The popular resort town of Puerto del Carmen is the gateway to the spectacular underwater world off the southern coast of Lanzarote. Visitors flock here to enjoy the sun-kissed beaches and party nightlife, but it’s also on the bucket list for most keen divers. Whether you’re an experienced diver or simply eager to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, this destination offers a memorable aquatic adventure. Here’s your comprehensive guide to exploring the depths of Puerto del Carmen.
- A Great Diving and Snorkelling Destination
- Top Snorkelling Spots
- Scuba Diving Adventures
- What Can You See?
- Safety and Conservation Tips
- Practical Tips for Your Adventure
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
A Great Diving and Snorkelling Destination
Why is Puerto del Carmen such a gem for diving? It’s all about geography. Lanzarote is a volcanic island, and its formation has left an underwater playground of caves, tunnels, and arches. Thanks to its unique position in the Canary Islands, swept by the nutrient-rich waters of the Canary Current, a habitat has evolved to support the diverse marine life that makes underwater exploration so rewarding. Visibility often reaches 30 metres, and the water temperature remains comfortable throughout the year, ranging from 18°C in winter to 25°C in summer.
Top Snorkelling Spots
The beauty of the Puerto del Carmen waters can be experienced at all depths. For those who prefer to stay closer to the surface, snorkelling offers plenty of opportunities to witness colorful marine life. The calm, clear waters make it ideal for beginners and families.
- Playa Chica: This sheltered cove is a favourite among snorkellers. Its rocky formations create a perfect habitat for vibrant fish species, octopuses, and even the occasional seahorse.
- Los Pocillos: With its shallow waters and sandy bottom, Los Pocillos is a family-friendly spot that is great for beginners.
- Playa Grande: A relaxing option for those wanting to snorkel near the shore, with easy access to beachfront amenities.
- Punta Tiñosa: Located near the Old Town harbour, this rocky area offers deeper waters for more adventurous snorkellers. Expect to see schools of barracuda and possibly rays.
Scuba Diving Adventures
For certified divers or those keen to take the plunge, Puerto del Carmen has some of Lanzarote’s best dive sites.
- Cathedral Dive Site: Located near Playa Chica, this underwater cave is a haven for marine species like angel sharks, groupers, and moray eels. The cave’s vast interior, reaching depths of 30 metres, is a breathtaking sight.
- Blue Hole: A thrilling dive through a volcanic tunnel leading to the open sea, and offering views of impressive rock formations, this site is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers.
- Harbour Wrecks: For wreck diving enthusiasts, the sunken boats near the harbour are home to a variety of fish species and marine flora. Some of these wrecks are intentionally placed to create artificial reefs.
- Richie’s Place: Known for its unique lava formations and volcanic arches, this dive site often hosts schools of jacks and barracuda, as well as the occasional sea turtle.
Local dive centres offer courses and guided dives, catering to all skill levels. You can usually get a recommendation from your hotel concierge.
What Can You See?
The waters of Puerto del Carmen are teeming with life. Expect to encounter schools of barracuda, damselfish, and parrotfish. Divers might be lucky enough to spot rays gliding gracefully along the ocean floor, while sea turtles are occasional visitors.
The volcanic seabed also makes for a striking underwater landscape. During the winter months, larger species such as angel sharks and rays often come closer to shore.
Night dives are also popular in Puerto del Carmen, offering the chance to see nocturnal creatures like cuttlefish and squid. Bioluminescence is another magical sight divers can experience after dark.
Safety and Conservation Tips
- Follow Local Guidelines: Always dive or snorkel with a licensed instructor if you’re inexperienced.
- Respect Marine Life: Keep a safe distance from animals and never touch coral or other underwater structures.
- Stay Eco-Friendly: Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid littering to protect the delicate ecosystem.
- Buddy System: Whether snorkelling or diving, always explore with a partner for safety if you aren’t going out with an organised group.
Several conservation initiatives in Lanzarote promote responsible diving. Many dive centres also organise clean-up dives, allowing visitors to participate in preserving the local environment.
Practical Tips for Your Adventure
- Best Time to Visit: The waters are typically warmest from June to October, with visibility reaching up to 30 metres. However, winter months bring opportunities to see unique species.
- Gear Rentals: Snorkelling gear is widely available to rent along the beachfront. Most dive centres provide all necessary equipment for diving excursions.
- Experience Levels: Beginners can enjoy shallow snorkelling areas, while advanced divers will find plenty of deep-sea thrills.
- Dive Insurance: It’s recommended to have dive insurance when participating in scuba activities. Many centres can provide temporary coverage.
Puerto del Carmen is a paradise for water lovers seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. From vibrant coral reefs to breathtaking volcanic formations, this Lanzarote gem offers something for every level of explorer. Pack your fins and goggles, and get ready to dive into adventure!
Where to Stay
VIK Hotel San Antonio:This hotel’s amazing location on the beachfront of Playa de los Pocillos, its superb facilities, and its top class service must be the reason for its high numbers of repeat guests. All rooms have a private balcony, and you can enjoy a swim in the outdoor pools, or a spa treatment after a game of tennis on the hotel’s courts. Dining options on site include a buffet restaurant, pool bar and cocktail bar. However, if you prefer to explore, there are bars and restaurants just a short walk away.
R2 Bahia Kontiki: Located ideally for water sport enthusiasts, this hotel is a mere 250 metres from Grande Beach and its seafront promenade. The staff excel at recommending and booking activities like snorkelling and diving. Bike rental is available on the premises, and you can reach Puerto del Carmen’s main resort area with a short walk or cycle ride. But you might not want to leave as the outdoor pool is nestled in luxurious gardens, and the sun terrace is a great place to sip a drink as the sun sets over the sea.
Bellevue Aquarius: These apartments, furnished with satellite TV and a fully equipped kitchenette, are situated in a complex only 10 metres away from the Puerto del Carmen port. It’s a great space for families, with an entertainment programme for children so that you can have some solo relaxation time. No one is ever bored here – the outdoor pool, table tennis and pool table will keep everyone busy, and Playa de Farione is accessible by a short 5-minute walk. Dining options include an on-site restaurant and a host of eateries in the surrounding area.
How to Get There
It’s easy and relatively inexpensive to get from the UK to Puerto del Carmen. There are several airlines flying direct from London airports, Bristol, Edinburgh and Manchester to Lanzarote Airport (ACE). These include Easyjet, Ryanair and TUI. Expect a flight time of around 4 hours, and a transfer of just under 5 miles from Lanzarote Airport to Puerto del Carmen. Pre-booking an airport transfer service with Shuttle Direct is a great way to get to and from your hotel with optimal ease.
Types of Transfer
To reduce the stress of travel, we have a range of reasonably priced, reliable and comfortable options for your transfer to Puerto del Carmen. Let our helpful drivers take the strain while you focus on the fun!
Taxi: Avoid the drama of the scramble for Lanzarote Airport transfers by pre-booking a Shuttle Direct airport taxi before you leave the UK. You can even organise your return trip in advance.
Shuttle Bus: Our most popular service for those who are budget-conscious is our shuttle bus transfer from Lanzarote Airport. Offering fantastic value for money without compromising on our signature professional service, this airport transfer option is convenient, punctual and reliable.
Private Transfer: Shuttle Direct hasn’t neglected the other end of the scale, and you can pre-book a luxury service with a private vehicle airport transfer. Lanzarote ACE to Puerto del Carmen in a high-end vehicle is a short, but elegant way to arrive and depart in style.
Minibus Transfer: We know that this destination is popular with families and groups of friends, so we can offer larger parties the option to travel to and from their final destination together. Our minibus airport transfer service accommodates multiple passengers and their luggage.
Choosing the Right Transfer
As market leaders in transfers to Puerto del Carmen we’ve seen it all, and we understand that travellers have a range of requirements and differing needs. That’s why we’ve made sure that we have a service to suit all eventualities. How do you know which one is best for you? The easiest way to assess them is to weigh up the balance between cost and convenience.
Cost: The least expensive option is our shuttle bus service. While the costs are low, the professional service standards remain high. Passengers book a seat in advance, providing peace of mind that they will get from Lanzarote Airport to Puerto del Carmen on time and comfortably.
Convenience: Our door-to-door services include the airport taxi, private vehicle and minibus transfers. These cost a little more but are ideal for meeting specific parameters like tight schedules and large passenger groups.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is a leading provider of airport transfers from Lanzarote ACE to Puerto del Carmen and other resorts on the island. With many years’ experience in the global shuttle industry, we’ve honed a level of professionalism that relies on great communication, efficiency and friendliness. Book with us today!
