Discover Scuba Diving, free pictures included

REVIEW · PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS

Discover Scuba Diving, free pictures included

  • 5.014 reviews
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • From $95.03
Book on Viator →

Operated by OCEAN FRIENDS Buceo y Apnea-Freediving · Bookable on Viator

Underwater feels scary until someone teaches it. In Tenerife, this first scuba session mixes a calm classroom start with hands-on water practice and free photos, in groups limited to six. You’re not guessing what to do—you follow a guided flow built for beginners.

I love the way the certified instructor walks you through equipment setup before you go underwater. I also like the clear progression from a shallow, quiet area to going deeper, up to 12 meters, while staying supported the whole time. And yes, they take photos so you can remember the moment—not just the nerves.

One thing to plan for: this experience depends on favorable weather. You’ll also need to fill out a health questionnaire, and some medical conditions may rule you out, so check your situation early.

Key highlights worth your attention

  • Small group size (max 6) keeps the coaching personal and the pace comfortable.
  • Instructor-led theory first means you understand what you’re doing, not just what to copy.
  • Shallow practice before deeper water helps you build confidence at your own speed.
  • Go up to 12 meters once you’re ready, with volcanic formations and marine life to see.
  • Photos are included so you get results without paying for a separate photo package.
  • Insurance is included, which adds peace of mind for a first-time experience.

Tenerife’s meeting point and how the day flows

Discover Scuba Diving, free pictures included - Tenerife’s meeting point and how the day flows
This course starts at Paseo Espigon las Galletas, 1, 38631 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. It ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a complicated last-mile scramble after you’re wet, excited, and a little hungry.

The format is simple: you arrive, you meet your instructor, you get your lesson, then you move to the water for controlled practice. The experience also mentions hassle-free transport from the Los Abrigos area, which is a big plus if you’re staying somewhere nearby and don’t want to fuss with logistics.

Two practical notes that matter:

  • The experience duration is listed as about 2 hours, but the total time can run 1.5 to 3 hours depending on group size.
  • It’s offered in English, which helps if you want clear explanations rather than “mostly understanding.”

If you like tight schedules and structured activities, this one fits that style. If you hate waiting, you’ll still be fine—because the day stays focused on training rather than lingering.

You can also read our reviews of more scuba diving tours in Tenerife

The lesson that makes first-time underwater work feel doable

Discover Scuba Diving, free pictures included - The lesson that makes first-time underwater work feel doable
The best part of a beginner experience is not the water. It’s the preparation. Here, you begin with theory—basic concepts of scuba—and then you connect that knowledge to what you’ll do with the equipment.

You’ll learn:

  • How the equipment works (so you’re not operating it blindly)
  • Techniques for breathing underwater
  • Basic underwater communication, so you can understand what the instructor needs from you

This “explain first, then practice” approach is exactly what makes these sessions feel safe and calm. The instructor doesn’t just hand you gear and hope for the best. They teach you the why, so your brain has something solid to hang onto when your body is reacting to a new environment.

And because they’re a certified instructor, you’re not left to figure it out mid-session. You have real-time support the whole way, which is a big deal on a first try.

Equipment day: comfort comes from getting set up right

They include diving equipment and a certified instructor, and that combo is more important than it sounds. Good equipment fit and correct use can reduce the little frustrations that ruin confidence.

Expect an equipment walkthrough before you head into the water. The lesson focuses on how to use the gear and how your breathing should feel once you’re underwater. That means you start practice knowing what you’re looking for, like how to settle your breathing rhythm and respond to instructions.

One small drawback to keep in mind: Traje de buceo Largo is not included. If you know you’ll need that longer wetsuit (or the specific item your operator expects), you’ll want to plan for it ahead of time. If you show up assuming everything is covered and then discover a missing gear item, your day can start with stress instead of excitement.

Shallow water practice at your pace

Discover Scuba Diving, free pictures included - Shallow water practice at your pace
After the classroom portion, you head to a beach area with calm, shallow water for your first underwater training. This is where the experience earns its beginner reputation.

The session is designed to let you work at your own pace. You practice fundamentals in a controlled setting before you go deeper. That step matters because it gives you space to handle your breathing, learn your timing, and understand how your body feels underwater—without the pressure of deeper conditions.

What you’re practicing here is not just “being underwater.” You’re rehearsing the basics of:

  • breathing while you’re submerged
  • underwater communication techniques
  • working with the equipment until it feels normal

The instructor stays right with you, so if you’re moving slower than the group, you’re not rushed. And if you’re progressing quickly, you still don’t skip steps—the plan is built to keep you comfortable.

From a value perspective, this shallow phase is one of the reasons the photos are so worth it. You’re likely to feel less tense, so the moment reads as fun rather than survival.

Going to 12 meters: volcanic formations and marine life

Discover Scuba Diving, free pictures included - Going to 12 meters: volcanic formations and marine life
Once you’re feeling confident, you go a bit deeper. The maximum listed depth is 12 meters. That limit is a smart choice for first-timers: deep enough to feel the change, but still within a training framework.

This is where you get to enjoy the underwater scenery that makes Tenerife special. The experience highlights underwater volcanic formations, which is a rare and memorable kind of scenery compared with more generic reef dives.

