want to see.
• If you want the option to linger, plan a decision after the second dive: beach time or a quick return to the center to log your dives.

Should you book Puerto del Carmen: 2 Guided Scuba Dives (certified only)?

I’d book this if you’re a certified diver who wants an efficiently run day trip, with real guidance attention and gear that’s updated regularly. The big draw for me is the combination of two dives plus a protected-area plan that targets rare marine life—especially the Angel Shark—without turning the day into a complicated logistics project.

I’d skip it if:

• you’re not certified yet
• you don’t want to bring medical paperwork or complete the medical questionnaire
• you’re dealing with a condition the operator lists as a no-go
• you’re hoping to do a casual, no-briefing outing where you don’t need to think about dive planning and safety standards

If you’re ready for a short, focused scuba day, this setup is a strong value: you get guided dives, included gear, and transport handled, with a small-group structure designed to help you actually spot wildlife rather than just float past it.

FAQ

Is this scuba experience only for certified divers?

Yes. It’s only for certified divers, including PADI and SSI CMAS levels such as Open Water Diver, Advanced, or Rescue Diver.

How long is the total experience?

The total duration is about 4 hours, with scuba time listed as 2 hours.

What scuba gear is included?

The package includes scuba gear such as the tank, weights, fins, boots, wetsuit, mask, buoyancy jacket, and a dive computer.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 6 participants, and there are no more than 4 divers per guide.

How do you get to the dive boat?

You’ll take a van transfer from the dive center to the speedboat launch site, then travel by RIB speedboat for the dives.

Is dive insurance included?

No. Diving insurance is not included, but the dive center says you can arrange it for 8 euro per day.

Do I need a medical certificate?

A medical statement is required. If you don’t have a current diving medical certificate, you may self-certify by filling in a medical questionnaire.