Tenerife: Your First Scuba Diving Experience in Turtle Area

If you’re dreaming of breathing underwater for the first time or just want to see Tenerife’s gorgeous marine life without diving deep, this tour could be a great choice. It offers a laid-back way to get a taste of what’s beneath the surface, with plenty of opportunities to see sea turtles, colorful fish, and rays in crystal-clear waters.

What we really like about this experience is how approachable it is—it’s designed for beginners, with safety and comfort front and center. Plus, the chance to see marine animals from the boat or underwater in such a beautiful setting makes for a memorable adventure.

That said, if you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled or highly adventurous experience, you might find this a bit gentle. It’s tailored to those new to water sports or unsure about fully submerged activities.

If you’re curious about the ocean, eager to try scuba in a safe environment, and want to keep things simple while soaking in stunning coastal views, this trip could be perfect for you.

Key Points

• Beginners Welcome: Ideal for first-timers with all safety instructions provided.
• Marine Encounters: Chances to see sea turtles, fishes, rays, and even dolphins from the boat.
• Qualified Guides: PADI-certified instructors ensure a safe and supportive experience.
• Short but Sweet: The 3-hour experience packs in snorkeling, a dive, and sightseeing.
• Great Value: You get a lot of underwater and ocean views for a reasonable price.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for older children (8+) under adult supervision.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Tenerife Marine Adventure

If you’re considering this trip, it’s useful to know what the day looks like and how it fits into your expectations. This experience is well-structured to give you a taste of both scuba and snorkeling, with a focus on safety and fun.

Starting at the Dive Center in Costa Adeje

You’ll meet your instructor at the Travel Sub Dive Center, located in the Escuela Nautica building in front of pier 5 at Puerto Colon. It’s a straightforward spot, and they’re quite helpful if you need directions. Once there, you’ll get a safety briefing, which takes about 30 minutes. This part is crucial, especially if you’re new to scuba or snorkeling, as it covers basic safety procedures and equipment use.

Many reviews highlight how professional and reassuring the guides are. As one reviewer put it, “the guides was really nice. We was going with my father and he did not speak English well. And everyone was making sure he understood everything and felt comfortable.” That emphasis on comfort is a highlight here.

The Boat Ride to the Diving / Snorkeling Spots

After the briefing, you’ll hop on a speedboat for about 15 minutes to reach the best waters of Tenerife. The boat ride itself is often praised for being fun and offers some great views of the coastline. Keep an eye out for flying fish or dolphins, as many travelers have spotted marine life from the boat. The trip is quick, so you won’t get bored or seasick—just enough time to get excited about what’s ahead.

The Underwater Experience: Scuba and Snorkel

Once you arrive at the designated site, the real magic begins. You’ll have an instructor guiding you as you descend to a maximum depth of 12 meters, which is perfect for beginners. We liked the way guides like Ramona and Toby make you feel at ease—sheer patience and calmness are key. As one guest shared, “Ramona was an excellent guide, she explained things perfectly and made sure we felt safe.”

During your approximately 25-minute scuba session, you’ll see vibrant marine life, including sea turtles—though sightings are not guaranteed, most guests say they’re lucky enough to see them. Many reviews mention spotting dolphins, flying fish, and a variety of colorful fish. The underwater visibility can be over 20 meters, making everything look incredibly clear and lively.

Following your dive, you’ll switch to snorkeling in the same waters, which also lasts around 25 minutes. The snorkeling allows you to float along the surface and spot marine creatures from above. Many reviewers mention how diverse the marine life is—bright fish, rays, and the occasional turtle or dolphin from the boat.

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The Return Trip and Final Reflections

After your underwater adventure, you’ll take another 15-minute speedboat ride back to the starting point. This part is often seen as relaxing, giving you time to reflect on what you’ve seen and experienced.

What’s Included and Extras

While the tour includes all necessary equipment and guidance, some reviews note that photos and videos are available for an additional cost (around €30). Many travelers find it worth paying for the photos—especially if you want to share your marine moments later.

The total duration of about 3 hours makes this experience manageable for most travelers, whether you’re just looking to tick a box or truly want to enjoy the underwater world. The small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures personalized attention, which many guests appreciate.

The Real Experience: What Past Participants Say

The reviews paint a pretty glowing picture of this tour. Many mention the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, with comments like “the guides are excellent, reassuring, and make you feel relaxed.” Guides like Ramona and Toby are singled out for their patience, sense of humor, and ability to ease nerves—especially helpful for first-timers or those who might initially feel apprehensive.

