Tenerife: Beginner’s Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings

Your first scuba starts with turtle sightings nearby. This beginner-friendly underwater outing runs from Puerto Colón and mixes hands-on coaching with a calm, shallow plan. You go looking for cool critters like moray eels, sting rays, octopus, cuttlefish, and sometimes sea turtles, with a snorkeling option for part of the group.

I especially like the small group setup (limited to 9 people) and the reassuring two-clients-per-instructor style of guidance. I also like the practical limit of going no deeper than 10 meters, which keeps the whole experience focused on breathing, buoyancy, and spotting marine life. One consideration: sea turtles are never guaranteed, and conditions can shift if weather forces changes to where you start or what you see.

Key Things I’d Circle Before You Go

• Two clients per instructor means you are not just another face in a group line
• 10-meter maximum depth keeps this beginner-friendly and less intimidating
• Speedboat ride along Tenerife’s south coast makes the start feel like a mini outing
• Optional snorkeling while others scuba helps you still enjoy the day even if you are nervous
• Wildlife sightings are not controlled so plan for surprises, not checklists

Puerto Colón Start Point: Where You’ll Get Kitted Up

Most people start the morning in Puerto Colón, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, at Zero Gravity Tenerife. It is in the Puerto Colón commercial area, in front of dock 3, next to Cafe Black Pearl, and the entrance is around the back side of the center (behind Cafe Victoria). If you like things to be simple, get there a bit early so you can find the entrance without stress.

Before anything underwater happens, you get fitted with the essentials: wetsuit, fins, and mask, plus a lifejacket if you need one. That matters for beginners because a good fit makes your body feel stable right away. When gear is right, your brain stops worrying and starts noticing fish, color, and movement.

The Safety Briefing That Sets the Tone for Beginners

Right before you head out, there is a safety briefing that runs about 30 minutes. This is where your instructor breaks things down step by step, including what to expect during the session and how to handle your breathing and gear.

I like that the whole approach is designed to make you feel capable, not just compliant. Several instructors mentioned in people’s experiences, like Marcelo and Carlos, are repeatedly described as patient and close by during the scary parts. If you tend to freeze when something new happens, this format is what you want: clear instructions, then a controlled entry and slow progression.

Speedboat Along Tenerife’s South Coast: A Short Ride With Big Views

After the briefing, you board a comfortable speedboat for about 15 minutes. This is a nice break from standing around, and it also gives you sea views along Tenerife’s southern coastline before you’re in the water.

The boat time is short on purpose, since the whole experience only lasts around two hours total. That means you spend most of the day on the fun part, not commuting across the water for ages. It is also easier for beginners, because you are not stuck waiting a long time in gear.

Practical tip: keep your eyes on your instructor during boarding and tank handling. You will likely switch roles quickly, from listening to moving, then to putting on equipment and getting oriented for the water.

Shallow Underwater Plan (Max 10 Meters): What You’ll Actually Do

Here’s the heart of the experience. In a secluded natural bay, the group anchors close to the dive site, and you take turns putting on tanks and respirators. Then you enter and start slowly, with guidance from your certified instructor.

You will go no deeper than 10 meters. That shallow ceiling changes everything for a first-time scuba participant. It helps keep the focus on basic control, like staying calm, following hand signals, and moving at a comfortable pace. It also makes it easier for you to look around instead of staring at gauges the whole time.

Once you are underwater, you follow your instructor around the site while you search for marine life such as:

• octopus and cuttlefish
• moray eels
• sting rays
• sea turtles (possible, not guaranteed)
• a lot of fish and seabed color

In real terms, you should expect to spend your time scanning the rocks and open water edges, not trying to “hunt” animals. One of the most appreciated moments people describe is spotting smaller or well-camouflaged creatures that you would completely miss without a guide. That is also why the instructor ratio matters so much.

A quick heads-up on temperament: even with all the training, the first minutes underwater can feel like a shock for some people, especially if the water feels cool. The best instructors stay with you, help manage your breathing, and keep you from feeling like you have to power through alone. Names that show up often in this style of support include Rihan, Erika, Fran, and Gonza, but the key is the behavior, not the name.

Snorkeling Option: When You Want the Sea Without the Pressure

One of the smartest parts of this tour is that it offers snorkeling along the way. While others are doing their scuba session, you might have the option to snorkel. If you are not fully sure about scuba yet, or you want to keep things lighter, snorkeling can still feel like part of the same plan rather than a separate activity.

