Lanzarote Playa Chica

Playa Chica is a lovely little cove, quietly nestled next to the old harbour in Puerto del Carmen. Although it measures only about 100 metres across, it has long been a favourite with both locals and visitors for shore diving and snorkelling. The volcanic reef begins almost at your feet, and within a gentle swim you can find yourself floating above dramatic drop-offs that reach down to 40 metres and more.

The water here is beautifully clear, often allowing you to see more than 20 metres ahead, and the variety of marine life is always a delight, especially given how easy it is to reach. Whether you are slipping on a mask for your very first snorkel and marvelling at the colourful fish, or you are an experienced diver hoping to spot angel sharks and rays on a night dive, Playa Chica never disappoints.

You certainly do not need to be a diver to discover the underwater world at Playa Chica. With just a mask, snorkel and a pair of water shoes, you can slip into the sea and almost straight away find yourself above volcanic rocks alive with colour and movement. Even close to the shore, you are likely to spot flashes of electric blue and orange from the ornate wrasse, shoals of white sea bream, damselfish weaving in and out of the crevices, trumpet fish hanging in the water, and parrotfish nibbling at the rocks.

Cuttlefish are a regular sight here, and it is always a treat to watch them shift colours as they move across the sand. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of an octopus hunting among the rocks, or see a ray gliding gracefully over the sandy patches between the reefs. We always recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel for the best experience. There are a few dive shops nearby that sell basic gear, but you will not find a hire service right on the sand. For the clearest water and calmest conditions, head to the left side of the cove as you look out to sea, and try to visit in the morning before the breeze picks up. It is best to avoid snorkelling after a storm, as the water can be a little cloudy.

Playa Chica is a real favourite among divers here on Lanzarote, and with good reason. You will find several friendly, PADI-certified dive centres just steps from the sand, so it is wonderfully easy to slip into the water and explore without ever needing a boat. The reef here reveals itself in gentle stages, starting with a shallow plateau that is ideal for beginners and those trying diving for the first time. As you venture further, the seabed drops away to reveal sandy stretches and deeper walls that offer something for every level of diver. The real highlight for many is the chance to spot the elusive angel shark, a rare treat that keeps divers coming back.

Lanzarote is one of the last safe havens for the angel shark, and Playa Chica is among the best places anywhere to see these remarkable creatures. They often rest quietly on the sandy bottom, especially from October to March, and spotting one is always a special moment. You are also likely to encounter barracuda, moray eels, cuttlefish, stingrays, eagle rays, and sometimes even a guitar shark. If you have the chance to dive here at night, you are in for a real treat. The reef transforms after sunset, with octopuses on the move, shrimps sparkling in your torchlight, and parrotfish tucked up for the night. Guided dives usually cost between 35 and 50 euros for certified divers, while introductory experiences start from around 50 euros. If you plan to dive more than once, packages offer even better value.

Playa Chica may be small, but it is surprisingly well equipped for a sheltered cove. You will find showers at the entrances, public toilets close by, and lifeguards keeping watch during the main season. There are a handful of sunbeds too, though these tend to be snapped up quickly once the summer sun arrives.

If your idea of a perfect beach day is simply stretching out in the sun, Playa Grande just around the headland offers much more space to do just that. Playa Chica, on the other hand, is all about slipping into the water and enjoying the sheltered bay. Right next door, the old town harbour is lined with seafood restaurants where you can sit out on the terrace and enjoy fresh fish, paella, and a cold beer while watching the boats come and go. For many of us who live here, it is the best place in Puerto del Carmen to relax after a morning in the sea.

You can reach the beach from the promenade by either steps or a gently sloping ramp. The ramp allows wheelchair users to access the upper part of the beach, though the cove’s rocky edges and uneven ground mean that getting right down to the water is not really possible with a wheelchair.

If you have limited mobility but still want to experience Lanzarote’s wonderful marine life, I’d recommend a glass-bottom boat trip from the nearby harbour. It’s a lovely way to see the reef without even getting your feet wet. The beach itself is a good spot for children, though the rocky entry and deeper water make it best suited to older kids who are confident swimmers. For little ones who prefer paddling and building sandcastles, Playa Grande is a better choice. Teenagers and older children who love snorkelling will really enjoy this cove, and because it’s quite small, parents can easily keep an eye on them from the shore.