Reviewed · SCUBA DIVING

Private Try Dive for 2 with our experienced Instructor

5.0 · 12 reviews 2.5 hours From $118 Operated by Barbarian Diving Tenerife · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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What makes this experience so appealing is simple: you get a full scuba try session for just two people, with your own instructor, right off Playa de las Vistas in Tenerife. No group rhythm. No waiting for the slowest person. Just you, your partner or friend, and a lot of ocean.

I especially like the private coaching for first-timers. It shows up in how many people felt calm and safe, including accounts naming instructors like Kati, Katherine, and Kathi for being patient and reassuring. I also like that your package is loaded with gear and training, so you can focus on breathing, buoyancy, and looking at sea life instead of shopping for equipment.

The main consideration is your schedule after the session. You should avoid flying for at least 12 to 24 hours after scuba. And it is not suitable for children under 18, so plan it as an adults-only Tenerife moment.

Key Points You’ll Care About

  • Private instructor, two-person pace for a calmer first-time experience
  • Playa de las Vistas meeting point keeps the start easy and close to the water
  • Full equipment package included (wetsuit, mask, fins, tank, regulator, buoyancy control device)
  • Safety briefing plus basic technique practice before you go out
  • Guided underwater watching of fish, octopus, rays, and sometimes sea turtles
  • Optional photos and videos you can purchase onsite

Why Tenerife and Playa de las Vistas Work for a First-Time Scuba Try Session

Tenerife is a popular spot for early scuba because it gives you a straightforward path into the water. You meet at Playa de las Vistas, a beach that is easy to reach and practical for getting suited up fast. When your goal is a first underwater experience, convenience matters more than fancy words.

The other reason this location fits beginners is the promise of crystal-clear water and consistent wildlife sightings. Your guide is there to help you slow down and actually see things, not just survive the logistics of breathing underwater. You can expect colorful fish, octopus, graceful rays, and sometimes sea turtles. That mix is perfect for the “I want to see something cool” side of scuba.

One more plus: your session is only 2.5 hours. That’s long enough to get real guidance and a guided underwater segment, but short enough that you are not stuck with a half-day of nerves.

The 2.5-Hour Timeline, What Happens Next, and Where It Can Feel Tricky

Private Try Dive for 2 with our experienced Instructor - The 2.5-Hour Timeline, What Happens Next, and Where It Can Feel Tricky
Your start is at Playa de las Vistas, where the scuba team meets you. From there, you’ll get a briefing and gear set-up, including wetsuit, mask, fins, tank, and the rest of the equipment. You should plan on arriving in beachwear since that’s what you’re told to bring.

Expect a structured approach:

1) Briefing and safety guidance

You’ll cover essentials and learn what your instructor wants you to do underwater. This is the part that makes first-timers feel grounded, especially if you tend to overthink.

2) Technique and equipment use basics

You’ll practice the basics with your instructor so you are not guessing once you’re in. Past participants highlighted how patient the instruction can be, even for anxious people.

3) Guided underwater experience

Once you are comfortable, the instructor leads your swim in Tenerife’s clear water. You’ll get personalized support throughout and keep following safety protocols.

The only moment that can feel challenging is the transition from breathing on land to breathing underwater. That is normal, and that is exactly why the session includes training before the water part. If you get nervous, the best move is to say so early. Your instructor can adjust their pace fast.

Also, transport can be included as round-trip transportation from designated meeting points or local accommodation, but it varies by provider. If you want a smooth day, confirm whether your pick-up is included and where you should wait.

Two-Person Private Coaching: What You Gain When It’s Just You

A private underwater session is about more than comfort. It’s about control. When it is only you and your partner, you are not trying to keep up with a group schedule or match someone else’s comfort level.

This matters for first-timers. Many people associate scuba with a scary learning curve, especially if they worry about breathing, equipment fit, or feeling judged. Here, your instructor is focused on just two people, so you can ask questions, take things slower, and get direct feedback without feeling rushed.

I also like that your instructor can support you with personal attention while you follow safety rules. That’s the difference between a fun day out and a stressful science project. In accounts connected to this experience, instructors such as Kati and Katherine are described as patient, friendly, and willing to calm nerves while still keeping things professional.

One more practical benefit: because it is private, the instructor can tailor the experience to what you want to see. If you’re more interested in wildlife, you can spend more time looking. If you are mostly trying to get comfortable, they can focus on technique. You control the vibe, your guide controls the safety.

What You’ll Likely See Underwater (and How to Actually Notice It)

The underwater part is the reason you came, and the expectation is clear: you’ll look for colorful fish, octopus, rays, and sometimes sea turtles. Tenerife’s marine life is varied enough that even a short session can feel meaningful.

To make the most of it, use a simple strategy: slow down your head turns and watch what your instructor points out. Many sea creatures are easy to miss if you rush from one spot to another. Instead, give yourself a few seconds per view.

Your instructor is also there to guide where to look and how to move. That can turn a “quick pass by fish” into a calmer moment where you actually see behavior, like how fish swarm or how an octopus changes position.

And since your session is only 2.5 hours, you’re not bouncing from activity to activity. The time goes into briefing, learning, and then seeing wildlife with guidance.

A few more Tenerife days worth comparing

Gear Included: Why This Package Feels Like Real Value

One of the smartest parts of this experience is that you don’t have to think about equipment. Your package includes a wetsuit, mask, fins, tank, surface marker, regulator, and buoyancy control device, plus a computer used during the session. That is a big deal for value, because gear is expensive and hard to shop for correctly.

Here’s what each item helps you do in plain terms:

  • Wetsuit helps you stay comfortable in cooler water
  • Mask affects how clearly you can see, and how confident you feel
  • Fins and buoyancy control help you move smoothly and not fight the water
  • Regulator and tank are the foundation of the whole breathing system
  • The surface marker and session computer support your safety and your instructor’s tracking

Having all of this included also reduces hassle on vacation. You don’t need to pack bulky gear or worry about rentals that fit badly. If it’s your first time, comfort and correct fitting can make or break your confidence.

One downside: photos and videos are not included, though you can buy them onsite. If you love souvenirs, that means you’ll likely want to budget a little extra for optional media.

Price Per Person at $118: What You’re Really Paying For

At $118 per person for about 2.5 hours, this isn’t the cheapest option. But it’s also not trying to be. You’re paying for a private instructor, full gear, briefing and training, and a structured session built around safety.

Here’s how I judge the value:

  • If you tried to cobble together instruction plus rentals, you’d likely spend more in total.
  • A private instructor lets you get individualized help during the exact moments you need it, like learning buoyancy and managing nerves.
  • You also get transportation when offered by the provider, which can remove one more headache from your day.

So the deal makes sense if you care about first-time comfort. It’s also a great fit if you’re going as a couple and want your underwater learning to feel like a shared memory instead of a group activity.

If you mainly want to check a box and you’re confident with the basics already, you might consider cheaper group formats. But for most people, private coaching is worth the difference.

Who Should Book This and Who Might Want Another Option

This experience works best for adults who want a guided first scuba experience. It is not suitable for children under 18, so keep it as an adult outing. If you have mobility needs, it is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is a big plus for planning a trip that includes more people.

It’s also a good match if you:

  • want a private partner experience
  • feel anxious about safety and equipment and want patient instruction
  • want to see real marine life, not just do training in theory

The main “don’t plan around it” factor is your health schedule afterward. You should avoid flying for 12 to 24 hours after scuba. If your Tenerife trip includes flight legs soon, you may need to shift this activity to the right day.

The Bottom Line: Should You Book This Private Session?

I’d book it if your goal is comfort, coaching, and a shared first underwater memory. The private setup matters, because it helps you learn faster, feel safer, and actually enjoy the wildlife part instead of stressing through the learning curve.

Skip it if flying soon is non-negotiable, or if you’re bringing under-18 participants. Also, plan to bring beachwear, and decide ahead of time whether you want to purchase photos and videos onsite.

If you want a Tenerife activity that feels personal, practical, and genuinely guided, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this experience?

You meet the scuba team at Playa de las Vistas in Tenerife.

How long does the private session last?

The duration is 2.5 hours.

Is this experience private or shared with others?

It is a private group experience for two.

What languages are instructors available in?

Instructors are listed as speaking English, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.

What equipment is included?

The included items are instructor, briefing and training, wetsuit, mask, fins, tank, surface marker, diving computer, regulator, buoyancy control device, and the scuba session, plus round-trip transportation depending on the provider.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is this experience suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 18.

How long should I wait to fly after the session?

It’s best to avoid flying for 12 to 24 hours after scuba.

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