Puerto del Carmen: 40-Minute Jet Ski safari on Playa Chica

Feel the Atlantic under your wheels. This 40-minute jet ski safari leaves from Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen and gives you a fast, close-to-the-water view of Lanzarote’s coast. I like the mix of freedom and supervision: you drive your own jet ski, while an instructor leads the route.

I also like the chance to see flying fish, turtles, or dolphins along the way, though sightings are never promised. The main drawback is the short running time. Forty minutes goes quickly, especially when you share a jet ski with another person and stop to take in the scenery.

Key details before you book

• The route starts at Playa Chica: You ride from one of Puerto del Carmen’s best-known coastal spots toward the Quíquere ravine and Playa Quemada.
• One jet ski carries up to two people: You can ride alone or share with another person, with the price set at $188 per group of up to two.
• An instructor leads the ride: You have room to pick up speed, but you are not sent out without guidance.
• The safari can include up to four jet skis: This keeps the outing fairly small rather than turning it into a large water-sports crowd.
• Wildlife sightings are possible: Flying fish, turtles, and dolphins may appear, and the operator says marine life and the surrounding environment are treated with care.
• Bring very little: You need swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Starting at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen

Your meeting point is the Paracraft Lanzarote office beside Restaurant Bar Playa. This is important because you do not need to search the full waterfront for the launch point. Go directly to the office, then prepare for the activity there.

The outing begins from Playa Chica, a useful base for a short sea excursion because the route gets you onto the Atlantic without spending much of the 40 minutes on transfers. You are not being driven to a distant marina. The experience begins in Puerto del Carmen, making it easy to fit into a day based in town.

The exact starting time depends on availability, so check the schedule before you commit to other plans. I would avoid booking this too tightly against a meal, airport transfer, or another timed activity. Water-based activities can take a little practical preparation, even when the actual ride lasts only 40 minutes.

You should arrive ready for salt water and spray. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Leave suitcases and large bags behind, since they are not allowed. A T-shirt under the life jacket is recommended for hygiene and comfort, a small tip that matters more than it sounds when the vest stays against wet skin.

Riding your own jet ski with an instructor nearby

This is not a passive boat tour. You drive the jet ski yourself, while the instructor guides the group along the route. That makes the activity a good fit if you want more control and speed than a standard coastal cruise offers.

The operator allows enough freedom to ride at high speed and feel the rush of the open water. At the same time, you remain part of a guided outing rather than choosing your own route. That balance is useful for first-time riders who want excitement but may not know the coast or the local operating rules.

The excursion can include up to four jet skis. Each machine carries one or two people, so the group remains relatively small. The booking is described as a private group, which gives the outing a more personal feel than a large commercial departure, though you should confirm the exact arrangement at booking if having a fully exclusive ride matters to you.

If two people share one jet ski, decide in advance who will drive and how you want to divide the riding. The price is $188 for a group of up to two, not $188 per person. That works out to $94 each when two people share the booking, making it much better value for a pair than for a solo rider.

From Playa Chica toward the Quíquere ravine

The first part of the ride gives you a different view of Puerto del Carmen. From the sea, the coastline opens up in a way you cannot get from the promenade or beach. You sit low on the water, with the Atlantic directly around you and the jet ski responding to every turn.

The route includes the Quíquere ravine, one of the named coastal points on this safari. The attraction here is not a long stop or a formal sightseeing visit. It is the change of viewpoint as you pass the coast by water, with the ravine forming part of the scenery rather than a separate walking excursion.

This is where the guide’s role matters. The instructor sets the direction and keeps the small group moving together, so you can focus on handling the jet ski and taking in the coastline. A strong guide can make the difference between a confident ride and a nervous one. The current 4.6 out of 5 score from eight ratings includes specific praise for the guide, and Stewart’s June 27, 2025 booking described the activity as fun from start to finish.

No guide’s name is supplied, so you cannot request a particular instructor. Still, the feedback gives the guiding element proper weight. For this type of activity, clear instructions and a calm pace at the start are worth as much as the speed later on.

Reaching Playa Quemada by water

The safari also visits Playa Quemada, a coastal area south of Puerto del Carmen. Reaching it by jet ski is the point of the excursion. You are not simply riding in a marked-off area near the beach, then turning around after a few minutes.

Playa Quemada adds distance and variety to the route. The ride lets you see the coast from offshore, where the shape of the shore and the open Atlantic become the main attractions. The description does not promise a long beach stop, swimming time, or a visit on land, so you should think of this as a moving coastal experience.

That distinction helps set expectations. If you want a relaxed beach day, this is not the right activity. If you want to cover some coastline under your own power and feel the machine accelerate across the water, Playa Quemada gives the ride a clear destination.

The 40-minute duration also means the route has to keep moving. You may get a short pause or slower section to take in the views, but this is not designed as a leisurely full-day cruise. The value comes from the concentrated burst of riding, not from hours at sea.

