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

Thinking about trying your hand at scuba diving or snorkeling in Tenerife but feeling a little nervous? Or maybe you’re just curious about what a beginner-friendly underwater adventure looks like? We recently looked into this popular tour offered by Zero Gravity Tenerife and wanted to share the details with anyone considering it. It’s a well-rated experience for those new to the underwater world, combining easy diving, beautiful wildlife sightings, and some seriously scenic boat rides.

What we really appreciate is how accessible and well-organized this experience seems, making it suitable for a variety of beginners. The fact that every two clients have one instructor means you’ll likely get plenty of personal attention. Plus, it’s a chance to see sea turtles, moray eels, sting rays, and other marine creatures, which really ups the wow factor.

However, it’s important to note that this tour isn’t designed for everyone—there are restrictions for pregnant women, those with respiratory or heart issues, and children under 8. Also, since wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, some folks might find their expectations aren’t entirely met in that regard. But overall, this experience looks like a great way to dip your toes—and maybe your fins—into the ocean without needing prior experience.

If you’re eager to try snorkeling or scuba diving for the first time in Tenerife, especially in a location known for turtle sightings, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. It balances fun, safety, and the chance to learn under the guidance of professionals, making it ideal for newcomers or those traveling with friends or family who want an easy intro to the sea.

Key Points

• Designed for beginners: No prior experience needed, with detailed safety briefings and friendly instructors.
• Wildlife sightings: Chance to see sea turtles, octopus, moray eels, sting rays, and colorful fish.
• Scenic speedboat ride: Enjoy the views of Tenerife’s stunning southern coastline.
• Small group format: Limited to 9 participants, ensuring more personalized attention.
• Flexibility: Includes a snorkeling option and the ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Good value: At around $68, it offers a lot of added fun and education for the price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Experience Looks Like — A Detailed Breakdown

Starting Point and Check-In

You’ll meet at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón, conveniently located in front of dock 3. The instruction and check-in process begins here, where you’re fitted with your wetsuit, fins, mask, and possibly a lifejacket if needed. The staff is described as friendly and professional, which sets a reassuring tone right from the start.

A comprehensive safety briefing lasts about 30 minutes, during which your guides will explain what to expect, how the equipment works, and any safety procedures. If you’re new to this, you’ll really appreciate how thorough and clear they are—many reviewers highlight how well they explain everything, making even the most nervous feel more confident.

The Boat Ride and Dive Site

Next up is a 15-minute speedboat ride along Tenerife’s southern coast. This part is often praised for its scenic views — think rugged cliffs, colorful coastline, and the sparkling sea. The boat takes you to a secluded bay, chosen for its natural beauty and relative calm, perfect for beginners.

The boat experience itself is quick, but enough to get you excited for what’s next. Some reviews mention how smoothly everything runs, with the guides making sure everyone is comfortable and ready before heading into the water.

The Underwater Adventure

Once anchored, it’s time to gear up and dip in. The maximum depth is kept to 10 meters — perfect for beginners, as it allows you to explore without feeling overwhelmed. Your instructor will stay close, often with a 1-to-2 ratio, ensuring safety and guidance at all times.

Underwater, you’ll be guided around the site to look for octopus, cuttlefish, moray eels, sting rays, and sea turtles. While sightings are not guaranteed—as nature is unpredictable—many reviewers confirm seeing a variety of marine life. Some even spotted starfish and shoals of vibrant fish, making the experience visually stimulating even without the big animals.

One review mentions how the professional instructors kept a close eye on participants, explaining everything clearly and ensuring everyone felt safe, especially for first-timers. Interestingly, some guests mention that even those who are nervous at first find the experience calming, thanks to the guides’ expertise.

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Snorkeling and Additional Fun

While some participants are underwater, others can snorkel at the surface, providing an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the marine environment regardless of comfort level. After the dive, you can stay in the water to snorkel or relax on the boat, soaking in the views and chatting about the experience.

Return Journey and Overall Duration

The entire activity takes about 2.5 hours — from check-in, through boat rides, to the actual underwater portion and returning to Puerto Colón. The timing works well for a half-day adventure, and the short duration makes it accessible even if you’re on a tight schedule.

The Experience Itself — What You’ll Really Get

What sets this tour apart for many is the safe, professional approach combined with the chance to see marine animals in their natural habitat. Many reviewers mention how much they appreciated the patience and friendliness of the guides, especially if it’s their first time diving or snorkeling.

