Reviewed · SCUBA DIVING

SSI Deep Diving Specialty Session in Tenerife

5.0 · 7 reviews From $401 Operated by GooDiving · Bookable on Viator
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This underwater specialty course in Tenerife is interesting because it compresses serious training into about two days, with a real focus on planning and safe procedures at depth. I love the small group size (up to 8) and the fact that you get materials, equipment rental, and insurance included. The one thing to consider is that the course wording is a bit inconsistent, since the description mentions PADI while the experience title says SSI, so you’ll want to confirm which certification you’ll receive when you book.

I also like that the team sounds calm and methodical from past sessions, with instructors like Andrea and Isa praised for staying patient when people feel stressed. You’ll likely appreciate that the instruction is hands-on, not a rushed lecture. The potential drawback for some people is the schedule tempo: it is a fast-track style course, so you’ll want to arrive rested and ready for the classroom plus in-water work.

Key Points You Should Know Before You Go

SSI Deep Diving Specialty Session in Tenerife - Key Points You Should Know Before You Go

  • Up to 40m training with depth planning as a core skill, not just a goal number
  • Small group cap of 8, which usually means more attention and less waiting around
  • Golf del Sur pickup and air-conditioned minivan transport, so you spend less time figuring logistics
  • Course package includes rental gear and insurance, which is often where specialty costs sneak up
  • Instructors named in reviews include Andrea, Roberta, and Isa, and the teaching style gets consistent praise

Fast-Track Deep Diver Training in Tenerife

Tenerife is a smart place for a depth specialty. The island is set up for year-round water time, and the dive school base in Golf del Sur keeps things practical for people staying nearby. This is an about two-day course that’s built for people who want to go deeper with proper steps, not just chase a maximum depth number.

I like that the training is structured around safety habits you can actually use. That means you spend time on how to plan your underwater work and how to manage risk as depth increases. You are also trained for a maximum target of about 40 meters (130 feet), which is the key milestone in the Deep Diver specialty concept.

A real plus is the human side. Reviews mention instructors like Andrea for calm, clear teaching, and Isa for being patient when a student feels stressed. There is also mention of Roberta in the same training team. In other words, you are not just getting a certification checkbox. You’re likely getting an instructor who can keep the room steady, especially when buoyancy, breathing, and decision-making get more demanding at depth.

The 40-Metre Goal: What You Actually Practice

SSI Deep Diving Specialty Session in Tenerife - The 40-Metre Goal: What You Actually Practice
If you are aiming for deeper water, the value of a specialty course is that it teaches you how to think underwater. In this session, you learn how to plan and safely make deeper descents, with the target reaching 40 meters in a safety-focused way.

The course description includes a couple different ways it is phrased. One part says you’ll complete a Deep Diver course with four practice descents under close supervision. Another part describes a “three dive course” reaching 40 metres in safety. That difference is worth clarifying when you book, because the real question for you is what the full number and flow of in-water sessions will be.

Either way, the training theme stays the same:

  • You learn the depth planning process before you get in
  • You practice procedures while you are actually down at depth
  • You work with an instructor who can correct technique and decision-making fast

This is where many people find the course most useful. Going deeper is not only about strength or nerves. It is about systems. You are learning the checklist habits that keep you calm when things change.

Your Two-Day Schedule, Step by Step

You start at 9:00 am at the GooDiving meeting point in Golf del Sur, specifically at GooDivingUrb Terrazas de la Paz, 113 Av de Jose Miguel Galvan Bello, Arona, 38639 Golf del Sur, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Because no minute-by-minute itinerary is provided in the details, I can’t tell you exactly how long each class segment or surface interval will be. What I can tell you from the experience info is the overall shape of the training.

In a fast-track two-day specialty like this, expect the structure to look like:

  1. Start at the base, get briefed, and go over what you need for the course
  2. Equipment rental and setup support, since gear is included
  3. In-water training sessions across the two days, guided closely by an instructor
  4. Planning and safety focus as you move from shallower practice to deeper target water
  5. Course completion work that ties the skills together so you can repeat the approach later

One detail that matters for your planning: the experience mentions course insurance and educational materials are included, so the time you spend is meant to be fully “course time,” not random free swimming.

Also, remember that this is training at depth. If you are coming from a long travel day, factor in that you’ll do better if you arrive relaxed. The deeper work is where fatigue starts to show.

Getting to the Sites from Golf del Sur (And Why It Matters)

One of the easiest ways to make a specialty course stressful is to spend the first day lost in transport chaos. Here, the logistics are handled for you.

You get hotel pickup and drop-off in the Golf del Sur area, plus transport by air-conditioned minivan. That matters more than it sounds. Specialty courses have tight sequencing, and when your group is ready, your instructor can keep the training flow going.

There are also snacks and beverages included. That’s not just comfort. It can keep your energy stable between planning and in-water work, especially if you go out early and stay busy across both days.

If you’re deciding where to stay in Tenerife, Golf del Sur is the “easy button” for this particular course because pickup is built around it. If you’re staying far away, you may want to check whether the pickup area truly fits you, since the details specifically call out the Golf del Sur area.

Same island, a completely different kind of day:

Instructors, Language Options, and the Calm-Training Factor

This is where this course earns its strong marks. Multiple review snippets highlight a teaching style that stays calm and professional.

  • Andrea gets praised for being calm, friendly, and professional, with a patient approach to explaining and demonstrating skills
  • Isa is mentioned for handling stressed moments positively, which is huge during depth training
  • Roberta and Andrea are named together, and the team appears to offer instruction in English, Italian, French, and Spanish

That language detail is practical. If English is not your strongest language, you have a better chance of understanding the finer points of safety and planning. Depth training is not where you want to guess at instructions.

What I’d watch for is your own comfort with stress. Reviews suggest the instructors can handle it, but you’ll still do best if you are honest about what you’re feeling during training so the instructor can adjust.

Equipment, Insurance, and What the Price Covers

The listed price is $401.24 per person. Specialty scuba training can be expensive, but it is not only about the sticker price. Here, the value angle is that the package includes a lot of the typical add-ons.

Included items in the course details:

  • Educational materials
  • Equipment rental
  • Dive course insurance
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (Golf del Sur area)
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Beverages and snacks
  • Mobile ticket

When a course includes rental gear and insurance, you avoid the two common “surprise costs” that can turn a specialty into a bigger budget than you planned. You also get the benefit of training with the gear the school expects you to use, which can reduce troubleshooting time.

One thing to note: souvenir photos are not included, and you can purchase them separately. If photos are a big part of your memory making, set aside extra money ahead of time.

The Underwater Experience in Tenerife: Beyond the Course Goals

A Deep Diver specialty is about training, so you won’t be treating this like a casual sightseeing day. Still, the water conditions and local marine life are part of why people like Tenerife so much.

In the review snippets you provided, there are mentions of:

  • stingrays
  • an angel shark
  • and even time in a marina setting for some activities during a broader week of diving

You can’t assume those same animals will show up on your exact course days. But it does tell you the training environment can be more than just boring practice. You are in a place where instructors often get to show students interesting sea life while they teach.

Also, the course goal is depth safety. That means your attention will be on control and planning, not just staring at fish. If you’re the type who likes structure, this is a good match.

Who This Specialty Session Fits Best

This course says most travelers can participate, but it also requires a health questionnaire and doctor consultation for certain conditions (examples given include asthma and heart conditions). It also says diving within 24 hours of flying is not recommended.

So this course is best if:

  • you already have baseline scuba training and want to progress
  • you want deeper capability with a safety framework
  • you like learning through coaching, not guessing
  • you can commit to a two-day schedule without arriving exhausted

It is also a good pick for people who value a tight team setup. The group limit is 8 travelers, and the reviews praise instructors for being attentive and patient. If you do better with more personal feedback, this size helps.

Price and Logistics: Is $401.24 Good Value?

For many specialty courses, the cost rise is partly about what you bring: gear, insurance, and transportation. Here, those pieces are included in the stated price.

So the value case looks like this:

  • You are paying for a structured specialty course package
  • You are not paying extra for rental gear and course insurance
  • You are getting pickup and minivan transport from Golf del Sur
  • You get snacks and beverages to keep the long day manageable

The trade-offs are the ones that come with depth training in general. You must be medically cleared, and you need to accept a faster pace than a slow, multi-week program. Also, you should verify the certification track clarity because the description mentions PADI while the experience title says SSI. If you care about the exact card name, ask up front.

Should You Book This Training Session?

Book it if you want a structured, instructor-led way to reach 40 meters with depth planning and safety procedures. The included gear rental, insurance, and Golf del Sur pickup make it easier to budget and easier to show up without last-minute scrambling.

Skip it, or at least ask lots of questions, if you are:

  • trying to squeeze it in right after a flight
  • managing medical conditions that could affect diving clearance
  • unsure which certification pathway you will receive (SSI vs PADI wording conflict in the description)

FAQ

What time does the Deep Diver specialty session start?

The activity start time is 9:00 am, at the GooDiving meeting point in Golf del Sur.

How long is the course?

It runs for 2 days (approximately).

How deep will I train for?

The course description says you’ll reach up to 40 meters (130 feet). It also mentions planning and safe deeper work reaching 40 metres in safety.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. There is hotel pickup and drop-off in the Golf del Sur area, plus transport by an air-conditioned minivan.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes educational materials, equipment rental, dive course insurance, beverages, snacks, and the Golf del Sur pickup and drop-off with minivan transport. A mobile ticket is also included.

Are souvenir photos included?

No, souvenir photos are not included and are available to purchase separately.

What medical checks do I need before diving?

You will need to complete a health questionnaire prior to diving, and diving within 24 hours of flying is not recommended. Some conditions like asthma and heart issues may prevent diving, so you should consult your doctor.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 8 travelers.

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