Salt air, fast boats, and real underwater life. In Puerto Colón, this certified scuba trip for any PADI/SSI level puts you in small groups and lets you focus on wrecks and caves off Tenerife’s south coast, with a real shot at turtles, rays, and even angel sharks. The one catch: you’ll need to follow the medical certificate rules if you’re over 70 or have certain conditions.

It’s also designed to feel practical and low-stress. You meet at the Travel Sub PADI 5 center in Puerto Colón, do a 30-minute safety briefing, then you’re on a speedboat and ready for about 45 minutes in the water, with fully included gear and a 10-person limit. The team splits people by skill, and the instructor can work in Spanish, English, Italian, French, and Dutch—so you get real communication, not guesswork.

Your day starts at the Travel Sub PADI 5 center reception inside the building called Escuela Náutica, right by pier 5 in Puerto Colón (near the private parking area). Plan to go inside first and find reception—this is where they’ll get you checked in and moving.

Then comes the 30-minute safety briefing. Even if you’re already certified, I like that they treat safety like a real session, not a formality. Expect to align on basics like buoyancy habits, underwater signals, and how the team runs the group so everyone stays together and calm.

One small detail that shows up in the reviews: the staff asks about your diving skills in advance and helps recommend a suitable group, even if that means adjusting timing. That kind of care matters. If you’re new to local conditions, you’ll appreciate not being lumped in with people who are on a totally different comfort level.

Gear and Scheduling: How They Keep You from Carrying the World

This trip is built around a no-fuss setup. You don’t bring weights or regulators. The package includes the scuba gear you need: BCD, regulator, weights, fins, boots, and a wetsuit. They also provide water, which sounds basic until you’re standing around before you’re actually in the water.

The group stays small—limited to 10 participants—which changes the vibe fast. With fewer people, the instructor and/or dive master can actually watch what’s going on, help faster, and keep the whole experience smoother. In the reviews, people directly call out the equipment being complete and in good condition, which is exactly what you want to hear before you trust your gear to be working.

If you’re flexible, you’ll also like that there are multiple daily departures. That means you can pick a time that matches your energy level and the rest of your Tenerife plans—without the “one departure or nothing” feeling.

Speedboat to the Underwater Sites: Short Ride, Real Payoff

After the briefing, you hop onto a speedboat for about 15 minutes. That’s not long enough to turn the trip into a long commute, and it’s long enough to get you out to better underwater conditions.

Here’s why this matters: the south coast has a reputation for clear water and strong marine life. Boats help you take advantage of that without burning your day on a slow approach. You also avoid the awkward part where you’re hauling kit across parking lots and walkways. The center’s close to the ocean—about 100 meters—so you get in the flow quickly.

Then it’s back on the boat for about 15 minutes to return. With this rhythm, the whole 150 minutes feels like a compact plan: prep, speed to site, time in the water, and return.

What You’ll Likely See Off Tenerife: Volcanic Structure and Atlantic Wildlife

Tenerife’s underwater world has a volcanic character, and this trip leans into that. You’re going to places known for clear conditions, lots of marine life, and underwater terrain shaped by the island.

What you might spot includes:

• Turtles
• Rays
• Angel sharks
• Moray eels
• Octopuses
• A variety of Atlantic fish

I like that the animal list isn’t just “maybe something cool.” It’s specific enough that you can set your expectations. And because you’re with certified participants, you’re more likely to be able to look, adjust, and enjoy what’s around you instead of spending all your attention on logistics.

There’s also a note about night sessions for the more adventurous. If you get slotted for a night underwater session, the goal is to see Atlantic “giants” like stingrays and sharks in their nighttime habitat. Conditions and scheduling matter, but the fact that the team offers night options means you’re not limited to the same daytime routine.

Wrecks and Caves: The Side of Tenerife You Don’t Get From the Shore

This is one of the highlights I’d aim for if you’re the type who gets excited about structure underwater. The trip is designed to include wrecks and natural caves/caverns, which gives you a different view of the island’s marine ecosystem.

Wrecks tend to act like artificial habitat: they bring in fish schools, attract curious marine life, and create reliable “vertical” shapes in an underwater world that can be all rock and open water. Caves and caverns add a different mood. You’ll often see life hover around openings, move through shadows, and use the structure like a shelter.

You also get that volcanic feel here—underwater caves and volcanic terrain naturally make the dives feel more like exploring than “just swimming around.” If you’re bored by cookie-cutter routes, this element helps.

