Tias: Guided Snorkeling Tour in Playa Chica

Tias: Guided Snorkeling Tour in Playa Chica

If you’re dreaming of exploring Lanzarote’s vibrant marine life without diving deep into the water, the Guided Snorkeling Tour in Playa Chica by Safari Diving offers an engaging and accessible option. This experience promises a chance to see colorful fish, intriguing lava formations, and learn about the local underwater ecosystem—all from the comfort of a protected beach. It’s especially appealing for those new to snorkeling or families with kids, thanks to its gentle start and expert supervision.

What we particularly like about this tour is its professional guides who make safety and education a priority, the prime location on Playa Chica which offers calm waters and excellent visibility, and the flexibility to extend your time in the water after the guided session. However, a potential consideration is that pickup is only available from certain resorts in Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero, so if you’re staying elsewhere, you’ll need to arrange your own transport.

This experience is best suited for beginners, families, or anyone wanting an easy introduction to Lanzarote’s underwater world. With a reasonable price point and focus on safety and education, it’s a practical choice for travelers looking for a relaxed, fun aquatic adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides ensure safety and enrich your understanding of marine life.
• Prime Location: Starts directly from Playa Chica, a calm, protected beach ideal for snorkeling.
• All-Inclusive Equipment: High-quality gear, including wetsuits, masks, and fins, is provided.
• Flexible Post-Tour Access: Option to keep your gear for an extra 30 minutes to explore more.
• Convenient Pickup: Available from Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero, adding convenience.
• Duration & Value: About 1.5 hours of guided snorkeling at $59, offering good value for an engaging experience.

Overview of the Experience

The tour kicks off right at the Safari Diving center, which is situated in a white building directly on Playa Chica’s sands. This strategic location means you can step into the water almost immediately after a quick briefing. The guide, whose expertise shines through in their friendly attitude and patience, gives a clear explanation on how to use the snorkeling gear and shares insights into Lanzarote’s marine environment. We’ve heard from previous participants that the guides are “very knowledgeable” and make everyone feel comfortable, even beginners.

Once equipped, you’ll wade into the shallow waters right in front of the center. The shallow start means less intimidating for those new to snorkeling, and the calm waters of Playa Chica make for an excellent introduction to underwater exploration. As you glide over lava rocks and coral formations, your guide will point out colorful shoals of fish and other marine creatures, making the experience both fun and educational.

The route takes you along the highlights of Playa Chica, allowing you to see volcanic formations and marine life in their natural habitat without straying too far from the beach. The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, which is enough time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed. For those who want to stay longer, you can keep the gear for an extra 30 minutes, giving you ample opportunity to explore at your own pace.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Professional, Friendly Guides

Participants frequently mention the guides’ deep knowledge and friendly approach. They’re not only there to ensure safety but also to share insights about Lanzarote’s unusual underwater landscape and marine creatures. This makes the experience more enriching than just floating around with a mask and snorkel.

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Prime, Calm Waters of Playa Chica

The choice of location is ideal for snorkelers of all levels. Playa Chica’s protected waters offer excellent visibility and gentle waves, so you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed. This means you can focus on enjoying the underwater scenery without worrying about strong currents or rough seas.

High-Quality Equipment & Safety

The gear provided is described as high quality, including masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits. The wetsuits are especially useful if you tend to get cold easily, extending your comfort in the water. The safety briefing is thorough, helping even novices feel confident in their equipment and surroundings.

Flexibility & Extra Time

After the core tour, you’re given the option to use the snorkeling equipment for an additional 30 minutes. This small perk allows you to revisit favorite spots or explore new areas without the pressure of a guided schedule.

Convenient Pickup & Location

The tour offers pickup from selected resorts in Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero, which simplifies logistics. If you’re staying in these areas, you’ll appreciate the added convenience. However, those staying elsewhere will need to organize transport independently.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins at the Safari Diving center, where your guide provides a detailed explanation about how to use the gear and what marine life to expect. For many, this initial briefing is helpful—several reviews highlight that “the guide explained everything clearly”—which sets a relaxed tone for the experience.

