Tenerife: 3-Day Open Water Scuba Diver Course

If you’ve ever looked at the blue expanse of the Atlantic surrounding Tenerife and wondered what lies beneath, this 3-day open water scuba course might be just what you need. Offered by Ocean Friends Buceo and Freediving, this program promises a blend of classroom learning, pool practice, and open sea exploration—all wrapped up in the stunning scenery of the Canary Islands. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone curious about adding scuba certification to your adventure toolkit, this experience balances professionalism with fun.

One thing we especially appreciate about this course is its flexibility—the schedule is adaptable to your preferences, making it easier for travelers juggling other plans. Plus, the SNSI certification awarded at the end is recognized worldwide, opening doors to dives in practically any tropical paradise. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the cost, at $657 per person, which is a solid investment but worth evaluating against the included training and certification.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to explore new environments safely, those wanting a meaningful introduction to scuba diving, or anyone who dreams of discovering a fresh perspective beneath the waves. It’s especially suited for ages 10 and up, making it a family-friendly option for budding divers.

Key Points

• Flexible scheduling tailored to your preferences for a personalized experience.
• SNSI certification recognized worldwide, enabling global diving adventures.
• Includes all essentials such as instructor, insurance, and registration fee.
• Limited group size (max 8 participants) for personalized attention.
• Two-day course structure with theoretical, pool, and open water components.
• Cost-effective package considering the quality of instruction and certification.

A Deep Dive into the Tenerife Scuba Course Experience

What the Course Includes and How It Works

The course is designed to be both comprehensive and manageable—spanning 2 to 4 days depending on your schedule. The core of the program is divided into theoretical lessons, closed water skills, and four open water dives. The latter takes place at depths of 6 to 18 meters, providing a genuine taste of life beneath the surface.

When you arrive, you’ll start with a video session that covers all the essential knowledge—think of it as your scuba 101. It’s a great way to get comfortable with the basics before handling equipment or heading into the water. The instructor, who speaks both Spanish and English, will guide you through learning to use scuba gear: mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device, and tank. Depending on the water temperature of your dive location, your gear might vary slightly, but it will always be geared towards ensuring your safety and comfort.

Pool Sessions: Gaining Confidence in a Controlled Environment

After mastering the theory, you’ll move to pool training, which is often the most fun and confidence-building part of the process. We loved the way instructors put emphasis on practicing techniques in a safe, controlled setting before venturing into open water. This step is crucial for building your comfort with equipment and buoyancy control—key skills for a safe, enjoyable dive.

Open Water Dives: Discovering the Underwater World

Once your instructor is happy with your skills, you’ll head out for your open water training dives. These are the highlight of the experience, offering a real sense of freedom and adventure. You’ll explore Tenerife’s underwater scenery, often at depths between 6 and 18 meters, where marine life and vibrant coral can be close enough to touch (but please don’t!). The reviews mention that the dives are well-supervised, and the small group size (limited to 8 participants) means you’ll receive personalized attention, making even nervous beginners feel secure.

Certification and Future Diving

As soon as your instructor approves your open water dives, you’ll be awarded the SNSI Open Water Diver certification. This certification is recognized worldwide and allows you to dive independently, with a buddy, in tropical or temperate waters. Many reviews highlight how valuable this certification is—it opens the door to a lifetime of underwater exploration.

What’s Not Included?

While the course covers most essentials, extras like photos or videos of your dives aren’t included, so if you want to capture those moments, be prepared for an extra cost. You’ll also need to rent equipment if you don’t bring your own, which might cost around $50. Food and drinks are not included, so packing some snacks or planning a meal afterward can keep your energy up.

Why This Course Offers Great Value

At $657 per person, this program offers a lot for your investment. It includes everything necessary for certification—instructor guidance, insurance, and registration fees—ensuring no hidden costs for the core learning experience. The small group size maximizes learning and safety, and the flexible schedule means you can tailor the experience to your holiday plans.

Many who have taken the course praise it highly, with one reviewer describing it as “top,” and noting that the experience was both educational and enjoyable. The fact that the instructor speaks both Spanish and English makes communication smooth and stresses the personalized nature of the training.

Practical Considerations

Travelers should keep in mind that the minimum age is 10 years old, making it accessible for families. Pregnant women and those under 10 are not suitable for this activity, given safety reasons. The activity can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund, adding a layer of flexibility for last-minute changes.

Meeting Points and Logistics

The activity begins at the Dive Center located at Calle La Ballena 17. The activity ends back at the same spot, making logistics straightforward. The meeting point is in a central location, and the activity duration is flexible, depending on your preferred start time and schedule.

Authentic Experiences and Insider Insights

Based on reviews, participants appreciated the thoroughness of instruction and the confidence they gained. One reviewer mentioned being impressed by the instructor’s professionalism and the clear communication, which created a relaxed environment for learning. The small group size, limited to 8 participants, is often highlighted as a big plus—allowing more personalized feedback and making nervous first-timers feel more at ease.

Another insight from feedback is the importance of arriving well-rested and prepared, especially since the course includes both theory and practical sessions. Many found that the open water dives offered beautiful underwater scenery, with marine life and coral formations that exceeded expectations.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This scuba course is perfect if you’re a first-timer eager to try something new with maximum safety and guidance. It’s ideal for those who want a flexible, well-structured introduction to diving without committing to a longer course. Families with older children (10+) will appreciate the family-friendly approach, especially since the course promotes safety and confidence.

It also suits travelers who want a certification recognized worldwide, opening doors to diving anywhere in the tropics or temperate zones. With its manageable cost and inclusive package, it offers good value for anyone serious about starting their diving journey.

FAQs

How long does the course take?
The course usually takes 2 days, but can extend to 3 or 4 depending on your schedule and pace. The schedule is flexible and can be arranged for your convenience.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the course, instructor, insurance, and SNSI registration fee. Equipment rental is not included but can be rented for around $50 if needed. Photos and videos are extra.

Is the certification internationally recognized?
Yes, the SNSI Open Water Diver certification is recognized worldwide, allowing you to dive in many locations after completing the course.

What age can participate?
The minimum age to join is 10 years old. The activity is not suitable for children under 10 or pregnant women.

Where do the dives happen?
The dives are conducted in the open sea, with a training depth of 6 to 18 meters, offering a genuine underwater experience.

What language is the instruction in?
The instructor speaks Spanish and English, making it accessible for most travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel planning.

Do I need my own equipment?
You can bring your own or rent gear during the course, with rentals costing around $50.

Is the group size small?
Yes, limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized and less rushed training environment.

Final Thoughts

For those curious about exploring beneath the surface of Tenerife’s waters, this 3-day open water scuba course offers a well-balanced mix of education, adventure, and certification. The small group setting, knowledgeable instructors, and flexible scheduling make it especially appealing for first-timers and those seeking a safe, enjoyable introduction to diving. The inclusion of recognized certification adds long-term value, transforming a short holiday activity into a gateway for future underwater explorations.

If you’re someone eager to learn, explore new environments, and gain a new skill in a stunning location, this course stands out as a worthwhile investment. It’s an experience that won’t just fill your holiday with fun but could also ignite a lifelong passion for the underwater world.