Tenerife: Beginner’s Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings

REVIEW · TENERIFE

Tenerife: Beginner’s Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings

  • 4.7627 reviews
  • 2 hours
  • From $82
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Operated by Zero Gravity Tenerife. · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 4.7 (627)Duration2 hoursPrice from$82Operated byZero Gravity Tenerife.Book viaGetYourGuide

Ten meters down is pure wonder. You get a beginner-friendly scuba session with breath-taking seabed colors and real chances at seeing sea turtles under a close instructor watch. One consideration: there’s no promise that turtles or specific animals will show up on the day.

I like the way the day is built around comfort and control. You start with a detailed safety talk, then move slowly, topping out at 10 meters, with close supervision in a small group capped at 9 people.

Key highlights

  • 10-meter max depth keeps the experience beginner-friendly
  • One instructor per two clients means frequent personal check-ins
  • Short speedboat hop and anchoring in a sheltered bay cuts down on fatigue
  • Wildlife search includes octopus, cuttlefish, moray eels, sting rays, and turtles
  • Optional snorkeling can break up the day if you want less time underwater
  • Full gear and insurance included for solid value

Tenerife beginner scuba: what makes this first-timer-friendly

Tenerife: Beginner's Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings - Tenerife beginner scuba: what makes this first-timer-friendly
This isn’t a “tough it out” kind of water activity. The whole format is designed for people who are new to scuba, including those who feel nervous at the start. Expect a slow, step-by-step setup, with instructors staying close so you’re not guessing what to do next.

You’ll be working at a depth that’s capped at 10 meters, which matters because it keeps the learning curve reasonable. Instead of worrying about depth, you can focus on breathing, buoyancy, and just looking out at the seabed.

And yes, the seabed can look stunning down there. One of the standout themes is how quickly new participants start noticing color, movement, and small life camouflaged among the rocks.

Price and what your $82 actually buys

Tenerife: Beginner's Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings - Price and what your $82 actually buys
At $82 per person for 2 hours, you’re not just paying for a “once and hope” sightseeing outing. You’re paying for the pieces that cost real money in the background: a boat ride to the underwater spot, full equipment, certified instructor time, and full insurance.

That’s why I think this price feels fair for beginners. You get both structure and safety support, not only an underwater look but also the confidence-building part that helps you enjoy it. If you’ve been curious about scuba but didn’t want to commit to a big course, this kind of guided introduction can be a practical first step.

Photos and videos cost extra, but they’re available for purchase. If you care about souvenirs, you’ll likely want them, since the underwater moment happens fast.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.

Getting to Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón (and not wasting time)

Tenerife: Beginner's Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings - Getting to Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón (and not wasting time)
Meet at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón on Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It’s located in front of dock 3, next to Café Black Pearl. The entrance to the diving/scuba center is in the back side of the commercial center, behind Café Victoria.

This is a small detail, but it affects your day. If you show up a little early, you’ll have time to get fitted without feeling rushed, especially since you’ll need swimwear under your clothes.

The activity runs with instructors speaking Spanish, French, Italian, and English, which helps a lot if you want clear, calm instructions.

The 30-minute safety briefing: where first-timers gain confidence

Tenerife: Beginner's Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings - The 30-minute safety briefing: where first-timers gain confidence
Before you even touch the water, you’ll get a 30-minute safety briefing at Puerto Colón. This isn’t filler. It’s the part that makes the rest of the experience smoother, because it covers what you’ll do, what you should expect, and how the instructor will guide you.

The group size is intentionally tight, limited to 9 participants, and the company notes a strong ratio of support: every two clients have one instructor. In plain terms, this reduces the biggest beginner risk—being unsure who to follow or whether your question matters.

In the same spirit, multiple named instructors show up in real-world feedback as especially patient and attentive. You might be guided by people like Carlos, Thaina, Rihan, Marcelo, Gonza, Fran, Erika, or Esteban, and the consistent theme is careful supervision rather than rushing people through.

The speedboat ride: a quick scenic start without the long haul

Tenerife: Beginner's Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings - The speedboat ride: a quick scenic start without the long haul
After the briefing, you hop aboard a comfortable speedboat. The ride is short—about 15 minutes—and the plan is to take in Tenerife’s southern coastline from the sea.

Then the boat anchors in a secluded natural bay, which is a smart choice for beginners. It helps keep conditions manageable, so the focus stays on learning and observation instead of fighting rough water.

A common beginner worry is getting tired or sea-sick before the underwater time even starts. The short ride plus the protected bay setup helps reduce that stress.

Tenerife: Beginner's Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings - Your time in the water: max 10 meters and a guided wildlife search
Once you reach the dive/underwater spot, you’ll go through the gearing routine: putting on tanks and respirators, plus fitting elements like wetsuits, fins, and mask. A lifejacket is provided if necessary.

From there, you start your descent slowly. The key safety number is simple: you won’t go deeper than 10 meters. That keeps the experience within the comfort zone for brand-new participants.

During your underwater time (about 45 minutes), your guide will help you follow the site and look for marine life. The expected highlights include:

  • Octopus and cuttlefish
  • Moray eels
  • Sting rays
  • Sea turtles
  • Plus lots of fish activity around the seabed

What I like here is that it’s not just “look around and hope.” You’re guided around the site, which is especially valuable when you don’t yet know how to spot animals in rocks and shadowy crevices.

