REVIEW · TENERIFE
Scuba Experience in Tenerife with Guide
Book on Viator →Operated by Barbarian Diving · Bookable on Viator
Your first scuba session can feel surprisingly easy. In Tenerife, this Try Scuba experience is built around calm coaching: a thorough safety briefing, equipment fitting, and hands-on practice before you go below in the clear waters off the island. I love that the group stays tiny (max 3 people), so you get real attention, not just a tag-along. I also love the structure: skills first, then the fun part, with instructors watching closely the whole time.
The main thing to plan around is conditions. This activity works only in good weather, and if visibility is limited, the focus may shift to what your guides can spot and keep comfortable for you.
In This Review
- Key highlights I’d plan my morning around
- A small-group scuba trial in Tenerife (3 hours that actually feel like a plan)
- Price and value: what $90.11 covers (and what you’ll want to budget for)
- Getting there: Arona meeting point and pickup for €5 more
- Before you go in: the safety briefing that sets the tone
- Gear fitting and first practice: shallow water confidence-building
- Going below around Tenerife: volcanic scenery plus marine life spotting
- Instructor attention: why this feels personal instead of rushed
- What to expect during the 3-hour flow (so you don’t waste mental energy)
- Who this scuba trial is best for (and who might think twice)
- The marine life part: what matters most for your photos and your memory
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the Try Scuba experience?
- Where do I meet for the scuba session?
- Is pickup available, and what does it cost?
- What language is the instruction offered in?
- How big is the group?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are photos included?
- Can I bring a service animal?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- Should you book this Try Scuba in Tenerife?
Key highlights I’d plan my morning around
- Tiny group size (up to 3 people) for more coaching and less waiting.
- Safety briefing + equipment use before you touch anything underwater.
- Shallow-water skills so you build confidence fast.
- Volcanic underwater formations around Tenerife for memorable scenery.
- Marine life spotting help from an instructor, including rays, octopuses, and sometimes turtles.
- Insurance included, plus equipment and fees covered in the price.
A small-group scuba trial in Tenerife (3 hours that actually feel like a plan)
This Try Scuba experience is set up as a short, guided “get your bearings” outing. It’s about getting comfortable with scuba equipment, basic technique, and what it feels like to move through the water with support nearby.
You’ll be with a maximum of three people, which changes the whole vibe. Instead of trying to learn from the sidelines, you can ask questions and get corrected in real time. For a first-timer, that matters more than most people expect.
The total time is about three hours, and the flow stays practical: briefing, gear, practice in shallow water, then a guided underwater session.
You can also read our reviews of more guided tours in Tenerife
Price and value: what $90.11 covers (and what you’ll want to budget for)
At $90.11 per person, the value is in what’s included: scuba equipment, all fees and taxes, and insurance. For many short activities, those “extras” quietly add up. Here, they’re folded in, so you’re not doing math in your head while you’re trying to enjoy vacation.
Two things to keep in mind. First, photos are not included. If you want proof beyond your own phone/video, plan ahead. Second, pickup costs extra, so your total depends on whether you need that convenience.
Overall, I’d treat this as a fairly priced entry point into scuba in Tenerife—especially because you’re not just renting gear. You’re paying for structured instruction and supervision.
Getting there: Arona meeting point and pickup for €5 more
You’ll meet at Calle Espigón del Benchijigua, 7, 38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, with the activity ending back at the same place. The start time is 8:30 am, which is great if you like calmer mornings and clearer water chances later in the day.
Pickup is offered, but it costs 5 extra euros. If you’re staying nearby and can reach the meeting point easily, you may be able to skip that fee. The location is also near public transportation, which helps if you’re not using a rental car.
Before you go in: the safety briefing that sets the tone
The experience starts with a briefing from expert instructors. They cover safety guidelines, basic scuba technique, and how to use the equipment correctly—so you’re not figuring things out while wearing gear and holding your breath.
This is where I think the best value sits. Even if you’re excited, you’ll relax faster when you understand what you’re doing and what to expect next. The guides also keep the pace realistic: practice comes before pressure, and you get corrected before you move on.
If English is your main language, you’ll be covered there. And based on instructor experience in this program, you may hear more than one language used to explain things clearly (for example, German instruction has come up in instructor feedback).
Gear fitting and first practice: shallow water confidence-building
After the briefing, you’ll put on your scuba equipment. Then comes the shallow-water part, where you practice essential skills while your instructor stays close.
