Tenerife: Your First Scuba Diving Experience in Turtle Area

A first scuba session, with turtles in sight. I like how this tour keeps your first underwater time well guided and beginner-friendly, while still giving you real sea-life encounters in Tenerife’s Atlantic waters. You’ll also get a fun speedboat ride with big ocean views before and after.

What I really like is the structure: a short safety briefing, a controlled max depth of 12 meters, then snorkeling as a second chance to see turtles and other marine animals. One thing to think about: photo and video are optional and cost extra on the spot, so plan for that if you want the memories.

Key things I’d bank on before you go

• PADI-qualified instruction with tight guidance for first-timers
• Max 12 meters and a short, confidence-building underwater session
• Turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the tour targets them (reported as high odds)
• Snorkeling safari after the scuba session in another good marine area
• Speedboat views plus a chance to spot dolphins and whales while traveling
• Small groups up to 10, plus a strong staff-to-diver support feel

Meeting in Costa Adeje, then straight into the safety briefing

Your day starts at the meeting point at the Travel Sub center reception inside ESUELA NAUTICA, right in front of pier 5, with private parking at Puerto Colon. You’ll want to arrive with the basics ready: sun hat, sunscreen, and a towel. The wetsuit is provided, so you’re not hauling dive gear around.

The first real milestone is the 30-minute safety briefing. Even if you feel calm, this is the part that helps everything else go smoother, especially with things like breathing control and what to do if you feel off. You’ll also learn safety procedures before you get suited up.

One practical note that matters: if you wear glasses, you should plan for contacts. The experience says you cannot use the scuba or snorkeling mask with glasses, and prescription diving goggles are not included. That means bringing contacts (or being ready to remove glasses) ahead of time.

The speedboat segment: ocean views and wildlife spotting from above

After the briefing, you jump onto a speedboat for about 15 minutes to the diving spot. This is not just transportation. It’s part of the fun, and it’s when you get big coastal and open-water views right away.

On the way between sites, the tour specifically encourages you to watch for whales and dolphins. You also might catch smaller “bonus moments” like flying fish, depending on conditions. In the reviews, people mention dolphins and turtles seen from the boat and even flying fish during the ride, so it’s worth keeping your camera handy and your eyes up.

If you’re sensitive to getting cold, note that you’ll be in the water wearing a wetsuit, but the boat ride is still outdoors. Tenerife’s marine day can feel breezy, so bring a layer if you tend to run cold.

Your 25-minute scuba session to 12 meters, designed for first-timers

The core of the experience is your first scuba session, lasting about 25 minutes, with a max depth of 12 meters. This is where I think the tour earns its beginner reputation: it keeps the pressure low by setting limits, and it pairs you with a PADI-qualified instructor.

The instruction style seems to matter a lot. Many reviews praise guides for being calm, patient, and very reassuring when someone panics or feels nervous. Names that come up again and again include Max, Tobi, Ramona, Romana, Elena, Davide, and Reuben. People describe instructors who explain steps clearly, check in repeatedly, and take things at the pace you need.

You also get real breathing underwater for the first time, which is the entire point of booking this kind of tour. The guided descent and seabed time are short enough to feel manageable, but long enough to see fish up close. One review mentions very strong visibility, with a report of over 20 meters on a good day, which can make the underwater look especially clean and wide.

What you might see down there

The tour’s focus is sea-life sightings, and the “turtle area” promise is a key reason to book. Turtle sightings are not guaranteed, because they are wild animals, but the info says you’ll have a strong chance, listed as 95% in cases where the tour operates in the right area.

Other sea-life sightings you can reasonably expect include colorful fish, rays, and sometimes bigger moments like octopus or starfish. Reviews include mentions of octopus, starfish, and sting rays, plus plenty of fish variety.

If you’re the type who gets overwhelmed, aim to remember this: the guide is monitoring your comfort the whole time. Several reviews mention instructors encouraging divers through nerves, sometimes with extra time at the surface or additional support during equalization and breathing.

Snorkeling safari after the scuba session, with a second chance at turtles

After the scuba session, you transition into snorkeling for about 25 minutes with a guide. This is a smart design, because it gives you another shot at wildlife if the first underwater time is a little chaotic (or if turtles simply don’t drift into view that day).

Snorkeling is also a great way to keep the day balanced. You can spend time observing at a more relaxed pace than most first scuba sessions allow. Reviews include people spotting turtles, along with fish and rays during the snorkeling phase.

Also, consider this from a practical angle: even if you don’t get the turtle moment you dreamed about, snorkeling still gives you close-up views of the underwater scene without the same “new gear plus new breathing skills” learning curve.

Boat ride back and the calm end of a high-adrenaline activity

You’ll head back on the speedboat, another 15 minutes, and arrive again at the Travel Sub center. This wrap-up is important. If your first underwater session brought nerves or excitement, you’ll want the return to be low-stress and not rushed.

The reviews suggest staff do a good job of taking care of people right through the end of the experience. One person even described a boat mishap involving an ankle, and the team reportedly helped and looked after them. That’s not something you should plan on, but it does reinforce that the operation feels attentive.

