Tenerife: PADI Beginner Scuba Dive in the Turtle Area

Introduction: What Makes This Experience Special

If you’ve ever dreamed of breathing underwater or wondering what it’s like to swim alongside sea turtles, this beginner scuba experience in Tenerife might just be your perfect introduction. While we haven’t personally tried it ourselves, the glowing reviews suggest it’s a safe, fun, and beautifully scenic way to get your first taste of ocean adventure.

We love that it offers up to 12 meters of underwater exploration—plenty of room to see vibrant marine life without feeling overwhelmed. The knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and great value at $88 make this a standout for newbies and curious travelers alike. The only thing to consider is that, as with all wild animal sightings, turtle encounters are not guaranteed but are highly probable in 95% of cases.

This tour is ideal for those who want to try scuba diving without committing to a certification and for anyone eager to experience Tenerife’s famed marine biodiversity in a relaxed, beginner-friendly setting.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Beginner-friendly: Suitable for first-timers with all equipment provided.
• Expert guides: PADI-certified instructors ensure safety and support.
• Scenic route: Includes a boat ride with chances to spot whales and dolphins.
• Affordable: At $88, you get a well-rounded adventure with multiple activities.
• Flexible for non-swimmers: Perfect even if you don’t want to snorkel or dive but love the ocean views.
• Small groups: Limited to 10 participants, making it more personalized.

Why We Think This Experience Is Worth Considering

This 3-hour adventure in Tenerife offers a blend of scuba, snorkeling, and boat rides that combine to create a memorable day at sea. We loved how the program is designed for beginners — with comprehensive safety briefings and a friendly atmosphere that encourages confidence, even for nervous first-timers.

The cost of $88 per person is quite competitive given the inclusion of all equipment, a guided experience with a PADI-certified instructor, and a boat trip. When you compare it to other water activities, the value becomes clear, especially considering the chance to see sea turtles, colorful fish, and rays up close.

The shared reviews consistently praise the professionalism and patience of guides like Toby, Romana, and Elena, highlighting a team that prioritizes safety and fun. Many mention the supportive attitude, which helps even the most apprehensive participants relax and enjoy their underwater debut.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting Point: PADI 5* Travel Sub Dive Center

Your adventure kicks off at this well-rated dive center in Costa Adeje, located conveniently near the pier in Puerto Colon. The reception staff are friendly and eager to help with any questions, making the check-in smooth.

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Safety Briefing (30 minutes)

Before heading out, you’ll receive a detailed safety briefing that covers basic scuba skills, hand signals, and what to expect underwater. This part is crucial for beginners and helps set the tone for a confident experience.

Speedboat Ride to the Diving Site (15 minutes)

The boat ride itself is a highlight for many — a quick, exhilarating trip across the Atlantic. Reviewers like Holly mention how fun the boat trip is, with the added bonus of whale and dolphin sightings during the transfer.

Scuba Diving (around 25 minutes)

Once at the site, you’ll be fitted with all your gear, including wetsuit, fins, and mask. Expect to descend gradually, with your instructor by your side. Many reviewers, such as Lars and Anastazja, appreciated how guides like Elena and Toby made sure everyone felt comfortable before descending.

Underwater, you’ll encounter vibrant fish, sea turtles, and rays, and gain a firsthand sense of how it feels to breathe underwater. For many, this is the most memorable part. Rob from the UK described it as “a fantastic experience,” emphasizing the care and professionalism of the staff.

Snorkeling Safari (around 25 minutes)

After your first underwater taste, the focus shifts to snorkeling. The waters here are praised for their clarity and marine biodiversity. Reviewers like Chiara mention how colorful fish and octopuses are common sights. This part allows you to explore freely, guided by experienced snorkel leaders.

Return Journey (15 minutes)

On the boat back, you can relax and reflect. Some lucky travelers like Marta and Dylan noted dolphin sightings amidst the waves, which adds a magical touch to the day.

The Underwater Environment: Marine Life & Visibility

Tenerife is renowned for its rich marine ecosystem, and this tour showcases that beautifully. Many reviews highlight the abundance of sea life, from turtles to a variety of colorful fish and even octopuses.

While turtle sightings are not 100% guaranteed, the tour’s location in the Turtle Area makes encounters highly likely in 95% of cases. Several participants, including Holly and Linda, shared that they saw turtles and dolphins, making their experience even more extraordinary.

