Turtles and rays swim close in Abades Bay. This scuba session pairs a 30-minute skills briefing with an instructor-led swim in the bay, where you may spot turtles and sting or butterfly rays.

I like two things right away. First, the format is small: up to two people per instructor, which means fewer awkward waits and more hands-on help. Second, you get a clear progression—gear fitting and a short set of safety practice exercises—before you explore the wildlife-rich water.

One planning note: you can’t fly for 12 hours after your underwater session.

Key things to know before you go

• Max two people per instructor keeps the coaching personal
• 30-minute basics and briefing helps you get your bearings fast
• Abades Bay wildlife includes sting rays, butterfly rays, turtles, and angel sharks
• Practice exercises before you go out focus on comfort and safety
• 12-hour no-fly rule is strict and worth planning around
• Friendly teaching team with staff names like Levi, Csaba, Levente, Kelsey, Chris, and Jack

Abades Bay First-Scuba Setup With Max Two People

This experience is based in Abades Bay (near Santa Cruz de Tenerife), and the big theme is simple: you’ll be in the water with an instructor who stays close. The group limit is two people at a time, which matters more than it sounds. In a small ratio, you spend less time waiting for instructions and more time learning what you need in real conditions.

You’ll meet at C. 16 de Mayo, B8, 38588 Abades, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. If you opt for pickup, you’ll be picked up in a green minivan (plate 1327 MWS). Sessions run through the day (9:00 AM–5:00 PM) during the listed seasonal window, so you can usually fit it into a normal Tenerife day.

Language is English, which is good for keeping the briefing straightforward. The whole experience is about 2 hours 30 minutes, so you’re not committing to a half-day expedition that turns into a long slog.

The 2-Hour-30-Minute Flow: Briefing, Gear Fit, Practice, Then Wildlife

Here’s the rhythm you can expect, and why it works for most people.

First, there’s a 30-minute basics briefing. This is where you learn what to expect and how the underwater session will feel. Then comes the gear stage: you’ll be kitted up in scuba equipment and guided as you get set correctly.

Next is the safety practice. You’ll do a few exercises with your instructor before going into the bay. That step is practical—because it bridges the gap between reading about scuba and actually handling it with your feet in the water. You’ll also get a chance to ask questions while everything is still controlled.

Only after that do you explore the bay itself, where the wildlife is the headline. The center’s approach keeps it staged: learn first, practice briefly, then go see the animals.

Small-group sessions can also feel calmer. When you’re not squeezed into larger groups, your instructor can adjust the pace to your comfort level. That’s a big reason people come back for more sessions on Tenerife.

What You’re Likely To See: Sting and Butterfly Rays, Sea Turtles, and Angel Sharks

The whole point of this location is marine life right near the bay. The tour is specifically built around wildlife viewing, not just checking the scuba box.

From the bay’s typical scene set-up, you may see:

• Sting rays and butterfly rays
• Turtles
• Angel sharks
• Colorful reef fish

And the underwater sightings people describe go beyond the headline animals. You might spot things like trumpet fish, snails, squid, and even small angel sharks—depending on conditions and what the animals are doing that day. One of the strongest themes from past experiences is the feeling that the wildlife is “right there,” rather than you spending the whole time scanning distant water.

One smart mindset: treat this as a wildlife encounter with scuba training attached. If you go hunting for certainty (I will definitely see X), you’ll feel let down. If you go expecting a good chance and you stay calm and curious, you’re more likely to enjoy the whole experience.

Meet The Instructors: Levi, Csaba, and Levente’s Small-Group Approach

This is where the reviews really tip into “worth it.” The center’s staff is described as professional, friendly, and patient—especially when people are new. Names that come up again and again include Levi, Csaba, and Levente, plus Kelsey, Chris, and Jack as part of the team.

What I like about how this kind of setup typically works is that the instructor’s job isn’t only technical. It’s also emotional: helping you feel safe enough to focus on learning. When instructors keep the experience relaxed but structured (brief, gear set-up, short practice, then wildlife), first-timers tend to relax faster.

You’ll also appreciate the small-group rhythm if you’re traveling with kids or diving for the first time. One past experience specifically calls out a great first underwater outing for children in the 11–14 range. That doesn’t mean every child will be a perfect match, but it does suggest the teaching style is suited to people who need reassurance and clear steps.

If you’ve already done scuba before, the format can still feel worthwhile because you’re getting a compact, well-managed session rather than being shuffled through a big group schedule. Different experience levels can work when instruction is close.

Price and Value at about $106.94: What You Pay For

At $106.94 per person, this isn’t the cheapest option on Tenerife. It also isn’t trying to be. The value is in what you actually receive:

• A structured briefing (not just “go put on the gear”)
• Equipment as part of the package
• A small group limit (maximum two people)
• Instructor time plus safety practice exercises
• A location chosen for ray and turtle odds

When you compare that to “pay less” options, the difference is usually control and attention. If you’re new, attention matters. If you’re returning to scuba, attention matters too, because it can turn an awkward first minute into a smooth session.

The booking pattern also suggests demand is steady. On average, people book about 10 days in advance, so you’ll want to reserve early if your dates are fixed.

Practical Stuff Before You Go: No-Fly Rule, Weather, and Timing

There are two practical rules you should treat as real-world constraints, not fine print.

First: the 12-hour no-fly rule. You can’t fly for 12 hours after your underwater session. Plan your Tenerife itinerary with that in mind. If your flight departs early, double-check you have enough buffer time.

Second: weather matters. This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll either be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s exactly what you want to hear for an ocean-based activity.

Timing-wise, you’ll start from Abades and usually finish back at the meeting point. Opening hours during the listed season are 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, which gives you a wide choice of slots. If you like morning plans, you may find the earlier start easier to match with the rest of your day.

Should You Book This Turtle and Ray Session?

Book it if you want a calm, small-group underwater experience with a clear teaching structure and a strong chance of seeing rays and turtles in Abades Bay. I’d also recommend it if you’re new to scuba or you’re bringing kids who do best with patient, step-by-step instruction.

Skip it (or ask more questions first) if the 12-hour no-fly rule makes your travel schedule too tight, or if you prefer a more flexible, do-it-your-way schedule rather than a guided, structured session.

If you’re traveling to Tenerife for both scenery and wildlife—and you’d like instruction that feels personal—this is a strong match.

FAQ

How long is the scuba session?

It’s approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the activity start and where do you end?

You start at C. 16 de Mayo, B8, 38588 Abades, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered by a green minivan with license plate 1327 MWS.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 2 travelers.

What language is the experience offered in?

It’s offered in English.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

Can I fly soon after the session?

No. You cannot fly for 12 hours after your underwater session.

What if the weather is bad?

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

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and most travelers can participate.