For example, one guest says, “The instructors explained everything and kept an eye on me so I felt really safe,” which is exactly what you want when trying something new. Another noted that the experience was emotional and a little scary at first but became unforgettable thanks to the instructors’ support.

Wildlife and Visibility

While wildlife sightings depend on chance, the location is reputed for turtle sightings, which excite many divers and snorkelers alike. Some reviewers mention that although they didn’t see turtles, they still enjoyed seeing a variety of fish, octopus, and starfish. It’s a reminder that nature can be unpredictable, but the overall experience remains enjoyable.

The Value for Money

At $68, this experience is considered excellent value, especially given that full equipment and expert guidance are included. Plus, the scenic boat rides and the chance for a first-time underwater experience make it an attractive option for travelers who want a memorable introduction to Tenerife’s marine life without overspending.

Some reviews also mention the optional purchase of photos and videos, which can help preserve the memories of your underwater adventure—a nice extra if you want proof of your first sea encounter.

Practical Details and Considerations

Group Size and Languages

The tour limits groups to 9 participants, which means you’re more than just a number. Many reviews highlight how this small-group setting allows guides to give more attention and answer questions, making the experience more relaxed.

The guides speak Spanish, French, Italian, and English, accommodating a broad range of travelers. This multilingual approach is helpful, especially for those who might feel more comfortable in their native language.

Timing and Cancellations

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, with starting times varying based on availability. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility—another benefit worth considering when planning your trip.

Equipment and Safety

All necessary gear—wetsuits, fins, masks, respirators—is provided. The guides are experienced and attentive, ensuring everyone is comfortable and safe. It’s also worth noting that after diving, you shouldn’t go to heights over 300 meters or fly immediately, which is standard advice for diving activities.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is especially well-suited for beginners and first-time divers or snorkelers wanting to see marine life in a safe, controlled environment. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with friends or family who are new to underwater activities, as the small group size and professional guidance help foster confidence.

If you’re curious about sea turtles, octopuses, or colorful fish, and want a quick, fun, and educational outing, this tour ticks all the boxes. It also appeals to those looking for a scenic boat ride combined with marine exploration.

However, if you’re looking for guaranteed wildlife sightings or advanced diving, this isn’t the right fit. Also, those with certain health issues, children under 8, or pregnant women should probably look elsewhere, as the activity has specific restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, absolutely. The experience is designed for beginners, with detailed safety instructions and guided supervision to ensure comfort and safety.

How long does the activity last?
The entire experience takes around 2.5 hours, including check-in, boat rides, and the actual underwater exploration.

Can I see sea turtles during this tour?
While the tour offers the chance to see turtles, sightings are not guaranteed since wildlife movement is unpredictable. Many guests do report seeing them, though.

What equipment is included?
Full scuba gear—wetsuits, fins, masks, and respirators—is provided. Lifejackets are also available if needed.

Is the tour appropriate for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 8 years old, mainly because of safety considerations linked to the activity’s nature.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides are available in Spanish, French, Italian, and English, making it accessible for a diverse group of travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The activity might be canceled or rescheduled due to weather conditions, so it’s worth checking the forecast and booking with flexibility.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some peace of mind if your plans change.

Are photos and videos included?
No, those are available to purchase afterward, which many guests find worth the extra cost for a keepsake of their underwater adventure.

If you’re after an affordable, beginner-friendly introduction to snorkeling and diving in Tenerife, this tour from Zero Gravity Tenerife offers a compelling blend of safety, scenic beauty, and marine life. It’s especially appealing for those who want a relaxed, guided experience without the pressure or complexity of more advanced dives.

The chance to spot sea turtles and other vibrant creatures makes it a memorable outing. Plus, the small group size and professional instructors help ensure you feel cared for and confident from start to finish. While wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, many guests leave with smiles, photos, and stories to tell.

This experience is perfect for travelers eager to try something new, enjoy the ocean, and create lasting holiday memories—especially if it’s your first foray into underwater adventures.

In short, this tour offers a safe, scenic, and beginner-friendly way to explore Tenerife’s marine wonders. It’s a solid choice for curious souls, ocean lovers, and first-timers looking to make their vacation extra special with a splash of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: