Tenerife: PADI Beginner Scuba Dive in the Turtle Area

Starting with a quick overview, this beginners scuba experience in Tenerife offers a safe, fun introduction to the underwater world. For just $88 per person, you get approximately three hours of guided activity that combines a scuba dive, snorkeling, and boat ride — all in the stunning waters surrounding Tenerife. What makes this tour particularly appealing is the chance to see sea turtles and vibrant marine life without prior experience, all under the watchful eye of qualified instructors.

One thing to consider is that turtle sightings cannot be guaranteed—though the guides are confident about the likelihood (about 95%). Plus, the activity is capped at small groups of 10, which enhances the personal attention and safety. This experience is ideal for those curious about the ocean but hesitant to commit to a full certification, families with children (from age 8), or travelers who simply want a memorable, low-pressure introduction to scuba diving in a beautiful setting.

Key Points

• Accessible for Beginners: No prior experience required—just a sense of adventure and a spirit of curiosity.
• Expert Guides: The tour is led by PADI-certified instructors, ensuring safety and professionalism.
• Stunning Marine Encounters: Expect to see sea turtles, colorful fish, and rays in crystal-clear waters.
• Inclusive Equipment: All necessary diving and snorkeling gear, including wetsuits, fins, and masks, are provided.
• Breathtaking Views: The boat rides and underwater scenery make for perfect photo ops and memories.
• Flexible and Small Groups: Limited to 10 participants, allowing for personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Introduction: An Underwater Adventure for Beginners

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater or wanted a safe way to dip your toes into scuba, this Tenerife tour might just be the perfect start. Many reviewers describe it as an “amazing,” “professional,” and “supportive” experience, making it attractive for first-timers or those looking to try something new without diving certification.

What we love most about this tour is the guides’ attentiveness — they really know their stuff, and reviewers rave about instructors like Toby, Elena, and Romana, who are praised for their patience and friendliness. The boat ride itself is fun, with some reviewers mentioning dolphin sightings and stunning coastal views en route to the dive site. However, it’s worth noting that marine sightings are not guaranteed—but even the underwater environment is impressive enough to make this a worthwhile outing.

A potential consideration is the duration—just three hours—which is ideal for a quick, low-commitment activity, but travelers craving a longer or more in-depth underwater experience might find it somewhat limited. Nevertheless, this tour hits a sweet spot for those wanting a memorable, beginner-friendly adventure in Tenerife’s famous waters.

What to Expect: A Well-Structured Underwater Encounter

Starting at the Dive Center

Your adventure begins at the well-located PADI 5* Travel Sub Dive Center in Costa Adeje, where the team is praised for being welcoming and organized. You’ll meet your instructor, who will give a safety briefing lasting about 30 minutes — a crucial step for easing nerves and ensuring everyone understands what’s ahead. Reviewers mention that the staff takes the time to answer questions clearly, which helps build confidence before heading out.

The Speedboat Ride

Next, a quick 15-minute speedboat ride whisks you to the dive spot. As the boat cuts through the Atlantic, expect some fun chatter and possibly glimpses of dolphins or flying fish, as some travelers did. Reviewers like Lars and Marta appreciated this part, emphasizing the scenic journey and the anticipation it builds.

Scuba Diving Experience

Once at the site, the group is divided into manageable groups, with one instructor per two participants. The dive itself lasts around 25 minutes, descending up to 12 meters. Reviewers frequently highlight the crystal-clear waters, which make spotting marine creatures easy and memorable.

Many mention the feeling of breathing underwater for the first time — a mix of excitement and nervousness. Elena, one of the instructors, is praised for her thorough guidance and calm demeanor, which puts even the most anxious divers at ease. Underwater, you’ll likely see sea turtles, vibrant fish, and rays, with some lucky visitors catching glimpses of octopuses or other sea creatures.

Snorkeling Safari

After the dive, the group heads to a prime snorkeling location where you can float and observe marine life in a more relaxed way. Many reviews detail how vibrant and lively the waters are, with colorful fish and turtles often visible. The guides are attentive, providing tips and encouragement. This part lasts about 25 minutes, giving plenty of time to enjoy the underwater scenery without the technical aspects of scuba.

The Return Journey

The trip wraps up with another quick speedboat ride back to the starting point, offering more chances to spot marine life or simply enjoy the ocean views. Many reviewers reflect on the relaxing and scenic nature of the boat ride, making it a fitting end to the adventure.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Meet at the Dive Center

The tour begins at the Travel Sub Dive Centre, located in front of pier 5, inside the Escuela Nautica building at Puerto Colon. Reviewers advise arriving 15-30 minutes early to check in and get fitted with equipment. The team is accessible and multilingual, with guides speaking English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Czech, which is a plus for international travelers.

