Reviewed · SCUBA DIVING

Dive Baptism 1 Dive In Tenerife 3,5h

5.0 · 13 reviews 3 hours (approx.) From $114 Operated by Medanodive · Bookable on Viator
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This Tenerife experience is interesting because it is built for beginners who want structure, not guesswork. I love that it is private for your party and that the instructor stays with you step by step.

You also get a simple plan you can trust. Expect a 45-minute first water session at 8 to 10 meters, after an equipment briefing on land.

The main drawback is practical: there is a minimum age of 12, children must be with an adult, and everyone needs to be able to swim.

Key things to know

  • Equipment training first, so you understand what you are wearing before you reach the water
  • 45 minutes in the water for the first immersion, at 8 to 10 meters with close instructor support
  • All complete scuba gear included, so you can travel lighter
  • Transportation included from El Medano to the water entry spot and back
  • English is available, and the maximum group size is 1 traveler

El Medano start point: why this location suits first-timers

El Medano is one of those towns where getting oriented is usually easy. The meeting place is in Plaza Galicia, local 8, opposite Correos (post office) and after Boomerang bar. You are also near public transport, so you should not need a car to make an 8:30 am start work.

What I like about this setup is how it keeps the pressure low. You meet at a clear, street-level location, then you get transported to the water access area. For a first scuba try-out, that matters, because you do not want your day turned into a logistics puzzle before you even get suited up.

Also, a maximum of 1 traveler can be a real advantage. It typically means more personal attention and less waiting around while you get ready.

The 8:30 am flow: briefing, gear checks, and one 45-minute immersion

Dive Baptism 1 Dive In Tenerife 3,5h - The 8:30 am flow: briefing, gear checks, and one 45-minute immersion
The experience runs about 3 to 3.5 hours, starting at 8:30 am. You will meet at the Plaza Galicia local 8 address, and then the team handles the rest of the morning flow.

The program is split into two parts. First comes the briefing. You will get an explanation of the scuba equipment, including what each part does and how it operates. You will also cover the basic rules of the steer, meaning the simple underwater habits that help you stay controlled and comfortable while you learn.

Then it is time for the “gear to water” transition. You put on your suit, get the full equipment fitted, and head to the water entry point. In the water, your first immersion lasts about 45 minutes, with a target depth of 8 to 10 meters. Most importantly, you are always accompanied by the instructor, who assists you and checks on you throughout.

What that means for you in plain terms: you are not thrown in and left to figure it out. You get the why first, then you do it, with help close by.

Instructor support you can actually feel: calm coaching with real names

Dive Baptism 1 Dive In Tenerife 3,5h - Instructor support you can actually feel: calm coaching with real names
The best part of this experience is how consistently the instruction style shows up as calm and hands-on. You are not just “managed,” you are coached. The equipment talk is meant to remove confusion before you ever breathe underwater, and once you enter the water the instructor stays with you the whole time.

From feedback, you may be guided by instructors including Mariano, David, Liam, Chris, Ismael (also shown as Isma or Ishmael), Danny, or Helen as part of the team. Different names, same theme: clear explanations and a relaxed pace.

One detail that shows up in the experience stories is the way instructors help you get over the first nervous moment. In at least one case, the instructor started by having the student practice breathing with just the face near the water before moving deeper. That kind of pacing is worth its weight in comfort, especially if you are the sort of person who gets anxious in open water.

And yes, this is designed for beginners. If you have only snorkeled before, you will still get a lot out of the structure here because it teaches the basics in a way that reduces the fear factor.

What you will learn on land before you reach 8 to 10 meters

Dive Baptism 1 Dive In Tenerife 3,5h - What you will learn on land before you reach 8 to 10 meters
A first scuba try-out can feel confusing because the gear is new and the sensations are different. This format deals with both.

Before you go in, you will learn the parts of the equipment and how to operate them. That includes knowing what does what, not just wearing it. You will also get the rules for underwater steering, basically the simple guidance that helps you move smoothly and stay oriented.

Then comes the practical part. You put on the suit, assemble and fit the equipment, and you go to the water with the instruction already fresh. That is a smart way to keep your brain from switching modes at the exact wrong time.

If you like learning-by-doing, this will suit you. The day is built so the briefing leads directly into the water session, and the instructor can adjust your technique on the spot.

Same island, a completely different kind of day:

Nerves, breathing, and comfort: how to set yourself up mentally

Even people who are comfortable in the sea can feel nervous when they hear their own breathing underwater. One of the strongest themes in the experience stories is how safe and relaxed people felt once the initial uncertainty was handled.

