Breathing underwater is a big deal. I love the patient, safety-first PADI coaching (Ruben and Romana come up often) and the fact that you get both scuba breathing and a snorkeling safari. The main consideration: turtle sightings are wild-animal luck, not a promise.

This is one of those activities where the small-group vibe really helps. You’re capped at 10 participants, geared up with the right kit, and supervised closely, so even nervous beginners can settle in fast.

One more thing to know up front: if you rely on glasses, plan for contact lenses. The mask can’t be used with glasses, so you’ll need a workaround before you arrive.

Key highlights you should care about

• PADI-qualified instructor time with close supervision, including a focus on calming nerves during the first minutes underwater
• Up to 12 meters max for the starter scuba session, kept within a controlled, beginner-friendly depth
• Snorkeling safari right after, guided to help you spot fish, rays, and turtles in the turtle-area site
• Atlantic wildlife on the boat, with a real chance of dolphins or whales from the speedboat route
• Small-group cap of 10, which makes briefings and corrections feel personal, not rushed
• Equipment and wetsuit included, plus water and full insurance, so $85 covers the essentials

Costa Adeje meet-up and a day that runs on a simple rhythm

You start in Costa Adeje at the Travel Sub reception area, inside the ESCUELA NAUTICA building in front of pier 5, on private parking Puerto Colon. If you like knowing where you’re going, this is good: it’s a pier location with clear landmarks and an on-site reception desk.

Once you’re checked in, the day follows a straightforward flow: briefing, speedboat to the site, short beginner scuba session, snorkeling safari, then boat back. That structure matters for first-timers because you’re not stuck waiting around for ages with uncertain instructions.

If you’re the kind of person who panics at the idea of logistics, you’ll appreciate that they keep the plan tight: about 30 minutes of safety briefing, then two water blocks (about 25 minutes scuba and 25 minutes snorkeling) with boat rides in between.

The safety briefing: where first-timers feel taken seriously

The heart of a beginner scuba experience is what happens before you ever get wet. Here, you get a 30-minute information session with your instructor, focused on the skills that actually keep you calm and controlled.

In real life, the difference between okay and excellent is whether they notice your stress early. In this setup, instructors are known for giving clear explanations without making you feel rushed. People mention getting taken seriously when adjusting to depth, especially during the first descent and ear pressure moments.

You’ll also learn the practical stuff: how to use the equipment, what signals mean, and what to do if something feels off. That’s the kind of prep that lets you stop thinking and start breathing.

One practical note for your own mindset: the first few minutes can feel strange. I’d treat it like learning a new rhythm, not a test. The instructors you’re paired with are there to guide your timing.

The beginner scuba session: up to 12 meters, short and controlled

Your starter scuba session happens at a site known for a turtle population area. You’ll descend to a maximum of 12 meters, under the careful control of your PADI-qualified instructor.

The session is designed to feel manageable. It’s not long enough to turn into a struggle, but long enough for you to actually experience the magic: breathing underwater and moving at an easy pace while watching life around you.

If you’re not the strongest swimmer, that’s not an automatic deal-breaker here. Some people do the experience even without feeling totally confident in the water at first, and the team’s approach is about steady coaching and pacing. One repeated theme is patience. If you get uncomfortable with ear pressure, you’re not expected to just tough it out. Instructors can adjust your depth and help you regain comfort.

Also, group structure is built to be supportive. The plan is 1 instructor for 2 people, but some beginners report needing extra attention and getting very close, effectively 1:1 support. That’s the sort of detail that turns this from a checklist activity into an actual learning experience.

Snorkeling safari after scuba: a better chance to spot turtles and rays

After the scuba session, you switch gears into a snorkeling safari. You’ll explore the area where you can see different fish, and you’ll actively look for turtles and rays.

This second water block is valuable for two reasons. First, it gives you more time to enjoy the marine life without the same gear-management brain load as scuba. Second, if the scuba portion is still new and slightly overwhelming, snorkeling can feel like the fun payoff.

Expect guided searching, not just free swimming. The guide helps you keep your bearings and spot wildlife in clear conditions. Even when turtles don’t show up exactly when you want, the goal isn’t only turtles. Many first-time divers come away excited by rays and other sea creatures.

Here’s the honesty point: turtle sightings are not 100% guaranteed, even though chances are very good (they say they join us in about 95% of cases). So if your whole trip depends on seeing a turtle for sure, you should manage expectations. If your goal is to experience underwater life and you’re open to whatever appears, you’re set.

The speedboat route: Atlantic views and possible dolphins or whales

Between the shore and the site, you ride a speedboat. That 15-minute boat hop isn’t filler. It’s part of why people enjoy this day.

From the water, you get stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Tenerife coastline. And there’s a chance to see bigger animals while you’re traveling between locations, including whales and dolphins.

This matters because it gives you wildlife moments even before you start. For some people, that makes the whole experience feel easier. You’re already seeing the sea as a living place, not just a pool for gear practice.

