Playa Chica is Puerto del Carmen's tiny sheltered cove — and the top shore-diving and snorkelling spot on all of Lanzarote. Tucked into the rocks between the resort's main beaches, this little scoop of golden sand is small, calm and unassuming above the water, but below the surface it opens into a world of volcanic reefs, caves and marine life. Divers and snorkellers come from across Lanzarote to slip in from its gentle shore, making it one of the island's most rewarding places to get in the sea.
How to get there
Playa Chica sits in the middle of Puerto del Carmen, between the long town beach and the old harbour, so it's an easy walk from almost anywhere in the resort along the seafront promenade. Steps and a ramp lead down to the sand from the promenade above, and several of the resort's dive centres are based within a few minutes' walk, which is why you'll often see groups in wetsuits gathering here. If you're driving, use the street parking behind the front and stroll down; the airport is only a short hop away, so this cove is quick to reach from your first day.
Photo: Jorge Franganillo · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · scaled
What it's like
Above the water, Playa Chica is exactly what its name suggests — a "little beach", a compact sandy cove framed by rocks and backed by the promenade. It's a pleasant, sheltered spot for a sunbathe, but its real magic lies just offshore. The sheltered bay shelves gently before dropping away into deeper water and reefs, so it feels like a natural swimming pool that happens to sit at the doorway to a spectacular dive site. Because it's small, it has an intimate, friendly atmosphere, busy with swimmers, snorkellers and divers coming and going.
Bring a mask and snorkel even if you're not diving — you'll see shoals of fish just a few strokes from the sand, especially around the rocks at the edges of the cove.
Swimming, snorkelling and diving
Playa Chica is a genuinely brilliant place to get in the water. The cove is naturally sheltered and calm, with clear, easy access from the sand, which is what makes it perfect for beginners and training dives as well as experienced divers exploring the deeper reefs beyond. Snorkellers can float over rocks alive with fish, while the gentle entry suits families having a paddle. This is the launching point for famous local dive sites, so expect to share the water with organised groups. See our overview of diving in the Canary Islands for what to expect and how to book with a reputable centre.
The rocks at the edges of the cove are wonderful for marine life but can be slippery and sharp underfoot — wear water shoes, keep clear of divers surfacing near the entry point, and check conditions before venturing beyond the sheltered bay.
Facilities
Because it sits right in the resort, Playa Chica is well served. You'll find showers and toilets, sunbeds and parasols to hire in season, and the full sweep of Puerto del Carmen's cafés, bars, dive shops and restaurants just up on the promenade. Several dive schools operate directly from here, so equipment hire, air fills and guided dives are all close at hand. There's usually lifeguard cover during the main season — always follow the flags and any local guidance, particularly given the number of divers using the water.
Best for whom
Playa Chica is made for snorkellers, divers and curious swimmers — anyone who wants to see beneath the surface, from first-timers taking a discovery dive to seasoned divers exploring the reefs. It also suits families who want a small, sheltered cove for a calm paddle within easy reach of everything the resort offers. It's less suited to sun-worshippers wanting acres of empty sand, as the cove is genuinely small and can get busy; for a long lie-down, the resort's wider beaches are a better bet.
Nearby
Playa Chica is flanked by Puerto del Carmen's bigger beaches — the central Playa Grande and, further north, the long, relaxed Playa de los Pocillos — so you can easily combine a snorkel here with a lazy afternoon on the sand nearby. The resort's harbour, restaurants and nightlife are all within a short walk in Puerto del Carmen. Beyond the coast, the volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park make a great day out. For the full picture, see our guide to Lanzarote.