Lanzarote

Lanzarote, unique among the Canary Islands, has a striking lunar landscape. In the 1700s volcanoes erupted regularly and lava masses buried a third of the entire island. The resulting volcanic landscape that is so impressive on the surface is equally as awe inspiring underwater, with lava flows and cave formations providing divers with some fantastic areas to explore. 

Situated just 79 miles off the coast of Africa, Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islands. Being only four hours flight away, Lanzarote is an ideal destination for UK scuba divers: combining year-round warm temperatures and stunning diving with the convenience of regular flights from most regional UK airports.

Diving in Lanzarote

The rocks are covered in anemones, sponges and soft corals and are home to a variety of marine life, including grouper, tuna, barracuda, monkfish, moray, octopus, rays and seahorses. At certain times of the year it is also possible to see dolphins and whales. 

From directly in front of Safari dive centre, divers have access to the best dive sites Lanzarote has to offer. The bay is protected by rocky outcrops and is suitable for beginners and the more experienced diver, providing varied and interesting diving with many drop offs and caves to explore. 

Near the shore the sea bed is sandy and drops away to steep volcanic walls. The volcanic landscape that is so impressive on the surface is equally as awe inspiring underwater with lava flows and cave formations providing divers with some fantastic areas to explore. The harbour wall wreck dive site is a designated Underwater Park containing a number of wrecks.  

PUERTO DEL CARMEN

Situated on the East Coast and 20 minutes from the airport, Puerto del Carmen is the main hub for diving and accommodation on Lanzarote.  

Puerto del Carmen is made up of the downtown area of La Tiñosa and laid out around the old fisherman’s port and the “New Town”, which has developed along the shoreline and the promenade Avenida de las Playas.  

La Tiñosa is a charming area to unwind over a drink and watch the fishing boats come and go. Wander into the nearby square and you can take in local life, with a game of boules or just sit down a watch the world go by. With its well-established restaurants, La Tiñosa is definitely a must for those who love fine foods in wonderful surroundings. 

The new town of Puerto Del Carmen is bustling with activity and offers a fantastic variety of both daytime and night-time activities to suit all ages. Its main beach - Playa Grande - is the largest on the island and faces a long strip which hosts a huge variety of restaurants, shops and bars. 

Playa Chica (the location of our partners at Safari Diving) is a sandy beach with rock pools. It is an ideal beach for the whole family and non-divers too, who can enjoy sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling. There are also lots of shops, bars and restaurants nearby. 

Safari Diving

Safari Diving is a long-established family-friendly dive centre, located directly on Playa Chica beach which is the main shore entry point for the whole island. They offer daily shore and boat dives, and twice weekly night dives. 

Guided dives are provided with dive packages at no extra charge and these are scheduled at least three times a day. Solo divers will be provided with a buddy on guided dives. Safari Diving can store your equipment or can offer equipment hire if required. 

Groups and clubs are welcome to use their own instructors to complete training or Safari Diving’s own instructors. 

Suitably qualified divers can dive with a buddy at any time (within opening hours). Those wishing to shore dive independently of the dive centre guide must be a minimum of PADI Open Water or BSAC Ocean Diver or equivalent (the dive centre’s discretion remains). 

Safari Diving is an ideal place to learn to dive, with clear waters and a shallow, protected reef in front of the dive centre. Safari Diving offers BSAC, PADI and SSI training courses.  Please enquire for details.

DIVE PACKS

Options available include 3, 6, 10 and 14 dive packages. Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs.

Typically, 10 dive package (from shore or boat) with Safari Divers starts from £300 per person excluding equipment rental.

EXTRAS IN RESORT

• Nitrox: Not available due to local regulations
• Equipment hire (individual items): POA 
• Diving from Playa Blanca (with sister dive centre) for Museo Atlántico and other popular dive sites

Local Regulations

Medical: Please note that Spanish regulations require an up-to-date medical, should you mark any contraindications on the dive medical self-assessment questionnaire.

Dive Limit: There is a legal dive limit in Spain to 40m (subject to appropriate qualification). A decompression chamber that can house up to six people is available on the island.

Getting Around 

An easy island to access on foot, by taxi or rent a car locally. Puerto del Carmen is a 15 minute transfer from the airport.

Climate and water temperature 

The Canary Islands enjoy practically all year round good weather. They are nicknamed the Islands of Eternal Spring and temperatures rarely drop below 16ºC and rise to around 30ºC in the summer. The climate is influenced by the proximity to North Africa with an average of 6 to 11 hours of sunshine each day. Water temperatures range from 18ºC to around 25ºC.

When to go: All year, although July to November may be preferable if you prefer warmer water. A drysuit may be preferable in winter months, although a 7mm semi-dry should also be sufficient. A 5mm wet suit can be worn all year with hood and gloves in winter.

Water visibility

Lanzarote is renowned for its clear underwater visibility. During late Spring, Summer and Autumn, visibility can reach 30+ metres.

Time

There is no difference between GMT and local time.

Currency

€ - Euros.  Banks are normally open until early afternoon from Monday to Friday, and until midday on Saturday. Summer and winter opening hours may differ.  Credit cards widely accepted.  ATM's are widely available.

Flight Information

Flights are available from most UK main and regional airports with regular and frequent departures.

Flight duration: UK to Lanzarote International Airport (Arrecife):  4 - 4½ hours

Departure tax: N/A

Passports & Visas

For UK citizens your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this. Visas are not required for UK citizens.

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Lanzarote, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio for anyone. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure with your GP or local travel clinic.

Further information regarding vaccinations for travel can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.

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