Tenerife, with its crystal-clear Atlantic waters, volcanic formations, and abundant marine life, is a paradise for anyone interested in scuba diving. Whether you’re new to diving or a seasoned diver looking for new spots, Tenerife offers a variety of experiences that suit all levels. We’ve especially enjoyed the Tenerife: PADI Beginner Scuba Dive in the Turtle Area, thanks to its impressive marine encounters with sea turtles and accessible depth of up to 12 meters. The combination of professional instruction, lively sea life, and stunning coastlines makes it a top choice for beginners.
If you’re just starting out, the Try Dive – PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Tenerife offers a highly rated, personalized introduction, with a 5.0/5 review score and friendly guides. For those seeking a more private experience, the Private Scuba Diving in Tenerife – Certified Instructor & Photos pairs you with your own instructor and includes photos of your underwater adventure.
Quick Overview
This guide covers a range of scuba diving experiences in Tenerife, including beginner courses, private guided dives, fun explorations without certification, and trips for certified divers. From introductory sessions like Discover Scuba Diving – Try it for the first time! to certified dives exploring wrecks and caves, there’s something for every type of traveler. Read on to find the perfect match for your underwater aspirations.
1. Tenerife: PADI Beginner Scuba Dive in the Turtle Area
At number 1 on our list, this PADI-certified beginner dive takes you to the famous Turtle Area, where you can see Atlantic green turtles along with a variety of fish and rays. For around $88 per person, the tour lasts about 3 hours and includes instruction from a qualified instructor. You’ll explore the waters up to 12 meters, which is perfect for first-timers. The boat ride to the site is a fun part of the experience, and the marine life sightings tend to be spectacular.
Guests frequently mention the stunning views of the Tenerife coastline and the thrill of swimming with sea turtles. This experience shines not only because of its incredible underwater encounters but also due to the professional guidance ensuring a safe, memorable first dive. The boat ride, marine life, and clear waters make this a top pick, especially for those who want a smooth, beginner-friendly introduction.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-time divers eager to meet turtles and see vibrant marine life, with a good balance of instruction and adventure.
2. Try Dive – PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Tenerife
Number 2 is the Try Dive – PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Tenerife. For just under $138, you get a three-hour experience that introduces you to scuba diving basics with a small group—no prior experience needed. The course covers theory and practical skills on land, then transitions into a supervised dive in warm waters.
What makes this tour stand out are the personalized lessons and the enthusiastic reviews, with guests commenting on the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. You’ll learn about equipment, safety, and diving procedures, making you comfortable before you go into the water to explore the marine life, including fish, octopus, and perhaps a turtle or two. This experience is ideal for anyone wanting a fun, low-commitment taste of diving in Tenerife.
Bottom Line: Great for first-timers wanting a professional, friendly introduction to scuba diving with the option to see plenty of marine life in just a few hours.
3. Tenerife: Beginner Scuba Diving Experience with Pickup
Number 3 is the Tenerife: Beginner Scuba Diving Experience with Pickup. This 3-hour tour includes hotel pickup and transport to a scenic dive site, making it particularly convenient. You’ll meet a professional PADI guide who will lead you into shallow waters to explore marine creatures like fish and rays.
The experience emphasizes safety and comfort, with top-quality gear and a clear itinerary that includes a safety briefing, a 2-hour dive, and a relaxed return. Reviewers highlight the patience and kindness of the instructor Doina, who helps nervous beginners relax. The focus on small-group instruction and safety makes this a solid choice for first-timers who want a hassle-free way to experience Tenerife’s underwater world.
Bottom Line: An excellent, stress-free way to see marine life with the added convenience of pickup and personalized guidance.
4. TRY SCUBA DIVING with a Dedicated Instructor
Number 4 is the TRY SCUBA DIVING with a Dedicated Instructor. This private experience costs about $116, with a maximum of just your group and your instructor. It’s tailored for beginners who want the undivided attention of a professional. Full gear is included, and the instructor even takes photos during your dive, helping you remember the moment.
Guests love the personal approach, noting that the instructor’s patience makes all the difference. It’s perfect if you prefer a private, more relaxed setting or have specific concerns about diving. The safety and comfort of the fully private instruction make this a top choice for first-timers who want a personalized touch.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a private, stress-free introduction to scuba, with the added bonus of photos and full attention.
5. Private Scuba Diving in Tenerife – Certified Instructor & Photos
Number 5 features a Private Scuba Diving experience. For about $113, you get a personalized dive guided by your own instructor, with photos included. It’s perfect for those who want total control over their schedule and experience, with transport, instruction, and marine life exploration all tailored to your preferences.
Guests mention the instructor’s professionalism and the quality of the underwater photos, making this a favorite for couples or small groups. The flexibility and personalized guidance ensure you see marine creatures comfortably and confidently. If you’re looking for a truly exclusive experience, this is a top contender.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting complete control and personal attention, with the added bonus of professional photos to commemorate your dive.
6. Discover Scuba Diving – Try it for the first time!
Number 6 is the Discover Scuba Diving – Try it for the first time!. This 5-hour adventure costs about $110 and caters to absolute beginners. After a brief lesson in the pool, you’ll venture out into open water at some of Tenerife’s best spots.
Reviewers rave about the experience, especially noting the chance to see green sea turtles, barracuda, and vibrant fish. The large emphasis on safety and the small group size make it suitable for novices who want a longer, more immersive session. It’s a great way to try diving with minimal commitment, yet with a real chance to see spectacular marine life.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a comprehensive introduction with plenty of time to enjoy the underwater scenery.
7. PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course in Tenerife
Number 7 is the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course, a 3-hour program for about $129. It’s designed to introduce new divers to the basics of scuba, including theory, equipment, and a shallow water session, followed by an actual 40-minute dive at one of Tenerife’s top spots.
This course is perfect for those considering certification later but want to experience the thrill first. Its small-group instruction and emphasis on safety make it accessible. Guests particularly appreciate the chance to get certified as a Discover Scuba Diver afterward, offering a pathway to more advanced certifications.
Bottom Line: A practical first step for beginners who might want to continue diving in the future.
8. Scuba Diving trips for Certified Divers in Tenerife
Number 8 caters to certified divers looking for multiple dives at different sites. For about $65 per person, you can join daily trips exploring Tenerife’s best wrecks, caves, and reefs. It’s perfect for divers with experience who want to maximize their underwater time, with departures every day from the PADI 5* Travel Sub Dive Center.
Guests love the opportunity to encounter Atlantic giants and explore 20 unique sites, including famous wrecks. The short boat rides (5-20 minutes) are a bonus, and the variety of environments keeps things interesting. This tour is best suited for experienced divers eager to see as much as possible.
Bottom Line: Excellent for certified divers wanting variety and frequent trips to Tenerife’s top underwater spots.
9. Tenerife: Scuba Dive & Fun, Discover the Magic of the Ocean
Number 9 offers a non-certification, beginner-friendly experience. At around 2 hours, it emphasizes personalized attention and uses high-quality equipment. You’ll explore Playa Las Vistas, with chances to see marine life like fish and rays, while photos and videos are included to capture your memories.
With reviews praising the instructor Claudia’s patience and the intimate setting, this tour is perfect for those wanting a shorter, fun introduction. It’s especially good if you’re pressed for time but still want a meaningful underwater experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for casual travelers or first-timers looking for an easy, fun experience with professional guidance.
10. Discover Scuba Diving, free pictures included
Number 10 is the Discover Scuba Diving with free pictures. This 2-hour experience costs about $94 and includes instruction, gear, and photos. It’s a straightforward way to learn the basics and then enjoy a shallow water dive among volcanic formations and marine creatures.
Reviewers highlight the friendliness of the instructor and the high-quality photos that help remember the time. It’s best suited for newcomers who want a quick but memorable taste of Tenerife’s underwater world.
Bottom Line: Great for first-timers wanting a short, well-organized introduction with photos to keep forever.
11. Diving Adventures – Boat and Shore Diving
Number 11 features a Boat and Shore Diving Tour. For about $94, you’ll join small groups exploring Tenerife’s top snorkel and shallow dive sites near Callao Salvaje. It includes all gear and a safety briefing on a rigid inflatable boat, making it perfect for adventurous snorkelers and shallow divers.
The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and the guide’s knowledge guarantees you hit the best spots. This tour is especially suited for those wanting a combination of boat ride and underwater exploration without deep diving.
Bottom Line: Ideal for snorkelers and shallow divers seeking a guided, small-group experience with all equipment included.
12. Tenerife: Private Scuba Diving–Certified Instructor & Photos
Number 12 offers a Private Certified Dive with Photos. For roughly $113, this tour features your own instructor, flexible times, and all the photos and videos you want. It’s perfect for those wanting a tailored, exclusive experience, with every detail customized to your comfort level.
Guests appreciate the instructor’s professionalism and the quality of the images captured underwater. With private transportation and no group pressure, this is suited for those who want a relaxed, personalized dive.
Bottom Line: The best choice for private, customizable diving experiences with professional guidance and free media.
13. Tenerife: Discover Scuba Diving Discovery Adventure, PADI
Number 13 is the Discover Scuba Diving Discovery Adventure, a 4-hour tour focusing on beginners. It features learning basic skills, exploring volcanic formations, and seeing diverse marine animals. The tour is suitable for those without experience and includes a fun, educational atmosphere.
With helpful instructors and the opportunity to use the time toward future certification, it appeals to those considering diving as a new hobby. The emphasis on safety and the chance to observe wildlife like fish and octopus make it an engaging choice.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beginners who want an immersive, educational dive that can lead to certification.
How to Choose
When deciding between these Tenerife scuba experiences, consider your budget, prior experience, and interests. For a full beginner experience with lots of marine life, the Tenerife: PADI Beginner Scuba Dive in the Turtle Area offers excellent value, especially if swimming with turtles excites you. If you prefer a more private, personalized adventure, the Private Scuba Diving in Tenerife stands out. Budget travelers might opt for the certified diver trips or the Discover Scuba Diving experiences, which combine affordability with quality.
For those with some experience seeking frequent dives at different sites, the diver trips for certified divers are ideal, offering access to wrecks and caves. Meanwhile, if you prefer a shorter, fun immersion without certification, the Scuba Dive & Fun Ocean Experience or the Discover Scuba Diving with free pictures are excellent choices. Booking early, especially in peak season, guarantees availability and best times.
Final Thoughts
Tenerife offers a rich range of scuba diving experiences suited for every skill level and preference. Whether you want a relaxing introduction like Try Dive, an exclusive private tour, or multiple dives exploring wrecks and caves, the options are plentiful. For beginners, a guided experience with marine encounters—like swimming with turtles—is hard to beat. Meanwhile, seasoned divers will find plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s underwater treasures.
No matter which tour you choose, early booking is recommended, especially during high season. These experiences promise not just a splash of adventure but genuine moments of awe in Tenerife’s waters. Prepare to get your fins wet—underwater Tenerife awaits.