SSI Open Water, South Tenerife

First breaths underwater feel scary, then fun. At Medanodive in El Médano, the SSI Open Water course turns that nervous energy into real skills over three days with six structured water sessions and instructor coaching from people like Chris and Isma. It is a classic beginner track, but run with the kind of patience you want when you are learning how your body and gear work together.

I really like the personal feel, because this experience caps at 4 travelers. I also love the practical setup: scuba gear, instructor time, SSI materials, underwater insurance, and transportation are all included, so you can focus on learning instead of logistics. The main consideration is the intensity of the program, since it packs a full certification-style workload into just three days.

Key things you should know before you go

• Small group size (max 4 travelers): more time for questions and skill feedback during the course water sessions
• SSI Open Water format over 3 days: six structured sessions to build confidence step by step
• English instruction: great if you want clear coaching without language friction
• All the heavy lifting is covered: gear, SSI materials, insurance, and transportation are included
• Supportive instructors with humor and patience: reviewers highlight instructors like Chris and Isma keeping things calm
• You may train in varied Tenerife locations: one review mentions Abades, including a cave and lots of trumpet fish

Getting oriented at Medanodive in El Médano

Your day starts at Av. Magallanes 5, 38612 El Médano, Tenerife, Spain, with a start time of 8:30 am. That matters because the course is short and focused, and early starts help you get through the planned schedule without feeling rushed at the end of the day.

Because this is a small-group experience, you should expect a more direct relationship with the instructors. That translates into faster corrections when something feels off, which is exactly what you want early on. It also helps if you are the kind of person who asks lots of questions, because there is room for it.

SSI Open Water, 3 days, 6 underwater sessions: what you are really signing up for

This is the first level of the SSI Open Water course. In practical terms, you are working through the foundation of scuba skills that certification needs, and you do it across three days with six course water sessions.

Here is what that pacing usually feels like in real life: you learn something, practice it with equipment, get corrected, then repeat the next day with more comfort. One review mentioned the early days include e-learning steps paired with hands-on use of real instruments, which is a smart teaching approach. Instead of letting online modules stay abstract, you connect them to what your hands actually do underwater.

You will also want to manage expectations: your goal is competence, not speed. If you can stay calm and practice the steps the instructors show you, you will usually progress faster than you expect.

What success looks like by the end

You should finish with the core skills SSI requires for Open Water. The certificate process is the reason the schedule is structured, but the better outcome is personal comfort: you learn how to breathe steadily, handle basic equipment routines, and work through common beginner situations with guidance.

Meet the team: Chris, Isma, Jon, and a calm teaching style

What stands out most is the instructor approach. Reviews repeatedly point to instructors being patient, friendly, and professional. Names that come up include Chris and Isma (with other team members also mentioned like Jon, Mal, Monika), and the common thread is the ability to teach with humor when you are learning something new.

One review specifically called out Chris as patient and friendly, and even helpful when a first e-learning moment turned into a real-life gear challenge. Another praised how attentive and personal the instruction felt. That combination matters because beginners often struggle in two places: nerves and confusion. A calm instructor with good timing reduces both.

You also get the benefit of consistency. Since this is a small group and the course runs over consecutive days, you are not bouncing between random guides. You get the same coaching style throughout, which helps your brain settle into one method.

Equipment, SSI materials, insurance, and transportation: the value math

This course includes scuba diving equipment (you can think of it as full gear), an instructor, SSI materials, underwater insurance, and transportation. It also says there are no exclusions listed, which usually means you are not hit with a long list of add-ons mid-course.

That bundle is where the value shows up. At this price point, the real question is not just the dollar amount. It is what fraction of your cost goes into actual learning time versus what you must figure out yourself. Here, transportation and gear are handled for you, so you arrive and get used to the routine fast.

The price is listed at $600.85 per person, for about three days. For a beginner certification course that includes equipment, instruction, insurance, and logistics, that is a workable package if your main priority is finishing the SSI Open Water with minimal hassle.

