Stand Up Paddle

Balancing on a board is harder than it looks. This stand up paddle experience keeps it approachable, with 1 hour of instruction and 1 hour to practice at Los Tarajales, plus wetsuits and water shoes. You also get pickup and drop-off options across South Tenerife, so you can focus on the fun part.

I especially like how the class is built around real basics: you’ll work on balance and the right way to paddle with a professional instructor. I also like the small group setup, limited to 4 participants, which makes it easier to get personal corrections while you learn.

One consideration: pictures are not included, and pickup costs can vary depending on where you’re starting in Tenerife South.

Key points at a glance

• Coached start, self-led practice: 1 hour of lesson, then 1 hour more to try it on your own while the instructor stays close
• Los Tarajales practice: you’ll train at the beach location used for the session
• Small group (max 4): better attention when you’re learning balance and paddle technique
• Gear provided: neoprene suits and water shoes, plus you just bring swimwear and basics
• Multi-language instruction: English, Spanish, Polish, German, French, Russian

Why the 1-hour lesson makes stand up paddle feel possible

Stand up paddle sounds intimidating until you get on the board. The magic here is that you don’t jump straight into long stretches on the water. You start with a structured class led by a professional instructor, and the focus is exactly what first-timers need.

You’ll begin with a short briefing, then work through the two core skills that determine everything:

• Balance on the board
• Paddle technique so your strokes move you cleanly instead of just spinning you in place

That matters because your first day on a SUP board is mostly about not fighting the water. Once you know how to hold the board stable and paddle efficiently, the rest of your session becomes far more enjoyable.

Also, you get a practical learning rhythm. You’re not only being talked at. You’re guided into movements, then you immediately test them. That push and feedback loop is what turns a shaky start into something you can actually build on.

Los Tarajales practice hour, with help nearby when you need it

After the lesson, you get the best part: 1 hour of practice. This is not a hand-holding tour where you watch someone else do it. The goal is that you take the skills you just learned and put them to work yourself.

You will practise in the beach Los Tarajales, which is the location used for the session. Expect a setup that supports learning, not just showcasing experienced paddlers.

A few details make this hour feel safer and more useful:

• The instructor is still close enough to help you if you get stuck or lose your balance
• You’re practicing with a base of skills, not random guessing

That last point is key. Lots of activities promise instruction but then leave you to figure things out. Here, the plan is simple: learn the fundamentals first, then use them while you’re still in “learning mode.”

Small group, max 4: why it’s not just a nice perk

You’ll be in a small group limited to 4 participants. That sounds like a number, but it changes the whole experience.

With fewer people, you tend to get:

• More focused attention while you work on balance
• Faster feedback when your paddle angle or stroke timing is off
• Less waiting for turns, especially during the early stage when you’re still getting comfortable

If you’re new to stand up paddle, you don’t want a scenario where you only get advice once every few minutes. The small group structure makes it easier to correct the exact thing that’s causing wobble or inefficient movement.

It also changes the vibe. Your group is more likely to feel relaxed and playful, the kind of atmosphere where you can laugh when the board does something unexpected and then adjust without stress.

Pickup and drop-off across Tenerife South: how to plan your time

The activity offers a bunch of pickup and drop-off options across the South of Tenerife. You can choose from 11 pickup locations, including Los Cristianos and several nearby areas like Playa de las Américas, El Médano, Callao Salvaje, and more.

Here’s the practical thing to know: pickup is designed so the driver waits for you at the scheduled time, in front of the entrance. That makes the day feel smoother, especially if you’re staying in a hotel area and you do not want to hunt for a meeting point.

Costs can vary by where you start:

• Pickup in the South of Tenerife may cost 4 euros per person
• From Los Gigantes and El Médano, pickup may be 15 euros per car
• From Golf del Sur, pickup may be 10 euros per car

So when you price this day in your head, include the pickup add-on if your location falls into one of those cases. That way you avoid the surprise of “wait, that wasn’t part of the main price.”

What to bring: the simple kit that keeps the session comfortable

This is an outdoor water activity, so bring the basics and let them handle the technical gear.

You should bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

The provider supplies:

• Neoprene suits if you need them
• Water shoes

I like this approach because you do not have to guess whether you need rental booties or a wetsuit. You show up ready to swim, and the rest is handled. Water shoes are especially important for comfort and grip once you step near the water.

Plan to keep it easy. If you arrive with swimwear on and a towel ready, you’ll lose less time getting ready and you’ll enjoy the water more.

Price and value: what you really get for around $100

The price is listed at $100 per person for a 2-hour experience. What makes it feel reasonable is the way that time is split and what’s included.

Included in the $100:

• 2 hours total activity
• 1 hour with the instructor
• 1 hour more practice time
• Neoprene suits and water shoes (if needed)

Not included:

• Pickup in the South of Tenerife might have extra charges depending on your starting point
• Pictures are not included

So the value comes from the coaching plus actual time on the board. You’re not paying just to be taken to the water and watched. You’re paying for guided technique and then time to apply it immediately.

If you’re the type who learns fastest by doing, this format is a good match. If you want a souvenir photo package, you’ll need to plan for that separately since it’s not part of the session.

Who this SUP session suits best, and who should skip it

This activity is described as suitable for everybody, and that usually means first-timers can feel welcome. The lesson structure helps you get the essentials quickly, and the instructor stays close while you practice.

It is not suitable for pregnant women. If that applies to you, it’s worth choosing a different water activity with appropriate guidance and suitability.

For most people, I’d see it as a great “try it and learn it” option:

• You want a water activity that is active, not passive
• You’re okay with a short, focused session instead of a long half day
• You want instruction but also want freedom to paddle on your own right away

Should you book this stand up paddle session with Diving Atlantis?

Book it if you want a low-stress first attempt at SUP, with real instruction and practice time built in. The standout elements are the small group limit, the clear 1 hour lesson plus 1 hour practice format, and the fact that gear support is included with water shoes and neoprene suits.

Skip it or think twice if you strongly care about photos as part of your experience, since pictures are not included. Also consider the pickup add-ons if you’re coming from areas where pickup costs apply.

If you’re in South Tenerife and you want something hands-on that gets you on the water quickly, this is a solid, practical choice.