Tenerife: Beginner’s Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings

Few experiences capture the magic of the ocean quite like floating in clear waters off Tenerife, Spain. For those new to scuba or snorkeling, this Beginner’s Dive tour offers a safe, guided introduction to underwater life, with a good chance of spotting sea turtles, sting rays, and colorful moray eels. Priced at just $68 per person, it lasts around 2.5 hours and combines a scenic speedboat ride with gentle exploration of the sea.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is how it balances safety and fun—the small group size (limited to nine people) and professional instructors ensure everyone feels comfortable, whether you’re trying a snorkel for the first time or just eager to see what’s beneath the surface. The other highlight is how accessible it is: no prior experience required, and the detailed safety briefing helps calm first-timers’ nerves.

One possible consideration is that the tour is weather-dependent. Poor weather or rough seas may lead to adaptations or cancellations, so keeping an eye on the forecast is wise. But if you’re looking for an authentic, well-organized ocean adventure that’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers curious about marine life, this experience ticks many boxes.

Who might enjoy this?

If you’re a beginner curious to try something new in a stunning setting, this tour offers a gentle, well-guided introduction. It’s especially suitable for those who value safety, small groups, and the chance to see iconic marine creatures like sea turtles. And if your travel style includes a bit of adventure but not too much technicality, you’ll find this a great fit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Accessible Experience: No prior diving skills needed; suitable for beginners.
• Expert Guidance: Certified instructors ensure safety and confidence.
• Scenic Ride: Enjoy a boat trip along Tenerife’s southern coastline.
• Wildlife Spotting: High chance of seeing sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish.
• Time-efficient: At just 2.5 hours, it offers a quick but memorable underwater adventure.
• Value for Money: Full equipment, insurance, and guidance included at a reasonable price.

A Detailed Look at the Tenerife Beginner’s Dive Tour

Starting Point: Puerto Colón in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The tour begins in Puerto Colón, a lively marina area full of cafes, restaurants, and boats. We liked how the meeting point is clearly designated at Zero Gravity Tenerife, located conveniently across from dock 3. The instructions are straightforward, which helps reduce first-time jitters—just look for the entrance behind the main building next to Café Victoria.

Safety Briefing: Building Confidence

The 30-minute safety briefing is a key part of the experience. Here, your guides explain how the equipment works, what to expect underwater, and safety procedures. We found that this helps everyone, especially nervous first-timers, feel more prepared. Several reviews praised the instructors’ professionalism and clear explanations, which contribute immensely to the overall comfort level.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Speedboat Ride: Scenery and Excitement

Once geared up, you’ll hop aboard a comfortable speedboat for about 15 minutes along Tenerife’s stunning southern coast. From the deck, you get fantastic views of the coastline, with rocky outcrops and sunny beaches passing by. Many reviews mention how enjoyable this part is—”a scenic boat ride” that sets the tone for your underwater adventure. Expect to anchor in a secluded bay, away from crowds, where marine life is more abundant.

The Underwater Experience: What You’ll See

Once in the water, the instructor guides you through a safe, relaxed descent no deeper than 10 meters. For many, this is the first time breathing through a respirator and moving underwater, but the instructors do a great job ensuring everyone is comfortable before descending. We loved the way guides kept a close eye on each participant, making it feel like a personalized experience.

According to reviews, you might encounter octopus and cuttlefish hiding among rocks, moray eels slithering by, and sting rays gliding gracefully nearby. The highlight for many is the chance to spot sea turtles, which are common in the area, adding an unforgettable touch to the outing. Several reviewers shared that the guides noticed and pointed out wildlife others might miss, making the experience feel special and personalized.

Snorkeling and Free Time

After your initial dive, there’s an opportunity to snorkel while others continue with their dive. This flexibility is great for those who aren’t comfortable staying underwater for long or want to see more marine life from the surface. One reviewer describes their experience: “The instructors were very professional, explained everything, and kept an eye on me so I felt really safe.” This blend of options ensures everyone leaves with unforgettable memories, whether on air or from above.

Return Journey: Scenic and Relaxed

Following the underwater exploration, you’ll take another short speedboat ride back to Puerto Colón. The entire trip, including equipment setup, briefing, boat rides, and the actual diving or snorkeling, lasts about 2.5 hours, making it a perfect morning or afternoon activity.

What’s Included and What You’ll Need to Bring

All the gear—wetsuits, fins, masks, respirators—is provided, eliminating the need for you to pack any special equipment. Full insurance is included, offering peace of mind. Bring swimwear and perhaps a towel if you plan to snorkel afterward, but no food or drinks are provided, so plan accordingly.

The Experience According to Reviews

The reviews overwhelmingly praise the professionalism and warmth of the instructors. Charlotte, a qualified diver, called the experience “incredible,” adding she appreciated how relaxed the entire process was. Others highlighted how well the guides explained everything, making newbies feel comfortable—and even nervous first-timers, like Mariia, felt safe despite initial fears.

Many reviews sing praises about the marine life. One traveler mentions seeing “tons of colorful fish, an octopus, and a stingray,” while another emphasizes the “beautiful corals and fish.” Several mention the potential for wildlife sightings, including turtles, which adds a sense of anticipation and excitement.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Weather can influence the experience. Since the activity is weather-dependent, poor conditions could lead to cancellations or changes, such as choosing a beach dive over the boat trip. Always check the forecast before booking. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with respiratory issues, or very young children under 8. Participants should be comfortable in water, though novices are very welcome.

Who Will Get the Most Out of This Tour?

This experience is ideal for beginners, families with children over 8, or anyone eager to get their first taste of the ocean with expert oversight. It’s perfect for those who want a safe, guided introduction to marine life without the complexities of advanced diving. If you love the idea of spotting sea turtles, this tour offers a high probability of encounters that will stay with you long after your trip ends.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for people with no diving experience?
Yes. It’s designed specifically for beginners, with thorough safety briefings and a slow, controlled descent. You don’t need prior experience, just a willingness to explore underwater.

How deep will we go?
The guides will keep you at no more than 10 meters underwater, which is perfect for beginners and ensures safety and comfort.

What marine animals are most likely to be seen?
Expect to see octopus, cuttlefish, moray eels, sting rays, and possibly sea turtles. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed but are quite common.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, after your dive, you’ll have a chance to snorkel while others are still exploring their dive site.

What should I bring?
Just your swimwear, as all equipment—including wetsuits, fins, masks, and respirators—is provided.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, offering flexibility.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, children under 8 are not suitable for this tour. It’s mainly for kids over that age and adults.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Spanish, English, French, and Italian, making communication easy for most travelers.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes. Poor weather or rough seas may lead to cancellations or schedule changes, so check the forecast.

Final Thoughts

This Tenerife beginner’s diving tour offers a balanced combination of safety, scenic beauty, and marine discovery. With knowledgeable guides, a scenic boat ride, and the chance to spot iconic sea creatures like sea turtles and rays, it’s an excellent introduction to the ocean for those new to snorkeling or scuba. The small group size enhances the experience, making it feel personal and relaxed—perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers eager for an authentic ocean adventure.

At just $68, including full gear and insurance, it provides good value for a memorable, wildlife-filled excursion. The numerous positive reviews reflect consistent satisfaction, especially among first-timers and those eager to enhance their ocean experience with expert guidance. If you’re looking for a straightforward, beautiful, and safe ocean encounter in Tenerife, this tour is hard to beat.

Whether you’re dreaming of spotting turtles or just want to try breathing underwater for the first time, this experience offers a gentle, well-organized introduction to Tenerife’s vibrant marine world.

You can check availability for your dates here: