Tenerife: First Time Scuba Dive & Turtle Snorkel Small Group

Summary

Scuba dive in Tenerife’s clear waters then snorkel where turtles glide close by

You’ll start your day in Tenerife with a relaxed intro from your PADI-certified guide before heading out by boat for your first time scuba dive in small groups. Experience the strange thrill of breathing underwater, then snorkel near turtle habitats with all equipment provided. Even if you don’t spot turtles up close, you’ll leave feeling lighter — and maybe a bit braver.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re nervous?” our instructor asked me, grinning as he handed over the wetsuit. I must’ve looked it — I’d never even worn one before, let alone tried a first time scuba dive in Tenerife. The dive center felt relaxed though, lots of friendly chatter in different languages (I heard German and Spanish mostly), and Li from our group made a joke about how we’d all look like penguins soon. We filled out some forms, then sat down for a proper briefing — they didn’t rush it. I liked that. They showed us how to clear our masks and what the hand signals meant; I kept practicing the “OK” sign just to be sure.

The boat ride out was short but honestly kind of magical — salt on my lips, wind tangling my hair, sun already warm even though it wasn’t noon yet. Our guide pointed out where we might spot turtles later (“No promises!” he laughed), and I remember thinking how blue everything looked out there. When it was finally time to drop into the water with the instructor, my heart was thumping so loud I could hear it through the regulator. Breathing underwater felt weird at first — almost like learning to walk again — but after a minute or two I stopped thinking about it and just watched these tiny silver fish darting around us.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would be down there. Even with other beginners nearby, it felt peaceful (and cold at first — but you get used to that). The instructor kept checking on me with little thumbs-up gestures. After maybe half an hour we surfaced and switched to snorkeling gear for the next part. Floating above this rocky patch where turtles sometimes feed… well, we didn’t see any up close that day, but someone further off waved excitedly so maybe they got lucky. Still, just being there — face in the water, sun on my back — felt good enough.

Back at the center, peeling off wetsuits while joking about who struggled most (it was definitely me), we shared bottled water and stories before heading for showers. It’s funny how quickly strangers can feel like friends after something like this. I still think about that moment underwater when everything went quiet except for my own breath.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scuba dive and snorkeling adventure

• Orientation and paperwork at dive center
• Briefing with PADI-certified instructors
• Boat ride to dive site
• Dive with instructor up to 12 meters
• Snorkel in sea turtle area
• Return to dive center
• Shower and final debrief

Top questions

Can beginners join this scuba diving tour in Tenerife?

Yes, this tour is designed for complete beginners as well as those with some experience.

How deep will we go during the dive?

Adults can dive up to 12 meters; children aged 8-10 can go up to 4 meters deep.

Is seeing turtles guaranteed on this trip?

No, turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed but this area is known as one of the best spots to try.

Are instructors certified?

Yes, all instructors are PADI-certified professionals.

Is equipment included in the price?

Yes, all necessary equipment including wetsuit and snorkel gear is provided.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the dive center for orientation.

How long does each activity last?

The scuba dive lasts 25-30 minutes; snorkeling session is about 30 minutes.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children aged 8 and above can participate; under 16s need ID and minors must be accompanied by an adult (extra charge).

What’s included

Your day includes a detailed safety briefing at the Tenerife dive center with PADI instructors guiding you every step; a scenic 10–15 minute boat ride to prime diving spots; full use of wetsuits and all scuba/snorkeling equipment; 25–30 minutes diving alongside your instructor plus another half hour snorkeling near turtle habitats; bottled water after your session; insurance coverage throughout; access to showers back at base before heading home or onward into town.