Puerto Calero Marina

Puerto Calero is one of those places on Lanzarote that many visitors never quite stumble across, but those who do often find themselves wishing they had discovered it sooner. Nestled quietly between Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca, this small marina feels a world apart from the busier resorts. It is refined, peaceful and has a gentle beauty that makes it easy to relax and unwind. The harbour is dotted with elegant yachts and motor cruisers, and you will find just a handful of excellent restaurants and a couple of interesting art galleries along the waterfront. 

There is a real sense of calm here, with no beach, no noisy nightlife and none of the usual tourist shops, which is exactly what makes Puerto Calero so special to us. It is the perfect spot for a long, leisurely lunch overlooking the boats, a cool drink in the afternoon sunshine, or a memorable dinner in a setting that feels far removed from the bustle of the Avenida. Puerto Calero is also where some of the island’s best boat trips set off, including the well-known submarine safari that lets you see Lanzarote’s marine life up close beneath the Atlantic waves.

Puerto Calero is one of those places that feels a little bit special, even if you have lived on Lanzarote for years. Developed by the Calero family in the 1990s, the marina has a unique charm and a sense of quality that really stands out. With space for around 420 boats, it attracts yachts from all over the world, so there is always a touch of international flair and a hint of glamour in the air. I often find myself wandering along the pontoons, taking in the sight of everything from elegant racing yachts to huge motor cruisers, some even with their own helicopter pads. It is a lovely way to spend an hour or two, just soaking up the atmosphere.

The area around the marina is beautifully kept, with low-rise, whitewashed buildings, lush greenery and a few pieces of tasteful art dotted about. There is a real sense of calm and quiet prosperity here. Puerto Calero is not really a resort in the traditional sense; it is first and foremost a marina with a small selection of shops and restaurants. Most people visit for a few hours, often coming over from Puerto del Carmen or other parts of the island, which keeps things peaceful and unhurried. Even in the height of summer, you can usually find a table at one of the restaurants without any trouble, and the promenade is never crowded. If you value a relaxed atmosphere and a touch of quality, Puerto Calero is well worth a visit.

Puerto Calero might not have dozens of restaurants, but the ones you’ll find here are real gems. Along the marina, a small collection of friendly places offer terraces right by the water, so you can watch the boats drift in and out as you enjoy your meal. The chefs make the most of Lanzarote’s fresh local produce and the daily catch from the Atlantic. Unsurprisingly, fish and seafood are the highlight on most menus, and it’s always worth asking about the catch of the day. You’ll also find excellent steaks, Mediterranean classics, Asian-inspired dishes and some inventive tapas to try.

Puerto Calero’s restaurants are favourites with both visitors and those of us who live here. Amura is well known for its Mediterranean cooking and lovely views over the water, making it a great spot for a romantic meal or a special occasion. For fresh seafood and traditional Canarian flavours, La Taberna del Puerto is always popular, with everything from grilled octopus to generous paellas. If you fancy something more relaxed, Café de la Plaza offers creative tapas and good cocktails in a friendly setting. Sushi Bar Minato is the place to go for fresh sushi and Asian-inspired dishes, while Azure is a reliable choice if you’re in the mood for a steak or a gourmet burger. Each of these places has its own character, but all share the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes Puerto Calero such a pleasure to visit.

What makes Puerto Calero stand out is how good food and a beautiful setting come together so naturally. The terraces are always inviting, the service is warm and unhurried, and there’s never any need to rush. We always suggest taking your time here – a long, lazy lunch with a bottle of wine and the sun on your face is one of those simple pleasures that makes Lanzarote life so enjoyable. Prices are a little higher than in some other parts of the island, with main courses usually between 15 and 28 euros, and a good glass of wine from around 5 euros. If you’re marking a special occasion, some restaurants offer tasting menus or signature dishes that really highlight the best of Canarian and Mediterranean cooking. Sundays are especially lively, with local families gathering for long lunches, and the marina is at its most atmospheric on warm evenings during the busy season.

One of the lovely surprises in Puerto Calero is its small but vibrant art scene. The marina is home to a couple of welcoming galleries, where you can browse original works by artists who have made Lanzarote or the Canary Islands their home. Much of the art captures the unique landscape and ever-changing light of the islands, from volcanic vistas and seascapes to abstract pieces inspired by Lanzarote’s colours. You will often spot sculptural works that seem to grow out of the natural surroundings. The spirit of César Manrique is never far away here, and you can sense his influence in many of the pieces on display.

You are always welcome to wander through the galleries at your own pace, and the staff are usually happy to chat about the artists and their work. Even if you are just browsing, it is a lovely way to spend some time and get a feel for the creative community that has found inspiration in Lanzarote’s remarkable landscape. From time to time, the marina comes alive with art events and exhibitions, adding a splash of culture to your visit. As you stroll around, you will also notice outdoor sculptures dotted among the gardens and walkways, a gentle reminder of how art and nature are woven together here on the island.

Puerto Calero is well known as the home of the submarine safari, a truly special way to discover the world beneath the Atlantic just off our Lanzarote shores. The submarine itself is a real, purpose-built vessel, taking you down to about 30 metres below the surface. Inside, you sit comfortably in an air-conditioned cabin, with large portholes offering wonderful views of the underwater landscape. There are only a handful of tourist submarines like this in Europe, and it is an experience that feels quite different from anything else you can try on the island.

Your adventure starts with a short boat ride from the Puerto Calero marina out to the dive site. Once aboard the submarine, you gently descend into the blue, leaving the sunlight behind. The underwater scenery here is shaped by Lanzarote’s volcanic past, with dramatic rocky reefs, sandy stretches, caves and all sorts of formations, each home to colourful marine life. On most dives, you’ll spot schools of parrotfish, wrasse, damselfish and barracuda, along with rays, octopus, sea urchins, starfish and a variety of corals and sponges. The friendly crew are always on hand to point out different species and share their knowledge of the marine world. When the water is clear, the visibility is fantastic, and there’s something truly magical about gliding quietly through this hidden side of Lanzarote.

The whole trip takes about an hour, including the boat transfer, with around 40 minutes spent exploring beneath the waves. Tickets are usually between 55 and 65 euros for adults and 30 to 35 euros for children. It may seem a little pricey, but for such a rare and memorable experience, we think it’s well worth it. It’s a good idea to book ahead, as places are limited and the submarine follows a set timetable. Trips run most days, though they can be cancelled if the weather turns. Most visitors can join, but do be aware there is a steep ladder down into the cabin, which might be tricky for some. For us, it’s one of the most unforgettable things you can do on Lanzarote, especially for families and anyone with a love of the sea.

Puerto Calero is much more than just the home of the famous yellow submarine. From this peaceful marina, you can set off on a variety of boat trips, whether you fancy a leisurely catamaran cruise, a sailing adventure, or even a day of deep-sea fishing. The Lanzarote catamarans often glide along the coast towards the golden sands of Papagayo or up to Puerto del Carmen, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying a bite to eat and a cool drink on board. If you are drawn to the thrill of fishing, the charters here head straight out to the rich waters between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, where big game fish are often found. The marina’s location on the south coast makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the sea at your own pace.

Whale and dolphin watching is another highlight here, and it is always a thrill to spot bottlenose dolphins or catch a glimpse of a pilot whale out in the open sea. The waters around Lanzarote are home to these wonderful creatures, and the trips are usually led by knowledgeable guides who are happy to share their passion for marine life. One of the things I appreciate about Puerto Calero is how calm and uncrowded it feels compared to some of the busier marinas. Boarding a boat here is a relaxed affair, and it adds to the sense of a special day out. Prices for excursions vary, but as a guide, a standard half-day trip is usually around 40 to 60 euros per adult, with fishing charters costing a bit more if you are heading out in a smaller group or after something specific.

Puerto Calero sits quietly on the coast between Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca, just a short five-minute drive from the southern end of Puerto del Carmen. If you are coming from Playa Blanca, you can expect a relaxed twenty-minute journey, and from Costa Teguise it is about half an hour. There is plenty of free parking right by the marina, which makes arriving by car or taxi the easiest option. Public transport does not reach the marina directly, so most visitors choose to drive or take a taxi, which usually costs between eight and ten euros from central Puerto del Carmen.

I always recommend visiting Puerto Calero for a leisurely lunch, especially on one of those bright Lanzarote days when you can sit outside and watch the world go by from a restaurant terrace. Arriving around midday gives you time to wander along the marina, admire the yachts and perhaps browse a gallery or two before settling in for a long, relaxed meal. If you prefer, you might come later in the afternoon to enjoy a drink as the sun sets and then stay on for dinner. If you are planning to try the submarine safari, it is worth allowing a couple of hours at the marina so you can enjoy a meal before or after your adventure. 

The marina itself is compact and easy to explore on foot, with most visitors drawn by the excellent dining and the chance to be close to the water rather than traditional sightseeing. The area is flat and accessible, with public toilets available. For anyone who loves beautiful boats, good food and a peaceful atmosphere, Puerto Calero is a real gem here on Lanzarote.