Tenerife: Scuba Diving & Snorkeling by Boat in Turtle Area

Summary

Scuba dive in Tenerife’s turtle-rich waters with expert guidance and gentle boat journey

You’ll float above volcanic reefs near Tenerife before slipping under with your instructor for your very first scuba dive — watching turtles glide by and hearing nothing but your own breath. Includes all equipment, boat ride to the quiet dive spot, plus safety-focused guidance from locals who know every hiding place.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scuba diving and snorkeling in Tenerife

• Board boat for 2-hour trip
• Snorkel in marine life area
• Try scuba diving with instructor
• Swim with fish and turtles

Top questions

Is this scuba diving tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, this tour is designed for first-time divers with no prior experience required.

How deep do we go during the scuba dive?

The maximum depth is 10 meters at a calm dive site in southern Tenerife.

Are turtles guaranteed on this trip?

Turtles are often seen but sightings can’t be guaranteed as they are wild animals.

Is all equipment provided for snorkeling and diving?

Yes, all necessary equipment is included in the tour price.

How long does the whole experience last?

The boat trip and activities take about 2 hours total.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

What should I bring or wear?

You should wear swimwear under your clothes; wetsuits are provided on site.

Are there any health restrictions?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart or lung conditions.

Can children join this tour?

Children aged 10+ can participate if accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your time includes all diving and snorkeling equipment, full guidance from a professional instructor throughout both activities, insurance coverage while on the water, plus all taxes and fees handled so you can just focus on breathing underwater (and maybe spotting that elusive turtle).

What’s the experience like?

Salt on my lips and the sun already warming the back of my neck — that’s how it started. The little port in southern Tenerife was busy but not rushed; our instructor, Ana, handed out wetsuits and cracked a joke about how everyone looks like penguins at first. I was nervous (didn’t expect that), but she kept things light. The boat ride out was quick, maybe fifteen minutes? Not far from shore but it felt like another world — cliffs behind us, endless blue ahead.

The first dip was just snorkeling. Water colder than I thought, even through the suit — but clear as glass. We floated above rocks and I saw these shimmering schools of fish darting around. Someone shouted “tortuga!” and sure enough, a turtle glided by underneath. My mask fogged up because I smiled too wide. Ana pointed out cuttlefish hiding in sand and a ray sweeping past; she seemed to know where everything liked to hide.

Then came the main thing: scuba diving. Breathing underwater is weird at first — you hear your own bubbles louder than anything else, like being inside a fish tank. Ana stayed close, checking my gear and giving me thumbs-up every few seconds. We didn’t go deep (maybe 8 or 10 meters), but it felt huge down there. Touching the volcanic rock was rougher than I expected, almost gritty. Saw an octopus tucked into a crevice — blink and you’d miss it.

I still think about that feeling when we surfaced — heavy but happy, hair full of saltwater and legs wobbly from excitement. Didn’t realize how hungry I’d get just from floating around for two hours. On the way back Ana told us not to fly or head up Mount Teide for half a day (“your ears will thank you!”). So yeah, if you’ve never tried scuba before, Tenerife’s turtle area is wild in its own quiet way.