First time underwater can feel like a magic trick. This Lanzarote try-out is built for nervous starters, with patient instruction and two underwater sessions that go from calm basics to real ocean wildlife. I like that everything important for the day is handled, so you spend your energy on breathing, buoyancy, and looking at the sea, not on logistics.

One thing to plan for: the included experience does not include the onboard photo package, which costs extra.

Key highlights at a glance

• Two underwater sessions let you practice, then apply it again deeper to 12 meters
• Equipment included, so you avoid the usual kit-hire hassle
• Small group size with a maximum of 10 travelers for more personal coaching
• 5-meter intro first, then a deeper second session after a surface break
• Snacks and water help you stay steady through a full half-day
• Marine life sightings are part of the point, not an afterthought

Arriving at Aquatis Diving Lanzarote, and what the 8:30 start means

Your day begins at Aquatis Diving Lanzarote, at Playa de las Cucharas, local 6, in Costa Teguise, with pickup offered if you tell them your hotel or preferred meeting point. The start time is 8:30 am, and the full outing runs about 5 hours.

This early slot matters. Calm morning conditions usually make learning easier, and you’ll want that extra time while you get comfortable with the breathing setup and the new sounds underwater.

The training rhythm: learn at 5 meters, then go to 12

You start with a gentle underwater session down to about 5 meters. This part is less about adventure and more about learning how scuba feels in your body, like breathing at a steady pace, controlling your buoyancy, and following simple hand signals.

You get a surface break after that first session. That break is not just a rest, it’s where your brain catches up. Coming back up gives you a moment to reset before you head deeper for the second session at around 12 meters.

The second underwater session is where the whole experience starts to feel more “real ocean.” At that depth, things look slightly different, and the guidance shifts from fundamentals to smooth execution. It’s a great way to turn first-time nerves into competence before the day is over.

Playa Chica Beach as the learning stage

Playa Chica Beach is listed as the first stop, and it’s the place you’ll begin your sessions. For first-timers, choosing a straightforward start location is a smart move. You want the experience to feel like training that happens to be in open water, not like an intimidating unknown.

Also, the sea conditions around Lanzarote can be very good for visibility. In practice, that means you have a better chance of spotting sea life without constantly fighting for sight.

What you might see: marine wildlife that makes the training worth it

The point of all this gear and practice is what’s out there. People are often impressed by the mix of smaller creatures and bigger passersby, especially once you’re relaxed enough to actually look.

You can reasonably expect to see a range of marine wildlife. Past sessions have included cuttlefish, jellyfish, starfish, and barracuda. You’ll also get the benefit of guides pointing things out, because not everything is obvious when you’re focused on staying comfortable.

A practical tip from the “first-time wins” vibe of the instructors: don’t treat wildlife like a sightseeing checklist. Try to slow down your movements. Better buoyancy usually means calmer gliding, and calmer gliding makes it easier to spot what’s around you.

Instructor style: patient coaching that keeps you from panicking

This is one of the strongest reasons to book. The instruction approach is very hands-on, with clear demonstrations and plenty of reassurance for beginners. When you’re nervous, that makes a difference, because panic usually comes from not knowing what to do next.

There’s also a strong emphasis on keeping you supported, including 1 on 1 attention and extra guidance when needed. I especially like that the team actively helps you get settled, instead of rushing you through the hard parts.

Names that show up in the experience include Chris and George, both praised for taking their time and making people feel safe. Georg is also mentioned as a key helper for someone who wasn’t the most confident at the start, which tells me the coaching adapts to the diver, not the other way around. Ana and Calin also appear as part of the broader team support.

What’s included, what’s extra, and where value really comes from

For $169.38 per person, the big-value pieces are the ones that usually cost money separately. Your package includes scuba equipment, insurance, transport, and water plus a snack. You also get two underwater sessions, each listed as 40 minutes.

That turns the price into a straightforward deal. You’re not paying a la carte for gear, you’re not figuring out how to get to the water, and you’re getting two learning cycles instead of one.

What costs extra:

• Photos from your session are available for 25 euros.

