REVIEW · TENERIFE
Tenerife First Time Scuba Dive – Turtle Habitat, Small Groups
Book on Viator →Operated by Travel Sub SLU · Bookable on Viator
The ocean off Tenerife goes from scary to calm fast. This first-time scuba experience mixes a short classroom prep with a guided water session at a max 23 ft / 7 m depth. You also get an onboard/shore routine that feels organized from the first handshake.
I especially love that equipment and a wetsuit are included, so you don’t waste your holiday time figuring out rentals. Second win: the tour pairs a beginner-friendly scuba session with 30 minutes of snorkeling, so you’re not just doing one thing.
The main thing to consider is turtle sightings are never guaranteed. You’ll hear it plainly, since the sea conditions control what you see that day.
In This Review
- Key things that make this Tenerife scuba intro work
- Puerto Colón training day: what 2 hours 30 minutes feels like
- Getting suited up fast: gear, wetsuit, and the pre-water routine
- Shallow underwater training with a PADI instructor (max 7 meters)
- Snorkeling safari in warm Canary lagoons after the scuba session
- Wildlife expectations: turtles not guaranteed, but sea life often shows up
- Who the instructors are and why the small-group vibe matters
- Price and value: why $90.70 can be a smart first-time option
- Timing, depth limits, and rules you should read before you go
- Who should book this in Tenerife (and who should skip it)
- Should you book this Tenerife first-time scuba session?
- FAQ
- How deep do you go on the scuba part?
- What equipment is included?
- How long is the snorkeling and scuba time?
- Do you guarantee seeing turtles?
- What’s the meeting point and where does it end?
- What language is the tour offered in?
- Are there age limits for kids?
- What health or travel restrictions should I know?
- What if weather is bad or I need to cancel?
Key things that make this Tenerife scuba intro work

- Small group size (max 20) and close instructor attention for first-timers
- Full gear + wetsuit included, plus bottled water and insurance in the price
- A controlled, shallow max depth of 23 ft / 7 m to keep nerves manageable
- Boat time plus 30 minutes snorkeling right after the scuba portion
- Wildlife is real, turtles are a bonus, not a promise
Puerto Colón training day: what 2 hours 30 minutes feels like

This is the kind of activity that fits cleanly into a Tenerife day without turning your schedule into a puzzle. Plan on about 2.5 hours total, starting at the PADI 5 TravelSub training facility in Costa Adeje.
You’ll begin with paperwork and a safety briefing at the center. Then you’ll head to Puerto Colón, where the boat part starts. Expect a quick rhythm: get ready, get briefed, then get in the water with a plan that’s made for people who haven’t done this before.
One detail I really like: the whole flow is designed to reduce stress. That matters for first-timers, because most anxiety comes from not knowing what happens next. Here, you get clear instruction, then you follow it at a comfortable pace.
You can also read our reviews of more scuba diving tours in Tenerife
Getting suited up fast: gear, wetsuit, and the pre-water routine
You don’t need to shop, rent, or guess your way through scuba gear. The experience includes full equipment and a wetsuit, plus the snorkeling basics (mask and tube for the snorkel part).
In practice, this means you can show up, get fitted, and move on with your day. Less prep time also means fewer opportunities to overthink.
A lot of the confidence comes from how they run the start. Some instructors also use a short sit-down classroom style briefing before heading out. That’s helpful because it gives you a mental checklist: breathing, hand signals, buoyancy basics, and what to do if you feel off balance.
You’ll also be dealing with real saltwater and real gear, so having everything handled by the team is a big advantage. You’re not learning scuba while trying to solve a gear problem.
Shallow underwater training with a PADI instructor (max 7 meters)

The scuba portion is kept beginner-friendly on purpose. Your underwater time is about 25–30 minutes with an instructor, and the max depth is 23 ft / 7 m. That shallow limit helps you focus on technique and comfort instead of fighting the feeling of going too far.
You’ll be led by a PADI-certified instructor. The experience is run in small groups, and many pairs get close attention. In real terms, that can feel close to 1-on-1, especially on less crowded departures.
In the water, they put tanks on while you’re already set up. For first-time divers, that can make things feel less chaotic. You’ll still feel nervous at the start—that’s normal—but the instruction is designed to keep you moving step-by-step. A common theme in instructor feedback is constant checking in on your breathing and comfort, like they’re scanning the situation every few moments.
If you’re the type who likes clear leadership, you’re in the right place. If you’re the type who hates being rushed, you’ll still be okay, because this is not a speedrun. It’s about getting you feeling safe and in control.
Snorkeling safari in warm Canary lagoons after the scuba session

This tour doesn’t stop when the scuba part ends. You get about 30 minutes of snorkeling using a mask and tube.
Snorkeling is a great follow-up for beginners because it lets you enjoy marine life without the extra gear complexity. It’s also a smart way to build comfort for future water activities. If you’re nervous about snorkeling too, practice helps. If you’ve never snorkeled before, try to keep your expectations simple: slow breathing, steady kicking, and don’t fight the water.
Wildlife here can be colorful and close by. The description focuses on warm lagoons in the Canary Islands area, with marine life that can include sea turtles sometimes. But again: nature is nature. Your snorkel time is part of the fun even if the turtles are off somewhere else that day.
And because you’re already in a relaxed, “I can do this” mindset after the instructor-led session, snorkeling tends to feel like the payoff.
Wildlife expectations: turtles not guaranteed, but sea life often shows up

Let’s handle expectations like an adult: you cannot count on turtles. The operator explicitly asks you to understand that there’s no 100% guarantee for turtle sightings.
That said, the underwater world here can still be impressive. On some trips, people see plenty of fish and variety depending on sea conditions. There are also accounts of other marine sightings beyond turtles, including stingrays and sightings from the boat like flying fish or even dolphins on the way out.
So what does that mean for you? It means you should book this for the experience of learning and the chance to see what’s there—rather than treating it like a turtle guarantee.
If you’re a turtle-obsessed planner, you’ll probably still have a great time. Just go in knowing that the sea decides the schedule.
Who the instructors are and why the small-group vibe matters

One of the strongest selling points here is instructor support that feels human, not robotic. You’ll hear names like Romana, Toby, Martin, Francesco, Ruben, and Alberto attached to first-time success stories.
The pattern is consistent: friendly staff, clear explanations, and an instructor who watches you closely. Some people describe being kept calm from start to finish, including hands-on reassurance for nerves. That’s a big deal on a first water session, because confidence grows when someone is actively making sure you’re okay.
You might also notice a language advantage. Briefings are provided in the available languages on offer, and dives can be run with an instructor speaking English. If you’re traveling with a small group, that small-group size can help everyone stay engaged instead of getting swallowed by a crowd.
On top of that, there’s staff energy across the day. People bring up not just instructors, but the reception help and onboard crew. Max gets mentioned for being helpful at the reception stage, and the boat crew is part of the overall safety and comfort feeling.
If you like a tour where the team seems to genuinely want you to succeed, this one lands well.
Price and value: why $90.70 can be a smart first-time option

At $90.70 per person, this isn’t just paying for a quick activity. You’re getting a full package: boat trip, PADI instruction, full equipment, wetsuit, bottled water, and full insurance.
For a first-time scuba experience, that combination is where the value comes from. If you tried to build it yourself, you’d typically spend time and money on rentals, training supervision, and insurance arrangements. Here, those pieces are bundled into one decision.
The snorkeling inclusion also boosts value. Many beginner tours do only one format. This one gives you a second way to enjoy the sea with less pressure than scuba.
One caution on expectations: photos and videos aren’t included in the base price. That said, staff can take photos underwater and you may be able to purchase them after you’re back at the meeting point, so you still have that option if you want a souvenir.
Timing, depth limits, and rules you should read before you go

This is where you avoid surprises.
The underwater part has a clear cap: 23 ft / 7 m. There are also age rules that matter a lot:
- Children under 8 can’t scuba dive.
- Ages 8 to 9 can do a max of 4 meters.
- Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, with an extra charge.
- ID is required for minors 8–14, and kids under 16 may need identification.
Health rules are strict in a good way. You can’t participate if pregnant. If you have heart or lung conditions, pneumothorax, or diabetes, you must present a doctor’s certificate on the day of the activity. Also, there are no refunds if you don’t show the required documentation.
There’s a travel-body reminder too: it should pass at least 12 hours between a dive and flight (or mountain trip). That’s not just paperwork; it’s about keeping travel risk in mind.
One more practical detail: the tour runs with good weather requirements. If weather isn’t suitable, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Who should book this in Tenerife (and who should skip it)
This tour fits you if:
- You want a beginner-focused scuba introduction with real supervision.
- You prefer small-group attention rather than feeling lost.
- You’d like a day that includes both scuba and snorkeling.
- You value having gear and insurance handled for you.
Skip it (or ask questions first) if:
- You need the guarantee of turtle sightings. It’s not promised.
- You have medical restrictions like the ones listed (or you’re pregnant).
- Your timing doesn’t allow the 12-hour gap before flying or mountain travel.
- Your child doesn’t meet the age rules.
If you’re nervous, this is one of the better types of trips to choose. Instructors are used to calming first-timers, and the shallow depth keeps the experience manageable.
Should you book this Tenerife first-time scuba session?
I’d book it if you want a straightforward way to try scuba in Tenerife without doing the logistics yourself. The package is strong: equipment included, a structured briefing, shallow depth limits, and snorkeling added.
I’d think twice only if your main goal is guaranteed turtles. If you want turtles on a schedule, you’ll be disappointed eventually, because the ocean doesn’t care about your itinerary. But if you’re flexible and excited by marine life chances, you’re likely to leave with a big confidence boost—and a story that starts with I tried scuba and lived to tell it.
FAQ
How deep do you go on the scuba part?
Scuba is conducted with a maximum depth of 23 feet (7 meters).
What equipment is included?
You get full equipment for the scuba portion, including a wetsuit. Snorkeling includes a mask and tube.
How long is the snorkeling and scuba time?
You’ll have 25–30 minutes underwater with the instructor, followed by about 30 minutes of snorkeling.
Do you guarantee seeing turtles?
No. There is no 100% guarantee of seeing turtles, since sightings depend on conditions.
What’s the meeting point and where does it end?
You start at the PADI 5 TravelSub facility at Calle Colón, s/n, Escuela Nautica, 38660 Costa Adeje. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
What language is the tour offered in?
The experience is offered in English, and briefings are provided in the languages listed at booking.
Are there age limits for kids?
Yes. Children under 8 cannot scuba dive. Ages 8–9 have a 4-meter max depth. Minors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and ID is required for 8–14-year-olds.
What health or travel restrictions should I know?
Pregnant women can’t participate. If you have heart or lung conditions, pneumothorax, or diabetes, you must bring a doctor’s certificate on the day. You should also allow at least 12 hours between the scuba activity and a flight (or mountain trip).
What if weather is bad or I need to cancel?
The activity requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll get a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.


