This step is the difference between a scary first attempt and a smooth one. Instead of jumping straight into open water, you get time to:
- get comfortable with the gear on your body
- practice basic movements and control
- learn what normal feels like underwater
For nervous first-timers, this is a huge deal. The shallow session helps you stop thinking about the gear and start thinking about relaxing.
You can also read our reviews of more scuba diving tours in Tenerife
Going below around Tenerife: volcanic scenery plus marine life spotting
Once everyone is comfortable, you’ll head out for a guided underwater experience in Tenerife’s clear waters. The island’s volcanic underwater formations are a big part of the appeal—think dramatic rock shapes and natural structure where sea life likes to hang out.
What you’re likely to see depends on conditions, but the experience is set up to help you spot interesting animals. From past experiences shared with this program, expect a chance at colorful fish, octopuses, rays, and—occasionally—sea turtles and even sightings like angel sharks.
A practical note: visibility can vary. One set of experiences described limited visibility on the day, and the instructors still worked to maximize what could be seen. That’s exactly what you want from a guide—flexibility, not forcing a rigid plan when the ocean isn’t cooperating.
Instructor attention: why this feels personal instead of rushed
Instructors provide personalized support throughout, which is easier with a max group size of three. That small number shows up in how the session feels: you’re not competing for time, and you’re more likely to get feedback that matches your comfort level.
The instruction style also shows up in the calm, professional approach described in instructor-focused feedback. People highlighted how safe and at ease they felt, especially when they were brand-new. If you’ve ever been worried that you’ll slow the group down, this format is designed to reduce that pressure.
You’ll also get help with what to look for underwater. Guides don’t just point at “stuff” for the sake of it—they help you notice the animals you’ve been hoping for, and they pay attention to whether you’re enjoying the experience or getting overloaded.
What to expect during the 3-hour flow (so you don’t waste mental energy)
You’re looking at a tight schedule, and it helps to know what each segment is for:
1) Arrival and briefing (start of the morning): safety, equipment use, and basic technique so you’re ready.
2) Gear up and shallow-water practice: build comfort and prove you can handle the basics.
3) Guided underwater session: enjoy Tenerife’s underwater formations while staying within safety limits.
4) Back to the meeting point: the activity ends where it started.
If you’re the type who likes structure (or you’re traveling with limited time), this timing makes planning easier. If you’re prone to overthinking, arriving early and getting the briefing out of the way will help.
Who this scuba trial is best for (and who might think twice)
This is a great fit for first-timers. The shallow-water practice and step-by-step coaching are built for people who want to learn the basics and see real marine life without the “shock” factor.
It also fits nervous participants, since instruction tends to focus on clarity, safety, and comfort level. If you’re comparing options and one route offers small group size with close coaching, that’s the option I’d choose.
What might be a mismatch? If you want a long, independent underwater experience with no instruction, this is not that. This is a guided try-scuba session with a safety-first approach.
The marine life part: what matters most for your photos and your memory
Even though photos are not included, the experience is clearly designed around animal spotting. Expect guidance on where life tends to show up and help noticing things you might miss on your own.
In other words: don’t just watch for the big headline animals. Watch for the smaller, “easy to miss” moments too—movement around rock shapes, a sudden fish school passing, or an octopus appearing when you’re not staring at one spot for too long.
And if you’re a turtle-or-ray hopeful, you’ll still want to be flexible. The chance exists for sightings, but nothing is guaranteed in the ocean. The value is in having someone actively helping you look, safely and calmly.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the Try Scuba experience?
It runs for about 3 hours.
Where do I meet for the scuba session?
The meeting point is Calle Espigón del Benchijigua, 7, 38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
Is pickup available, and what does it cost?
Yes, pickup is offered. It costs an extra 5 euros.
What language is the instruction offered in?
The experience is offered in English.
How big is the group?
The group has a maximum of 3 travelers.
What’s included in the price?
Included are scuba equipment, all fees and taxes, and insurance.
Are photos included?
No. Photos are not included.
Can I bring a service animal?
Service animals are allowed.
What happens if the weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Should you book this Try Scuba in Tenerife?
Yes, if you want your first scuba experience to feel structured and supported. The tiny group size, shallow-water practice, and safety-focused coaching make it a smart choice for beginners or anyone who wants reassurance.
If you’re the type who needs photos or you want to rely on them for memories, plan to handle that separately since photos aren’t included. And if your trip dates are fixed, remember the activity depends on good weather—so build in a little flexibility if you can.