One thing to keep in mind: caves and caverns require good buoyancy and calm movement. Since they split groups by skill, you should be in the right lane for the kind of underwater terrain you’re visiting.

The Group Experience: How Staff Really Changes the Day

The strongest praise in the reviews is the human factor: friendly staff, good coordination, and equipment that’s ready. One reviewer specifically gives a big nod to a team member named Toby, calling out how welcoming and helpful the staff were.

I also like how the reception experience is described. People singled out the reception lady and the instructor as funny and memorable, but in a useful way—meaning they set the tone, keep things moving, and help you feel comfortable before you go underwater.

Languages are covered too. The instructor can work in Spanish, English, Italian, French, and Dutch. That matters more than people think. When you understand instructions clearly, you relax faster, and you get better underwater attention.

Price and Value: Is $64 a Fair Deal for 150 Minutes?

At $64 per person, this can feel like a “good bargain” only if it includes the right stuff—which it does. Your money covers:

• scuba equipment (BCD, regulator, weights, fins, boots, wetsuit)
• boat underwater site trips
• a 12 or 15 liter air tank
• an instructor and/or DM
• water

Photos are not included. Nitrox is available for extra charge. Insurance is also extra if you want it.

So what’s the real value? You’re not paying separately for gear rentals, tank access, and the guide/DM time. For certified scuba participants who can already handle themselves, that bundle can add up fast elsewhere. Here, the price stays simple.

The other value is time. The total duration is 150 minutes, and you get about 45 minutes in the water, with additional time for the briefing and the boat transfer. That’s a compact plan for a half-day activity that still feels like you accomplished something meaningful underwater.

Who This Trip Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This experience is for certified scuba participants only. They accept a range of certifications, including PADI and SSI, and more.

It’s a great match if you:

• want an underwater plan that includes wrecks and caves
• are interested in volcanic underwater terrain and Atlantic wildlife
• prefer small-group attention (max 10)
• value a speedboat setup that keeps the day tight
• want a chance at night sessions if offered on your schedule

It’s not a fit if:

• you’re not certified
• you’re pregnant
• you need to consider the medical restrictions that apply to certain conditions or age groups

If you’re over 70 or have diabetes, pneumothorax, blood diseases, or lung/heart issues, you’ll need a medical certificate. This isn’t the kind of trip where you want to discover that at the last second.

Practical Tips Before You Go

This one’s easy, but it’s worth doing right.

Bring:

• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen

You’ll be provided the scuba gear items, so focus on comfort items you control. Since the schedule includes a safety briefing and boat ride, wear something you can manage quickly and dry easily after you return.

Also, if you know you get cold in the water, plan how you’ll handle the time before and after your session. The wetsuit is included, but air temperature and wind on the boat can still affect how you feel.

Should You Book This Tenerife Certified Scuba Trip?

Yes, if you want a well-run, small-group underwater outing from Puerto Colón that targets more interesting structure than the average “see fish and swim around” plan. The wrecks and caves focus, the volcanic underwater terrain, and the solid staff energy show up clearly in the reviews. Add in gear included, air tanks included, and a convenient location near the pier, and $64 starts to look like good value.

But book only if you’re certified and you can meet the medical requirements. Also, go in expecting about 45 minutes in the water within a 150-minute total window. That’s not a full-day expedition. It’s a focused, efficient underwater session designed to get you enjoying the Atlantic quickly.

If that fits your style, this is a smart way to spend part of your Tenerife time.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the activity?

Meet at the reception of the Travel Sub PADI 5* center in Puerto Colón. It’s in the building Escuela Náutica, in front of pier 5, in the private parking area.

How long is the trip?

The total duration is 150 minutes. The underwater time listed for the session is 45 minutes, with additional time for briefing and boat transfers.

How much does it cost?

The price is $64 per person.

Is this for certified divers only?

Yes. It’s not suitable for people without certification. Certifications such as PADI and SSI are accepted, plus other certifications.

What scuba gear is included?

Included gear is a BCD, regulator, weights, fins, boots, and a wetsuit. A 12 or 15 liter air tank is also included.

Are boat transfers included?

Yes. The experience includes boat dives/speedboat transport as part of the itinerary.

Do they offer nitrox?

Nitrox is available for an extra charge.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The instructor can speak Spanish, English, Italian, French, and Dutch.

What health requirements apply?

A medical certificate is required for participants over 70, and also for people with diabetes, pneumothorax, blood diseases, or lung and heart issues. The activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women.