Tenerife: Diving w/ Underwater Scooter (DPV)

Exploring the waters around Tenerife with a Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) offers a unique blend of fun, efficiency, and depth of exploration that appeals to both seasoned divers and those craving a new underwater experience. This tour, offered by Ocean Friends Buceo and Freediving, combines the thrill of moving swiftly through the water with the opportunity to cover more ground—whether you’re into cave adventures, wreck exploration, or simply enjoying the sea for longer than traditional swimming allows.

One thing we particularly appreciate about this experience is how it makes the ocean more accessible and less tiring. Instead of the usual exhausting swim, you get a chance to glide effortlessly, conserving your energy for the fun parts of your dive. That said, it’s not a beginner-friendly activity, as you’ll need to have a minimum of 20 logged dives and an Open Water Diver certification. This ensures safety and allows participants to fully enjoy the added control and excitement the DPV provides.

A potential consideration is that this tour does not include diving equipment or photos/video, meaning you’ll need to rent gear separately and purchase souvenirs if you’re hoping for underwater memories. Also, note that hotel pickup isn’t included, so you’ll need to meet at Pier 3, which adds a bit of planning but keeps the group small and intimate. This experience suits those with some diving experience looking to spice up their underwater time, or adventure-loving certified divers eager for a new way to explore.

Key Points

• Enhanced Exploration: Cover larger distances underwater without exhausting yourself.
• Great for Experienced Divers: Minimum 20 logged dives required, making it suitable for seasoned underwater explorers.
• Safety and Comfort: Small group size (limited to 2 participants) and guided by knowledgeable instructors.
• Flexible Duration: The activity lasts about 1 hour, with checkable start times to fit your schedule.
• Additional Costs: Renting diving gear and purchasing photos or videos are extra.
• No Hotel Transfer: Participants need to meet at Pier 3 – a simple but necessary detail for planning.

The Experience: What to Expect During Your Underwater Scooter Tour

Starting at Pier 3, you’ll meet your instructor from Ocean Friends Buceo and Freediving, a team known for their professionalism and knowledge. From the outset, they focus on safety, giving a thorough briefing about how to operate the DPV and what to expect during the dive. The small group size ensures personalized attention, which is especially reassuring for less confident swimmers or first-timers with a DPV.

Once ready, you’ll don your diving gear—if you’ve rented it—and enter the water. The underwater scooter itself is the star of the show. With controls similar to a handlebar throttle, it’s surprisingly intuitive to operate, even for those new to DPVs. We loved how the device adds a gentle push, allowing us to drift effortlessly through the water, all while giving us a feeling akin to being in a sci-fi movie.

A key benefit is the extended underwater time. Many reviewers have noted how they appreciated the ability to explore more of the underwater scenery without tiring their arms or lungs. One diver mentioned, “Using the scooter really made my long-distance cave exploration feel effortless and safe.” The scooter also helps conserve air, meaning you can spend more time enjoying marine life or exploring wrecks and caves.

Expect to encounter some stunning underwater sights, which may include reefs, marine wildlife, or even wrecks, depending on where the guide takes you. Because the activity is designed to be safe in deep dives and new locations, it’s a wonderful way for experienced divers to push boundaries without increasing risk.

While the activity lasts about an hour, actual underwater time may be slightly less depending on your pace and the group’s needs. The guides are well-versed in local waters and will tailor the experience to ensure everyone benefits from the session.

The Practicalities: What’s Included, What’s Not

The tour price of $164 per person is reasonable considering the equipment provided and the expertise offered. The fee covers the use of the diver propulsion vehicle (DPV), but not the diving gear itself, which is available for rent. This can be a smart move if you already own your equipment or want to select gear tailored to your preferences.

Photos and videos are available for purchase, which is a helpful way to preserve your underwater adventure—though it’s an extra expense. Keep in mind, hotel pickup isn’t included, so you’ll need to meet at the designated pier, but this small logistical step ensures a more intimate experience with fewer participants.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Ideal for certified divers with at least 20 logged dives, this experience is perfect if you’re comfortable in the water and want to add a dash of excitement to your Tenerife trip. It’s especially suitable for those curious about wreck or cave exploration, as the DPV allows you to cover more ground with less effort, making those long swims less daunting.

Given the activity’s emphasis on safety and control, it’s also a good fit for adventurers looking to try something different without the risks associated with unsupported underwater exploration. Non-divers or beginners should look for more traditional snorkel or introductory scuba experiences, as the minimum age is 12 and a certification is required.

The Value Proposition: Is It Worth It?

At $164, this tour offers a unique and exhilarating way to experience Tenerife’s underwater landscape. The added speed and distance coverage mean you get more out of your time underwater, and the small group size translates into personalized attention. For experienced divers, the ability to explore wrecks or caves with less fatigue is a huge plus, especially in a location famed for its marine diversity.

The guides’ knowledge and professionalism shine through, ensuring safety and maximizing fun. While you’ll need to rent your own gear and arrange transport, the overall experience is well worth the investment if you’re seeking a memorable, active, and authentic ocean adventure.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

This activity is best suited for certified divers who want to broaden their underwater horizons with a bit of tech-enhanced exploration. It’s a fantastic choice for adventurers eager to cover more ground, especially in areas that might be challenging to swim through freely. The small group setting and knowledgeable guides make it suitable for those who value personalized attention and safety.

If you’re someone who loves active water sports and wants to combine the thrill of movement with underwater discovery, this tour will hit the spot. It’s also a great way to add variety to your Tenerife holiday, especially if you’ve already tried standard snorkeling or diving.

For those who prefer more relaxed underwater experiences, or are new to diving, this might be a step too advanced. But for the experienced diver looking to add some speed and excitement, the underwater scooter tour delivers an engaging, memorable adventure with excellent value.

FAQ

Do I need any special experience to participate?
Yes, you must have at least 20 logged dives and hold an Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certificate. It’s designed for certified divers comfortable in open water.

Can I rent my diving gear?
Yes, diving equipment is available to rent separately. This allows you to bring your preferred gear or save on costs if you already own equipment.

Are photos or videos included?
No, photos and videos are available for purchase after the tour. They’re a nice way to remember your underwater adventure but come at an extra cost.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you will meet at Pier 3 for the activity. Make sure to arrive a few minutes early to coordinate with your instructor.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, water, a towel, and dry clothes. Since the activity involves being in the water, waterproof gear or a dry bag for personal items is recommended.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is about 1 hour, but actual underwater time may be slightly less depending on group pacing and safety considerations.

Is this activity suitable for children?
The minimum age is 12, and participants need to be comfortable in the water. Anyone from age 12 requires written parental permission.

Can pregnant women participate?
No, this activity is not suitable for pregnant women due to safety concerns.

This Tenerife underwater scooter experience offers a dynamic, safe, and memorable way to see more of the ocean with less effort. It’s a smart pick for certified divers wanting a bit of adrenaline and exploration in their water adventures.