Reviewed · SCUBA DIVING
Beginner Scuba Dive with Scubapoint Tenerife in Turtle Area
Trying scuba for the first time in Tenerife is interesting because you get real coaching, not just a quick look in the water. The session is set around the Turtle Area, with the goal of helping you feel comfortable fast in clear Atlantic conditions.
I love two things right away: the PADI-certified instructor who stays focused on safety and your comfort, and the fact that the price includes full scuba equipment plus a boat trip. One consideration: breathing can feel awkward at first, and you need to be upfront about any health issues or you will be turned away.
Key highlights at a glance

- Beginner-first coaching with a PADI instructor who stays close and patient
- Full equipment and a boat trip included so you show up and start learning
- Land briefing first, then short, controlled practice in the water
- Small group, up to 10 people, which usually means more personal attention
- Multiple languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish
- Turtle Area location with an easy setup for wildlife spotting and seabed viewing
Why Tenerife’s Turtle Area works so well for a first scuba session

If you’ve never done scuba before, your biggest question is simple: will this feel like a stressful stunt, or a guided lesson? This Tenerife experience is built around the lesson part. You start on land with basic skills and safety procedures, then you move to the water with a certified instructor who guides you step by step.
The location choice matters too. The Atlantic around Tenerife is known for visibility on many days, and the plan here is to get you in clear water where you can actually see what you are doing. That matters for beginners because it turns uncertainty into something you can control, like calm breathing and steady body position. Also, the activity is marketed around the Turtle Area, so the whole setup is oriented toward marine-life watching rather than technical training.
You should still go in with realistic expectations. This is a learning session, so it is not about speed or going far. It is about feeling safe, understanding the basics, and getting your first proper look at sea life.
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Getting started at Puerto Colón, then getting kitted up

The meeting point is Puerto Colón. Plan to arrive with enough time to check in and get settled before the briefing. From there, you will be fitted with the full scuba equipment included in the price. That is one of the smartest parts of the deal, because it removes a lot of beginner stress. You do not have to rent pieces separately, hunt for gear, or wonder if you selected the right sizes.
Once you have your equipment, you move into the on-land training portion. This is where the team gets you ready for what comes next. For your first time, this matters more than people think. If you understand what the equipment is doing and why safety steps exist, the water part tends to go much smoother.
One practical tip from how the experience is structured: wear beachwear that you can move in. You will likely be changing into and out of swim clothing depending on your comfort. And do not skip bringing water, since the total experience runs around two hours, and you will be outside before you hit the water.
The on-land briefing: the part that makes the water time feel doable

The session begins with a short training talk on land. You learn the basics and key safety procedures before you ever enter the water. The goal is to take the unknowns out of the equation. You get shown how the gear works for a beginner and what you should do to stay comfortable.
This briefing also addresses the real challenge first-timers face: coordinating breathing while you are underwater. In a couple of recent accounts, people mentioned that finding steady breathing at the start took extra support. The instructor stayed close, continued helping until the participant could manage it.
That is a big deal for value. Many “intro” experiences rush the teaching. This one is designed to give you enough coaching that you are not left to figure it out alone. If you get anxious when you feel you are not in control, this teaching first approach can reduce that pressure.
The boat trip to open Atlantic water and what you should expect

After the on-land portion, you access the water site by boat trip. Expect some time transitioning from briefing mode to “okay, now we are actually doing it” mode. Even if you feel nervous, the structure helps because you are not thrown in immediately.
This boat section is included, which again adds value. For your first time, transport logistics can be a hidden headache. Here, it is part of the package. You also get to spend time with your small group, which helps you see that everyone is learning something new. That usually makes it easier to relax.
The water timing is not super long in absolute terms. The overall duration is about 2 hours, with the structure typically lasting 2 to 3 hours depending on the day. Either way, the schedule is designed for a beginner experience, not an all-day technical workshop.
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Your guided underwater practice in the Turtle Area

Now to the part you came for: the guided underwater portion. You will not be left to swim around on your own. The instructor helps you feel comfortable and guides you while you explore and practice newly learned skills in a safe, controlled way.
The plan includes:
- Exploring clear waters where you can see underwater scenery
- Looking at the seabed as you learn positioning
- Practicing the basics with instructor support, so you do not just “survive” the experience
The emphasis is on safety and comfort, and that shows up in how the coaching is described. In at least one couple experience, one person found breathing more difficult in the deeper portion, and the instructor stayed with them the entire time until they managed it. Meanwhile the other participant was guided separately at depth, without waiting on the surface. That tells you the team is willing to adjust the moment-to-moment plan based on how each beginner is doing.
Also, you should remember a simple truth: you are learning. If you do not feel instantly relaxed, that is normal. The instruction is built around getting you to that comfortable level through support, not through pressure.
Seeing marine life without forcing it
The marine-life promise here is realistic: you will have the opportunity to explore the Atlantic’s underwater life and see what is around you. You should think of this as a “first impressions” underwater look, not a guaranteed wildlife safari.
Because the session includes skill practice, your attention will often be on what your body and gear are doing. That can limit how long you spend staring at a single spot. But that is not a downside if you treat it like a two-part goal: get your bearings and enjoy the sea life as you go.
A good mindset: look with short, frequent checks rather than trying to hold your breath and stare for a long time. Since you are with an instructor, you can also ask for quick guidance on where to look and how to move safely.
Small group coaching: why limited numbers matter