You’ll also see a great diversity of marine life. That combination—volcanic rock shapes plus living sea creatures—tends to create exactly the kind of “wait, this is real” reaction beginners want.

Safety stays front and center because the certified instructor supports you at all times. You’re not out there on your own exploring like an expert. You’re learning, seeing, and staying guided.

Photos included: why they’re a real part of the value

Discover Scuba Diving, free pictures included - Photos included: why they’re a real part of the value
This experience includes pictures. That’s not a throwaway “nice to have.” For many first-time students, the hardest part is remembering what happened while you were trying to follow instructions.

A photo package included in the price solves that problem. You can actually look back and see yourself doing something you usually only watch on vacation videos.

If you’re the type who forgets details the second you step back on land, this matters. And if you’re going with friends or family, the photos become something you can share immediately, while the excitement is fresh.

There’s also an option to purchase a video, but video is not included. So if you want a full film-style souvenir, you’ll have to decide on the extra cost later.

Price check: is $95.03 worth it?

At $95.03 per person, the value mostly comes from what’s included. You’re paying for:

  • equipment
  • a certified instructor
  • insurance
  • photos

That combination is a strong deal for a beginner setup. You’re not just paying for time in the water. You’re paying for instruction, gear handling, and the safety layer that makes the experience feel manageable.

It also helps that the group is capped at six. Smaller groups often mean more attention per person, which reduces the chance of spending your session feeling ignored.

Two exclusions to note so you don’t get surprised:

  • Video is available to purchase, but not included.
  • Traje de buceo Largo is not included.

If you already have the wetsuit item expected for you, the price feels even better. If you don’t, factor that cost into your planning so you don’t end up thinking it was a bargain and then realizing you still need to buy gear.

Who this experience suits best (and who should double-check)

Discover Scuba Diving, free pictures included - Who this experience suits best (and who should double-check)
This is built for beginners. That shows in the structure: theory first, shallow practice, then deeper water once you’re ready, up to 12 meters.

It’s a good fit if you:

  • want a guided first underwater experience in Tenerife
  • prefer small groups (up to six)
  • like the idea of getting photos included
  • feel comfortable with moderate physical fitness

The minimum age is 10 years old. If you’re traveling as a family, that can make the experience possible for older kids who can follow instructions and handle the health questionnaire process.

But check the key constraints early:

  • Not recommended to dive/scuba within 24 hours before flying.
  • You must complete a health questionnaire.
  • Some pre-existing medical conditions (examples listed include asthma and heart conditions) may prevent you from participating.
  • Some days may be canceled if weather isn’t favorable.

If you have any medical concerns, don’t guess. Talk with your doctor before you plan your trip around this.

Weather can change the plan, so keep your timing flexible

This activity is subject to favorable weather conditions. If poor weather cancels the session, you’ll be given a choice of an alternative date or a full refund.

That’s exactly how you want a first-time underwater experience to work. You don’t want to gamble on risky conditions when you’re learning the basics. Build some flexibility into your Tenerife schedule so you can take the rescheduled slot if needed.

What to expect on the day, in real-world terms

Here’s the practical shape of your timeline:

  • You meet at the designated spot in Las Galletas (Arona area).
  • You start with theoretical training: basics of scuba, equipment use, breathing underwater, and underwater communication.
  • You move to calm, shallow water to practice fundamentals while working at your own pace.
  • When you’re ready, you go deeper to a maximum of 12 meters.
  • You finish with support all the way through and then return back to the meeting point.
  • You get the photos from the experience.

The session duration is about 2 hours on the schedule, but it can stretch to around 1.5 to 3 hours based on group size. If you’re pairing this with other plans that same day, keep a buffer.

Also, the experience is offered in English, so you can plan your day around that without guessing translation support.

Should you book this first scuba experience in Tenerife?

If you want a first underwater adventure that feels structured, beginner-friendly, and safety-focused, this is a strong choice. The training approach—theory first, then calm shallow water practice at your pace—sets you up to enjoy yourself instead of panicking. Add in that photos are included, and you’ve got a good souvenir built into the price.

Book it if:

  • you meet the age and moderate fitness expectations
  • you’re comfortable with the health questionnaire requirement
  • you can plan around possible weather changes
  • you’d rather learn with a certified instructor than wing it

Skip it (or at least ask more questions first) if:

  • you’re dealing with medical issues like asthma or heart conditions and haven’t confirmed with a doctor
  • you’re planning to fly within 24 hours
  • you’re missing the wetsuit item referenced as Traje de buceo Largo and you don’t want to arrange it

If you’re ready to trade nervous guesses for clear coaching, this Tenerife experience gives you exactly that—then gives you photos so you can remember it.

FAQ

FAQ

What’s the duration of the experience?

The activity is scheduled for about 2 hours, with total time typically between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on how many people are in the group.

What’s the meeting point?

You start at Paseo Espigon las Galletas, 1, 38631 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. It includes an introductory lesson on the basics, then shallow practice first, and then a deeper section up to a maximum of 12 meters with instructor support.

What’s included in the price?

It includes diving equipment, a certified instructor, insurance, and photos taken during your experience.

What’s not included?

Video is available to purchase, and Traje de buceo Largo is not included.

Is there an age limit?

The minimum age is 10 years old.

What if the weather is bad?

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Tenerife we have reviewed