Reviewed · SCUBA DIVING

Try Scuba Diving in a turtle area (boat)

5.0 · 93 reviews 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) From $84 Operated by Zero Gravity · Bookable on Viator
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This try scuba experience in Tenerife is interesting because it mixes calm training with real time in the water, in a quiet south-coast spot where you may spot turtles along with rays and cuttlefish. I like the small-group setup, and I like that you get a personal instructor in your moment-to-moment care, not a hand-wavy overview.

I also like the structure: boat transport to the water area, then a gentle first underwater session paired with a snorkelling safari vibe. One drawback to plan for is that marine life depends on conditions, so turtles are not guaranteed, and if the day’s conditions push the group close to shore, your viewing can feel more limited than the dream version.

Key Things That Make This Try Scuba Session Worth It

Try Scuba Diving in a turtle area (boat) - Key Things That Make This Try Scuba Session Worth It

  • Max 10 travelers, so instruction stays focused and not rushed
  • One personal instructor per person, with staff attention in the water
  • Boat-based entry to a quiet shallow area, set up for first-timers
  • Wildlife odds include schools of fish, cuttlefish, octopus, crabs, rays, and sometimes turtles
  • Equipment and insurance included, so you’re not juggling add-ons
  • Minimum age 10 and a health questionnaire before you go in

Why Costa Adeje’s Turtle-Area Setting Feels So Intimate

Try Scuba Diving in a turtle area (boat) - Why Costa Adeje’s Turtle-Area Setting Feels So Intimate
The appeal here is simple: you’re not just doing a checklist activity. You’re learning how scuba works in a place designed to feel manageable, then you’re out where sea life is actually living.

The tone from the instruction side matters. People consistently describe feeling comfortable because they’re guided step by step and kept safe. In one experience, Christina was specifically praised for how she handled a 10-year-old, even helping the kid “swim like a mermaid.” Another parent highlighted Carmen for calm, clear skill coaching for a daughter who had never done this before. That’s the difference between nervous energy and confident learning.

And yes, this is the kind of trip where turtles can show up. The realistic part is that sometimes the highlight is something else, like octopus, cuttlefish, or even a manta ray when the day cooperates.

From Av. de Colón to Quiet Shallow Water: The 2.5-Hour Flow

The whole experience is about 2 hours 30 minutes. You meet at Av. de Colón, 130, 38660 Costa Adeje and the trip ends back at that same meeting point.

Here’s the practical rhythm you can expect:

  • You start with a briefing and gear check with the professional guide and instructors.
  • You head out by boat to the south of Tenerife’s quieter, shallower area where they run try sessions and snorkelling safaris.
  • You do your first scuba skills and breathing underwater, then spend time swimming and looking around in the water where animals often pass close enough to see.

One review note that matters: this company generally uses a boat for the try experience for easier logistics in their port setting. That usually helps keep the plan smooth, which is a big deal when you’re new to scuba.

What Your Instructor Really Does (And Why It Matters for First-Time Scuba)

Try Scuba Diving in a turtle area (boat) - What Your Instructor Really Does (And Why It Matters for First-Time Scuba)
The standout theme is personal attention. The format is set up so you’re accompanied by your own instructor with maximum safety, and they handle it as an individualized try experience.

What that means for you on the day:

  • You get clear explanations of what to do and what to watch for.
  • If you need help in the water, the staff are there to assist rather than waiting until you surface.
  • Your instructor can adjust how you’re coached based on how you’re doing, including kids.

That’s why beginners keep calling it a good first choice. The goal is not to test you. It’s to make you comfortable enough to enjoy the unusual sensation of breathing underwater and watching animals pass by while you’re focused on simple control.

A small-group cap helps too, because it keeps the team from splitting attention too thin. This is also why people feel they left the session on a high, not drained or unsure.

The Underwater Menu: Fish, Cuttlefish, Octopus, Rays, and Sometimes Turtles

Try Scuba Diving in a turtle area (boat) - The Underwater Menu: Fish, Cuttlefish, Octopus, Rays, and Sometimes Turtles
The site is described as quiet and shallow, set up for try sessions and snorkelling safari time. In that zone, you may see:

  • schools of fish
  • cuttlefish and octopus
  • crabs
  • rays
  • and sometimes turtles

Here’s how I’d plan your expectations. Go in hoping for turtles, but be ready to celebrate other wildlife too. One group reported that they sadly had no turtles that time, but they still felt it was highly recommended because the other animals were beautiful and plentiful.

Another experience shared a day where the sightings were standout, including octopus and even a manta ray. Those moments tend to be the ones you remember, even if turtles do not show up.

Stop 1: The Zero Gravity Try Session, From Skills to Calm Water Time

Try Scuba Diving in a turtle area (boat) - Stop 1: The Zero Gravity Try Session, From Skills to Calm Water Time
Your only listed stop is the Zero Gravity try session, and that’s actually helpful because it tells you the time stays focused. You’re not being whisked from place to place.

Within that stop, the “shape” of your experience usually comes down to three phases:

  • Orientation and setup so you understand what you’re about to do.
  • A controlled underwater learning phase so breathing underwater feels natural fast.
  • Then time to swim and look around in the water where sea life appears.

