Tenerife: Beginners Scuba Dive Experience in Turtle Area

Costa Adeje is a smart place to try scuba for the first time because it mixes easy logistics with a good shot at seeing real marine animals, including Atlantic turtles. What makes this outing especially interesting is the combo: you get an instructor-led scuba session first, then you switch to a snorkeling safari in the same marine neighborhood.

I especially like the way they run it for beginners, with clear coaching and patient support from PADI instructors like Ruben and Romana. I also like that it is not just a one-off underwater moment, you finish with snorkeling time so you can keep exploring even if you only did the basics underwater. The only real drawback to plan for is that turtle sightings cannot be guaranteed, since they are wild animals.

Key highlights worth your attention

• PADI-led beginner scuba session up to 12 meters, with hands-on guidance
• Turtle-focused waters in the “turtle area,” with about a 95% chance
• Small group limit of 10 participants, which helps you get real attention
• Boat ride for the views, plus chances to spot dolphins or whales from the water
• All equipment included, from wetsuit to fins and mask (with an important glasses rule)
• You can still join for ocean views even if you prefer not to snorkel or do scuba

Why Costa Adeje works so well for your first scuba try

This experience is built for first-timers who want the thrill of breathing underwater without the stress of figuring everything out alone. The setting helps too. Costa Adeje sits on Tenerife’s southwest coast, and the water tends to be clear enough that you can actually enjoy what you came for: marine life you can see up close.

The turtle angle is the big reason people book. They head to a site known for its turtle population, and while nothing is guaranteed, they work in an area where turtles often show up. That matters, because it turns your training session into something more meaningful than a sterile “pool practice” kind of outing.

I also like that the day is paced sensibly. You get time for a thorough safety briefing before you ever hit the water. Then it is one controlled scuba segment, followed by a snorkeling segment. In plain terms, you get two ways to enjoy the sea, and snorkeling gives you a second chance to see fish and turtles with less pressure than scuba.

Meeting at Puerto Colon, getting kitted up, and not wasting time

You meet at the Travel Sub center in the ESCUELA NAUTICA building, in front of pier 5, inside the private parking area at Puerto Colon. If you arrive early, you will have a bit of buffer to find the reception desk without rushing. From what I picked up, there are practical touches on site too, like changing rooms and toilet facilities.

Logistics matter on small boat trips. Here, the center location is directly tied to the pier, so you are not spending your whole morning on buses. You also get to use the provided gear on-site, which keeps the whole process simpler.

Parking is available nearby (paid), and one useful detail for practical travelers is that the staff has been accommodating with special headwear needs, which is reassuring if you have a scarf or similar requirement. In general, plan to dress comfortably for the start, then expect to swap into a wetsuit when you get there.

The 30 minutes of safety briefing that makes beginners feel steady

Before you ever get wet, you get a safety session that runs about 30 minutes. This is not the kind of briefing where you just nod and hope for the best. The instructors focus on the basics that help you stay calm when something feels strange, like your breathing rhythm and the way you manage pressure.

From real beginner experiences, the pattern is consistent: instructors keep things relaxed but serious. That means you learn the critical signals and how to handle common issues (like adjusting after the first moments underwater). If you get anxious about the first descent or you feel “ear popping” pressure, you are not expected to just power through on your own. The coaching is there from the start.

This is also where you learn how the equipment should sit and how you will move as a group. Since the activity runs with a small group and a close instructor-to-student setup (listed as 1 instructor for 2 people), the briefing is your chance to ask questions and get your bearings.

Speedboat to the turtle area: the views start before you reach the site

After the briefing, you board a speedboat for about 15 minutes. That ride is not just transportation. It is part of the experience, because you get strong ocean and coastline views of Tenerife on the way out.

The boat also gives you an extra nature bonus. Depending on conditions, you might spot marine life from the water, and the plan specifically mentions looking for whales and dolphins while sailing between locations. Even if you do not spot them, you still get that open Atlantic feeling from the boat.

One more practical note: the boat is where you can mentally transition. You start the day on land focused on instructions. Then you move into the water world, first as a passenger, then as a scuba student, and finally as a snorkeler.

Your 25-minute scuba session to a maximum of 12 meters

The scuba part runs about 25 minutes, with a maximum depth of 12 meters under close supervision by a PADI-qualified instructor. This is not “go anywhere you want” scuba. It is controlled, beginner-friendly training with just enough time underwater to feel what scuba is actually like.

For a first attempt, the key goal is comfort. The instructors are trained to keep you within your limits and help you manage things that feel new: breathing with your head underwater, staying relaxed when you descend, and handling that first wave of pressure changes.

Many first-timers worry about panicking. What helps here is that you are guided through the moment, and the team keeps the vibe friendly, so you can learn without feeling judged. I have seen instructors mentioned by name, including Ruben and Romana, and the repeated theme is patience. If you are nervous, that matters more than people think.

Also, it is worth tempering expectations about “scenery.” One practical detail you may want to keep in mind is that the site is chosen for beginner conditions and marine life chances, not for dramatic underwater walls. You should still expect to see fish and sea creatures, but treat this as a training-plus-nature outing, not an expert-level “wow the reef” expedition.

Snorkeling safari: your second chance to see turtles, rays, and fish

After the scuba segment, you switch gears to snorkeling for about 25 minutes. This is where you can slow down and look. With snorkeling, you often feel more free because you are not wearing the full scuba system, and you can focus on scanning for movement.