This experience caps group size at 10 participants, and it feels like the right scale for a first try. With a smaller group, instructors can keep track of everyone’s comfort level and respond faster if breathing or positioning feels off.
That also means you are more likely to get help when you need it. One strong example from recent experiences involved a participant having trouble with breathing coordination during the deeper part. The instructor stayed with them and kept supporting until the person could manage. That kind of attention is hard in a larger group where staff are stretched thin.
For couples, the small group setup can also mean instructors can split attention based on how each participant is doing underwater. If one person needs extra time to settle, the other might continue with a different instructor while you are still getting proper support. The key is that it keeps the experience moving without leaving anyone behind.
Timing and pacing: what 2 hours really means

The official duration is 2 hours, and the training structure is about 2 to 3 hours in typical flow. For planning, think of it as:
1) Meet at Puerto Colón and get ready
2) Training on land for basics and safety
3) Boat trip to the water site
4) Guided underwater practice and marine viewing
5) Return and wrap up
Because you are new, the pacing is designed so you do not spend the entire experience underwater. Instead, you rotate between instruction and short practice. That keeps it safe and makes it more likely you will leave feeling proud, not wiped out.
If you are traveling with limited time, this is one of the best formats. A beginner scuba try-out that runs around two hours fits a normal day on Tenerife without eating your whole schedule.
Price and value: is $88 worth it?
At about $88 per person, the value depends on what you would otherwise pay to get an equivalent experience.
Here’s what’s included:
- Full scuba equipment
- A certified instructor (the “monitor” element in the package)
- A boat trip
For a first-timer, the equipment and boat time are usually the big cost drivers. If you priced those separately, you would likely pay more than the total package price. You also get structured coaching, which is the main reason this isn’t just an underwater activity. You learn the basics, practice skills, and get safety guidance.
Is it expensive compared with basic sightseeing? Sure. But this is an active, gear-based, coached experience. The price feels fair for what you receive, especially if you consider you are not committing to a full certification course up front.
One more value point: the small group format. Paying a similar amount for a larger group often means less attention. Here, the cap at 10 is a meaningful part of what you are paying for.
Who should book, and who should skip it

This experience is designed for people with no prior experience needed. If you are curious about scuba but want to see how you handle the breathing and the equipment first, this is a solid choice.
It is also described as not suitable for:
- Children under 8 years
- Pregnant women
- People with pre-existing medical conditions
- People over 70 years
Health conditions are something you should take seriously. The session info specifically says you need to share any health conditions. If you skip that step, you risk ending up excluded or not suited for the safety side of the activity.
For families, there is an encouraging example in one account of a 10-year-old who received careful support and felt at ease. That lines up with the minimum age rule, and it suggests the team can be calm and attentive for younger participants when they are eligible.
If you are older but within the permitted age range, or if you have mild concerns, I’d treat this as a “talk to the provider first” kind of booking. For a beginner, the coaching style only works well when you are physically cleared.
Booking tips that actually help on the day
A smooth day starts before you even get to the water.
- Bring water and beachwear as requested.
- Make sure you are clear about any health conditions ahead of time.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs. This is not optional, since it is stated as not allowed.
- Plan to be comfortable with the idea that breathing coordination can take a minute. That is not you failing. It is part of learning.
If you need flexibility, the experience is offered with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. That can be helpful if you are watching weather or trying to line up your Tenerife schedule.
Should you book this Tenerife beginner scuba session?
Book it if you want a first scuba experience that prioritizes coaching, safety, and comfort. The combination of a PADI-certified instructor, full equipment, and a boat trip for a short, beginner-focused session is a strong value package.
Skip it if you fall into the listed non-suitable categories, or if your health situation makes you question whether you can handle the basics. This is also not the right fit if you are expecting a laid-back, hands-off snorkeling style outing. You will learn skills, and you will need to follow guidance closely.
If you are the kind of person who gets nervous when you feel you are not in control, take comfort in the fact that the instruction is designed to stay with you while you manage breathing and confidence underwater. That is the difference between “trying something” and actually enjoying it.
FAQ
How long is the beginner scuba session in Tenerife?
The duration is about 2 hours.
Where do I meet for the activity?
You meet at Puerto Colón.
Do I need any prior scuba experience?
No experience is required. The session is designed for first-timers.
What is included in the price?
The price includes full scuba equipment, a monitor (instructor), and a boat trip.
What should I bring?
Bring water and beachwear.
What languages are the instructors available in?
The instructor can speak English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
Who is the activity not suitable for?
It is not suitable for children under 8 years, pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or people over 70 years.
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