If you’re a certified diver looking to explore Tenerife’s spectacular underwater scenery, this guided boat dive with Aqua-marina in the Canary Islands might just be your next great adventure. While I haven’t personally suited up for this specific trip, the details and reviews paint a vivid picture of a well-organized, memorable experience that combines natural beauty and expert guidance.
What immediately stands out are the experienced guides, the diverse marine life encounters, and the value for money, especially given the high standards maintained by Aqua-marina. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the straightforward nature of the experience—if you prefer a more relaxed or luxury-focused trip, this might not suit you. But for those craving authentic underwater exploration with knowledgeable pros, this tour is a fantastic pick.
This experience is ideal for certified divers seeking a reliable, professionally guided excursion in Tenerife. It’s especially suitable if you love seeing marine creatures, exploring volcanic landscapes, and appreciating the island’s underwater treasures without the hassle of organizing everything yourself.
Key Points
Expert guidance: Aqua-marina’s guides are highly experienced, ensuring safety and local expertise.
Diverse marine environments: From caves and basalt walls to wrecks, each site offers something unique.
Good value: The inclusion of full kit, insurance, and pick-up makes this an accessible option for serious divers.
Flexible scheduling: Multiple daily trips allow for convenient planning around your itinerary.
Authentic experience: Small group sizes and personalized briefings make it more engaging.
Authentic marine encounters: Expect moray eels, seahorses, turtles, and rays—truly natural sights.
Exploring the Experience in Detail
Looking for more options in Arona Tenerife? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
The Itinerary and What to Expect
Your day begins at the Aqua-marina dive centre in Playa de las Américas, where the team gears you up and provides a thorough briefing. The staff, fluent in multiple languages including English, Dutch, German, and Spanish, are praised for their friendliness and professionalism—one reviewer specifically mentioned a “smooth and friendly welcome in Dutch.” This personal touch helps set your mind at ease before heading to Los Cristianos harbor, just a short transfer away.
Once at the harbor, you’re typically on a boat within 5-15 minutes, heading toward some of Tenerife’s most iconic dive sites. The sites are carefully chosen to showcase a mixture of volcanic features—caves, swim-throughs, basalt walls—that add drama and variety beneath the surface. If wrecks are your thing, you’ll find several artificial reefs that host a variety of marine life.
The Marine Environment
The underwater scenery near Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos is nothing short of captivating. Think volcanic formations that resemble alien landscapes, caves perfect for exploring, and basalt walls teeming with life. The marine inhabitants are diverse, with regular sightings of moray eels, seahorses, and green turtles, which are local favorites.
Schooling barracuda often patrol the waters, adding an energetic dynamic to the dive. Rays, including some species that are particularly drawn to the area, glide through the currents. The artificial reefs created by wrecks attract a variety of fish and invertebrates, making each site a mini-ecosystem.
The Group and Equipment
The tours are geared toward certified divers with previous experience—beginners are not suitable, which ensures the group can handle the sites’ technical demands comfortably. The small group setup means you’ll get more personalized attention from guides like Javier or Maria, who are both praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
Full diving equipment, including wetsuits, masks, fins, and tanks, are included and well-maintained. Reviewers have noted that the gear is regularly upgraded, which provides peace of mind regarding safety and comfort.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Dive Duration and Flexibility
The actual guided dive lasts around 2.5 hours, but including briefings and transfers, you can expect a full morning or afternoon of activity. Multiple trips occur daily—so you can choose an earlier or later slot—and this flexibility is perfect for fitting into your Tenerife itinerary.
Post-dive, you can opt to be returned to the dive centre or spend additional time in Los Cristianos, a charming town filled with cafes, shops, and seaside views—an ideal way to unwind.
The Cost and What’s Included
The price covers guided boat dives, full kit hire, insurance, and pick-up from your accommodation. Plus, tea, coffee, and water are provided onboard, keeping you refreshed. This all-in-one package offers good value considering the professionalism and quality of experience.
The “reserve now & pay later” option offers flexibility, allowing you to secure your spot without immediate payment, which is handy when planning a vacation.
Why This Tour Stands Out
The standout feature of this experience is the expert guidance. Reviewers mention guides like Javier who are knowledgeable and able to make even experienced divers feel confident and well-informed. This ensures safety and enhances the overall enjoyment.
Another plus is the marine diversity—from turtles to barracuda—making each dive a vibrant spectacle. The small group size fosters a more engaging experience, with guides able to give personalized tips and attention.
Finally, the value for money is notable. The inclusion of full equipment, insurance, and transport means you’re paying for a comprehensive experience, not just a single dive.
The Authenticity and Practicality
Unlike overly commercialized trips, this tour maintains a down-to-earth approach. The focus is on exploring fascinating underwater sites and observing marine life, not just ticking boxes. The reviews reflect this, with one diver describing their experience as “wonderful” and praising the friendly atmosphere and professionalism.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This guided boat dive is perfect for certified divers who appreciate a well-organized, safety-focused trip. If you value local expertise, you’ll find the guides’ knowledge invaluable. It’s especially suitable for those interested in volcanic underwater landscapes and marine life encounters.
The tour isn’t designed for beginners or those with medical conditions, so make sure you’re medically cleared and comfortable with previous diving experience. The small group sizes and friendly guides make it ideal for travelers who prefer a more intimate, personalized experience.
The Sum Up
For certified divers seeking a dependable, expertly guided underwater adventure in Tenerife, this Aqua-marina trip offers remarkable value. You’ll explore volcanic formations, encounter turtles and rays, and enjoy personalized attention from guides who genuinely know their stuff. The inclusion of high-quality equipment and flexible scheduling makes it a practical choice that fits well into any Tenerife itinerary.
While it might lack the luxury flair of more exclusive trips, it compensates with authenticity, professionalism, and a genuine focus on marine exploration. It’s best suited for divers looking for a reliable, enjoyable, and safe experience with a team committed to quality.
If you’re after a memorable underwater outing that balances fun, safety, and excellent value, this guided boat dive should definitely be on your Tenerife list.
FAQ
What is included in the price?
The price covers guided boat dives, full kit hire, insurance, pick-up from your accommodation, plus tea, coffee, and water onboard.
How long does the dive last?
The actual guided dive lasts about 2.5 hours, but the entire experience—including briefings and transfers—takes longer, usually fitting into a half-day.
Is this suitable for beginners?
No, this experience is only for certified divers with previous experience. Beginners should look for beginner-specific experiences.
What should I bring?
Bring your diving certification, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and any personal items you might need for after the dive.
Are the guides multilingual?
Yes, guides speak English, Spanish, Dutch, and German, ensuring clear communication for international guests.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled trip, offering flexibility for your travel plans.