Lanzarote Your First Scuba Diving Experience

Your first underwater lesson should feel almost boring. On Lanzarote’s Playa Chica, you get a calm, small-group setup that keeps things manageable, with instructors such as Mauro and Amanda guiding you step-by-step. I especially like that photos and videos are included, so your first hour in the Atlantic does not vanish the moment you get back on land.

One possible consideration: this setup is not for everyone, especially if you have hydrophobia or certain medical conditions like epilepsy, heart problems, or high blood pressure.

Key highlights in real life

• Max 4 participants for personal attention instead of feeling lost in a crowd
• Beachside training first, then a gentle entry into the Atlantic Ocean
• Hand signals, mouth-breathing, and calm movement practice before you go exploring
• Patient instructors who work with nervous students, including first-timers and kids
• Photos and HD videos included, often shared quickly after your session

Your first scuba session starts on Playa Chica, not in a classroom

Playa Chica is where the nerves usually show up first. That matters, because Barracuda keeps the lesson right where you can see what is happening, right away. You begin with a short introduction on the beach, then you practice the basics before you ever feel water pressure and buoyancy take over your body.

The biggest value here is that the underwater part feels like the next step, not a jump. You learn equipment basics, breathing underwater fundamentals, and the key hand signals in a supportive, fully guided way. In short, you go from land to ocean with coaching that is meant for your brain, not just your lungs.

If you are traveling with a mix of comfort levels, the small group size also helps. When everyone is focused on the same few people, instructors can slow down or repeat something without rushing you.

What the $87 price includes, and why that can be good value

At $87 per person for a 2-hour experience, the deal is not only about the water time. It includes complete equipment, your underwater insurance for baptisms (first-timer style), plus videos and photos of the experience. That combination is often what surprises people when they budget for a first try.

You also get a guided environment built around reassurance. Barracuda promotes a near-perfect satisfaction track record for baptisms, and you can see the pattern in the feedback: instructors are patient, calm, and not embarrassed when you need extra practice.

Two add-ons to know about:

• If you are already certified, underwater insurance is not included.
• Boat dives are not included in the price, and those are charged separately.

If you are only looking for a one-time experience, the included media and equipment make it easier to feel like you got your money’s worth. If you want to keep going, the team also mentions a discount possibility if you continue with courses.

The step-by-step flow: briefing, breathing practice, then gentle exploration

Your session is built in phases, and each phase is there for a reason. First comes the short introduction on the beach. The instructors show you how to use the gear and teach the basics of breathing underwater so you can start with a working plan.

Then you enter the Atlantic Ocean carefully. The goal is a smooth, low-pressure start so you can get used to the feel of being underwater, including the quieter sensation of weightlessness in a safe setting.

Next is the skills layer that makes everything less scary:

• Hand signals, so communication stays clear if you cannot speak
• Practice moving underwater so you do not fight your body
• Support and guidance so you can float comfortably instead of panicking

From the feedback, one tip keeps coming up in different words: get comfortable breathing through your mouth. The instruction team seems to treat that like the first real hurdle, because once that is working, your confidence usually follows.

Safety and coaching style: calm, close, and ready for nervous students

Barracuda’s approach is built around the fact that first-timers often feel awkward. That includes people who are nervous swimmers, first-timers who cannot stop thinking about what could go wrong, and kids who are trying hard to be brave.

The small group size, limited to 4 participants, is not a luxury detail. It is what allows instructors to stay close and keep your gear fitting properly. Many of the comments praise how the instructors checked in during the water, adjusted support for individual needs, and helped people manage anxiety step-by-step.

You also see a strong “serious with humor” teaching vibe in the names that show up repeatedly. Mauro, Amanda, Sergio, and Jake come up often, and the common thread is that they mix practical instruction with a friendly attitude that makes the lesson feel doable.

One more practical plus: instructors capture photos and video as part of the experience. That means you are not constantly juggling your camera, which helps you focus on breathing, buoyancy, and staying calm.

What you’ll actually see underwater near Lanzarote’s volcanic shoreline

This experience is short, but it is not just about learning how to breathe underwater. You also get to watch marine life in a real Atlantic environment.

The scenery is part of the fun. You will descend and glide past volcanic rock formations with colorful fish darting around. You may also see schools of tiny creatures, plus the bigger moments that people remember long after the lesson ends.

Based on what people highlight most, the memorable sightings include:

• Octopus
• Seahorses
• Starfish

The underwater world in Lanzarote is especially good for first-timers because there is plenty to look at close to where you practice. You are learning skills, but you are also getting those “I cannot believe this is real” views.

One smart takeaway for you: go in expecting to focus on the moment. If you spend the whole session trying to control everything, you will miss the fish and the calm.

Equipment, gear setup, and the little details that make you safer

You are told what to bring, and that part matters for comfort. Pack swimwear, a towel, and water. After that, Barracuda handles the equipment, and they emphasize getting your gear fitting right.

Once your booking is confirmed, you message the dive center with details for each person in your group, including shoe size, height, and weight. That is not busywork. It helps them prepare the right setup so you spend less time wrestling with gear and more time learning underwater basics.

You also need to follow a clear list of rules in the water. No touching marine life, no touching animals, and no touching plants. Also skip strong fragrances. Headphones are not allowed, and intoxication or alcohol and drugs are not allowed, period.

These rules keep the experience safer and protect the marine life. They also keep the water calm, which helps first-timers relax instead of hovering over every unfamiliar thing.

Meeting point and logistics that keep the start simple

Your meeting point is Playa Chica. The guidance is specific: Playa Chica is the best place to park, and a white branded van is just a minute away in the dive center area.

In practice, that means you should plan to arrive a bit early so you can check in, get geared up, and settle your nerves before anything touches the water. If you are traveling around Puerto del Carmen, you might find that other schedules can line up with where you are staying, but the Playa Chica meeting point is the key anchor.

The session runs about 2 hours, and starting times depend on availability. So when you pick your day, you are really choosing the time slot you can get into.

If conditions are rough, they may protect your first experience

One thing I like about how this team is described is their willingness to adjust. If conditions are not great for first-timers, they may suggest postponing to another day rather than forcing a disappointing first attempt.

That is a quality signal. A first underwater experience is about building trust. If visibility is poor or the water is not cooperating, the safest move is often to try again under better conditions.

Who should book this try-scuba experience, and who should skip it

This is designed for beginners and curious first-timers, and the feedback backs that up with clear examples of nervous people becoming comfortable. It also works for families, with instructors praised for patient, reassuring guidance for kids old enough to participate.

Still, the “not for everyone” list is important:

• Children under 8 years
• Pregnant women
• People with heart problems
• People with epilepsy
• People with haemophilia
• People with high blood pressure

There is also a specific note for phobias. If you have hydrophobia, this activity is not recommended. If you have any phobia, you must inform the dive center in advance, because the activity does not include psychological challenges.

My practical advice: if you are unsure where you fall, message them before you go. It is better to get a clear yes or no early than to show up and discover it is not the right fit.

Flying after your session: plan for timing, not guesswork

The information you get is straightforward: you should wait at least 12 hours after your underwater session before flying.

There is also a stronger note for timing around flights, saying you should not catch a plane until the next day of your session. So if your travel plan is tight, build in that buffer now. The ocean part is the fun part, but the schedule part is what keeps your trip stress-free.

Should you book Barracuda for your first time?

If you want a first scuba experience in Lanzarote that focuses on safety, patience, and real underwater views, I think Barracuda is a strong choice.

Book it if:

• You want a small-group experience with close coaching
• You care about getting photos and videos without extra effort
• You want to see marine life like fish, octopus, seahorses, and starfish during your first try

Skip it if:

• You have hydrophobia, or you know you cannot handle being underwater
• You fall into the medical categories listed above
• You are a certified diver and you are counting on underwater insurance being included (it is not)

One final decision shortcut: if your main goal is confidence and a memorable first ocean experience, this setup is built exactly for that. If your main goal is something else, like a technical training dive, you may want a different plan. But for most first-timers, starting on Playa Chica with instructors like Mauro or Amanda is an easy “yes.”

FAQ

How long is the first scuba session in Lanzarote?

The experience lasts 2 hours.

How many people are in the group?

It is a small group limited to 4 participants.

Where do we meet?

You meet at Playa Chica. The guidance says Playa Chica is the best place to park, and a white branded van is just a minute away near the dive center area.

What languages are the instructors?

The instructors speak English and Spanish.

Is equipment included in the price?

Yes. Complete equipment is included.

Is underwater insurance included?

For baptisms, underwater insurance is included. For certified divers, underwater insurance is not included.

Are photos and videos included?

Yes. Photos and videos of the experience are included.

What does the $87 price not cover?

Boat dives are not included and are charged separately.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and water.

What about flying after the session?

You should wait at least 12 hours after your underwater session before flying, and the guidance also notes that you will not be able to catch a plane until the next day of your session.