Safety Briefing and Preparation

The 30-minute safety briefing is essential. It covers basic diving procedures, signals, and safety rules, which reviewers find reassuring. Elena, the instructor praised by many, is known for her clear explanations and friendly approach. She ensures everyone feels prepared before entering the water.

Boat Ride to the Dive Site

The speedboat ride is about 15 minutes, offering beautiful views of Tenerife’s coastline. The boat ride is often highlighted as fun and scenic, with some reviewers mentioning dolphin sightings or flying fish—though these are not guaranteed.

The Underwater Experience

Once submerged, you’ll descend to a maximum of 12 meters. The underwater visibility in Tenerife is described as crystal-clear, making marine life easy to spot. Expect to see sea turtles, colorful fish, and rays, with many reviews emphasizing how close and personal you can get with marine creatures.

Snorkeling and Marine Observation

After the scuba portion, the guided snorkeling allows you to float over the vibrant underwater landscape. Many reviewers mention that the waters here are some of the best in Tenerife for snorkeling, teeming with marine life.

Return and Reflection

The day concludes with a boat ride back to the dive center, giving you time to relax, reflect, and maybe share photos with fellow travelers. Some reviews mention the possibility of spotting whales or dolphins during the return trip, which adds to the overall sense of adventure.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For $88, the experience provides professional guidance, all equipment, and access to some of the best waters Tenerife has to offer. Many reviewers emphasize the quality of instruction, with instructors like Max, Romana, and Tobias receiving high praise for their patience and friendliness. The inclusion of insurance and equipment ensures no hidden costs, and the small group size guarantees personalized attention.

While the activity is shorter than some full-day trips, many say it’s perfect for first-timers or those seeking a quick, memorable adventure. The chance to see turtles, snorkel in vibrant waters, and enjoy scenic boat rides makes this experience feel well-rounded and authentic—especially for such a reasonable price.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for beginners eager to try scuba diving, families with children aged 8 and above, solo travelers wanting a safe adventure, or anyone curious about marine life without a full certification commitment. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate small groups and personalized guidance.

It also suits travelers who want a beautiful scenic boat ride combined with underwater exploration, making it a great choice for photography lovers or nature enthusiasts. However, if you’re hoping for guaranteed turtle sightings or a longer, more in-depth exploration, you might want to consider other options or extensions.

The Sum Up

This Tenerife beginner scuba experience offers a fantastic introduction to the underwater world for those with little or no prior experience. The combination of expert guides, scenic boat rides, and vibrant marine life makes it a compelling choice for travelers seeking a memorable, fun, and safe ocean adventure.

The value for money is evident in the quality of instruction, the inclusiveness of equipment, and the chance to see iconic creatures like sea turtles. The small group size means you’ll receive plenty of personal attention, which is especially reassuring for first-timers.

The tour’s structure, professional guidance, and stunning waters make it a great fit for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a quick but impactful introduction to scuba diving. If you’re after a relaxed, authentic experience with beautiful views and chances to see wildlife, this tour could be one of your holiday highlights.

FAQ

Is prior experience required? No, this is designed for beginners. Even if you've never snorkeled or scuba dived before, you'll be guided carefully through every step.
What is the maximum depth of the dive? The dive descends to a maximum of 12 meters, suitable for beginners and those not comfortable with deep water.
Are all the equipment included? Yes, all snorkeling and diving gear—wetsuits, fins, masks—are provided and included in the price.
Can children participate? Yes, children aged 8 and above can join, but minors must be supervised by an adult.
Is there a chance to see turtles? While sightings are not guaranteed, around 95% of the tours encounter sea turtles, making it highly likely but not certain.
How long does the tour last? Approximately three hours, including safety briefings, boat rides, diving, snorkeling, and returning.
What languages are guides available in? Guides speak English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Czech, catering to a diverse range of travelers.
What should I bring? Sun protection (hat, sunscreen), towel, flip-flops, and a passport or ID for children.
Are there any restrictions? Yes, pregnant women, children under 8, or people with certain medical conditions are advised against participation.
Can I take photos or videos? Spot photos and videos are available for purchase on-site, but not included in the tour package.

This tour strikes a wonderful balance between safety, fun, and authentic marine encounters—perfect for those dipping their toes into the underwater world for the first time.