REVIEW · TENERIFE
Discover Scuba Diving Experience in Turtle Habitat
Book on Viator →Operated by Travel Sub SLU · Bookable on Viator
A turtle-focused scuba session in Tenerife is a great way to learn fast. I like that this stays small (max 6 people) and uses PADI-certified instruction to keep things clear and calm. It’s also set up to move at a steady pace, from paperwork to boat time.
Two things I particularly like: equipment rental and full insurance are included, so you’re not scrambling once you arrive. I also appreciate the plan for online certification, because it gives your first underwater experience a next step instead of ending after the boat trip.
One thing to consider: the schedule depends on water and weather, and you can’t use vision glasses. You’ll need lenses or go without, and you should be ready for slight timing shifts while you’re on the water.
In This Review
- Key things I’d plan around
- Getting to the PADI base at Puerto Colón
- The 15-minute book learning that makes the briefing easier
- Private briefing with a PADI Instructor (and what you’ll actually get)
- Wet suit, fins, and equipment setup without the stress
- Walking to the speed boat and the Puerto Colón ride
- The underwater window: up to 12 m for 45–50 minutes
- Online certification after you surface
- What’s included vs. what you’ll need to bring
- Price and value: is $132.03 worth it in Tenerife?
- Who should book this scuba session in Tenerife?
- Should you book this Turtle Habitat scuba experience?
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point for this experience?
- How many people are in the group?
- What’s the total time commitment in Tenerife?
- How long will you be underwater, and how deep do you go?
- Is scuba equipment included?
- Do I need towels or photos?
- Can I wear vision glasses underwater?
- What if weather is bad or I need to cancel?
Key things I’d plan around
- Max 6 people means more attention during your briefing and gear setup
- PADI Instructor guidance includes tips on local spots, not just a one-off swim
- Up to 12 m with a 45–50 minute underwater window keeps the day manageable
- Equipment + full insurance are included, so the cost covers more than the boat
- Online certification comes after your session, turning the trip into a longer project
- No vision glasses allowed, so plan your eye correction ahead of time
Getting to the PADI base at Puerto Colón

The day starts at the PADI 5 Travel Sub Dive Center Tenerife, Calle Colón s/n, Escuela Náutica, 38660 Costa Adeje. It’s the kind of meeting point that feels practical: you come in, you check in, and you get your paperwork done before anyone puts fins on.
You’ll spend time in the school first—fill in the papers and get organized—then you move into a structured learning phase. The whole tour runs about 2.5 to 3 hours total, even though it includes boat time and underwater time.
This matters because on Tenerife, timing and logistics can make or break your day. A tight, pre-planned flow reduces waiting, especially when you’re learning basic scuba skills for the first time.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
The 15-minute book learning that makes the briefing easier
Before you get wet, you’ll do a short book learning session for about 15 minutes. It’s not long, but it sets your brain up for what the instructor will cover during your private briefing.
That private briefing is where the day becomes personal. You’ll review what you need to know, get guidance for safe, comfortable underwater movement, and learn what to focus on during your time in the water. For a first-timer, that combination is ideal: short prep, then hands-on coaching.
Also, since the instructor shares tips about the best local spots, you’ll leave with more than just skills. You’ll have a sense of what this area offers and what’s worth coming back for.
Private briefing with a PADI Instructor (and what you’ll actually get)

You’ll get a private briefing with a PADI Instructor after the short book session. The schedule is built to keep you from feeling overloaded: you learn key points, then you gear up and move through the day step by step.
One useful detail from the past experience notes: instructors like Toby have been singled out for going the extra mile with calm, supportive guidance. And the boat team includes Captain Francesco, who’s been described as very patient—especially when someone in the group feels nervous about going underwater.
That kind of attitude is a big deal. Scuba isn’t only technical; it’s also nerves, breathing rhythm, and confidence. A patient instructor helps you focus on the right things, not on fear.
Wet suit, fins, and equipment setup without the stress
After the briefing, you’ll dress in wet suits and fins, then set up your scuba equipment. This part is hassle-free by design because the rental gear is included, along with water during the experience.
For many people, the biggest barrier to trying scuba is the gear. When everything is provided and organized at the school, you can spend your energy on learning, not on figuring out which straps go where.
If you’re sensitive to fit, arrive with a calm mindset. Gear that sits right helps you feel steady underwater. And since the group is capped at 6 people, the staff has time to guide you through the setup without rushing.
Walking to the speed boat and the Puerto Colón ride

Once you’re kitted up, it’s a quick walk to the speed boat—about 2 minutes. Then you’ll head out for a boat ride of roughly 15 to 20 minutes, depending on conditions.
This is also why the total tour time stays reasonable. The underwater session itself is planned for 45 to 50 minutes up to 12 m, so you’re not stuck on the boat for hours with long gaps.
If you get motion sick, keep that in mind before booking. The data here only says the boat ride time depends on water conditions, not that the ride is smooth. You’ll be more comfortable if you come prepared.
The underwater window: up to 12 m for 45–50 minutes
The main event is your underwater time with a private Instructor, planned for about 45 to 50 minutes, going up to 12 m. This is a solid first-experience depth target because it’s deep enough to feel real scuba, but still within a controlled training-style range.
Because the instructor is private (not shared across a large class), you get coaching during the session. That’s the part that helps learning stick—small corrections make a big difference once your body is in the underwater rhythm.
You’ll also be operating in what’s presented as a turtle habitat setting. Even without promising what you will see, this kind of location is exactly why people book this kind of experience: you’re in the water where marine life may be part of the story.
Online certification after you surface
This tour isn’t only a one-off thrill. It includes online certification after your session. The structure is designed so you leave with a pathway to keep going, not just a completed day.
For a lot of first-timers, that’s the real value. When you start scuba, what you need next is consistency and formal training steps. Online certification means you can continue at your pace instead of trying to reinvent the process later.
It also helps you justify the cost. You’re paying not just for the boat and instruction time, but for a learning track that continues after the day ends.
What’s included vs. what you’ll need to bring

This experience includes scuba equipment, the boat dive experience (boat trip plus underwater time), water, a PADI Instructor, online certification, and full insurance. It’s also offered in English, and you’ll use a mobile ticket.
Not included: towels, photos, and prescription diving goggles. Also, vision glasses aren’t allowed. You can use lenses or dive without vision glasses.
Here’s how I’d plan practically:
- If you use correction, make sure you’re comfortable with lenses or going without glasses underwater.
- Plan for drying and changing afterward since towels aren’t included.
- If you care about photos, assume you’ll need to handle that separately because photos aren’t part of the package.
That’s the kind of clarity that saves money and stress.
Price and value: is $132.03 worth it in Tenerife?
At $132.03 per person, this sits in a mid-range zone for a guided scuba experience. What makes it feel like good value is that the cost covers the hard parts: equipment rental, a PADI Instructor, full insurance, and the certification component.
A lot of cheaper options charge extra for gear, insurance, or instruction details. Here, those major pieces are included, so you don’t get hit later with add-ons you forgot to budget for.
Duration is another part of value math. You’re looking at about 2.5 to 3 hours total, with a 45–50 minute underwater session. That’s long enough to feel like you did something meaningful, but short enough to still have energy for the rest of Tenerife afterward.
One more value point: the group limit to 6 people. Smaller groups are usually where you get better feedback during learning, especially when you’re working on breathing and control.
Who should book this scuba session in Tenerife?
This is a great fit if:
- You want PADI-style instruction without a huge group crowding the day.
- You’re interested in learning with a clear structure that supports online certification afterward.
- You want a turtle-habitat area with a guided plan and an instructor who shares local spot tips.
It may be less ideal if you:
- Must wear vision glasses underwater (since they’re not allowed).
- Need a totally fixed schedule with no weather or condition changes (this experience needs good weather).
If you’re traveling solo, this can still work well because the group size stays small and instruction is focused. If you’re with a partner who’s a bit nervous, the patient guidance noted in past experiences is a good sign that this provider pays attention to comfort levels.
Should you book this Turtle Habitat scuba experience?
I’d book it if you want your first structured scuba experience in Tenerife and you care about safety, coaching, and a clear next step. The included gear, full insurance, and online certification make the price feel less like a ticket and more like a course start.
I’d think twice only if eye correction is a dealbreaker for you, or if you know you’ll struggle with weather-related timing changes. Also, plan your day so you don’t feel rushed afterward, since you’re returning to the meeting point after a full half-day experience.
If you’re looking for a calm, small-group way to go underwater and come away with both skills and a certification path, this one checks the boxes.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point for this experience?
The start point is PADI 5 Travel Sub Dive Center Tenerife, Calle Colón, s/n, Escuela Nautica, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
How many people are in the group?
The experience has a maximum of 6 travelers.
What’s the total time commitment in Tenerife?
The total excursion time, including preparation in the school, activities, and boat rides, is around 2.5 to 3 hours.
How long will you be underwater, and how deep do you go?
The underwater session is about 45 to 50 minutes, with an instructor and a planned depth of up to 12 m.
Is scuba equipment included?
Yes. Scuba equipment use is included, along with water, a PADI Instructor, certification, and full insurance.
Do I need towels or photos?
No. Towels and photos are not included.
Can I wear vision glasses underwater?
Vision glasses are not allowed. You can use lenses or dive without vision glasses.
What if weather is bad or I need to cancel?
Good weather is required. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
























