Tenerife: Beginner’s Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings

Starting a new adventure in the ocean can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking—especially if you’re new to water sports. This Tenerife tour offers an introduction to the underwater world without the need for prior experience. For just $68 per person, you get a 2.5-hour guided experience that combines a gentle dive and snorkeling, with the chance to see sea turtles, sting rays, moray eels, octopus, and colorful fish. It’s a perfect way for newbies and curious travelers to get their feet wet, quite literally, in the Canary Islands.

What really sells this experience is the well-organized approach—small groups, professional instructors, and safety as a top priority. Add in scenic boat rides along Tenerife’s stunning southern coast, and you’ve got a memorable day under the sea. The only thing to consider? The activity depends on weather conditions, so it’s best to be flexible with your plans. This tour suits anyone eager to try snorkeling or diving in a safe, supportive environment, especially those who enjoy seeing wildlife and exploring new waters.

Key Points

• Beginner-Friendly: No previous experience needed, with thorough safety briefings and professional guidance.
• Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to see sea turtles, sting rays, moray eels, and various fish.
• Beautiful Scenery: Scenic speedboat rides along Tenerife’s southern coast set the stage for underwater exploration.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 9 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Value for Money: At $68, it offers a comprehensive introduction to snorkeling and shallow diving.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance and reserve without upfront payment.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Getting Started: Meeting and Safety Briefing

Your adventure kicks off at Zero Gravity Tenerife, located in Puerto Colón in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The staff are friendly and professional, with guides who speak multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, and Italian. The safety briefing takes about 30 minutes and covers everything from equipment usage to safety protocols, which reviewers consistently appreciated. One reviewer, Charlotte, mentioned how even experienced divers felt relaxed thanks to the instructors’ detailed explanations, making the activity accessible regardless of your water skill level.

Equipment and Preparation

You’ll be fitted with a wetsuit, fins, mask, and a lifejacket if needed. The equipment quality is solid, and the guides are attentive, ensuring everyone feels comfortable before heading out. During the briefing, you’re also introduced to what to expect underwater, helping to ease any nerves—something many reviewers highlighted as a major plus. Mariia, for example, found the instructors’ professionalism reassuring, especially when weather conditions weren’t ideal.

The Boat Ride and Dive Site

A key highlight of this tour is the scenic speedboat ride along Tenerife’s southern coast. This part of the experience offers fantastic views of the coastline, with many reviewers noting how enjoyable it is to see the cliffs, beaches, and coves from the water. The boat ride lasts about 15 minutes, taking you to a secluded and natural bay—a calm, protected spot perfect for beginners.

Underwater Exploration

Once anchored, you’ll take turns donning your equipment and starting your descent—no deeper than 10 meters—keeping safety and comfort in check. The guides stay close, providing reassurance and pointing out interesting sights. Expect to see octopus, cuttlefish, moray eels, sting rays, and especially sea turtles, which are often spotted here. Reviewers like Charlotte and Arjun were thrilled to see turtles; one even noted, “The guides notice the smallest details, like a hidden octopus or a stingray.”

Some participants choose to snorkel while others are diving, which adds variety and allows everyone to enjoy the water in different ways. Mariia appreciated this flexibility, calling it “a great way to see more marine life.” After the dive, there’s time for a relaxing snorkel, which many found equally rewarding.

Post-Dive and Return

After the underwater adventure, you’ll return to the boat and head back to Puerto Colón. The whole activity lasts about 2.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day outing. Many reviews, such as those from Jennifer and Laura, mention how well-organized the experience is, with guides constantly checking in to ensure everyone is doing well and feels safe.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Professional Guides: Each group is led by a certified instructor, with a ratio of one instructor for every two clients—this personalized attention is a major plus for beginners. Reviewers consistently praise the instructors’ patience, friendliness, and clear communication. GONZA, Esteban, Marco, and Miriam are often named as standout guides, making the experience feel both safe and fun.

Wildlife and Underwater Encounters: The chance to see sea turtles is a primary draw, and many reviewers have remarked on how incredible it is to spot them swimming gracefully nearby. Other marine animals, like rays and octopus, add to the underwater spectacle.

Value for Money: At $68, including all equipment, insurance, and the boat ride, this experience offers excellent value. It’s an affordable way to sample the underwater world without the commitment of a full certification course. Reviewers like Patryk and Camila mention how worth the cost it is, especially with the chance to see diverse sea life.