If you’re prone to worry, this is the part that helps. The instructors are there “in each moment,” which is a polite way of saying you’re not left guessing. Multiple reviews mention staff listening, being friendly, and solving issues quickly, like adjusting timing to avoid wind conditions.

That timing detail matters more than it sounds. If conditions are rough, it can affect comfort on the water and your overall enjoyment. Staff who shift the schedule to reduce wind are doing you a favor.

Safety, Health Checks, and the 12-Hour Rules You Should Not Ignore

Try Scuba Diving in a turtle area (boat) - Safety, Health Checks, and the 12-Hour Rules You Should Not Ignore
This is scuba, so it comes with real constraints. You’ll complete a health questionnaire prior to diving, and some conditions can prevent you from participating. The listed examples include asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, lung problems, and blood pressure problems. If any of those relate to you, talk to your doctor before you go.

There’s also a hard travel and altitude guideline:

  • No flying within 12 hours of diving is not recommended.
  • No going up the Teide or high altitudes within 12 hours after is also not recommended.

You should treat that as your body’s cooldown window. Even if you feel great, those rules exist for a reason.

You’ll also want a moderate physical fitness level. This isn’t described as a rugged adventure, but the water learning takes coordination, breathing control, and comfort with equipment.

Minimum age is 10 years. Kids up to 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Price and Value: What $84.66 Covers in Real Terms

Try Scuba Diving in a turtle area (boat) - Price and Value: What $84.66 Covers in Real Terms
At $84.66 per person, this isn’t a bargain price, but it also doesn’t feel like you’re paying for fluff. The value comes from what’s included:

  • All taxes, fees, and handling charges
  • Professional guide
  • Insurance
  • Equipment

Those are big cost items in many outdoor activities, and they’re handled here. What’s not included:

  • parking fee
  • food and drinks
  • souvenir photos (available to purchase)

If you’re comparing options, I’d focus on what you’re getting for your money: instructor time, equipment, and insurance. That’s especially valuable for a first try, because you want the coaching to be real and the risk management to be taken seriously.

Also, the group size matters for value. A max of 10 travelers means your coaching time isn’t constantly diluted, which is one of the reasons the reviews are so positive.

Who This Trip Suits Best, and Who Might Want Another Plan

Try Scuba Diving in a turtle area (boat) - Who This Trip Suits Best, and Who Might Want Another Plan
This is a strong match for:

  • first-timers who want a calm introduction with close instructor support
  • families with kids ages 10 to 15, as long as an adult is with them
  • anyone who prefers a small-group format rather than a crowded, rushed experience

You might reconsider if:

  • you have a listed medical condition that could affect scuba eligibility
  • you know you must fly soon after, since the 12-hour guideline affects travel plans
  • you’re expecting guaranteed turtle sightings

One review that stands out as a caution: a solo participant felt the experience stayed too close to the shore and saw limited fish. That’s not something you should panic about, but it does reinforce a smart rule. Don’t assume every day will look like the brochure version. Ask about conditions on the day, and keep your mind open to whatever wildlife does appear.

Booking Tips for Better Underwater Chances (Without Stress)

Most people book this around 11 days in advance, and that’s a good sign for planning. If you want a smoother match to your schedule, I’d book early rather than testing the last-minute vibe.

Also keep in mind:

  • The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll get a different date or a full refund.
  • The tour is near public transportation, so you’re not locked into a car, though parking is extra.

Finally, remember you’ll be asked to complete the health questionnaire. If you wait until the last minute, you risk holding everyone up. Do it early enough to feel calm, not frantic.

Should You Book This Try Scuba Session in Costa Adeje?

Yes, book it if you want a first scuba experience that feels controlled, personal, and safety-focused, with a real chance to see rays, octopus, cuttlefish, and sometimes turtles. The best selling point is the instructor attention, and the reviews name instructors like Christina and Carmen for calm, clear coaching that made even a child feel capable.

I’d only hesitate if you have health concerns that might block scuba, or if your travel schedule makes the 12-hour flying and altitude rules hard to follow. And if your main goal is turtles only, be flexible. Plan for a strong day of marine life even when turtles do not show up.

FAQ

FAQ

How much does the try scuba session cost?

It costs $84.66 per person.

How long is the experience?

The experience takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.

What ages can participate?

The minimum age is 10. Children up to 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this activity only for people who already know scuba?

The information provided describes it as a try session with instruction and support, which makes it a good fit for beginners.

What wildlife might I see in the turtle-area water?

You may see schools of fish, cuttlefish, octopus, crabs, rays, and sometimes turtles.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a professional guide, insurance, equipment, and all taxes, fees, and handling charges.

What should I wear?

The dress code is swimwear.

Are there rules about flying or altitude after the session?

Yes. Diving within 12 hours of flying is not recommended, and you should not go up the Teide or any high altitudes within 12 hours after diving.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re going as a couple or with kids, and I’ll suggest the smartest way to time it in Tenerife for the best odds of calm conditions.

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