REVIEW · TENERIFE
Private Try Dive for 2 with our experienced Instructor
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Barbarian Diving Tenerife · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Two people, one instructor, and clear Tenerife water.
That private scuba try session is interesting because you get a proper start at Playa de las Vistas without a group timeline. I especially like the private instructor attention, which keeps your first underwater moments calm and focused. I also like that you’re not just thrown in; you get a briefing plus hands-on training before you and your partner head below the surface.
The main drawback to think about is timing: you should avoid flying for 12 to 24 hours after your underwater session, so plan your flights accordingly.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll feel right away
- Playa de las Vistas: the smart place to start
- The 2.5-hour flow, broken down plainly
- Gear is included, and that’s a real value boost
- Your own instructor for two: the difference is focus
- What you might see under Tenerife’s water
- Photos and video: what’s included, what you pay for
- Price: $118 per person, and why it may be worth it
- Getting there, what to bring, and aftercare
- Who this private try session fits best
- Should you book this private session?
- FAQ
- Where do we meet for the experience?
- How long is the private scuba try session for two?
- Is this really private, or is it a group?
- What languages does the instructor speak?
- What scuba equipment is included?
- What should I bring?
- Are photos and videos included?
- Is it safe to fly right after the session?
Key highlights you’ll feel right away
- Private for two means no waiting for a class schedule or getting shuffled around
- Full instructor briefing and training before you go under
- All major scuba gear included, plus an underwater computer and surface marker
- Beginner-friendly pace with personalized coaching during the whole experience
- Tenerife marine life you can spot (colorful fish, octopus, rays, and sometimes sea turtles)
Playa de las Vistas: the smart place to start
This experience meets at Playa de las Vistas in Tenerife, which is a very practical choice for a first underwater try. You’re starting where you can get organized quickly: arrive in beachwear, meet the crew, get fitted, and move toward the water without drama. The payoff is that your energy goes into learning the basics, not figuring out logistics.
The water around Tenerife is known for being clear on many days, and your guides aim to take you into that good visibility so you can actually enjoy what’s out there. If you’re a first-timer, that matters. You don’t want your brain spending all its time searching for the right body position. You want to look at the sea.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
The 2.5-hour flow, broken down plainly

The total time is about 2.5 hours, and that’s a good length for a first outing. It gives you enough time for a real introduction, without turning the day into a half-tour you’ll be exhausted from.
Here’s how the session typically feels, step by step:
First comes the briefing and training. Your instructor covers safety guidelines, basic techniques, and equipment use. This part is where confident people get extra calm, and nervous people get reassured. You’ll also get a chance to ask questions before anything underwater happens.
Next, you two get comfortable with the kit. You’ll be fitted for a wetsuit, mask, and fins, and you’ll learn how the regulator and buoyancy setup work. You’ll also use the surface marker and the underwater computer so you can understand what’s happening during the session.
Then you go for a guided underwater experience. You and your instructor move at a comfortable pace, staying focused on safety protocols while you explore together. During this part, you get personalized support, which is the real reason a private setup matters.
When the session ends, you’ll surface and wrap up with everything reset. If your goal is a memorable first time with your partner, the pacing helps you leave still excited rather than drained.
Gear is included, and that’s a real value boost
Most of the cost of a beginner scuba setup is the gear—and with this experience, you get the key pieces included. That means you don’t have to rent multiple items across different shops or worry about whether you’re getting a mismatched set.
Included equipment:
- wetsuit
- mask and fins
- tank
- regulator
- buoyancy control device
- surface marker
- underwater computer
- instructor-led scuba session
Why I think that’s important for you: when you’re trying something new, the last thing you need is extra decisions. Having everything provided helps you focus on breathing, buoyancy control, and what your instructor is telling you in the moment.
Also, having an underwater computer and a surface marker isn’t just “nice to have.” Those tools are part of staying oriented and staying within safe, instructor-led boundaries.
Your own instructor for two: the difference is focus
This is billed as a private group, and in practice that translates to real one-on-one attention. No feeling like you’re competing with a checklist for the instructor’s time. No waiting for others to catch up. No group-wide rule that means your questions have to wait.
In the field, that kind of focus makes a difference for beginners. People often get anxious when they can’t tell whether they’re doing something right. In this setup, the instructor can coach you immediately—right when you need it.
Names you might recognize from past bookings include Kati and Katherine (sometimes spelled Kathi in messages). You’ll see a pattern in the feedback: instructors who are patient, friendly, and professional, and who stay with you through the whole process. One booking specifically mentioned that the guide stayed with them to the beach area, with only a short walk into the water. That kind of help reduces the “first-time awkwardness” factor.
