I have a new question for you peeps. I want to try diving for the first time, and I see there are a couple of companies providing lessons in the area. Can you recommend any of them in particular, and what sort of cost would be involved for beginner and follow-on sessions?

All advice gratefully received.

Loo

Sorry I can't give an answer, but I would also be intrested in any snorkeling areas that people could recommend.

looloo,

In the past I have used both Calipso Diving in CT and Manta Diving in PDC both are well established and have a good safe & reliable service.

calipso@arrakis.es

info@manta-diving-lanzarote.com

Enjoy!

Hi Nick, from what I've been able to find, the most commonly recommended area for diving seems to be around Puerto del Carmen, but I understand there is diving around Playa Blanca as well.

Deepsix, thanks for your tips!

Loo

Check here but I would also include Papagayo beach near PB.
http://www.lanzaroteinformation.com/con ... -lanzarote

Looloo,

I'm not a diver, but Iknow there are at least 3 schools in Playa Blanca. I guess I'd go for one which had the relevant certifications.

Dawn Dives on 0034928 517230

Dive College on 0034928 518 668

Marina Rubicon Diving on 0034928 349346 and www.rubicondiving.com

Maybe try ratukoula on this forum, I believe he´s down there or Mike estupendo.

I'm not a diver but I've been told by a local diver that some of the best diving is at Charco del Palo, a naturist village on the north east coast accessed by a small road from Mala a town just north of the Cactus Garden.

Steve

And that is in fact not far from true....

Diving schools frequently use Charco de Palo's "pool-like" facilities for their instructions. And also a bit further south I have spotted vans from diving schools with lots of people in the water. As the coast line truly is spectacular, with mix of different rocks and grottos as well as crystal clear water, - diving must be fantastic...

It is also one of the more popular fishing areas (from land) according to Ebon who works in the Equipment shop in Puerto Calero (He is twice world champion in casting by the way, so he should know)....

Zocoloco, would that be skin diving?

Air bottles and the full outfit............

I went diving for the first time in Playa Blanca - it was great fun.

We did the introduction to Padi which basically had us bobbing around the marina. I must admit unless you are staying in the other areas suggested above not much point driving all the way up there because on a beginners course your not going very far!!!

From what I remember it was about 50 or 60E each and was great fun. Though don't do with a hangover........!!!

I will try and dig out the name of the company but they were on the pier at the marina - v easy to find!

Foodie, see my post above. Marina Rubicon Diving on 0034928 349346 and www.rubicondiving.com perhaps?

Rat is no longer in Lanzarote he recently left and is working in Fiji - lucky sod!

Just been sitting back for a bit to watch your replies roll in. Many thanks to all who replied. Have a smashing time on that gorgeous island, peeps. mwuh! mwuh!