The waters are described as crystal-clear, with excellent visibility that enhances the visual impact of the marine life. Many reviewers comment on how the scenery underwater is stunning, with vibrant coral and a lively seabed.

Guides and Equipment: What You’ll Enjoy

The reviews consistently praise the friendly, patient, and professional guides. Guides like Toby, Elena, and Romana receive special mentions for calming nerves and making everyone feel safe. Several reviewers point out how guides are attentive to individual needs — whether dealing with nerves or adjusting to water pressure.

All necessary equipment, including wetsuits, fins, and masks, are provided, which simplifies logistics and lets you focus on the experience. Some mention that prescription masks are not available, so contact lenses or no glasses are recommended.

Group Size & Personal Attention

Limited to 10 participants, this tour allows for a more intimate experience. Reviewers like Silvana and Daniel appreciate the small group setting, which means more personalized attention from instructors.

The Experience Beyond the Water: Scenic Views & Wildlife

The boat ride itself is a treat. Many mention the stunning coastline of Tenerife visible from the water as the highlight of the journey. The possibility of spotting whales, dolphins, or flying fish during the transfer adds an element of wildlife excitement.

Underwater, you’ll find vibrant marine life and interesting formations, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the natural beauty.

Practical Details: What to Know Before Booking

Duration & Schedule

At just 3 hours, this tour is a manageable half-day outing. Check availability for the starting times, which are suited for various schedules.

Cost & Value

For $88, this experience includes all equipment, a guided scuba dive up to 12 meters, snorkeling gear, insurance, and boat rides. Considering the quality of guides, the scenery, and the marine encounters, most travelers agree this is good value.

What to Bring

Participants are advised to bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, and a passport or ID (especially for minors). It’s worth noting that luggage, large bags, and glass objects are not allowed onboard for safety.

Accessibility & Restrictions

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for ages 8 and above. Pregnant women, those with health issues, or over 95 aren’t recommended to participate, but for most healthy beginners, it’s ideal.

Additional Tips

• Don’t plan to fly or go to high altitude for at least 12 hours post-activity.
• Turtle sightings are very probable but cannot be 100% guaranteed.
• If you don’t want to snorkel or dive, you can still enjoy breathtaking ocean and coast views from the boat.

Why This Tour Works for Different Travelers

This experience is perfect for first-time divers or anyone curious about the ocean but hesitant to commit to full certification. The guides’ patience and the small group setting make it less intimidating.

It’s also ideal for families with children aged 8 and older, as several reviews highlight fun, safe experiences for kids. Plus, the chance to see dolphins and whales makes it a hit for wildlife enthusiasts.

For travelers on a budget, the cost includes everything needed for a safe and memorable underwater experience, providing excellent value compared to other water-based activities in Tenerife.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re looking for a friendly, well-organized introduction to scuba diving, this tour delivers. The professional guides and stunning underwater environment provide a perfect blend of adventure and education, especially for beginners.

The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the boat ride with wildlife sightings adds an extra layer of excitement. Whether you’re a non-swimmer, a family with kids, or just eager to tick off “swimming with turtles” from your bucket list, this experience offers a gentle yet exhilarating taste of the ocean.

The value for money is solid, especially considering all the included gear, insurance, and expert guidance. Just keep in mind that, like with all wild animal sightings, turtle encounters are highly probable but not guaranteed.

For anyone wanting to explore Tenerife’s marine wonders in a safe, fun, and accessible way, this beginner scuba tour is a fantastic choice.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for people with no swimming experience?
Yes, this tour is designed for beginners and includes all necessary safety instructions. All equipment is provided, and guides are experienced in helping nervous first-timers.

Are the tours accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing more travelers to enjoy this marine adventure.

How long does the entire experience last?
The whole outing takes about 3 hours, from check-in to return, including safety briefings, boat rides, and activities.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children aged 8 and above can participate, with minors needing to be supervised by an adult.

What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, and a passport or ID for children. Wetsuits are provided, so no need to bring your own.

Can I see dolphins or whales?
There’s a good chance to spot dolphins and whales during the boat transfer, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What if I want to take photos or videos?
On-site photos and videos are available for purchase, but you’re encouraged to bring your own waterproof camera if you like to capture underwater moments.

This Tenerife beginner scuba experience offers a relaxed, scenic, and educational adventure suited for all ages and confidence levels. It’s an excellent way to fall in love with the ocean’s magic without diving headfirst into more advanced courses.

You can check if your dates are available here: