Tias: Guided Snorkeling Tour in Playa Chica

Tias: Guided Snorkeling Tour in Playa Chica
Location: Canary Islands, Spain
Country: Spain
Price: $59 per person
Supplier Name: Safari Diving S.L.
Similar Experiences: Buggy Volcano Tours, Lanzarote South Excursion

@Meta Description: Experience Lanzarote’s vibrant marine life with a guided snorkeling tour in Playa Chica. Safe, small-group adventure perfect for water lovers.

Introduction

If you’re headed to Lanzarote and eager to explore the island’s underwater world without diving gear or advanced skills, the Guided Snorkeling Tour in Playa Chica offers a fantastic option. For around $59, you get 1.5 hours of guided exploration right from the beach, complete with high-quality equipment and the chance to spot colorful fish and lava formations. It’s a well-organized experience designed for travelers who want a safe, enjoyable introduction to the local marine life.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the focus on small group sizes and knowledgeable guides. You’ll be in a group limited to just 8 people, ensuring plenty of individual attention and the chance to ask questions about Lanzarote’s unique underwater environment. However, it’s worth noting that this tour isn’t tailored for children under 6 or those seeking long, multi-day underwater adventures — it’s all about a quick, engaging snapshot of the marine world.

One consideration to keep in mind is that the tour doesn’t include transportation to other parts of the island or food and drinks. It’s a straightforward, beach-based activity, so if you’re after a comprehensive excursion or a resort pickup outside Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero, you might need to plan accordingly. This snorkeling experience suits anyone wanting to dip their toes into Lanzarote’s waters with expert guidance and minimal hassle.

Key Points

• Easy Access from the Beach: No boat rides needed—start right from Playa Chica’s protected shoreline.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides provide insight into local marine life and ensure safety.
• High-Quality Gear: All equipment, including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins, are provided and maintained to a high standard.
• Flexible Post-Tour Access: You can keep your gear for an extra 30 minutes to explore further.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants for personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Convenient Pickup: Available from accommodation in Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero, simplifying logistics.

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting Point and Briefing

The adventure kicks off at Safari Diving’s base, a bright white building directly on Playa Chica’s sand. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted by your guide, who will run through a clear explanation of how to use the equipment safely and comfortably. They’ll also introduce you to the marine life you can expect to see, making the experience more engaging and educational.

Using the Equipment

All the gear—mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit—is provided, and most reviews mention that the equipment is of high quality, which boosts confidence for beginners. The guide ensures everyone is comfortable with their gear before proceeding, which we really appreciate. As one reviewer noted, “The guide was very patient and explained everything in a language we understood well, making it easy for us first-timers.”

The Snorkeling Route

Once everyone is ready, you’ll start in very shallow water right in front of the beach—perfect for acclimating. The area is known for its lava rocks and colorful shoals, making it a visually stimulating environment. The guide will point out notable marine life, including fish species and coral formations, adding an educational layer to the fun.

The tour covers the highlights of Playa Chica, with the guide providing commentary on the different fish and volcanic formations. The route is designed to be accessible and enjoyable, even for those with limited swimming experience. Reviewers frequently comment on how relaxed and safe they felt, even if it was their first snorkeling session.

Duration and Flexibility

The guided part lasts about 1.5 hours, but if you wish, you can extend your snorkeling by an additional 30 minutes using the gear after the tour ends. This is a nice perk, especially if you’re keen to spot more marine life or get some extra floating time.

Post-Tour Tips

Many reviewers mention that the snorkelling gear is well-maintained and comfortable, which makes the extra 30 minutes of free exploration worthwhile. Remember to bring your own swimwear and towel and avoid touching marine life — a common rule to protect this delicate ecosystem.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

For $59, you’re getting a well-structured, guided snorkeling experience with high-quality gear and expert guidance. Compared to other water activities on the island, this offers excellent value, especially considering it’s a small-group experience with personalized attention. The fact that pickup from nearby resorts is included also simplifies logistics, making it more convenient.

While it doesn’t include food or extra transportation, the intimate setting and focus on safety and education make this a worthwhile option for travelers who want a hassle-free way to enjoy Lanzarote’s underwater scenery. Plus, the opportunity to learn about local marine life from knowledgeable guides enhances the overall value.

The Itinerary in Detail

Meet and Greet at Safari Diving

Your adventure begins at the beachside base, where your guide introduces themselves and runs through the equipment. The briefing is straightforward, emphasizing safety and comfort, especially important for first-timers.

Equipment Fitting and Orientation

Expect to spend around 10-15 minutes getting fitted with your gear. The guides are praised for their patience and clear instructions, making even nervous swimmers comfortable. The wetsuits help with buoyancy and warmth, essential since water temperatures can vary.

Shallow Water Start

The journey into the water begins right at the shoreline, which is perfect for acclimating. The shallow area allows you to adjust to breathing through the snorkel and get familiar with the mask. It’s a relaxed start, and the guide will be right there, pointing out interesting features of the lava rocks and explaining the different fish species.

Guided Exploration

As you move along the designated route, the guide provides commentary on what you’re seeing. Expect to see groups of fish darting in and out of the rocks, with the volcanic formations creating natural tunnels and caves. The water visibility is generally good, offering clear views of the marine environment.

Ending the Tour and Extra Time

The tour finishes back at the starting point. For those eager to keep exploring, the option to use the snorkel gear for an additional 30 minutes allows for extra viewing or just floating peacefully. Many reviewers mention they appreciated this flexibility.

Authentic Experiences and Insider Tips

Based on reviews, the guides are highly knowledgeable about Lanzarote’s marine ecosystem, often sharing stories and facts that enrich the experience. One reviewer specifically appreciated the guide’s ability to spot fish and explain their habits, turning a simple snorkel into an educational journey.

A tip for future snorkelers: wear your swimwear beneath your wetsuit if you’re planning to stay longer, and bring a towel for after. Remember, touching marine life is discouraged to protect the fragile environment, but your guide will certainly point out fascinating creatures worth observing.

The small group size means you’ll get more personalized attention, especially if you have specific questions or want some extra guidance on technique. Some travelers mentioned that the guides are multilingual, offering explanations in English, Spanish, French, and more, which helps non-native speakers feel more confident.

Final Verdict

This snorkeling tour in Playa Chica presents a fantastic value for travelers seeking a safe, guided introduction to Lanzarote’s underwater world. The combination of expert guides, quality equipment, and a relaxed, small-group environment makes it ideal for beginners or anyone who wants a stress-free adventure.

The experience is straightforward but thoughtfully organized, with safety and education at the core. If you’re staying in Puerto del Carmen or Puerto Calero and want to enjoy Lanzarote’s marine life without complicated logistics, this tour is a convenient and rewarding choice.

For those who love marine environments and are curious about the volcanic underwater landscape, this tour offers a memorable snapshot without the need for diving certification or long commitments. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a fun, educational activity that gets you in the water and right next to Lanzarote’s colorful aquatic world.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 6 years old are not recommended for this snorkeling experience, likely due to safety and water safety requirements.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, all high-quality equipment, including masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits, are provided by the tour operator.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at Safari Diving’s base, a white building with their logo on Playa Chica, directly on the beach.

Can I extend my time in the water?
Yes, after the guided tour, you can continue using the snorkeling gear for an additional 30 minutes at no extra cost.

Is the tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak several languages including English, French, Spanish, Dutch, German, and Italian.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, towel, and perhaps some sunscreen. Avoid touching marine life to preserve the environment and your safety.

This guided snorkeling tour in Playa Chica is a straightforward, enjoyable way to experience the vibrant underwater scenes Lanzarote has to offer, especially if you prefer a small-group, guided approach with excellent equipment and knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to introduce your family to snorkeling, it’s a memorable, hassle-free activity that balances fun, safety, and education.