Tenerife offers some of the most accessible and rewarding scuba diving experiences in Europe. Thanks to its warm waters, good visibility, and stunning volcanic landscapes, it’s a fantastic destination whether you’re trying it for the first time or seeking a private guided tour. We’re especially impressed by options like the Try Dive – PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Tenerife, which combines personalized instruction with a gentle introduction to underwater exploration — perfect for those nervous about their first time. With the island’s year-round warm climate, every day offers good conditions, making Tenerife a reliable choice for diving.
Our list includes beginners’ courses, private guided tours, and certified dive outings, showcasing the diversity of experiences available. Whether you’re looking for a quick introduction, a full-day private adventure, or a family-friendly trip, Tenerife has options that cater to all levels. The following dives and courses are ranked for their unique features, quality, and overall value.
1. Try Dive – PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Tenerife
This introductory PADI experience is perfect for first-timers. Over roughly three hours, you’ll learn the basics on land, then gear up for your first dip in Tenerife’s warm waters. The small group setting (two students per instructor) ensures plenty of attention, making the experience more comfortable and less intimidating. The program includes all gear, instruction, and personalized guidance, which guests consistently praise—”Elias made us feel so comfortable,” one reviewer noted.
Unique for its balance of professionalism and casual friendliness, this tour is ideal if you want a safe, fun introduction to scuba diving without a long-term commitment. At $137.87 per person, it offers excellent value, especially considering the quality of instruction and small-group setting. It’s best suited for those curious but unsure about diving, or travelers with limited time.
Bottom Line: Top-rated, personalized introduction to scuba diving—perfect for first-time divers wanting a stress-free start.
2. Scuba Diving Beginner’s Session in Costa Adeje
At number 2, this half-day beginner course takes advantage of Tenerife’s calm, warm waters. Over 3-4 hours, you’ll learn essential scuba skills with a qualified instructor and then enjoy a 45-minute shallow dive (up to 39 feet). The marine life, including tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles, is spectacular for such a short excursion. The staff’s professional yet friendly approach makes this experience accessible for all.
Guests highlight the family-friendly atmosphere and the patience of guides like Mehran, who made first-timers feel safe. For $104.66, the tour provides a good balance of instruction and fun, making it highly recommended for families or those wanting a quick but memorable underwater taste. No experience is necessary, so it’s perfect for absolute beginners.
Bottom Line: A well-organized, fun intro suited for families and first-time divers wanting a quick, safe, and colorful underwater experience.
3. guided Scuba Diving on Tenerife (for certified divers)
This private guided tour is designed for certified divers seeking personalized attention. Capable of customizing the experience, the small group of passionate instructors can take you to underwater wrecks, caves, volcanic landscapes, or coral gardens. Tours last around six hours, with flexible start times, and focus on unique local sites.
Guests like Jasper, the lead instructor, who is praised as “fantastic,” helping divers explore Tenerife’s lesser-known spots with deep visibility and warm waters. At $145.36, it’s an excellent choice for those wanting a tailored experience away from crowded groups. It’s suited for certified divers wishing to explore new depths or hidden wrecks with expert guidance.
Bottom Line: Ideal for certified divers who want a personalized, private tour showcasing Tenerife’s underwater secrets.
4. Discover Scuba Diving in Tenerife
For those eager to try scuba diving in a shorter session, this 1.5-hour private experience in La Caleta offers a quick yet immersive introduction. Gear is included, and a guide will accompany you, ensuring safety and confidence. Guests rave about this experience, calling it “amazing” and praising the professionalism of the staff.
Suitable for absolute beginners, this tour is ideal if you want to see marine life up close without intensive training. It’s a cost-effective way to experience Tenerife’s underwater world, especially if you’re short on time but want a genuine taste of diving.
Bottom Line: Short, private, and friendly—perfect for a first taste of the underwater world in Tenerife.
5. Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Beginner’s Diving & Introduction
This 3-hour introductory tour focuses on learning the basics of diving and swimming in waters up to 6 meters deep. Starting at Macaronesian Divers, the experience includes a safety briefing, a shallow water session, and a guided underwater swim, making it accessible even for nervous first-timers.
Guests appreciate the calm, professional guidance of instructors like Carla, who ensures everyone feels confident. Priced at $86, it’s an excellent option for travelers wanting a full but manageable introduction to diving with a knowledgeable team.
Bottom Line: Comprehensive beginner experience, suitable for those wanting to learn and explore safely.
6. Tenerife: Beginner Scuba Dive Experience with Small Groups
This small-group experience offers a controlled, shallow-water exploration of Tenerife’s marine life. Lasting three hours, it combines safety, fun, and professional guidance, with modern equipment to ensure comfort. The emphasis here is on personal attention, making it perfect for nervous beginners or those wanting a friendly, supportive environment.
The tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and a relaxed pace. For $81, it provides good value considering the small group size and personal instruction, which often results in higher confidence and more memorable experiences.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for beginners who prefer a calm, personalized, and safe introduction.
7. Scuba Dive excursion for Beginners in a Turtle Area
This 2.5-hour excursion focuses on beginner divers keen to see sea turtles and marine life in a protected area. Includes boat transfer, a training session, and a 40-foot maximum depth dive. The boat trip adds an extra element of adventure, and the instructor’s patient approach is consistently praised.
Reviewers mention feeling safe and supported, with many delighted by the chance to see turtles and colorful fish. At $86.89, this tour offers great value for a memorable underwater wildlife encounter and is suitable for all skill levels.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families or nature lovers wanting to see turtles in a hassle-free environment.
8. Try Scuba Diving in a turtle area (boat)
This small-group, boat-based experience combines snorkeling and shallow diving, with a maximum of 2 hours 30 minutes. Under the guidance of personal instructors, you’ll explore Tenerife’s scenic southern coast and the abundant marine life, including rays and turtles.
