Diving course for beginners in turtle area Tenerife

A beginner underwater breathing course in the Abades area is interesting because it is hands-on, short, and focused on real confidence. I like that you start in shallow water with an instructor guiding every step, so you get the basics without feeling rushed. I also like that you leave with a certification card plus lots of photos and videos. One drawback to consider is that this experience is not for everyone health-wise, and if you have panic attacks it may not feel like the best fit.

You meet at Abades Beach near Magilu, you gear up in neoprene, mask, and fins, and you spend about 3 hours learning, floating, and exploring marine life in the Atlantic. The best part is that the group is private, which makes it easier to move at your comfort level. If you do not speak English, German, or Spanish, the course is not possible for safety reasons, so plan around that.

Key highlights you will actually care about

• Shallow-water practice first, so you learn how to breathe underwater before you go looking for turtles.
• Turtle area in Tenerife Atlantic, with a chance to spot sea turtles and sting rays in a protected national park area.
• Lots of photos and videos, with top quality files provided directly after the tour for free.
• Certification card included, so you get something tangible for completing your first underwater experience.
• Private group with experienced instructors, and the tone is patient, with no rush even if you feel nervous.
• Gear and insurance included, so you are not scrambling to rent equipment or buy basic coverage.

Where Abades Beach sets up your first underwater breathing session

This course runs out of the Abades area on Tenerife in the Canary Islands, right by the beach in a national protected park zone. You meet at the beach Abades, and you will see a restaurant called Magilu, which is your simple meetup anchor.

The value here is the setting plus the structure. You get a real intro to the underwater world without trying to do it all in open deep water right away. For a first time, that matters, because your brain needs time to connect breathing, buoyancy, and safety.

You also get a full course before you enter the water. That is not just a quick chat. You learn what you are doing, how to stay comfortable, and what your instructor expects once you are geared up.

The 3-hour flow, from gear-up to sea turtles and sting rays

The timing is about 3 hours, which is long enough to learn and experience, but short enough that you can leave feeling proud, not exhausted.

Meeting and intro at the beach

You start with the meeting point at Abades Beach near Magilu. After you meet your instructor, you get a full briefing so you understand your first underwater experience before putting anything on.

Then you gear up. The included equipment covers a neoprene suit, a diving jacket style buoyancy jacket, a mask, and fins. This is a good setup for beginners because you are not guessing what you need.

Shallow-water practice, where confidence is built

Next you enter the shallow water. You do your first steps with the gear on, so you can feel how the mask, fins, and buoyancy work together. This is the part I would focus on if you are nervous, because it helps your body learn before your mind starts imagining worst-case scenarios.

You will be taught how to feel safe and comfortable in the equipment. Even if you are afraid, the course is designed for that moment, with an instructor who guides you calmly and without a rush.

Guided exploration of Atlantic sea life

After practice, you move to the guided underwater section. You are safely guided to the sea life of the Tenerife Atlantic Ocean, and this is where the course turns from training into real wildlife time.

You can expect colorful fish and sea life. If conditions and animal behavior cooperate, you may see sea turtles and sting rays, since they live in this protected natural park area. Just remember that turtles are wild animals. Sometimes they are there, sometimes they are not.

In other words, aim for the experience, not a guaranteed turtle sighting. That mindset keeps the day enjoyable even when wildlife stays hidden.

Photos, videos, and your certification card on land

During the underwater part, you get lots of photos and videos. The best part is you get them directly after the tour for free, and they are described as top quality.

Back on the beach, you also receive your license card for your first underwater experience. This makes the whole session feel like a real milestone, not just a one-off splash.

Equipment and what to bring, plus what is not included

This course includes the core gear: neoprene suit, mask, fins, and the buoyancy jacket. You also get diving insurance, plus an experienced instructor with CMAS or an international Aquanautic Club background.

What you need to bring is simple:

• Swimwear
• Towel

What is not included:

• Food and drink
• Changing room
• Hot shower

So plan like a sensible minimalist. If you hate the hassle of changing on the spot, consider arriving already dressed for the water and drying off after.

Also note the rules. You cannot touch marine life, animals, or plants. That is not just a moral point, it is also part of keeping both you and the ecosystem safe.

The instructor factor, and why the private group helps beginners

You learn with an instructor who works in a structured way and is used to beginners. The course is private, meaning it is not a big cattle-call. That matters because your pace, questions, and nerves can be handled one-on-one.

The instruction languages are English, German, and Spanish. If you do not speak one of these, the course is not possible for safety. That is a hard boundary, and it is worth respecting instead of hoping it will work out.

