Early mornings on Lanzarote still hold a kind of hush that I’ve learned to cherish: salty air, soft light over volcanic rock, and the sense that the day is wide open for whatever the ocean will offer. If you’ve only got one full day to chase multiple island sports — scuba, windsurfing and a scenic coastal hike — I’ve put together a route that’s become a favourite of mine. It’s practical, accessible, and makes the most of calm inshore conditions at Playa Chica, steady winds at Famara, and a mellow sunset along the northern coastline.
Why this route works
Playa Chica (Puerto del Carmen) is a reliable spot for morning scuba: sheltered, clear water and plenty of sites within a short boat or shore-entry distance. By midday, a short drive north to Famara often finds the wind picking up into a consistent thermal breeze — perfect for an afternoon windsurf session. Finish with a gentle coastal hike that rewards you with a sunset over dramatic cliffs and quiet coves. The logistics are compact (roughly 45–60 minutes driving between major points) and the day flows naturally from calm to active to relaxed.
Suggested itinerary and timings
| 07:30 – 09:30 | Arrive at Playa Chica, check in with dive centre, pre-dive brief, surface interval prep |
| 09:30 – 12:00 | Two-tank shore/boat dives or one longer guided dive (depending on certification) |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch and transfer to Famara (allow 45–60 minutes driving) |
| 13:30 – 17:00 | Windsurf session at Famara (lessons or rentals available) |
| 17:30 – 19:00 | Easy coastal sunset hike (route depends on tides and parking) |
Practical logistics
Start by booking your morning dive with a reputable local dive centre — I often work with centres that operate from Puerto del Carmen and offer both shore entries and short boat rides. Tell them you’re planning an active afternoon; most operators will adapt your dive profile (one longer guided dive vs two tanks) so you’re not pressed for time.
Drive times are reasonable: Puerto del Carmen to Famara is about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic and stops. I recommend leaving the dive centre around noon to avoid rushing, especially if you’re changing gear and want a proper hot lunch.
Skills and fitness level
This day is built to be accessible:
Packing list — what I take
Gear tips and rentals
If you’re renting, choose recent equipment and check it carefully — inflator hoses, fittings and BC straps are critical. For windsurfing, Famara has several rental schools; try to reserve a wide freeride board and a small-to-medium sail (4.5–5.5 m) if you’re intermediate. Beginners should book a lesson for an introduction to footstraps and launch technique — the sand at Famara is forgiving and the instructors are skilled at getting you up quickly.
Safety considerations
Route and site highlights
Playa Chica’s underwater terrain is varied — expect volcanic formations, tunnels and reefs that shelter octopus, rays and abundant Mediterranean fish. A favourite shallow reef I often dive is rich with life and good for a relaxed navigation practice.
Famara’s beach is wide and long, which means multiple spots for launch depending on wind direction. If the wind is side-shore, I’ll launch closer to the lifeguard towers; if it’s more cross-off, I head for northern access points where it’s less bumpy.
The coastal hike I recommend starts near Famara village and follows the edge of the Risco de Famara cliffs for a gentle stretch before curving toward small coves. The views are dramatic: cliffs, scattered surfers, and the Atlantic horizon — ideal at golden hour.
Local tips and places to eat
Photographer’s notes
If you want photos, I suggest a small waterproof camera for the morning dives and a lightweight mirrorless or compact for the beach and hike. Sunset at the cliffs is soft and forgiving — bring a telephoto if you want compressed layers and surfer action shots from a distance.
For route maps, local contacts and updated conditions I keep detailed posts and guides on my site — check https://www.scubalanzarote.co.uk for dive operators, windsurf schools and downloadable waypoint hints. If you’d like, I can tailor this route to your certification level or transport options — just drop a note through the contact page and tell me what pace you prefer.