Next, you step into the shallow waters directly in front of the diving center. The water here is calm, and the underwater scenery features lava rocks, small caves, and coral patches. The guide will point out notable marine life, such as shoals of small fish, perhaps some colorful blennies, or even the odd octopus hiding among the rocks.

The route along Playa Chica’s highlights gives a good overview of the area’s natural beauty. The tour generally concludes where it started, so you finish with a sense of familiarity and comfort. If desired, you can keep your equipment on for an extra half-hour, giving you more time to linger or revisit specific spots.

What to Expect from the Equipment and Safety Measures

The snorkeling gear includes masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits. Participants often comment on the good quality of the equipment, which contributes significantly to comfort and confidence during the tour. The wetsuits are especially recommended if you’re sensitive to cold or planning to stay in the water longer.

Safety is a priority here, with guides providing instructions on how to breathe with a snorkel, balance in fins, and avoid touching marine life. Several reviews mention that touching marine animals is discouraged, which is vital for conservation and also prevents damage or injury.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This snorkel tour is perfect for beginners, families, or travelers who want a relaxed, safe way to discover Lanzarote’s underwater world. Its gentle approach and calm waters make it accessible, even for children over 6 years old. It’s also suitable for those with limited time but who want to experience something memorable and visually stunning.

In addition, if you’re interested in learning about marine life, the guides’ explanations add an educational layer that makes the experience more meaningful. The affordability of $59 per person offers good value considering the quality of gear, the guidance, and the beautiful setting.

Practical Details

• Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours, with an option to extend for 30 additional minutes
• Price: $59 per person
• Includes: High-quality snorkeling equipment, expert guide, safety briefing, and route along Playa Chica
• Pickup: Available from Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero
• Not Included: Food, drinks, or pickup from other resorts
• Not suitable for: Children under 6 years
• Language options: English, French, Spanish, Dutch, German, Italian
• Cancellation policy: Full refund available with 24-hour notice
• Reserve & Pay Later: Yes, allowing flexibility in planning

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking a straightforward yet enriching introduction to Lanzarote’s underwater world, this guided snorkeling tour at Playa Chica offers excellent value. Its combination of professional guides, high-quality gear, and superb location makes it a reliable choice for beginners and families alike. While it doesn’t include advanced diving or remote underwater explorations, it delivers a fun, safe, and informative experience that highlights the island’s volcanic beauty and marine diversity.

If you’re after a laid-back aquatic adventure with chances to learn and see stunning marine life, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate guided experiences and want to avoid the hassle of organizing their own snorkeling trips in unfamiliar waters.

FAQ

Is the snorkeling tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible for beginners, with a clear briefing and calm waters at Playa Chica making it easy for first-timers.

What equipment is included?
The tour provides high-quality masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits, all of which are well-maintained to ensure comfort and safety.

Can I stay in the water longer after the tour?
Absolutely. You have the option to keep the snorkeling gear for an extra 30 minutes to explore more on your own.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts directly at the Safari Diving center on Playa Chica and finishes there as well, making logistics simple.

Is pickup available from my hotel?
Pickup is offered from selected resorts in Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero. If you stay elsewhere, you’ll need to arrange your own transport.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel. No need to bring extra gear, as it’s provided.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 6 years old, but older children and teens usually enjoy it.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your plans.

Is the tour conducted in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, French, Spanish, Dutch, German, and Italian, accommodating a diverse range of travelers.

Whether you’re on your first snorkeling adventure or just want a relaxed way to explore Lanzarote’s underwater beauty, this tour offers an authentic, hassle-free experience. The combination of knowledgeable guides, calm waters, and stunning volcanic scenery makes it a highlight for many visitors, giving you a memorable glimpse beneath the waves.

You can check availability for your dates here: