Costa Adeje: Beginner Scuba Dive with Pickup & Sea Turtles

Summary

First-time scuba diving in Tenerife’s calm waters with a local guide

You’ll feel that nervous excitement as you zip into your wetsuit in Costa Adeje before learning basic scuba skills with a patient local guide. Drift quietly among tropical fish and maybe spot a sea turtle during your open water dive—all gear provided, plus hotel pickup and drop-off so you can relax afterward.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my heart to race just zipping up the wetsuit at Ocean Trek in Costa Adeje. It was tighter than I thought—maybe I should’ve skipped that extra croissant at breakfast. Our instructor, Javier, grinned like he’d seen this a thousand times and handed me the mask. “Don’t worry, you’ll breathe fine,” he said, but honestly? The first few breaths through the regulator felt weirdly loud in my head, like Darth Vader echoing underwater.

We practiced floating around in the shallow bit first. The water here is warmer than anywhere I’ve swum before—almost silky against my arms. Javier showed us how to clear our masks (I messed it up twice; he just laughed and did it again). There was this moment where sunlight flickered on the sand below us and I suddenly noticed tiny silver fish darting around my feet. That’s when it hit me: oh wow, this is real—I’m actually doing a beginner scuba dive in Costa Adeje.

Then we headed out for the real thing. It’s strange how quiet everything gets once you’re under, except for your own bubbles. We drifted past corals and these bright blue fish—I wish I remembered their name—and then Javier pointed ahead. A sea turtle just glided by, so close I could see its shell pattern. My ears were popping a bit but I barely cared; all of us just hovered there watching it until it disappeared into the blue. After about 45 minutes we surfaced, blinking at the sun like we’d come back from another planet or something.

I still think about that turtle sometimes. On the drive back to the hotel (pickup included, thank god because I was wiped), my hair smelled like salt and rubber and everyone kept grinning at each other for no reason. If you’re even half-curious about diving—or just want to see if you can do something that scares you a little—this day trip from Costa Adeje is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scuba diving beginner session

• Pick up from South Tenerife hotel
• Travel to Ocean Trek dive school
• Meet your dive instructor
• Put on wetsuit and oxygen tank
• Practice basic diving skills in shallow water
• Dive up to 39 feet with instructor
• Swim among corals, fish, rays, and turtles
• Return to shore and end tour
• Drop off at your hotel

Top questions

How long does the beginner scuba diving session last?

The session lasts between 3 to 4 hours total, including instruction and diving time.

Is hotel pickup included for this Costa Adeje scuba dive?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within a 6 mile (10 km) radius of South Tenerife hotels.

How deep will I go on my first dive?

The maximum depth for beginners is 39 feet (12 meters).

Can I see sea turtles or rays during the dive?

You might spot sea turtles or rays during your open water dive, though sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Is all scuba equipment provided?

Yes, all necessary scuba gear is included in the session price.

Do I need any experience to join this beginner's session?

No prior experience is needed—this tour is designed for complete beginners.

Are there health restrictions for this activity?

This activity isn’t recommended for those with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

Can children participate in this beginner scuba dive?

Infants can ride in a pram or stroller but must sit on an adult’s lap; check with the provider for minimum age requirements for diving itself.

Is wheelchair access available at Ocean Trek dive school?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

How soon after diving can I fly?

You should not fly within 12 hours after your dive due to decompression reasons.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within 6 miles of Costa Adeje, all SCUBA equipment rental, bottled water to keep you hydrated after salty swims, full instruction from a professional local guide throughout both practice and open water sessions, plus all fees and taxes covered so there are no surprises when you show up ready to try something new.