In one of the beginner reports, the monitor named Andres was described as very attentive. Another report emphasized that the instructor made the group feel like family, and that the explanation was clear before the underwater part. That matches the overall pattern of a beginner-first course: teaching comes first, then you practice.

One more practical note from a first-time participant: even if spoken English is not perfect, underwater communication relies more on guidance and cues once you are in the water. Still, the safest bet is to choose a language you feel comfortable using before you step in.

Turtle area expectations, what you can count on and what you cannot

Here is the realistic way to think about wildlife in a protected area. You can expect colorful fish and sea life because the area supports a lot of underwater activity and visible marine life.

For bigger animals, you have a chance. Sea turtles and sting rays are mentioned as possibilities, but turtles are wild animals and sometimes they cannot be found. That is not a bait-and-switch. It is how nature works.

So when you plan, treat turtle and sting ray sightings as a bonus. Your core win is learning how to breathe underwater and getting that first float time with the right coaching.

Also, enjoy the floating aspect. It is part of what helps beginners feel the space around them instead of fighting the water.

Price and value: what $100 includes, and where you save money

The price is $100 per person for a 3-hour experience. On paper, that is straightforward. The real value is in what comes included.

You get:

• Full diving equipment
• Diving insurance
• An experienced instructor (CMAS or international Aquanautic Club)
• Certification card
• Photos and videos provided for free, described as top quality

The cost makes more sense when you compare it to piecing things together on your own. Gear rental, basic coverage, and getting a legit certification card are not usually free on the side. Here, the package bundles those essentials, so your budget stays predictable.

You also avoid extra planning. Your instructor handles the setup and the safe flow, and your media package is handled right after the tour, not as a mystery later.

The only common extra cost area is food and drink, since those are not included. Plan a snack or meal timing around your experience.

Health, age, and safety limits you must take seriously

This is where you should be careful. The course is described as possible from 10 years on and without health problems related to heart, lungs, or ear issues. It is also not suitable for pregnant women.

The guidance also says people with respiratory issues should not do this sport. People with panic attacks are advised that this is not the best sport for them.

After your session, there are also restrictions:

• No flights for up to 12 hours after the trip
• No extreme sports after the trip
• Do not visit Teide 9 hours after the trip

These rules connect to pressure and recovery, so you should follow them. If you have any medical concerns at all, ask before you book and do not assume it will be fine.

Finally, non swimmers can be possible but complicated. That means you might still join, but your comfort in water will affect the experience.

Practical rules so you protect wildlife and keep the session smooth

You cannot take part while under the influence, since alcohol and drugs are not allowed. You also need to respect the wildlife by not touching marine life, animals, or plants.

As a beginner, this rule set is a good thing. It limits what you have to think about underwater. Your focus becomes breathing, buoyancy, and looking, not grabbing or investigating with your hands.

If you are bringing glasses, there is a note about contact lenses. People with Classes have to where contact lens, which is a bit unclear in wording, but the intent is clear: vision correction needs to be handled in a way that works underwater.

If you wear glasses, you should plan your best option before you arrive.

Should you book this beginner scuba course in Tenerife’s turtle zone?

Book it if you want a first underwater breathing experience with coaching, shallow-water practice, and a realistic wildlife chance in Abades. If you like the idea of leaving with a certification card plus free photos and videos provided right after, this package matches that goal well.

Skip it if any of the safety limits apply to you, especially heart, lungs, ear issues, respiratory issues, pregnancy, or panic attacks. Also skip if you do not speak English, German, or Spanish, since the course is not possible for safety.

If you want a smooth beginner day, keep your expectations simple: you are learning, you are floating, and you are looking for sea life like turtles and sting rays when luck is on your side.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the course?

You meet at the beach Abades. The instructions say to look for the restaurant named Magilu.

How long is the beginner underwater course?

The duration is 3 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $100 per person.

Is this course for people with no experience?

Yes. The experience is specifically described as for beginners and it does not require prior experience.

What languages are offered by the instructor?

The course states that the instructor can work in English, German, and Spanish.

What is included in the price?

Included items are full diving equipment, diving insurance, an experienced instructor (CMAS or international Aquanautic Club), a certification card, and photos and videos of your trip for free.

Do I get photos and videos?

Yes. You receive a lot of photos and videos during the trip, and you get them directly after the tour for free, described as top quality.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drink are not included.

Is it safe to fly or visit Teide after the trip?

Flights are not allowed for up to 12 hours after the trip. Also, you should not visit Teide 9 hours after the trip.