Price and what $85 really buys: value in included gear and insurance

At around $85 per person for a roughly 3-hour experience, the big value isn’t just “doing scuba.” It’s what’s included:

• Boat trip to the site
• Scuba session and snorkeling safari
• 1 instructor for 2 people (with close beginner supervision)
• Snorkeling with a guide
• All equipment, including wetsuit, fins, and mask
• Full insurance
• Water

That means you’re not paying extra for basic necessities like gear, boat access, or safety coverage. You also avoid the common beginner hassle of trying to source rental equipment last-minute.

What’s not included: photo and video footage on the spot (available for purchase), plus towels and swimming costumes. Wetsuits are provided, so you mainly need to bring your comfort items and personal clothing.

One more practical cost note: if you want photos, it helps to know they’re offered on the spot. One diver mentioned a 30 euro photo option. Prices can vary, so treat that as an example, not a guaranteed quote.

Getting the kit right: glasses, wetsuit comfort, and what to pack

Before you go, double-check a gear rule that can catch people off guard. It’s not possible to use the diving/snorkeling mask with glasses. You’ll need contact lenses or you’ll need to go without glasses for the experience.

So what should you bring?

• Sun hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Flip-flops
• ID card (passport or ID for children)

Also plan your day like you’re doing water sports in strong sun. Tenerife sun plus wind plus salty spray can add up fast.

One small comfort detail that matters: you’ll be wearing a wetsuit. That’s warm and protective, but it also means you’ll want quick-drying clothes after. Bring a change of top and something easy for the return boat.

Who should book this beginner scuba + turtle-area snorkeling trip

This works best if you want a guided first underwater experience with real safety support and you’re excited about marine life in the turtle-area site.

It’s also suitable if you simply want the ocean views and don’t necessarily want to do both water activities. The experience is described as suitable even for people who don’t want to snorkel or do the scuba portion, as long as your focus is on the sea and the coastline.

It may not be for you if you have risk factors listed by the operator. It’s not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with heart problems
• People with pre-existing medical conditions
• People with diabetes
• People over 95 years

And it’s not suitable for children under 8. If you’re bringing minors (8–17), they must be under adult supervision on the boat.

Wheelchair accessibility is listed, which is a good sign for physical access at the meeting point and in general setup. But your actual comfort in water will still depend on the conditions and your own needs.

A few real-world expectations so you don’t get surprised

This is a beginner setup, so expect the focus to be on learning, safety, and comfort, not an all-day underwater marathon. Some people also note that the scuba site may feel less dramatic than bigger-adventure places, but it’s exactly right if your goal is to try it confidently.

Also, you’re not guaranteed turtles. You’re getting a guided experience in a turtle-known area, with a strong chance—just not a guarantee—because these are wild animals.

Finally, ear pressure is a normal beginner issue. If you feel it, tell your instructor right away. The best instructors adjust depth and pacing to get you back to comfort.

Should you book this Tenerife beginner scuba + turtle-area snorkeling experience?

If you’re a first-timer and you want a structured, close-supervision experience with a real shot at turtles, rays, and fish, I think this is a smart pick. The $85 price works because it bundles gear, insurance, boat access, and instructor support.

Book it if:

• You want an introduction to scuba breathing in a controlled setting
• You want snorkeling right after (more chances to see wildlife)
• You care about safety briefings and patient coaching

Skip it (or choose a different style) if:

• You wear glasses and you don’t have a contact-lens plan
• You need guaranteed turtle sightings
• You have medical limitations that make this not suitable for you

If you go with a flexible mindset and trust the instruction, you’ll come away with more than a photo goal. You’ll come away with the big, practical skill: how it feels to breathe underwater, plus a guided look at Tenerife’s marine life from the surface too.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the experience?

You meet at the reception of the Travel Sub center in the ESCUELA NAUTICA building, in front of pier 5, in the territory of private parking Puerto Colon. Please go inside and find the reception desk.

How long is the whole experience?

It lasts about 3 hours in total. The exact start time can vary, so you’ll want to check available time slots.

What’s the maximum depth during the scuba part?

The beginner scuba session goes to a maximum depth of 12 meters, with the instructor supervising closely.

What’s included in the price?

In the price you get the boat trip to the site, the scuba session, snorkeling with a guide, all equipment (including wetsuit, fins, and mask), full insurance, and water. You also get an instructor for 2 people.

Do I have to snorkel and scuba if I book?

No. The experience is described as suitable for people who don’t want to snorkel or do the scuba portion but still want the ocean and coastline views.

Can I wear glasses in the mask?

No. You can’t use the mask with glasses. You’ll need contact lenses, or you’ll need to remove your glasses for the experience.

Are turtle sightings guaranteed?

No. Turtle sightings cannot be 100% guaranteed since they are wild animals, though the operator says they visit in about 95% of cases.