Guests value the personalized support and the chance to dive in a secluded spot. With a highly rated 5.0/5 and only 93 reviews, this is a reliable, intimate experience for beginners and those wanting a gentle introduction to underwater exploration in a stunning setting.
Bottom Line: An intimate, wildlife-focused trip ideal for new divers and snorkelers alike.
9. TRY SCUBA DIVING with a Dedicated Instructor
Offering an exclusive, private instructor experience, this 3-hour tour is perfect for nervous beginners who want undivided attention. The instructor takes care of all equipment and safety, allowing you to focus on enjoying the moment. Many reviewers mention how helpful and patient the staff are, making this a stress-free way to get started.
For $116.11, it’s a bit pricier but offers peace of mind, especially for those who prefer a tailored approach. It’s best suited if you value one-on-one guidance or are traveling with someone else who wants a private experience.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a worry-free, personalized introduction with full support.
10. Private Scuba Diving in Tenerife – Certified Instructor & Photos
This luxury private tour pairs you with a dedicated instructor for about three hours. The highlight is the inclusion of free underwater photos and videos, capturing your adventure. Pickup and drop-off are included, adding convenience.
Guests rave about the custom experience and personal attention, with one noting “the instructor was so great and easy going.” At $112.57, this tour offers excellent value for a personalized, photo-enhanced underwater experience—ideal for those who want memories to take home.
Bottom Line: The perfect choice for privacy, personalized service, and underwater keepsakes.
11. Tenerife: Scuba Diving Experience for Every Level
Designed for all skill levels, this 2.5-hour tour allows participants over age 10 to learn the basics and explore Tenerife’s underwater scenery. It includes a small group setting and a safe, controlled environment, with the chance to spot sea turtles.
Reviewers mention how guides like Kathi make nervous divers feel at ease, and the experience is praised for its clarity and professionalism. At $94, it balances affordability with quality, making it a flexible option for families or mixed-ability groups.
Bottom Line: Versatile, beginner-friendly experience suitable for all ages and skill levels.
12. Scuba Diving for Certified Divers in Costa Adeje
This certified diver tour focuses on exploring Costa Adeje’s rich underwater life. The group stays small (around 60 reviews highlight the personalized approach), with visits to prime sites by speedboat. The dive lasts about 2.5 hours, and the focus is on quality and safety.
Reviewers appreciate the professionalism and the chance to see diverse marine species, including a dolphin encounter during the trip. For $63.86, it offers good value for experienced divers seeking high-quality, local sites with a knowledgeable guide.
Bottom Line: A good pick for certified divers wanting a well-organized, marine-rich outing.
13. Tenerife: Abades Beach Beginner Diving Experience
This 3-hour beach experience in Abades is ideal for first-timers. It combines a safety briefing, a shallow scuba session, and a relaxed atmosphere on a beautiful sandy beach. The maximum group size ensures personalized attention, and the marine life is colorful and abundant.
Guests praise the instructor Cindy, who was “incredibly kind and helpful,” and the overall relaxed vibe. For $96, it offers excellent value and a chance to enjoy calm waters in a scenic setting, perfect for beginners.
Bottom Line: Relaxed, friendly, and family-oriented—great for first-time divers and beach lovers.
14. Discover Scuba Diving – Try it for the first time!
This full-day experience provides a comprehensive introduction, including a pool briefing and a sea dive. It features small groups and expert guidance, with plenty of marine life sightings, including turtles and octopuses. The full equipment is included, simplifying logistics.
Guests often mention how this is one of the best first-time experiences they’ve had, with comments about how safe and fun it was. At $110.30, it’s a worthwhile investment for those ready to commit a day to exploring underwater.
Bottom Line: A thorough, well-supported introduction suited for serious beginners who want a complete day.
15. PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course in Tenerife
This short course combines classroom learning with a sea dive, offering a good budget option at $129. It includes all gear, instruction, and a chance to get certified as a Discover Scuba Diver. Many reviewers highlight the friendly, professional team and the clarity of instruction.
Ideal for those considering further training or a first-time experience that might lead to certification, this tour offers solid value and practical skills. It’s best for travelers who want a structured introduction with the option to progress further later.
Bottom Line: Well-rounded, affordable option for beginners considering future diving certification.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tenerife Scuba Adventure
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time availability, and interest level. For a quick, friendly intro, Try Dive – PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Tenerife offers exceptional guidance. If you’re more interested in private, tailored experiences, the Private Scuba Diving in Tenerife is an excellent choice. Families or those nervous about their first time should look at Discover Scuba Diving in Tenerife, which combines safety with fun.
Also, think about your interest in marine life — tours like the Scuba Dive excursion for Beginners in a Turtle Area offer a chance to see turtles and rays, while the guided Certified Dive is perfect for exploring Tenerife’s deeper wrecks and caves.
Book early, especially in summer, to secure your spot. Most tours operate year-round, but sea conditions can vary slightly. Remember, whether you want a relaxed snorkeling jaunt or a full certification journey, Tenerife’s underwater world is waiting—and it’s more accessible than you might think.
Tenerife’s scuba diving experiences range from quick, beginner-friendly adventures to full-day private excursions tailored for seasoned divers. If you’re curious about trying it for the first time, options like Try Dive or Discover Scuba Diving give you a gentle start. For those wanting a more personalized experience, Private guided dives are unbeatable.
Travelers seeking marine life encounters will love trips to the turtle-rich waters, while experienced divers can explore hidden wrecks and volcanic formations. Whatever your skill level, Tenerife presents a fantastic opportunity to get underwater and see the island from a whole new perspective. Don’t forget to book early — the underwater world waits for no one!