Here is what you should expect to help you settle in:

  • Clear instructions before entering the water, so you know what comes next
  • Frequent checking in from the instructor once you are suited up
  • A gentle pace designed to build confidence rather than rush you
  • A first immersion depth of 8 to 10 meters, which is manageable for a controlled training session

If you are nervous, your best move is to lean into the coaching instead of fighting your body. Ask questions before you get in. Take the team up on the gear briefing. When you feel unsure, the right response is not silence, it is to tell the instructor so they can adjust.

One more tip: if you tend to panic when something feels unfamiliar, you will probably appreciate a day with one-on-one attention. This experience can run with a maximum of 1 traveler, which reduces distractions and makes it easier to focus.

Marine life odds: turtles, octopus, fish, and the luck factor

The underwater world around Tenerife can be impressive, and the stories you get from this experience are consistently about close-up marine life.

Here are some sightings that have come up:

  • Sea turtles, including one mentioned within the first 5 minutes
  • Octopus
  • Plenty of fish and interesting rock formations
  • Crabs
  • In one account, angel sharks were spotted
  • A bonus wildlife moment was also mentioned on dry land, when a group saw dolphins in the bay around breakfast time

A key reality check: marine life is wild. You cannot schedule a turtle or octopus. But you can count on good guidance, and you can count on a training format that keeps you comfortable enough to notice what is around you.

If you are the type who likes the “wait, what is that moving?” moments, this is exactly the kind of try-out that helps you experience Tenerife underwater instead of just reading about it later.

Included value: equipment, instructor, transport, and the real reason price feels fair

At $114.28 per person for roughly 3 hours, the value comes from what is wrapped into the day.

You are getting:

  • The scuba try-out itself
  • Complete equipment
  • A monitor (extra staff support is included)
  • Transportation up to the water area and back to Medano

That is a lot of “you do not have to organize it” value. For many first-timers, the hidden cost is not the ticket price, it is gear rental plus transport plus time coordinating logistics. Here, the day is set up so you show up, gear up, and go where you need to go.

Also, there are no exclusions listed. In practice, that usually means there are fewer surprises on the day.

Kept-it-simple extras: one story mentioned paying €10 extra for underwater video and photos. Another account described underwater photos being emailed for free, taken during the session. Since extras are not listed in the core details, treat that as “possibly available,” not guaranteed.

Still, the core package reads like a fair deal because it covers the expensive headaches: instruction, equipment, and getting you to the water.

Who this experience is best for, and who might struggle

This is a strong choice for:

  • True beginners who want coaching before they enter the water
  • People who get nervous in open water but want a structured introduction
  • Solo travelers who like the idea of one traveler max for more personal support
  • Families with kids 12 and up who can swim and have an adult with them

It may not be ideal if:

  • You or your child cannot swim
  • You are under 12 years old
  • You want a relaxed “no instruction” snorkeling-style outing. This is training, with rules, gear, and instructor checks.

One helpful detail for practical travelers: service animals are allowed. If you rely on one, this is a point to feel good about.

And since the tour is offered in English, you should be able to ask questions clearly and understand the equipment briefing.

Should you book this one-immersion scuba try-out in Tenerife?

Book it if you want a beginner-friendly day that reduces uncertainty. The mix of land briefing, complete gear, close instructor support, and transport included is exactly what first-timers need to feel safe and actually enjoy the experience.

Think twice if your schedule is tight. You are committing to an 8:30 am start and about 3 to 3.5 hours total, which is great once you plan around it, but annoying if you like sleeping in.

If you are debating a first scuba session versus another activity, this one is a solid pick because it gives you real underwater time at a controlled depth of 8 to 10 meters, with the team focused on your confidence, not just the clock.

FAQ

How long is Dive Baptism 1 Dive In Tenerife?

It’s approximately 3 hours (about 3.5 hours).

What time do I start, and where do I meet?

You start at 8:30 am. Meet at Plaza Galicia local 8, El Medano, opposite Correos (post office) after Boomerang bar.

Is the experience offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What equipment is included?

You get complete equipment, plus a monitor as part of the included service.

How deep will the first water session be?

The first immersion lasts about 45 minutes at a depth between 8 and 10 meters, with the instructor accompanying you.

What are the age and swimming requirements?

The minimum age is 12. Children must be accompanied by an adult and be able to swim.

Does the price include transportation?

Yes. Transportation is included to the place of diving and back to Medano.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.

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