If you want the full story of the day, ask about how photo and video work while you’re still there. In reviews, people mention underwater photos and videos are available for an extra cost, often cited as 30 euros. It’s optional, but it’s a common add-on, so budget for it if you care about keeping the underwater images.

Price, and why $84 feels like good value (with one caveat)

At $84 per person for a 3-hour outing, this tour can be a solid deal because it bundles the real essentials: a max-depth guided scuba session, snorkeling with a guide, equipment (including wetsuit, fins, and mask), insurance, and a boat ride.

Here’s how I’d judge value: you’re paying for trained guidance, not just access to water. The instructor ratio matters too. The tour lists 1 PADI instructor for 2 people, and the small-group cap helps keep the day controlled. Many reviews also describe instructors making first-timers feel safe enough to complete the session, which is the difference between a one-time thrill and a “could not finish” story.

The caveat is predictable. Photo and video cost extra on the spot, and if you decide late that you want the footage, it can feel like an added surprise. I’d simply treat it as part of the budget from the start.

Equipment and what to bring for a smooth day

The tour includes scuba and snorkeling gear: wetsuit, fins, and mask. That’s a big help because it means you don’t need to shop for gear in Tenerife. You’ll also get water during the experience.

What you bring:

• sun hat
• towel
• sunscreen
• flip-flops
• passport or ID for children

What you should not bring:

• smoking
• luggage or large bags
• fishing
• alcohol and drugs
• glass objects

That list is more than rules on paper. It keeps the day safer around the boat and gear, and it reduces bottlenecks at the center.

Who this is best for, and who should skip it

This experience is aimed at first-timers who want a guided, confidence-building start. Reviews repeatedly mention people who were anxious, and instructors who stayed patient and calm enough for them to finish.

It can also suit people who want ocean views without joining snorkeling or scuba, based on the info that the tour can be enjoyed for breathtaking views. If you’re deciding between activities on the day, this is one tour where the boat ride still has value even if you keep it surface-based.

Not suitable (per the tour info):

• children under 8
• pregnant women
• people with heart problems
• people with respiratory issues
• people with pre-existing medical conditions
• people over 95
• people with diabetes

It’s also not a “take any risk” activity. The max depth is only 12 meters, but you’re still changing pressure in your ears and breathing through scuba gear, so be honest about your health and tolerance.

Wheelchair accessible is listed, so the center is at least set up to welcome a range of visitors, but I’d still consider asking in advance if you have specific needs. The tour has medical restrictions, and equipment logistics can matter.

The most praised parts, based on real guide behaviors

A pattern shows up across the best reviews: guides who manage nerves well, and teams that run the day with safety as the default.

People call out instructors for:

• staying calm when someone panics
• checking in constantly during descent and at key moments
• making the underwater experience fun, including playful underwater poses
• spotting sea animals actively, not just hoping they appear

You’ll also see repeated praise for staff friendliness and clear instructions. Names that you’ll likely hear in this operation include Tobi, Max, Ramona, Romana, Elena, Davide, Reuben, and the captain Guillermo on the boat. One review even mentions cute cats in the office, which is the kind of small touch that makes a practical meeting point feel warmer.

Should you book this Tenerife first scuba session?

I’d book this if:

• you want a guided first scuba experience with a controlled max depth
• turtles are your priority, and you’re okay with the fact that nature decides the final sighting
• you like the idea of adding snorkeling as a second wildlife chance
• you want a small-group format with safety and coaching emphasized

I’d think twice if:

• you strongly dislike extra costs for photos and video
• you need a mask with glasses, since prescription diving goggles are not included and glasses masks are not possible
• you fall into any of the listed medical or age restrictions

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the reception of Travel Sub Dive Centre in the ESUELA NAUTICA building in front of pier 5, in the private parking area of Puerto Colon. Come inside and find reception.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 3 hours.

What is the maximum depth during the scuba portion?

The scuba session goes up to a maximum depth of 12 meters.

Is turtle spotting guaranteed?

No. Turtle sightings are not 100% guaranteed because they are wild animals, but the tour information states they appear in 95% of cases.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the speedboat ride, scuba up to 12 meters, snorkeling with a guide, all snorkeling and diving equipment (including wetsuit, fins, and mask), full insurance, and water. The tour also notes a PADI instructor for 2 people.

Is photo or video included?

No. Photo and video footage are available on the spot as an extra.

Do I need to bring a towel or sunscreen?

Yes. The tour asks you to bring a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, and flip-flops.

What if I wear glasses?

It is not possible to use the diving or snorkeling mask with glasses. Prescription diving goggles are not included, so you would need contact lenses or to remove glasses for the experience.

What languages are available for the instructor?

The instructor languages listed are English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Russian.

Is it suitable for children?

Children under 8 are not suitable. Minors 8 to 17 must be under adult supervision on the boat.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you wear contact lenses, and I’ll suggest what to prioritize for best visibility and comfort on the day.