Some instructors are praised for spotting small animals that you’d almost certainly miss on your own. For example, guidance led by Marcelo is credited with helping people see species like crabs and rays, and other guides are noted for finding well-camouflaged creatures hiding in the rocks. That’s the kind of skill that turns a first-timer look into a memorable one.

If you snorkel: a surface option during the scuba turns

Tenerife: Beginner's Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings - If you snorkel: a surface option during the scuba turns
There’s also a chance to snorkel during the experience. The format is designed so that while some participants are in the water for their scuba session, others have the opportunity to stay on the surface and snorkel.

This can be a great trade-off if you’re anxious about staying underwater for the first time, or if you want to keep more of your day light and flexible. Even if you’re fully committed to scuba, having a snorkeling option builds in variety, so you’re not stuck with a single mode for the whole outing.

Practical tip: snorkel conditions can vary. Since the day depends on weather and water conditions, keep your mindset open. If visibility isn’t perfect, the guides will still work to show you what they can.

Sea turtles and the real odds: great chances, not guarantees

Tenerife: Beginner's Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings - Sea turtles and the real odds: great chances, not guarantees
This tour is marketed around sea turtles, and that’s a big reason people book it. But you should plan with honesty: there’s no guarantee that turtles (or any specific wildlife) will be spotted.

That said, turtles are on the search list, and many first-timers do report seeing them. Other participants also focus on what’s easier to spot reliably—sting rays gliding over the seabed, moray eels in rocky areas, and plenty of fish around the site.

One review theme worth taking seriously is the wording expectation. Some people go in thinking turtles are the main event no matter what. Better approach: treat turtles as a bonus, not the only score that matters. In a beginner format, the training, the guidance, and the overall underwater scenery often become the true highlight—even on days when a turtle doesn’t appear.

How the guides handle nervous beginners (and why that matters)

Tenerife: Beginner's Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings - How the guides handle nervous beginners (and why that matters)
A beginner-friendly program is only as good as the people running it. This one stands out because the instructor style is described as patient, reassuring, and safety-first, including support right when people feel most unsure.

Cold water entry comes up as a real factor. If you get startled by the temperature or your breathing feels weird at first, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Multiple first-timers credit their guide with staying close, calming them down, and helping them settle after the initial shock.

That’s why the instructor ratio matters so much. When you have a guide who stays with you during the critical moments, you’re less likely to panic and more likely to enjoy the learning.

What to bring (and what to remember about after-effects)

Tenerife: Beginner's Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings - What to bring (and what to remember about after-effects)
You only need swimwear as a listed essential. Everything else—wetsuit, mask, fins, and the rest of the scuba setup—is provided and fitted to you.

After the scuba session, there’s an important rule: you cannot go to heights over 300 meters afterward (examples given include the Teide mountain or an airplane). That’s not something to ignore. If your Tenerife plan includes a big climb or a higher elevation stop later, plan your day accordingly.

Also note that the excursion might change or be cancel due to poor weather. This is standard for ocean activities, but it’s worth checking close to departure.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This experience fits best if you’re:

  • A true beginner curious about scuba without a course commitment
  • Someone who wants structure, not trial-and-error
  • A nervous first-timer who appreciates close supervision and clear safety guidance

It’s not suitable for:

  • Pregnant women
  • People with respiratory issues
  • People with diabetes
  • People with heart problems
  • Children under 8 years

If any of those apply, it’s safer to choose a different kind of water activity or ask your doctor first.

Should you book this beginner scuba tour?

Book it if you want a first scuba experience that prioritizes comfort, safety, and guided wildlife spotting, especially around Tenerife’s calmer south-coast bays. The combination of a 10-meter max depth, tight instructor support (every two clients get one instructor), and a short speedboat ride makes it a practical choice.

Skip or reconsider if your main goal is a guaranteed sea turtle sighting. This is a “best effort” wildlife hunt with training as the foundation, and conditions can affect what you see. Also, if you know you’ll be tempted to rush to high elevations afterward, plan a different day.

If you’re ready to focus on learning to breathe calmly, enjoy the seabed colors, and take what the ocean offers, this $82 introduction can be a strong Tenerife day.

FAQ

Do I need any scuba experience?

No. This tour is specifically designed for beginners and includes step-by-step guidance and a certified instructor.

How deep do you go?

You won’t go deeper than 10 meters.

How long is the safety briefing?

The safety briefing is 30 minutes.

What happens before getting in the water?

You meet at Zero Gravity Tenerife, get fitted with your wetsuit, fins, mask (and a lifejacket if necessary), then listen to the guide’s instructions before the boat trip.

Is there snorkeling too?

Yes, there is the opportunity to snorkel while others are in the scuba session.

What’s included in the price?

The boat ride to the underwater spot, full scuba equipment, a certified instructor, and full insurance are included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear. The rest of the gear is provided.

Are sea turtles guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings, including sea turtles, are not guaranteed.

Who isn’t able to join?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with respiratory issues, diabetes, heart problems, or children under 8 years old.

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