Participants also love the diversity of marine life they see, from colorful fish to turtles, dolphins, and even flying fish. One guest raved, “the sea life in Tenerife is incredible, and the water visibility was fascinating.” Some were lucky enough to spot dolphins from the boat, which adds an extra layer of excitement.

The value for money appears solid, with many reviewers feeling they got a lot of memorable experiences for the price. The professionalism, safety standards, and the chance to get underwater photos make it a worthwhile option.

Highlights from Guest Reviews

• “Ramona was an excellent guide, she explained things perfectly for us and gave us additional knowledge on things we saw on the excursion.”
• “The instructors are very good at explaining and helping you all the time.”
• “Seeing dolphins and turtles from the boat was a highlight for many.”
• “The whole team was friendly, attentive, and made everything feel safe.”
• “Surprisingly clear water with great marine diversity—an unforgettable experience.”

Practical Details: How the Tour Works

Duration: 3 hours, which fits well into a morning or afternoon schedule.
Meeting Point: Travel Sub Dive Center in Puerto Colon.
Languages: Guides speak English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Russian—so language barriers are unlikely.
Group Size: Small groups, limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
Age Restrictions: Suitable for ages 8 and above, but children under 8 are not accepted.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible facilities are available, and the staff are accommodating, as some reviews mention.
What to Bring: Sun hat, towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, and ID for minors.
Restrictions: No smoking, luggage, fishing, alcohol, glass objects.
Post-Activity: No flying or high-altitude activities for at least 12 hours after diving.

Cost and Value

The activity is priced to be accessible for most travelers, and considering the guides’ professionalism, the chance to see incredible marine life, and the included equipment, many find it a fair deal. Photos cost extra, but if you’re keen to keep memories, they’re worth considering.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is a perfect fit for beginners or those curious about underwater life but hesitant to commit to full certification dives. It’s also great for families or solo travelers wanting a safe, guided introduction to the ocean. If you’re traveling with children over 8, they’ll likely love the boat ride and snorkeling, especially with the chance of spotting dolphins from the boat.

It’s less suitable if you’re an experienced diver looking for a challenging or advanced activity, or if you’re pregnant or have certain health conditions—though most healthy adults will find it enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

This Tenerife tour offers a relaxing, safe, and visually stunning introduction to the underwater world. With professional guides, ample marine life, and the chance to see turtles and dolphins, it appeals to anyone eager to enjoy the ocean without the pressure of certification dives. The small-group format and focus on safety make it feel personalized, which many guests clearly appreciate.

While it isn’t the wildest or most adrenaline-fueled water activity out there, it’s a beautiful, accessible way to experience Tenerife’s marine treasures. It’s perfect for beginners, families, or anyone wanting a relaxed, memorable ocean encounter.

If you’re after a friendly, well-organized adventure that puts safety and fun first, this tour should be on your list.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for people who don’t want to snorkel or dive?
Yes. If you prefer just to enjoy the ocean scenery and don’t want to snorkel or dive, you can still enjoy the boat ride and views of Tenerife’s coastline.

Are sea turtles guaranteed to be seen?
No, sightings of turtles are not guaranteed, but they are common—about a 95% chance in most cases.

What is the maximum depth for the scuba dive?
You’ll go up to 12 meters, which is perfect for beginners and offers a good view of marine life without feeling overwhelming.

Can I participate if I’ve never snorkeled or scuba dived before?
Absolutely. This experience is designed for beginners, with instructors guiding you through every step.

What languages do the guides speak?
Guides speak English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Russian, so language shouldn’t be a barrier.

Is there enough time for photos or videos?
Yes, photos and videos can be purchased afterward for around €30. Many find this a worthwhile way to keep memories of their underwater adventure.

Can I do this activity with children?
Yes, children aged 8 and over can participate under adult supervision. Children under 8 are not accepted.

What should I bring?
Sun hat, towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, and ID for minors. No large luggage, smoking, or glass objects are allowed.

How long does the activity last?
The entire experience is about 3 hours, including briefing, boat rides, diving, snorkeling, and return.

What if I panic or feel uncomfortable during the activity?
Guides are trained to handle such situations with patience and support, ensuring you feel safe at all times.

If you’re curious about trying something new in Tenerife, this tour offers a great blend of safety, marine encounters, and coastal beauty. Perfect for first-timers looking for a friendly introduction to the ocean’s wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: