Puerto del Carmen is Lanzarote’s main beach resort, and its sheltered waters make it the island’s centre for water sports. Playa Chica is one of its small beaches, close to the old harbour area, and operators there run jet ski sessions that suit holidaymakers who want a quick burst of speed and spray rather than a full day on a boat. The sessions are short and run in turn, with a briefing before you go out, and you can choose a single or a double machine, sharing with a partner, friend or older child. It is not a sightseeing trip so much as a way to enjoy the sea, with the resort coast and the mountains behind it as a backdrop, and a good fit for a beach afternoon when you want something more exciting than lying in the sun. Operators in the resort also offer other water activities such as parascending, so groups with mixed tastes can mix and match.
How it works
Choose a date and a time slot, arrive at the meeting point at the beach in time for the briefing and kit and then ride within the area marked by the operator. Sessions are brief and tightly organised, and rules cover who may drive, the minimum age for drivers and passengers and the use of life jackets.
Bring ID if asked and read the terms carefully, in particular what you are responsible for if the machine is damaged and what the operator’s insurance covers. Weather and sea conditions can change the schedule, so be ready for a rebooking if the wind is strong.
What to expect
Speed, spray and a very quick session, so you get a lot of sensation for a short time. Swimwear and a towel are essential, and a rash vest, a cap that will not blow off and sunglasses with a strap are sensible. Keep valuables on shore, because phones and wallets do not belong on a jet ski.
Beginners get a short lesson, so there is no need to have ridden before, but follow the instructor and respect swimmers and boats in the area. The sea is cool in winter, so a short wetsuit or rash vest is more comfortable than swimwear alone.
Making the most of it
Book early in the day, when the sea is often calmer and the beach is quieter, and pair the ride with lunch on the seafront promenade. If you want a longer, calmer day on the water, the catamaran to Papagayo is a better choice, and if you would rather stay dry, the submarine safari is a gentler way to enjoy the sea.
For couples and friends who want adrenaline, the buggy tour from Costa Teguise is a land-based counterpart, and a surf class at Famara covers the other end of the action spectrum. Check age and weight limits when you book, because they apply to each rider.
What to expect
The experience
A short, briefed jet ski session off Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen, ridden solo or sharing a double machine.
Best time
Early in the day, when the sea tends to be calmer and the beach is quieter.
How long
A short session, plus time for the briefing and kit before you go out.
Tips
Wear swimwear and a rash vest, leave valuables ashore and read the age, weight and damage terms.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and friends who want a quick burst of speed on the sheltered south-east coast.
- Families
- Older children can ride as passengers on a double, but age and weight limits apply to everyone.
- Couples
- Share a double machine for a short, fun session before a seafront lunch.
- Pair with
- A beach afternoon and a promenade lunch in Puerto del Carmen.
- Time needed
- About an hour including the briefing and kit.
Good questions
Do I need experience to ride a jet ski?+
No, beginners receive a short briefing and lesson before going out. Follow the instructor and keep within the area marked by the operator.
Can I share a machine?+
Yes, there are double machines for two people. Check the age, weight and licence rules that apply to the driver and the passenger.
What should I wear?+
Swimwear, a rash vest or short wetsuit in the cooler months, a secure cap and sunglasses with a strap. Leave phones and wallets on shore.
What if the weather is bad?+
Strong wind or rough sea can cancel or delay a session. Be ready to move to another time or day.
Are there other activities nearby?+
Operators at Puerto del Carmen offer water sports such as parascending, and the town has a long seafront with cafés and beaches.
