Tenerife: PADI Beginner Scuba Dive in the Turtle Area

If you’re dreaming of breathing underwater and exploring vibrant marine life without previous experience, this Tenerife tour might just be your best first step. While we haven’t personally done it (yet), hundreds of travelers rave about how accessible and rewarding this beginner-friendly adventure is.

What we love? First, the chance to see sea turtles up close—something many say makes the experience truly unforgettable. Second, the professionalism of the guides, who are praised for their patience and expertise, turning nervous first-timers into confident explorers. Third, the value, with a lot packed into a 4-hour experience for just $79.

One thing to consider is that, since turtles are wild animals, sightings aren’t guaranteed. If your heart is set on a guaranteed turtle encounter, this might be a slight gamble. But overall, this experience is perfect for newcomers to scuba or snorkel, families, or anyone eager to enjoy Tenerife’s marine beauty without diving certification.

Key Points

• Beginner-Friendly: Suitable for first-timers with comprehensive safety instruction.
• Marine Encounters: Opportunities to see sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish.
• Great Value: For just $79, includes gear, insurance, and guided boat trip.
• Expert Guides: Renowned for their patience, friendliness, and professionalism.
• Stunning Views: Enjoy both underwater sights and panoramic Atlantic coast vistas.
• Flexible & Accessible: No prior experience needed, with options even if you prefer snorkeling over diving.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Special?

Tenerife’s reputation as a top location for marine adventures draws many new explorers who want to dip their toes—literally—into the water. This experience stands out because it combines scuba diving and snorkeling in one trip, offering a more comprehensive peek into the ocean’s surface and depths.

For those who are nervous about diving, the fact that guides are praised for their patience—some even mentioned helping with initial panic—can make all the difference. The fact that it’s limited to a maximum of 12 meters depth keeps things safe and manageable for absolute beginners, yet still offers a sense of real underwater freedom.

Itinerary Breakdown: Step-by-Step

The adventure begins at the Travel Sub Dive Centre in Costa Adeje, conveniently located within the ESCUELA NAUTICA building in front of pier 5. This central spot makes for easy access, and the staff are known for their friendly, welcoming attitude.

Pre-Water Briefing and Safety Instructions:
Your guide patiently explains the basics of scuba and safety procedures. Many reviewers highlight how clear and thorough these instructions are, which boost confidence before you even get in the water. For example, Elena, one of the instructors, was praised for her attentive guidance, making sure everyone understood what to do and feel comfortable.

Boat Ride to the Dive Site:
The journey to the waters begins with a speedboat ride—a fun, quick trip that offers excellent views of Tenerife’s coastline. Some reviewers note that this boat trip alone is a highlight, as it’s lively, scenic, and gets you excited for what’s to come. During the ride, keep your eyes peeled—many have reported spotting dolphins and flying fish, adding to the thrill.

First Descent—Scuba or Snorkel:
Once at the designated site, you’ll gear up with all necessary equipment, including wetsuits, fins, and masks. The max depth of 12 meters is perfect for beginners—deep enough to feel immersed but still manageable. Many reviewers emphasize how safe and guided the experience felt; with an instructor for every two participants, there’s plenty of individual attention.

Several mention seeing marine life such as sea turtles, vibrant fish, rays, and sometimes even a glimpse of an octopus or spider crabs. Rob, a reviewer, shared that his instructor Toby went above and beyond in ensuring safety, making the descent smooth and reassuring.

Snorkeling Safari:
After the scuba part, you’ll switch gears and snorkel in another vibrant spot. This is where the underwater view expands—colorful fish darting around, with many noting that the waters here are among the best for snorkeling in Tenerife. You might see turtles again, but as the guides often remind us, wild animals are unpredictable, so sightings are not guaranteed.

Boat Back and Reflection:
The return trip offers more chances for spotting marine life—dolphins, flying fish, or even whales—according to some reviews. Many guests comment on how relaxing this boat journey is, giving them time to soak in the scenery and process their underwater experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package at $79 per person offers excellent value. It covers speedboat transportation, all diving and snorkeling gear, full insurance, and the guidance of a PADI-certified instructor. The small group size (one instructor for every two participants) ensures personalized attention, which reviewers say is a major plus.

Extras like photos and videos are available for purchase on-site, but many guests felt that the overall experience was worth the price without additional media. Towels and swimming costumes are not included, but wetsuits are provided, which is a smart move—offering warmth and buoyancy.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is perfect for complete beginners, families with kids over 8, or those who want to try scuba without the commitment of certification. It’s also a good option for travelers with limited time who want a quick, safe introduction to underwater exploration.

People with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, or those over 95 are advised to avoid it, as are individuals with respiratory issues or diabetes. Also, keep in mind that turtle sightings are not guaranteed, as these are wild animals.

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Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Arrive at the designated meet-up point early, as the crew are friendly but it’s best to be punctual.
• Wear a sun hat and sunscreen for the boat ride, and bring a towel for after.
• If you wear glasses, you’ll need contact lenses or remove your glasses, as masks don’t accommodate spectacles.
• Remember, no flying or high-altitude activities for at least 12 hours after diving.
• Children between 8-17 must be supervised, and minors may be accompanied by an adult at no extra cost.

Insights from Reviewers

Many reviewers emphasize the professionalism of the guides and instructors. Toby, Elena, Romana, and Max are names repeatedly praised for their patience and ability to calm nerves—especially important for first-timers. Several customers mentioned that their guides took photos and videos, helping preserve memories that they cherish long after the trip.

Others mentioned how they felt safe even when initially hesitant—some had panic attacks but were supported and encouraged. This makes the experience accessible for a wide range of travelers, even those who have never snorkeled or dived before.

The highlight for many? The chance to see marine life in its natural environment. While not everyone saw turtles, most appreciated the variety of fish and the overall underwater scenery.

The Sum Up

This Tenerife beginner scuba tour offers an excellent introduction to underwater adventures, combining safety, expert guidance, and memorable marine encounters. For just $79, you get a balanced mix of guided snorkel and scuba, boat rides, and chances to see sea turtles—what more could you want?

It’s ideal for those new to snorkeling or diving, families, or anyone wanting a quick escape beneath the waves without the need for certification. The small group sizes, knowledgeable guides, and stunning views make it a worthwhile addition to any Tenerife itinerary.

While sightings of turtles and other wildlife are not guaranteed, the overall experience is highly praised for its professionalism and the sense of achievement it instills. If you’re seeking a safe, affordable way to explore Tenerife’s vibrant waters, this is a fantastic choice.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, it’s designed specifically for first-timers, with full safety instructions and guidance from experienced instructors.

How deep do we go?
The activity limits the depth to 12 meters, providing a safe and manageable environment for beginners.

Are marine animals like turtles guaranteed to be seen?
No, sightings depend on wild animals. However, many reviews mention that in 95% of cases, turtles are observed.

What equipment is provided?
All necessary gear—wetsuits, fins, masks—is included, along with insurance and water.

Can I do snorkeling instead of diving?
Yes, the tour includes both scuba and snorkeling options. If you prefer just snorkeling, guides will accommodate that.

Is there an age limit?
Yes, children must be at least 8 years old, and minors between 8-17 need supervision.

What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, and your ID or passport. Note that glasses aren’t compatible with masks—contacts are recommended if needed.

If you’re eager to discover the marine life around Tenerife without diving certification, this tour strikes a fine balance between fun, safety, and value—making it a memorable start to your underwater adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here: