PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course in Tenerife

Travelers seeking a thrilling introduction to the ocean’s wonders will find this PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience in Tenerife a wonderful choice. With a focus on safety, fun, and authentic marine encounters, it offers a perfect way to dip your toes—or rather, fins—into scuba for the first time. While it’s designed for newcomers, the quality of the guiding staff and the stunning underwater scenery make it a memorable adventure worth considering.

What we love about this tour is its small group setting, the professional guidance of experienced instructors, and the opportunity to explore vibrant marine life in calm, warm waters. It’s a well-structured experience that balances safety with excitement. The only potential downside? It’s a short session, so if you’re craving more time to explore, you might wish for a longer experience. This tour suits first-time divers, families, or anyone curious about trying diving without committing to a full certification course.

Good To Know

• Beginner-friendly: No prior experience needed, making it accessible for most ages from 10 and up.
• Safe and professional: Guided by certified PADI instructors with safety as a priority.
• Stunning underwater scenery: Dive in calm waters, up to 12 meters deep, to see colorful fish and possibly sea turtles.
• Excellent value: For around $129, you get a full, guided experience with all equipment included.
• Family friendly: Suitable for children, with a relaxed, engaging approach.
• Limited group size: Small groups ensure personalized attention and safety.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Starting at Travel Sub Dive Center

Your adventure begins at the Travel Sub Dive Center, located conveniently in front of pier 5 at Puerto Colon. The staff here are friendly and efficient, and the check-in process is straightforward. As you arrive, you’ll meet your instructor and receive a safety briefing that covers what to expect, basic safety protocols, and how the equipment works. Review of the e-learning materials prior to the day means most of this is familiar, easing nerves and giving you confidence.

Safety Briefing and Preparation

The 30-minute safety briefing is detailed but approachable, ensuring everyone feels comfortable. Review includes how to use your gear properly, what signals to use underwater, and safety procedures. The instructors, such as Max and Toby mentioned in reviews, are praised for their clear instructions and patient demeanor. One reviewer noted that their instructor “gave a detailed briefing at the beginning and helped me choose the right equipment, explaining everything clearly,” which makes a big difference for first-timers.

The Speedboat Ride to the Dive Site

The journey to the dive location involves a 15-minute speedboat ride. This part is often lauded for its scenic views. Travelers like one reviewer from Spain mentioned that “the boat ride to the dive site was very nice,” offering a chance to enjoy the coastal scenery and warm ocean breezes. The boat ride is generally smooth, and the small group size keeps it intimate and relaxed.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Shallow Water Exercises

Before heading into the open water, you’ll do confined water exercises at a shallow depth, typically around 12 meters or less. This phase allows you to practice basic skills like breathing through the regulator, controlling buoyancy, and clearing your mask. These sessions are crucial for building confidence. Participants have found this portion engaging and manageable, often highlighting how the instructors made it easy to understand and feel comfortable.

The Main Dive Experience

The highlight is the supervised dive, which lasts around 40 minutes and takes place near Puerto Colon’s vibrant underwater environment. Here, you’ll explore colorful fish, and if you’re lucky, encounter turtles or other marine life. The waters are described as calm and warm, making the experience accessible and enjoyable for newcomers. Reviewers like Valeriia from Finland shared that “the underwater world is truly mesmerizing,” and the guide was always nearby to ensure safety and confidence.

Returning and Sharing Stories

After surfacing, you’ll return to the Dive Center by boat, where you can relax, share stories, and view photos or videos taken during the dive. While photos and videos aren’t included in the package, many guests appreciate the opportunity to capture memories. One reviewer paid extra for photos and found it “definitely worth it,” as they captured great underwater moments, including a sea turtle.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides a comprehensive package that includes e-learning materials, a full set of diving equipment, full insurance, and guidance from a PADI-certified instructor. The boat ride, safety briefing, and shallow water exercises are all part of the package, making it a great value for the price of $129.

Extras such as photos or videos are not included but can be purchased separately, which many find worthwhile to relive their underwater adventure. The package also doesn’t include prescription masks, so glasses need to come off or contact lenses worn.

Practical Details: Timing, Group Size, and Accessibility

The entire experience lasts around 3 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability. Limited to just four participants per group, the tour offers personalized attention—crucial for first-timers or those with nerves. The small group setting also fosters a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

The meeting point is straightforward to find; just head to the reception at the Travel Sub Dive Center in front of pier 5. It’s wheelchair accessible, and staff speak multiple languages, including English, Russian, French, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch.

What to Bring

Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The tour is suitable for those who want to enjoy the ocean’s beauty without necessarily snorkeling or diving deep. Remember, it’s not recommended to fly or ascend to high altitude for at least 12 hours after diving, so plan your schedule accordingly.

Who Should Avoid This Experience?

This experience isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with certain medical conditions such as heart problems or diabetes. Always check with your doctor if unsure.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Guests consistently praise the professionalism of the instructors, with comments like “Max was brilliant,” and “the guides were very attentive, making sure you felt safe at every step.” Many mention how the underwater encounters exceeded expectations, with one describing the experience as “amazing” and “unforgettable,” especially the highlight of encountering a sea turtle.

The boat rides and scenic views also come in for praise. Several mention that the calm Atlantic waters and the friendly staff made the experience smooth and enjoyable, even for nervous first-timers.

Final Thoughts: Is This Experience Worth It?

The PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course in Tenerife offers a fantastic introduction to the underwater world for those who want to try something new without a huge commitment. It’s perfect for families, solo travelers, or groups looking for a manageable, safe, and visually stunning activity. The small group size and professional guidance ensure you’re in good hands, and the chance to see marine life up close adds a sense of wonder to the experience.

While it’s a brief tour, the memories and confidence gained can inspire many participants to pursue further diving adventures. The overall value, considering gear, instruction, and the beautiful location, makes it an attractive offer for many travelers exploring Tenerife.

The Sum Up

This PADI Discover Scuba course strikes a practical balance between safety, fun, and stunning scenery—ideal for first-timers or anyone curious about the underwater world. It’s a well-organized, friendly experience that delivers good value for money, thanks to expert guides and the chance to see colorful marine life in calm, warm waters.

If you’re seeking an accessible, authentic introduction to diving in Tenerife, this tour is hard to beat. It’s especially suited for those looking for a family-friendly activity or a memorable way to start exploring the ocean without the pressure of certification.

For travelers who want a safe, guided, and scenic first step into scuba diving, we recommend giving this experience serious consideration.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
It includes e-learning study materials, a personal PADI-certified instructor, boat transfer to the dive site, full diving equipment, safety briefing, the dive itself (up to 40 minutes), certification as Discover Scuba Diver, and full insurance.

Do I need any prior experience?
No previous experience is required. It’s designed specifically for beginners, including children aged 10 and above.

How long does the experience last?
The entire session takes about 3 hours, which includes safety briefing, boat transfers, the shallow water exercises, and the main dive.

Is it suitable for families?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, with participants as young as 10. The small group setting and experienced guides help make it engaging and safe for all ages.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you wear glasses, you’ll need to remove them or use contact lenses, as prescription masks aren’t included.

What’s the maximum depth of the dive?
The guided dive takes place up to 12 meters, offering a safe yet immersive underwater experience.

Can I see marine animals like turtles?
While the tour doesn’t guarantee sightings, many participants have been lucky enough to see sea turtles and vibrant marine life during their dive.

In short, this tour offers a great introduction to scuba diving with excellent guides, beautiful scenery, and good value. It’s ideal if you’re after a safe, manageable way to discover the ocean and maybe even catch a glimpse of Tenerife’s marine residents.

You can check if your dates are available here: