Tenerife: Discover Scuba Diving with Free Photos

Getting into scuba diving for the first time can seem daunting, but Tenerife’s Discover Scuba experience aims to make it both accessible and memorable. Offered by Ocean Friends Buceo and Freediving, this three-hour tour combines expert guidance, stunning volcanic scenery, and the bonus of free photos to help you relive the moment. It’s designed for beginners aged 10 and up who want a safe, fun introduction to the underwater world, with no prior experience needed.

What really stands out about this tour is the professionalism of the guides, especially the very well-reviewed instructors who prioritize safety and making sure everyone feels comfortable. The inclusion of photos is a thoughtful perk, allowing you to capture your first underwater moments without any extra hassle. That said, it’s important to note that this is a group experience with limited spots (up to 10 participants), so booking early is a smart move if you don’t want to miss out.

One potential consideration is the lack of hotel pickup or drop-off—so you’ll need to plan your transportation to Marina del Sur. But for those eager to try something new, especially in calm, shallow waters with impressive volcanic formations, this tour offers excellent value and authentic introductory diving.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a low-pressure, guided introduction to scuba diving, especially if you’re curious about the ocean life around Tenerife but aren’t ready for a full certification. It also suits those who enjoy photos as keepsakes, and appreciate friendly, knowledgeable instructors leading the way.

Key Points

• Safe and guided: Certified instructors support you throughout, ensuring safety and confidence.
• Beautiful scenery: Expect to see volcanic formations and marine life up close in calm, shallow waters.
• Inclusive package: Equipment, insurance, and photos are all included, providing great value.
• Flexible scheduling: Check availability for different starting times within the 3-hour window.
• Ideal for beginners: Suitable for ages 10+, with no prior experience necessary.
• Limited group sizes: Small groups (up to 10) mean more personalized attention.

An In-Depth Look at the Tenerife Discover Scuba Experience

Setting the Scene: From Marina South to Underwater Wonders

Your adventure kicks off at Marina del Sur in Puerto de las Galletas, a lively spot that feels just right for a beginner’s introduction to the sea. The meeting is straightforward — arrive 15 minutes early at Ocean Friends Buceo for a quick briefing and gear-up. From here, the group heads to a calm, shallow part of Tenerife’s coastline, perfect for easing into the experience.

The location itself is a plus: accessible, with plenty of nearby cafes and facilities, making it easy to grab a coffee or snack afterward. The calm waters here are ideal for first-timers, offering a safe environment to learn and practice.

What to Expect During the Tour

The theoretical lesson is brief but thorough, covering key concepts like equipment use, breathing techniques, and underwater communication. Our guides, including Elio and others praised for their professionalism and friendliness, ensure everyone gets comfortable with the basics before entering the water.

Once in the shallow waters, you’ll work at your own pace, practicing breathing and handling the equipment with hands-on guidance. Many reviews highlighted how supportive the instructors were—Marek’s comment about the “very professional and very patient” guide underlines this. This initial session is crucial, setting your confidence level for the deeper part of the experience.

The main dive takes you to a maximum depth of 12 meters. Here, you’ll witness the captivating volcanic formations that Tenerife’s underwater landscape is famous for. Expect to see a variety of marine life, including fish and possibly even an octopus or two, based on reviews. The clarity of the water often impresses visitors, making it easier to appreciate the underwater scenery.

Throughout, a certified instructor remains close, ensuring safety and offering support. Zoe’s review says it all: “I felt safe at all times,” which is the most vital assurance for first-timers.

The Photos — A Memorable Keepsake

Included in the package are 2 to 3 photos per person captured during the activity. These snapshots are a lovely way to remember your first underwater experience, especially since, as some reviewers noted, you can purchase additional photos and videos if you wish. Marek humorously recommends taking anti-nausea tablets beforehand, a tip that shows how even beginner divers can have a smooth experience with a little prep.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Starting Point: Meet at Ocean Friends dive center, Marina del Sur, Puerto de las Galletas.
• First Stop: Briefing and gear-up, then head to the shallow, calm waters.
• Main Activity: About an hour of guided scuba, exploring volcanic formations and marine life.
• Return: Back to Marina South for debriefing and photo collection.

The entire process, from briefing to returning, is flexible, lasting roughly between 1.5 to 3 hours depending on group size and pace. The short duration is perfect for those with limited time but still eager to try scuba for the first time.

Pros and Cons Based on Real Experiences

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ professionalism and friendliness. John Michael mentioned how helpful and welcoming the guides were, making the experience stress-free. Zoe’s glowing review underscores how safe and enjoyable it felt, even for someone new to diving. Marek appreciated the patience of the instructor, noting how his group had zero stress underwater—a key benefit for beginners.

On the downside, some travelers pointed out that the experience doesn’t include transportation, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. Also, the video footage is an optional extra, which might be a missed opportunity for some who want a full record of their underwater adventure.

Price and Value

At $101 per person, this tour offers fair value considering the inclusion of equipment, insurance, professional guidance, and photos. Compared to costly full certification courses, this is a chance to dip your toes into scuba, seeing if you love it enough to pursue more advanced training later.

Additional Practicalities

• Age & swimming ability: Participants must be at least 10 years old and able to swim confidently.
• No flying or mountain visits for 24 hours post-dive—important if you’ve scheduled other activities.
• Arrive early to ensure a smooth start and avoid missing out.
• Language options: Guides speak both Spanish and English, making communication clear.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This Discover Scuba tour is ideal for travelers who want a taste of the underwater world without committing to a certification. It’s perfect if you’re curious but unsure, or if you simply want to enjoy a guided, safe introduction to scuba diving. If you love taking photos and want a tangible memory, the included pictures make this even more appealing.

It’s also well-suited for families or groups with mixed ages, given the minimum age of 10 and the supportive environment. Plus, those with limited time on Tenerife will appreciate how this activity fits neatly into a morning or afternoon slot.

Who Might Want More?

If you’re seeking a full certification or a longer, more adventurous experience, this isn’t the tour for you. Similarly, if you prefer private guides or transportation included, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts

The Tenerife Discover Scuba Diving experience from Ocean Friends Buceo is a fantastic introduction for beginners eager to see what lies beneath the surface of the Atlantic. The guides’ professionalism and calm approach make it suitable even for those with little to no swimming experience, while the stunning volcanic scenery keeps the underwater scenery intriguing.

The inclusion of photos adds value, letting you treasure the moment forever. The tour’s modest duration and small group size mean you’ll get personalized attention without feeling rushed. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances safety, fun, and authenticity, making it a smart choice for first-time divers and ocean lovers alike.

If you’re looking for a low-cost, high-value way to explore Tenerife’s marine life and learn a new skill, this activity ticks all the boxes. Just remember to arrive early, bring your swimwear and towel, and be ready for a memorable adventure beneath the waves.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 10 and older who can swim confidently are allowed to participate. It’s designed to be safe and fun for beginners, including young teens.

Do I need prior experience to join?
No prior experience is necessary. The tour is aimed at beginners, with a short theoretical lesson and guided practice to help everyone feel comfortable.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel. The activity provider will supply all diving equipment and insurance.

Will I get photos of my dive?
Yes, the tour includes 2 to 3 photos taken during the activity, which will be shared with you afterward. Additional photos and videos can be purchased separately.

How long does the activity last?
The total experience lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on group size and pace. The actual underwater activity is about an hour.

Is transportation included?
No, the tour starts at the dive center at Marina del Sur, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

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

Whether you’re a curious first-timer or someone eager to capture the magic of the ocean in photos, this Tenerife scuba experience offers a safe, friendly, and visually stunning introduction to the underwater world.