Wildlife sightings are a bonus, not a promise

The surrounding waters may give you chances to see flying fish, turtles, and even dolphins. These possibilities add interest because you are out in the marine environment rather than looking at the ocean from shore.

Still, wildlife follows its own timetable. You should book this for the jet-ski ride and coastal views first, then treat any animal sighting as a bonus. No responsible operator can guarantee dolphins or turtles during a 40-minute outing.

The activity says marine species and the environment will be respected. That is a worthwhile point for a fast water sport. You are using a motorized craft in waters that may support turtles, dolphins, and other animals, so following the instructor’s route and directions is part of being a considerate participant.

Keep your expectations practical. A brief sighting may be all you get, and the spray, speed, and distance can make wildlife hard to photograph. Put the phone away unless you have a secure, approved way to carry it. The operator offers photos and videos for purchase, which may be the safer way to keep a record of the ride.

How the $188 price works for two people

At $188 per group of up to two, this is a premium short activity. The ride lasts only 40 minutes, so the raw cost per minute is high compared with a longer boat trip or a full-day excursion.

The value improves if two people share the jet ski. At $94 each, you get a guided Atlantic activity, equipment, and a route covering several coastal points without paying separate admission for each person. The life jacket is included, and the private-group format may appeal if you do not want to be packed into a large departure.

For one person, the price is harder to justify unless jet-ski riding is a major priority. You still pay the group rate, even if only one person uses the machine. For two people who specifically want speed and active participation, the cost is more reasonable.

Food and drinks are not included. That is easy to manage because the meeting point is next to Restaurant Bar Playa, but you should eat before or after rather than expecting refreshments on the water. Photos and videos also cost extra, so include them in your budget only if you want a keepsake.

Who should ride, and who should skip it

The minimum age is 8, making this possible for families with older children. The information provided does not give a separate driving age or explain how responsibility is divided between an adult and child, so ask the operator about the arrangement before booking for a child.

This suits you if you enjoy active outings, want a shot of adrenaline, and are comfortable getting wet. It also works well for couples or friends who want to share one machine and keep the cost per person lower.

It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The activity involves boarding, sitting on, and controlling a jet ski, so these restrictions should be taken seriously rather than treated as minor fine print.

You also need to be comfortable with speed and open water. The instructor provides guidance, but this is still a hands-on ride. If you prefer a quiet, dry view of Lanzarote’s coast, choose a boat trip instead.

Practical tips for a smoother 40 minutes

Wear swimwear and apply sunscreen before you arrive. The open Atlantic offers little protection from the sun, and spray can leave you wet even on a calm ride.

Put on a T-shirt beneath the life jacket. This is recommended for hygiene, but it can also make the vest feel less abrasive during the ride.

Do not bring luggage or large bags. Pack only what you need, and ask the office about arrangements for small personal items if necessary. The supplied details do not confirm storage facilities, so do not assume that valuables can be left safely at the meeting point.

Keep the schedule flexible around the activity. Starting times vary, and the experience includes preparation as well as the 40-minute ride. The booking terms allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Lanzarote plans are still shifting.

The instructor speaks Spanish and English. That makes the safety briefing and route guidance easier to follow for English-speaking visitors.

Should you book this Playa Chica safari?

Book it if you want a short, energetic sea adventure and you like the idea of driving rather than sitting in a boat. The route from Playa Chica past the Quíquere ravine toward Playa Quemada gives the ride a real coastal purpose, and possible sightings of dolphins, turtles, or flying fish add a welcome extra.

I would especially recommend it for two people sharing the $188 booking. That brings the cost down to $94 each and makes the 40-minute format easier to accept. Solo riders should book only if the jet ski itself is the main reason for going.

Skip it if you want guaranteed wildlife, a long beach stop, food on board, or a slow sightseeing trip. For the right person, though, this is a compact way to feel the Atlantic, see Lanzarote from offshore, and get a well-guided burst of speed without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

Where does the jet ski safari start?

It starts at the Paracraft Lanzarote office next to Restaurant Bar Playa in Playa Chica, Puerto del Carmen.

How long does the experience last?

The jet ski safari lasts 40 minutes.

How much does the activity cost?

The price is $188 per group of up to two people.

Can two people share one jet ski?

Yes. The activity is designed for one or two people on a jet ski.

Is an instructor included?

Yes. An instructor guides the ride, and instruction is available in Spanish and English.

How many jet skis can join the excursion?

The excursion consists of a group of up to four jet skis.

What places does the route visit?

The route leaves from Playa Chica and includes views of the Quíquere ravine and Playa Quemada.

Can I see dolphins or turtles?

You might see flying fish, turtles, or dolphins, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Wearing a T-shirt under the life jacket is recommended for hygiene.

Who should not take part?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. Children must be at least 8 years old.