The snorkeling safari takes place in waters voted among the best in the world, and the plan centers on marine life at a turtle-populated site. Expect to search for Atlantic turtles as well as fish and rays. Turtle sightings are not guaranteed, but the outing is designed around that chance.

This snorkel segment is also a nice confidence-builder. Even if the scuba part felt overwhelming for the first few minutes, snorkeling can feel more natural once you adjust. It is common for people to calm down and start enjoying the colors and shapes after the initial adjustment phase.

And there is another subtle benefit: snorkeling lets you experience the water from a different angle. You get that feeling of floating and observing, not performing. For many beginners, that makes the whole day feel complete.

What gear you get, plus the mask-with-glasses rule that matters

The included gear is a major part of the value. You get all equipment, including a wetsuit, fins, and mask. You also get a water supply during the activity.

The one rule you absolutely need to know: it is not possible to use the scuba or snorkeling mask with glasses. You will need either contact lenses or you need to remove your glasses for the session. They are explicit about prescription goggles not being the solution here, so do not assume you can bring your own specs and be fine.

For comfort, pack a simple towel and sun protection. You will get wet, you will be in the sun, and you will want to dry off and cool down after. The suggested items are:

• Sun hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Flip-flops
• ID for children (passport or ID card)

If you wear contact lenses, it is worth bringing the basics for hygiene and rinsing. If you do not, you will want to plan for seeing the underwater scene without glasses, since the mask setup is not flexible in that way.

Price and value: what $85 buys you (and what it does not)

At about $85 per person for a roughly 3-hour outing, you are paying for more than “time in the water.” You are paying for guided instruction, a boat ride, equipment, and insurance coverage.

Here is what is included:

• Boat trip to the site
• Scuba session
• Snorkeling with a guide
• Equipment and wetsuit
• Full insurance
• Water
• A small-group instructor setup (listed as 1 instructor for 2 people)

What is not included is mostly what you can add later:

• Photo and video footage available on the spot
• Towels and swimming costumes (wetsuits are provided)
• Prescription diving goggles

In value terms, the big win is the instructor-to-group attention. For a beginner, the difference between “try it and see” and “guided step-by-step” is huge. The repeated strengths from the team are patience, calm corrections, and real safety focus.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This is a beginner-friendly scuba experience, and it also works for people who mainly want the ocean views. The activity notes that it is suitable for those who do not want to snorkel or scuba, as long as you still want to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery from the water.

It is wheelchair accessible, and the instructor languages include English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Russian. The group size is capped at 10 participants, which helps keep the experience personal and manageable.

But there are clear “not for me” categories. It is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with heart problems
• People with pre-existing medical conditions
• People with diabetes
• Children under 8 years
• People over 95 years

You also should not plan to fly or go to a high altitude for at least 12 hours after the scuba session.

If you have a medical concern, do not guess. Ask the operator before you go so they can advise based on your situation.

The turtle reality check, and how to set expectations

The tour is built around turtle chances. They state that turtle sightings cannot be guaranteed, but in about 95% of cases turtles welcome visitors in their underwater space. That is a strong success rate, and it is better than hoping for luck.

Still, you should go in with a balanced mindset. If turtles do not show up on your particular outing, you will still have:

• Fish and rays you can spot during snorkeling
• Sea life you can observe during your supervised scuba session
• A boat day with ocean and coastline views
• Potential whale or dolphin sightings from the water

One more expectation check: the underwater location is chosen for beginner conditions. You can have an excellent experience without needing dramatic “expert scuba” scenery. Your win is comfort, guidance, and seeing plenty of marine life in a setting that works for first-timers.

Should you book this Tenerife beginners scuba plus snorkeling?

Book this if:

• You want your first real scuba experience with PADI instruction and a calm, patient approach.
• You like the idea of snorkeling right after, so your day is not just one underwater segment.
• Turtle sightings are a priority, and you understand they are wild animals.

Skip it if:

• You need glasses in a mask, because the mask cannot be used with glasses.
• You are in a category listed as not suitable (pregnancy, certain medical conditions, diabetes, age limits).
• You are planning to fly within 12 hours, since you should avoid that after scuba.

If you match the “beginner, curious, and flexible” profile, this is one of the more straightforward ways to try scuba in Tenerife. You get structured safety, small-group attention, and a real shot at turtles, plus the extra satisfaction of snorkeling afterward when you are already warmed up.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the experience?

You meet at the reception of the Travel Sub center in the ESCUELA NAUTICA building, in front of pier 5, in the territory of the private parking Puerto Colon. Go inside the building and find reception.

How long is the activity?

The total duration is about 3 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability.

How deep will I go during the scuba session?

The scuba portion is controlled for beginners, with a maximum depth of 12 meters.

Does the price include equipment and wetsuit?

Yes. All equipment is included, including the wetsuit, fins, and mask.

Can I use a mask if I wear glasses?

No. It is not possible to use the scuba or snorkeling mask with glasses. You will need contact lenses or to remove your glasses for the experience.

Are turtle sightings guaranteed?

No. Turtle sightings cannot be guaranteed because they are wild animals. The chance is stated as about 95% of cases.

What marine life might I see?

The experience focuses on Atlantic turtles, fish, and rays. The boat ride also includes a chance to look for whales and dolphins from the water.

What is the instructor language?

The instructor languages listed are English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Russian.

Who is this not suitable for, and is it wheelchair accessible?

It is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, people with heart problems or pre-existing medical conditions, people with diabetes, and people over 95 years. It is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is there a cancellation option if plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.