Additional Activities: If you’re not ready to dive, snorkeling is included at no extra cost, which allows for a more relaxed, less technical experience. Several reviews highlight how this flexibility caters to different comfort levels and ages.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Puerto Colón: Located conveniently in southern Tenerife, this meeting point is easy to find, next to Cafe Victoria. The staff is welcoming, and the briefing area is comfortable. Reviewers note that clear directions and friendly staff make the start smooth, even if the initial navigation can be tricky amidst other tourist spots.

Safety Briefing: This critical part of the day lasts around 30 minutes, during which guides explain the safety procedures, equipment handling, and what to expect underwater. It sets the tone for a calm, prepared experience—something most participants found reassuring.

Speedboat Ride to the Dive Site: The 15-minute boat ride offers stunning views and a sense of adventure. Some reviews mention how enjoyable it is to see the coastline from the water, especially with good weather.

Underwater Exploration: The main event—about 45 minutes of shallow diving or snorkeling—where you’ll likely encounter sea turtles, rays, and a variety of fish. The experience is designed to be accessible, with guides ensuring safety and comfort at all times.

Return and Reflection: The boat ride back and the short walk back to the starting point wrap up your experience. Many review comments mention how smoothly everything flows, leaving participants with a sense of accomplishment and awe.

Practical Considerations

Duration and Timing: The activity lasts about 2.5 hours, with start times varying. It’s worth checking availability in advance to fit into your schedule. The tour is flexible, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand, providing peace of mind.

Group Size: Limited to 9 participants, which allows guides to give personalized attention and keep the experience relaxed. Smaller groups also mean more opportunities for underwater interaction and better chances of wildlife sightings.

Cost and Value: At just $68, it includes all necessary equipment, insurance, and the boat ride. This makes it a budget-friendly option for travelers wanting a comprehensive introduction to water sports.

What to Bring: Just your swimwear and a towel—everything else, like wetsuits and equipment, is provided. Weather can influence the experience, so it’s good to be flexible if conditions aren’t ideal.

Age and Health Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with respiratory, heart, or diabetes issues. Always listen to the safety briefing and communicate any concerns.

Authentic Experience Insights from Reviewers

One of the most common themes from reviews is how professional and caring the instructors are. Mariia appreciated the “very professional” approach, especially when weather changed. Arjun and Charlotte mentioned how guides “noticed the smallest details,” making wildlife sightings extra special. Many reviewers, like Michelle, and Natalia, found the experience “beautiful,” often citing the patience of instructors like Esteban and Marco, who made even nervous first-timers feel confident.

The tour’s flexibility allows for a variety of underwater encounters—some saw starfish, others only fish, but all found the experience rewarding. The guides’ ability to adapt based on weather or wildlife activity adds an authentic, stress-free element that many travelers appreciate.

Final Thoughts

This Tenerife beginner’s water tour offers an excellent mix of adventure, wildlife, and scenic beauty—all designed with safety and comfort in mind. It’s ideal for curious travelers, those new to snorkeling or diving, and anyone wanting to add a memorable aquatic experience to their holiday. The small group size and professional guidance create an environment where learning and discovery feel natural and unhurried.

While weather conditions can sometimes affect the exact wildlife seen, the overall value, friendly staff, and stunning scenery make this tour a worthwhile choice. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the ocean and create unforgettable memories beneath the waves, especially if you’re dreaming of spotting a sea turtle or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior experience necessary?
No, this tour is designed for beginners. It includes a safety briefing and full guidance, so no previous experience is required.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers boat transportation to the dive site, full scuba gear, a certified instructor, and full insurance. Photos and videos are available for purchase afterward.

How long is the activity?
The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, including safety briefings, boat rides, and underwater time.

What should I bring?
Just your swimwear and a towel. All necessary equipment is provided, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own gear.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women, children under 8, or individuals with respiratory, heart, or diabetes issues. Weather conditions might cause schedule changes or cancellations.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

To sum it up, this Tenerife tour blends safety, wildlife encounters, and scenic boat rides into an accessible water adventure that appeals to novices and seasoned water lovers alike. With knowledgeable guides, excellent value, and the chance to see sea turtles in their natural habitat, it’s a memorable way to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Canary Islands. Whether you’re looking to try scuba for the first time or just enjoy some snorkeling with wildlife, this experience is well worth considering.