One more practical thought: having snacks and water included is not glamorous, but it helps. You’ll be using new muscles, new breathing, and a lot of mental focus. A half-day can feel long when you’re hungry.

Transport and timing: how to plan your morning without stress

Transport is included, and it’s set up so you’re not left juggling buses or parking. Still, do yourself a favor and arrive a few minutes early. When you’re new to scuba, the pre-water checklist takes on extra importance, and being rushed doesn’t help anyone.

The day runs about 5 hours total. That time includes instruction, the two sessions, surface breaks, and getting you back at the starting point.

Because this experience has a small maximum group size of 10, it tends to move at a human pace. The payoff is more attention while learning.

Group size matters more than you think

A maximum of 10 travelers keeps the class from feeling like a production line. In beginner scuba, that matters because you need time to ask questions, practice, and have someone confirm you’re doing things safely.

This is also why patient instructors get such strong praise. When the group isn’t huge, the instructor can slow down the pace when a student needs it. That reduces the odds of you feeling like you’re falling behind.

If you like structured learning, this setup is a good match. If you want quiet, personal attention, it’s also the kind of group size that makes that more possible.

Photos: nice memories, but not the main reason to go

It’s good to know upfront that the photo package is not included. Many people do buy it anyway because you don’t have to worry about stopping to take pictures.

Still, I’d treat photos as a bonus, not the product. The real souvenir here is competence plus a strong first contact with sea life. If you’re hoping for high-quality photos as the main outcome, budget the 25 euros and expect it to be an extra purchase, not a guaranteed highlight.

Is the depth plan beginner-friendly?

The plan is intentionally staged. Starting at about 5 meters means you can learn breathing and basic control where the physical sensation is easier to manage. Then, after the surface break, you go to around 12 meters for the second 40-minute session.

That’s a reasonable learning progression. It gives you a chance to understand the equipment and your own comfort level before asking your body to handle more depth changes.

If you’re anxious, this staged approach helps because you get proof you can do it once, before you do it again.

Value for money: two sessions plus gear, transport, and insurance

At $169.38, the price only feels fair if you look at what’s bundled. Here, you’re getting:

• Two underwater sessions (40 minutes each)
• Scuba equipment included
• Insurance
• Transport
• Water and a snack

When you add those together, the value becomes clearer. The package reduces decision fatigue. You’re also less likely to lose time hunting for rentals or paying extra fees that pop up later.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes clear totals and fewer surprises, this is the kind of pricing structure that usually works.

Who should book this, and who might consider another option

You’ll likely love this if:

• You’re trying scuba for the first time and want structured, patient coaching
• You want two learning sessions in one half-day trip
• You care about seeing marine wildlife, not just passing a test
• You prefer a small group size with more attention

You might want a different plan if:

• You strongly prioritize professional underwater photos as part of your budget
• You can be bothered by schedule changes due to weather, since the experience requires good conditions
• You don’t like being guided through safety steps and practice drills (this is hands-on training first)

Should you book this scuba try-out in Lanzarote?

If you want a first scuba experience that actually teaches you, book it. The combination of staged depth, beginner-friendly coaching, and two separate underwater sessions gives you a real chance to go from shaky to steady during the same day.

The strongest recommendation I can give is simple: if you’re nervous, choose the option with patient instruction and small-group attention. This one is set up for that, and the marine life sightings, from cuttlefish and jellyfish to starfish and barracuda, are the kind of payoff that makes the learning feel worth it.

FAQ

What does the 2-session scuba try-out include?

You get two underwater sessions, each about 40 minutes, plus the use of scuba equipment. Insurance is included, along with transport, and water and a snack.

What depths do you go to during the experience?

The first underwater session is down to about 5 meters. After a surface break, the second session goes to about 12 meters.

Are photos included in the price?

No. Photos from your session are available for an additional 25 euros.

Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered. You should note your hotel or your preferred meeting point.

Where does the activity start and finish?

You start at Aquatis Diving Lanzarote at Playa de las Cucharas, local 6, 35508 Costa Teguise, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.