Snorkeling is also a good option if you get anxious about timing. You are still on the water, still seeing sea life near the surface, and still moving with the group. That makes the day feel cohesive, and it can help you enjoy the experience even if scuba takes a moment to click.

Getting Back On Shore: How the Day Closes

After the underwater time, the group returns to the dive center at Zero Gravity Tenerife. The total experience is about two hours, so this is not one of those half-day productions where you spend the afternoon waiting for a certificate or a second boat trip.

The day typically ends right after the final ride back and re-checking gear. If you plan food or other activities afterward, aim for a calm schedule. One reason: you are not supposed to go up to heights over 300 meters after the activity, including places like Teide mountain or an airplane. That restriction is brief, but it can affect your plans in Tenerife if you had big views or flight connections on the same day.

Price and Value: Is $82 Worth It?

At $82 per person for a two-hour outing, you are paying for more than equipment and a boat ride. You are paying for instructor attention, structured safety, and a shallow plan that works for people with little or no experience.

Here’s what the price includes:

• boat ride to the site
• full scuba equipment
• a certified instructor
• full insurance

And what costs extra:

• photos and videos (available to purchase)
• food and drinks

To me, the value comes down to the instructor-to-participant approach. In many tourism setups, you might get a quick lesson then follow the group. Here, the small cap of 9 people and the two-clients-per-instructor flow is what you feel in the water: more checking in, more corrections, and more chances to calm down when your brain panics.

Also consider location. Starting in Puerto Colón helps keep things practical, especially if you are already in Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s orbit and don’t want a long bus schedule just to reach the coast.

Wildlife, Turtle Chances, and the Reality Check

Let’s talk honestly about sea turtles. The tour is designed for beginner scuba with a chance of seeing sea turtles, and people do talk about turtles as a highlight. But there is no guarantee, because wildlife sightings are never something the operator can control.

That means you should go in with a flexible mindset. If you are chasing one specific animal, you could end up disappointed. If you go with curiosity, you’ll likely be happy even if turtles are absent. The underwater site is still expected to deliver plenty of life, including rays, octopus, cuttlefish, moray eels, and lots of fish.

The best way to set your expectations: treat turtles as a bonus. The main deal is learning the basics, seeing animals up close, and having an instructor help you spot things you would miss on your own.

Who This Scuba Experience Is Best For

This is built for first-time scuba participants. It is not just for people who feel brave, it is for people who want structure and reassurance.

It is also especially suitable if you like the idea of a gentle depth limit and a real guide relationship during the whole session. The small group size helps reduce chaos. And the option to snorkel can help if you want part of the experience to feel lower pressure.

That said, it is not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• people with respiratory issues
• people with diabetes
• people with heart problems
• children under 8 years

If any of those apply, do not try to “talk yourself into it.” The rules are there for a reason, and you should ask a doctor or choose a different water activity instead.

Should You Book This Beginner Scuba Tour in Tenerife?

If you want your first scuba experience to feel supported, I think this one is worth serious consideration. The combination of a 10-meter maximum depth, small groups (up to 9), and the two-clients-per-instructor style is exactly what beginners need. Add the short speedboat ride from Puerto Colón, the snorkeling option, and the chance to see ray life and maybe sea turtles, and you get a day that feels like real Tenerife, not just a checklist.

Book it if:

• you want to learn quickly with close coaching
• you like the idea of shallow, beginner-first conditions
• you want underwater color and lots of sea life, not just one animal

Skip it or plan an alternative if:

• you need guaranteed turtle sightings (there aren’t any guarantees)
• your health falls into the listed non-suitable categories
• you have plans that require going above 300 meters the same day

FAQ

How long is the experience?

The experience lasts about 2 hours.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $82 per person.

Where do we meet in Puerto Colón?

Meet at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón, in front of dock 3 next to Cafe Black Pearl. The entrance is on the back side of the commercial center, behind Cafe Victoria.

Is previous scuba experience required?

No. This activity is designed for beginners and does not require any experience.

What depth will beginners go to?

You should not go deeper than 10 meters for safety.

Can I snorkel during the scuba session?

Yes, there is an opportunity to do some snorkeling while others are scuba diving on this tour.

What language will the instructor speak?

Instructors may speak Spanish, French, Italian, or English.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear.

Are there restrictions after the activity?

After the activity, you cannot go to heights over 300 meters, such as Teide mountain or an airplane.