When I’m planning dives from Puerto del Carmen and need nitrox I try to keep things simple: find a trustworthy shop with a clear nitrox policy, check the paperwork before I walk out the door, and budget for a few small extras. Over the years I’ve hired nitrox-ready cylinders from several outfits in town and learned which questions save time and which hidden costs tend to pop up on the bill.
Where to look for nitrox-ready tanks in Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is compact and most dive businesses are clustered along Avenida de las Playas and the harbour. You’ll typically find three types of operators who offer nitrox fills:
In my experience the full-service dive centres usually have the most consistent nitrox procedures: on-site mixing or dedicated compressor rooms, nitrox analyzers, and clear paperwork. Shops that primarily rent gear sometimes outsource fills or only offer pre-mixed nitrox blends, so always ask how the mix is produced.
What to ask before you hire a nitrox tank
Make these quick checks before you hand over your card or sign anything. I run through them aloud so nothing gets missed:
I also ask who signs off the analysis. I like seeing the shop technician initial the label and write the O2% and pressure — this is important if anyone questions the fill later.
Paperwork and checks — what I never skip
There are a few documents and checks that will save you headaches. When I rent a nitrox cylinder I make sure the following are completed and that I keep a photo of each document on my phone:
Typical extra costs — what to budget for
Here’s how costs tend to break down. Prices vary by shop and season, but these are realistic figures I see regularly in Lanzarote.
| Service | Typical cost (EUR) | Notes |
| Nitrox fill (per tank) | €8–€20 | Depends on oxygen cost and shop policy; higher if analyzer fee included |
| Analyzer use / oxygen analysis fee | €0–€5 | Some shops include in fill price; others charge separately |
| Cylinder rental (if you don’t bring your own) | €5–€15/day | May be included with guided dives; check if deposit required |
| Regulator rental | €10–€20/day | Only if you need a dedicated 2nd stage compatible with high-oxygen service |
| Deposit | €50–€200 | Refundable if equipment returned undamaged |
| O-ring replacement / valve damage | €5–€50+ | Small repairs usually charged; major valve damage replacement costly |
From my bookings I tend to budget around €15–€30 extra per nitrox tank compared with an air fill once you add rental and potential analyzer fees. If you plan multiple dives a day or bring your own kit, the per-dive cost drops.
Technical points and safety I always check
When oxygen is above 22% there are specific precautions. I watch for these details and ask the shop to confirm them:
I also carry a small personal nitrox analyzer probe if I’m depending on a specific blend for conservative no-deco limits. It’s not necessary for every diver, but it has saved me once when the shop’s analyzer seemed unstable.
Practical tips from my own trips
Some final practical habits I use that save time and avoid surprises:
Hiring nitrox near Puerto del Carmen is straightforward when you choose a professional shop, insist on seeing the analyzer reading and inspection stickers, and budget for a few small extras. With those checks done, you can focus on the interesting part — enjoying longer bottom times and more relaxed surface intervals around Lanzarote’s volcanic reefs.
