Lanzarote Submarine Safari

If you are looking for something truly different during your stay on Lanzarote, the Submarine Safari is well worth considering. This is a genuine, purpose-built submarine that takes you gently down to about 30 metres beneath the Atlantic, just off the coast of Puerto Calero, a little south of Puerto del Carmen.

Inside, you settle into a comfortable, pressurised cabin with your own viewing window, giving you a front row seat to the volcanic seabed and the colourful marine life that calls these waters home. Watching fish and rays glide past as the submarine moves slowly through this underwater world is a memory that tends to stay with visitors long after their holiday ends. It is something you simply will not find elsewhere on the island, and there are only a handful of places in Europe where you can experience a civilian submarine journey like this.

The submarine you’ll board for the Safari was specially built in Finland and has been exploring the waters off Lanzarote since 1997. This is a genuine submersible, not just a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine, so you really do get the full underwater experience. The hull is designed to go much deeper than the gentle dives offered to visitors, and the crew keep everything in top condition, meeting strict maritime safety standards.

Inside, you’ll find comfortable rows of forward-facing seats, each with its own generous round window for watching the underwater world drift by. The submarine takes about 48 passengers at a time, and the cabin is both air-conditioned and pressurised, so you can simply relax and breathe as normal. There’s no need for wetsuits or diving gear, and you’ll stay completely dry from start to finish.

The friendly crew and pilot work from the front of the vessel, guiding your journey beneath the waves. Throughout the dive, you’ll hear informative commentary in several languages, helping you make sense of the fascinating marine life and sharing insights about the submarine and Lanzarote’s unique underwater environment.

Your adventure begins at Puerto Calero, a charming and rather elegant marina just a short drive south of Puerto del Carmen. After a friendly welcome at the Submarine Safari office on the quayside, you’ll receive a quick safety briefing and find out when it’s time to board. From there, it’s a gentle ten-minute boat ride out across the water to where the bright yellow submarine awaits, bobbing at the surface and ready for your underwater journey.

Climbing aboard through the top hatch, you make your way down the narrow staircase to your seat, ready for the adventure ahead. Once everyone is settled and the hatch is closed, the submarine gently slips beneath the surface. Within moments, you’ll find yourself gliding down to a depth of around 25 to 30 metres, watching as the sunlight fades and the mysterious world beneath the Atlantic slowly reveals itself through the large viewing windows.

The whole experience takes about an hour from start to finish, with around forty minutes spent exploring beneath the waves and the rest enjoying the boat ride to and from the dive site. Once the submarine surfaces, you’ll hop back onto the boat for a relaxed return to Puerto Calero, with plenty of time to take in the sea air and reflect on your underwater adventure.

The dive site just off Puerto Calero is a real favourite among those of us who know Lanzarote well. Here, the volcanic seabed creates an underwater world that feels uniquely Canarian, quite unlike the tropical coral reefs you might find elsewhere. You’ll find dramatic dark rock formations, stretches of sand, and pockets of life where algae and marine creatures have made their home. The water is usually beautifully clear, especially when the weather is settled, and on a good day you can see right down to twenty metres or more.

You’re likely to spot plenty of Atlantic fish here, from colourful parrotfish and trumpetfish to lively damselfish and shimmering shoals of sardines. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of an Atlantic ray resting quietly on the sand, or even a barracuda gliding by. And every now and then, a turtle will make a special appearance, though these encounters are always a treat rather than a promise.

One of the real highlights here is the trio of shipwrecks resting on the seabed, now serving as an artificial reef where marine life gathers in abundance. Exploring these wrecks adds a sense of adventure to your dive, and you’ll often find all sorts of creatures making their home among the twisted metal. The volcanic rocks themselves are full of surprises too, with tunnels, overhangs and crevices that shelter eels, octopuses and other shy residents who prefer the shadows.

This is probably the question I hear most often, and it’s an understandable one. The submarine cabin is quite compact, with a low ceiling and seats arranged closely together. Each seat has its own viewing port, but there aren’t windows above or along the aisle. If you do struggle with claustrophobia, you might find the space a little challenging.

That said, I’ve spoken to plenty of people who describe themselves as a bit claustrophobic, and most find the experience easier than expected. Once you’re settled in and gazing out through your own window at the underwater world, it’s easy to forget about the cabin itself. The space is bright, comfortably air-conditioned, and feels much less confining than a cave or tunnel. You’ll be seated the whole time, and the lively commentary helps keep your mind on the sights outside.

If you’re still not sure, it might help to know that the dive lasts around 40 minutes, and once the submarine is underwater, you do need to stay inside until it resurfaces. The space is a bit like a small aircraft cabin. Some people find the moment when the water rises over the windows and the light shifts to be the most intense part. If reading this makes you feel uneasy, it’s perfectly okay to give this trip a miss. There are plenty of other wonderful ways to enjoy Lanzarote.

Tickets for the Submarine Safari usually cost about 65 euros for adults and 42 euros for children, though prices can vary a little depending on the time of year and where you book. Please note that little ones under two are not able to join the trip. You can reserve your spot easily online, at one of the excursion shops in the main resorts, or simply ask at your hotel reception.

There are usually two or three dives each day, with both morning and afternoon departures to choose from. It’s a good idea to book ahead, as places are limited and the most popular times often fill up quickly, especially in winter and during school holidays. Sometimes you’ll find a small discount if you book in advance rather than turning up at the marina office on the day.

Getting to the marina is straightforward. There’s a daily bus service from Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca, which you can arrange when you book your tickets. Of course, if you prefer, it’s just as easy to drive yourself or take a taxi.

Puerto Calero is a charming little marina tucked away on Lanzarote’s south coast, not far from Puerto del Carmen and the airport. It is easy to find, with clear signs from the LZ-2 motorway. There is plenty of free parking, a good choice of restaurants, and a lovely promenade along the waterfront. I always recommend arriving a little early to enjoy a coffee by the marina before heading off on your dive.

If you are coming from Puerto del Carmen, it is just a quick five-minute drive or taxi ride to Puerto Calero. For those who enjoy a stroll, there is a scenic coastal path linking the two, which takes about 20 minutes on foot and offers some lovely views along the cliffs. From Playa Blanca, you can reach the marina in around 20 minutes by car along the LZ-2, and from Costa Teguise, it is about a 25-minute drive through Arrecife.

If you are not driving, taxis are easy to find from all the main resorts. A taxi from Puerto del Carmen to Puerto Calero usually costs between 8 and 10 euros each way.

It’s a good idea to arrive at the check-in office about 20 minutes before your dive time, as the submarine keeps to a fairly tight schedule. If you have your booking confirmation handy, either printed or on your phone, you’ll find the process smooth and straightforward.

You’re welcome to bring your camera or phone along for the dive, and snapping a few photos through the viewing windows is all part of the experience. The underwater world here is tinged with blue-green light, and the windows are quite thick, so capturing that perfect shot can be a little challenging. I’ve found that turning off your flash and gently pressing your phone against the glass usually gives the clearest results.

The submarine itself is pleasantly temperature-controlled, so there’s no need for any special clothing; just wear whatever you feel comfortable in. The short boat transfer out to the dive site is on an open vessel, so if there’s a breeze, a light jacket can come in handy. You’ll only be on the transfer boat for around ten minutes each way, so it’s all very relaxed.

Some people do feel a touch of motion sickness on the boat transfer, but once you’re in the submarine, it’s a smooth and steady ride. If you know you’re prone to seasickness, it’s wise to take a travel sickness tablet about an hour before you set off, just to be on the safe side.