Your first scuba session starts with calm confidence. I like that you get a certified instructor with you the whole time, and I also appreciate the free photos so you don’t have to scramble for a camera plan. One practical catch: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to Marina del Sur (Puerto de las Galletas).

This is set up for first-timers in a small group, with a theory lesson, equipment basics, and gentle practice in shallow, calm water before you go deeper. The max depth is 12 meters, and the goal is simple: feel comfortable, then enjoy Tenerife’s volcanic underwater formations and marine life.

Key things that make this Tenerife scuba experience work

• Certified support throughout so you’re not guessing what to do when you’re underwater
• Free photo package (2 or 3 shots per person) to document your first time
• Shallow practice first so your confidence grows before you go deeper
• Max 12 meters with a real sightseeing focus on volcanic formations and wildlife
• Small group (up to 10) which usually means more attention, not less

Finding Ocean Friends at Marina del Sur, dock 5

You’ll meet at Ocean Friends at Marina del Sur in Puerto de las Galletas, dock 5. The activity lists Marina South as the starting area, so I’d plan your navigation using Marina del Sur and then head to the dock number. Showing up 15 minutes early is smart here; it gives the team time to get everyone organized with gear and paperwork without turning the pre-session part into a rush.

Also, double-check what’s in your reservation for meeting point only. This one doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off. If you’re staying in the south of Tenerife, you’ll likely find it straightforward to reach by local bus or taxi. If you’re farther north, budget extra time so you arrive relaxed, not sprinting.

The pre-water lesson: theory, gear, and underwater communication

The tour runs about 3 hours on the schedule, but the real total time can fall anywhere between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on group size. That range matters, because the in-water part is only one hour of the formal experience. In other words, the early portion is where they set you up for success.

Before you get in the water, you’ll cover the basics: diving theory, how scuba equipment works, breathing technique, and underwater communication. This is the part I’d call the “stress reducer.” When you understand the rhythm of breathing and what hand signals mean, the rest of the session feels less mysterious and more like following a checklist.

You’ll also get equipment explained and fitted. The nice part is that this training is built for your first experience. You’re not being thrown straight into the deep end of the learning curve.

Shallow practice in calm water: go at your pace

Once it’s time to get in, you’ll start in a shallow, calm area. That’s not just for comfort. It’s where you learn control—how to manage buoyancy, how breathing feels once you’re fully geared up, and how to move without panicking.

They work at your pace. This matters for real people, not just confident swimmers. The goal is that you feel steady before anyone asks you to go deeper. If you’re the type who needs a minute to settle into unfamiliar gear, you’ll probably appreciate this sequence.

One review also hinted at what can happen if you’re sensitive to pressure changes or feel uncomfortable as depth increases. The instructors are not only focused on the technical side; they’re also watching you. If something feels off, you’ll get supported.

Going deeper to about 12 meters for volcanic scenery

When you’re comfortable, you’ll head a bit deeper—maximum 12 meters. That’s deep enough to feel like a real underwater change, but shallow enough that first-timers can keep focus on the experience rather than surviving it.

This is where Tenerife’s underwater volcanic formations come into play. The water off the Canary Islands is known for a strong mix of geology and marine life, and this tour is designed around that idea: you’re there to see the scenery up close while staying within a safe training profile.

You’ll also notice how the instructors structure the session so you can look and absorb without constantly worrying about what’s next. A relaxed sightseeing moment is the reward for the work you do in the shallow area first.

And yes, you may spot wildlife—one participant specifically mentioned seeing fish and an octopus—though nature doesn’t run on your schedule. Consider this an outing where you’re guaranteed an education and a guided experience, and you get wildlife when conditions and timing cooperate.

What you really get from the instructors (and why it shows)

Safety here is not treated like a slogan. It’s built into the format: a certified instructor stays with you at all times. In a small group of up to 10 participants, that kind of attention is actually possible.

The reviews put a spotlight on professionalism and patience. People repeatedly describe feeling safe and zero-stress underwater, even when they were brand new. One review even singled out an instructor named Elio as the professional who knows how to handle situations. Another highlighted an instructor who explained the essentials clearly and dealt with comfort issues as they came up.

That combination—clear instruction plus calm handling—usually makes the biggest difference for first-timers. Scuba gear can feel intimidating for 10 minutes. It’s the instructor’s job to turn that first 10 minutes into something you can manage.

In short: you’re not just paying for time underwater. You’re paying for guided competence.

Free photos: 2–3 per person, plus optional upgrades

One of the best value touches is the included photo package. During the activity, they take photos and send 2 or 3 per person. If you want more, extra photos and video are available for purchase.

For first-timers, this is huge. Underwater photography is hard, and messing with your own camera usually means you’re not fully focused on learning and safety. By handling the photo side, the team reduces distraction while you’re still trying to get comfortable with buoyancy and breathing.

If you’re traveling with a friend and neither of you wants to be the designated camera operator, this setup solves that problem. You still get memories, and you don’t have to sacrifice attention to get them.

How the $105 price makes sense for first-timers

At $105 per person, this isn’t a bargain-price hobby session. But for what’s included, it’s easy to see why it feels fair.

Here’s what you get without extra line items for the core experience:

• scuba equipment
• a certified instructor
• insurance
• free photos (2–3 per person)

You also get a training structure: theory, shallow practice, and then a controlled deeper portion. That mix costs more than simple boat trips or snorkeling. You’re paying for equipment plus guided instruction plus the safety net of insurance.

Not included are meals and drinks, and there’s no hotel pickup/drop-off. Those are normal for this type of short activity. Just plan accordingly so you’re not hungry or stuck thinking about transportation after you’re wet and tired.

Overall, if you want a first-time scuba experience that doesn’t cut corners, $105 looks like solid value.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This works best if you:

• are at least 10 years old
• can swim (being able to swim is mandatory)
• want a guided first-time scuba experience with structured coaching
• prefer a small group format (up to 10 people)

It’s not recommended for pregnant women. And if you’re considering flying or visiting high places like Mount Teide within 24 hours after the session, this tour explicitly advises against it. That’s a big deal for planning your broader Tenerife itinerary.

One more practical point: if you have sinus issues or you’re prone to discomfort as depth increases, go in with eyes open. A participant had sinus pain during the deeper part and the session was cut short, but they still described it as an excellent experience overall. In other words, the instructors adjust when needed.

Practical tips before you go to Puerto de las Galletas

Bring swimwear and a towel. That’s it for clothing prep, but it’s not “it’s that simple” energy. You’ll be handling gear and moving from dock to water, so wear something you can rinse easily.

Arrive 15 minutes early at dock 5. This isn’t just to follow rules. It keeps the check-in and fitting process from compressing into the time you’ll need to relax.

If you’re sensitive to motion sickness, consider what one participant recommended: an anti-nausea tablet before getting back up from the water. You’ll want to follow your own medical advice and label instructions, but it’s a useful idea if you know you get nauseous after being in and out of water.

And plan your day around the 24-hour no-flying / no-high-place guidance. Tenerife has plenty to do that doesn’t involve jumping on a plane or heading to big elevations.

Should you book this Tenerife first-time scuba session?

Book it if you want your first scuba experience with real training, real supervision, and a way to keep the memories without stress. The included equipment, insurance, certified instructor, and free photos make it feel purpose-built for first-timers, not a “figure it out” situation.

Skip it if you can’t swim, you’re under the minimum age, or you’re pregnant. Also think twice if your schedule includes flying or high-elevation plans within 24 hours after, since the tour advises against it.

If you’re on the fence, here’s the decision rule I’d use: choose this when you want the guided learning to matter more than the adrenaline. Based on the instructor feedback you’ll likely hear in person, that’s the right mindset.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the scuba experience?

You meet at Ocean Friends at Marina del Sur (Puerto de las Galletas), dock 5.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup or drop-off is not included.

How long does the activity take?

The total duration is listed as about 3 hours, but the actual time can be between 1.5 hours and 3 hours depending on the group size.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes diving equipment, a certified instructor, insurance, and photos.

Are photos included, and how many do you get?

Photos are taken during the activity and 2 or 3 per person are sent. You can optionally purchase more photos and video.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

What are the age and swimming requirements?

The minimum age is 10 years. Being able to swim is mandatory.

Are there restrictions after the experience?

It is not recommended to fly or go to high places (for example Mount Teide) for 24 hours after diving.

You Might Also Enjoy

Costa Adeje: Tenerife Monkey Beach Club Utopia Pool PartySubmarine tour Tenerife: a 1 hour underwater experiencePuerto Colon: Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat TourPrivate Surfing Lesson at Playa de las Américas