Where you go underwater around Tenerife, including Abades

The exact underwater locations for your six sessions are not spelled out in the basic info you have, but you can get a strong clue from past course experiences shared about this center. One review described two excellent sessions in Abades and noted that visibility near the beach can be reduced due to swirling sand, while things get better further out. That is useful because it sets expectations for the conditions you may face on a given day.

That same review mentioned a cave area with lots of trumpet fish. Another review noted encountering an octopus, and it also mentioned that rays were not spotted during that particular day. The lesson here is simple: Tenerife has great underwater life, but animals are still animals. Your course success is about learning skills and staying relaxed, not chasing a checklist of sightings.

If you want the best experience, approach the water time with a beginner mindset: focus on control, breathing, and comfort first. Then any marine life becomes a bonus, not a requirement.

Physical readiness: who should take this course

The course notes say travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. That is fair. Even as a beginner program, scuba requires basic stamina, comfort in water, and the ability to follow instructions consistently.

There are also clear age and swim requirements:

• Minimum age is 12 years
• Children must be accompanied by an adult and be able to swim

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation, which can help if you are combining this with other Tenerife plans.

If you are anxious about the water, you will still likely be okay if you communicate that early. The center’s teaching style is repeatedly described as patient and reassuring. The more honestly you tell the instructors what worries you, the better they can coach you through it.

Practical tips so you feel confident on day one

Even with gear and insurance handled, you can make the first morning smoother with a little prep.

Here is what I would do before you show up:

• Plan to be rested. A three-day course is intense, and fatigue can make everything feel harder.
• Treat the first sessions like practice, not an exam. The teaching approach you want is step-by-step correction.
• Be ready for a mix of e-learning and hands-on work. One review specifically pointed to learning modules followed by trying steps with real equipment.
• Bring a calm attitude toward conditions. Visibility can shift, like the Abades sand example shows.

Also, consider the group size. With a maximum of 4 travelers, your attention will be on you, not on crowd logistics. That is good, but it also means you should be ready to actively participate.

Price, logistics, and group size: what makes this feel easy

The best reason to book this course is not just the certification name. It is how the pieces connect:

• Gear and instruction are included
• Insurance is included
• Transportation is included
• The group is small
• It runs in a tight three-day window

That combination helps you avoid the most common beginner travel headaches: forgetting something essential, wasting time on finding equipment, or trying to coordinate your schedule with a bigger group.

One more detail that matters: the course is offered in English. If you want instruction you can fully understand, that is a big quality-of-life factor on day one.

Should you book SSI Open Water with Medanodive?

Book it if:

• You want SSI Open Water training in South Tenerife with English support
• You prefer a small group where you can get feedback instead of waiting your turn
• You want gear, insurance, and transportation handled for you
• You value an instructor team known for patience and professionalism, including instructors like Chris and Isma

Skip it or ask extra questions first if:

• You do not handle fast schedules well. Three days is not long, and the workload is real.
• You want highly detailed underwater location guarantees. The program format is clear, but specific site-by-site details are not laid out here.

If you fit the beginner profile and you want a smooth, structured start, this is a strong way to earn your Open Water skills without turning the trip into a complicated project.

FAQ

How long is the SSI Open Water course?

It runs for about 3 days and includes 6 course water sessions.

Where do we meet, and what time does it start?

You meet at Av. Magallanes, 5, 38612 El Médano, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The start time is 8:30 am. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The package includes scuba gear, an instructor, SSI course materials, underwater insurance, and transportation.

Is the course offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

What is the minimum age, and can children join?

The minimum age is 12. Children must be accompanied by an adult and be able to swim.

How many people are in the group?

This course has a maximum of 4 travelers.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What happens if my day is not available or I need to cancel?

If your chosen day is not available, they will try to arrange another day. If that is not possible, you get a full refund. For cancellations, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.