And if you’re bringing a partner, this format also supports that relationship angle. You can share the experience without it becoming a group event where one person is always watching their buddy more than you’re all watching the sea.
What you might see under Tenerife’s water
Your instructor takes you into Tenerife’s aquatic realm, and you should expect a mix of marine life. The list you may spot includes:
- colorful fish
- octopus
- graceful rays
- sea turtles occasionally
Some bookings mention even more specific moments. One person described starting the underwater session right away with a swarm of fish, plus a seahorse sighting. That’s exactly the kind of experience you want on a first try: the excitement starts early, and your instructor helps you notice what matters rather than just survive the gear.
A quick note for your expectations: underwater encounters aren’t guaranteed the way a museum exhibit is. But the combination of clear water, a guided route, and an instructor who knows what to look for boosts your odds of seeing something memorable.
Photos and video: what’s included, what you pay for
You should plan on memories in two forms: your own, and the ones your instructor captures.
What’s included:
- the session itself, plus instruction and gear
What’s not included:
- photos and videos are available to purchase onsite
So if you’re hoping for a professional set of underwater footage, ask about the options before you go. It’s a common way to get those images without everyone trying to manage cameras while learning buoyancy.
Price: $118 per person, and why it may be worth it
At $118 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to try scuba. But the value comes from what you get for that money: an instructor dedicated to the two of you, plus the full gear list and a structured briefing and training.
If you compare it to lower-cost options, the biggest difference is usually time and attention. In a group setting, you can spend time waiting. Here, you spend time learning and being coached.
You also get a session length of about 2.5 hours, which is meaningful. A rushed try session can make beginners feel more stressed. A well-paced one is how you actually enjoy it.
Finally, transport can be part of the deal depending on the provider setup—round-trip from designated meeting points or local accommodation varies. Since the meeting point is Playa de las Vistas, it’s smart to confirm how pickup works for your exact booking.
Getting there, what to bring, and aftercare
This activity is wheelchair accessible, and the format is designed as a private group for two adults (children under 18 aren’t suitable). If mobility is a concern, it’s worth asking about how you’ll transition from meeting spot to water and how the crew handles timing.
What to bring:
- beachwear
That’s it for basics. No need to carry scuba gear. Bring the simple stuff that makes you comfortable: something you can easily change in, and whatever you use to protect from sun before and after.
After your underwater session, you should avoid flying for 12 to 24 hours. That’s a key scheduling item. If you’re stacking trips, build in that window so you don’t end up stressed at check-in.
One more practical tip: if you’re nervous, show up early enough to settle. In at least one booking, people mentioned having access to a larger restroom area to change, which helps reduce pressure right before the water part.
Who this private try session fits best
This is a strong match if you:
- are trying scuba for the first time and want more coaching
- want the experience to be focused on your partner or close friend
- feel anxious and prefer steady instruction (many past bookings highlighted patience and calm guidance)
- want to explore Tenerife’s marine life without a big group around you
It may not be the best fit if you:
- have travel plans that require immediate flying afterward
- are traveling with kids under 18 (this isn’t suitable for them)
Also, because the focus is on training plus a guided underwater experience, it’s ideal for people who want learning and safety—rather than someone chasing pure adventure without instruction.
Should you book this private session?
If your goal is a first scuba experience in Tenerife that feels personal, safe, and genuinely enjoyable, I’d say yes—especially at this price point for two. The private instructor setup, the included gear, and the step-by-step training are the ingredients that make a first underwater session go from scary to fun.
Book it if you can respect the no-flying window afterward and you want attention that stays on you. Skip it if your schedule is too tight for the post-session travel rule, or if you’re looking for a bargain-basement group experience.
If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you’re flying soon after. I can help you think through whether the timing works.
FAQ
Where do we meet for the experience?
You meet at Playa de las Vistas in Tenerife.
How long is the private scuba try session for two?
The duration is 2.5 hours.
Is this really private, or is it a group?
It’s a private group—the experience is set up for two with your own instructor.
What languages does the instructor speak?
The instructor can speak English, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.
What scuba equipment is included?
It includes the wetsuit, mask, fins, tank, surface marker, underwater computer, regulator, and buoyancy control device, along with the instructor and briefing/training.
What should I bring?
Bring beachwear.
Are photos and videos included?
No. Videos and photos can be purchased onsite.
Is it safe to fly right after the session?
You should avoid flying for at least 12 to 24 hours after scuba.

























