Two days, real progress. This PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course in Tenerife is built for newer divers who want more control, more confidence, and more underwater variety without wrangling gear. You’ll train with a small group (max 8) and start from the Scubanana base in Radazul at 9:00 am.

I especially like the professional, safety-first coaching style reported across multiple instructors, from Pauline and Giulia to Denis and Fran. And I like that gear and PADI fees are included, which cuts down the usual pre-course stress.

One thing to think about: you must be a certified Open Water Diver, be physically fit to dive, and you should avoid heavy timing conflicts like diving within 12 hours of a flight.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Small-group size (max 8): more individual feedback and calmer pacing.
• Adventure skills focus: training that builds buoyancy control and navigation rather than just “seeing stuff.”
• Night and wreck sessions: included in the AOWD mix, with instructors guiding the challenge.
• Radazul convenience: you start at the center and also visit other east-coast bays.
• No gear rental hassle: scuba gear and learning materials are included, plus PADI fees.
• Progress that may count later: Adventure Dives can credit toward the first dive of matching PADI specialties.

PADI AOWD in Tenerife: what makes this 2-day course practical

The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course is often misunderstood as something only “advanced” divers can take. In reality, it’s designed to help you get better—so you can start after you earn your PADI Open Water certification and keep building from there.

In Tenerife, this experience works well because you’re not dealing with a giant, chaotic operation. With a maximum group size of 8, the training tends to stay structured and responsive. That matters when you’re working on skill precision like holding trim and controlling your position in the water column.

The course goals: skills that actually transfer to every future outing

Your AOWD is organized around multiple Adventure Dives, and that’s the point. You don’t just collect badges. You practice ways of scuba that carry over to everything after the course: steadier buoyancy, better heading choices, and confidence in new conditions.

From what’s described in the course feedback, the more technical elements—especially navigation and buoyancy control—are where you’ll feel the workload. That’s good. It’s also where you’ll likely notice the difference between “I can do this” and “I can do this without thinking.”

Another useful angle: each Adventure Dive may credit toward the first dive of the matching PADI Specialty Course. So if you later want a specialty, you might be able to reuse parts of what you practiced during AOWD—just ask the instructor whether you’ve earned credit for the specialties you care about.

Where day one starts: Radazul’s Scubanana meeting point and the 9:00 am launch

Everything starts at the Scubanana base at Puerto Deportivo, Av. Colón, nº1, 38109 Radazul, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The start time is 9:00 am, so plan to be there with enough breathing room to check in, get set up, and do any pre-briefing calmly.

This location is a real plus for a short, two-day course. It’s near public transportation, and several divers mention the relaxed feel of being able to work from the center area rather than constantly commuting with gear. When your schedule is tight, small time-savers add up fast.

If you’re the type who likes a clean setup, you’ll likely appreciate the repeated comments about the facility being well organized and equipment being in excellent condition.

What happens during the underwater sessions near Radazul

The course mix includes sessions directly around Radazul (close to the center) and then additional underwater outings along Tenerife’s east coast. That split is smart: you get a chance to steady your control early, then apply it as you move into different environments.

Expect your instructor-led work to include both skill practice and guided exploration. In instructor-led feedback you’ll see a pattern: classes led by people like Pauline and Izaac (also written as Izaac/Izaac in different mentions) emphasize mastering technique, not rushing through it.

Also, small-group size makes it easier for the team to adjust to different experience levels. That’s important because AOWD attracts divers right after Open Water certification, and everyone comes in with different comfort levels.

Night session and wreck session: where the course gets memorable

AOWD includes a night experience and a wreck experience, and that combination tends to be the highlight for many people because it forces new mental habits.

A night session changes how you manage buoyancy, visibility, and awareness. Even when nothing is technically “hard,” your brain has to work differently: you slow down your movements, you watch your gauge more carefully, and you rely more on instructor cues and team positioning.

A wreck session adds a different kind of focus—planning, awareness, and restraint. Wreck environments can feel exciting, but you still have to manage breathing rate, buoyancy, and situational control. In feedback, people describe the training as fun while still being instructive, which is exactly the balance you want.

If you’re nervous about either topic, that’s normal. This course is built so the instructor can scaffold the experience—starting from fundamentals and then adding challenge in a controlled way.

Instructor quality: safety-first teaching with names you’ll hear repeatedly

One of the strongest themes in the feedback is that instructors are professional and put safety first while still keeping the mood enjoyable.

You’ll see the following instructors mentioned across different experiences: Pauline, Giulia, Fran, Denis, Isaac/Izaac, Benny, Henning, Kathi, Laura, Carlos, Raquel, and Ubay. Even if you don’t get the same instructor, the consistency in teaching style is the point: organized briefings, clear explanations, and steady attention to technique.

I like that the team is described as responsive when multiple divers have different needs. In a course where you’re practicing control (and sometimes getting corrected), that responsiveness can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed or feeling encouraged.

Gear, learning materials, and what you might still want to bring

This course includes scuba gear, learning material, diving instruction, and PADI fees. That’s a big value point because you don’t have to arrange rentals separately, and you can show up and focus on the training.

Two practical items to keep in mind from the advice shared:

• Consider bringing your own mask. One comment calls out that a rental mask didn’t fit as well, and comfort matters a lot underwater.
• Don’t forget your log book. Even when learning materials are included, your course records are still your responsibility.

Photos are not included. If you want an image souvenir, you’ll likely need to budget for that separately (or ask on-site what options exist).

Also, diving insurance isn’t included, so check your coverage before you go. This is one of those “boring but important” details that can save headaches.

Price and value: what $539.48 really covers for 2 days

At $539.48 per person for about 2 days, the value is strongest when you look at what’s inside the package: local taxes, instructor time, gear, learning materials, and PADI fees.

Many courses have a “sounds inclusive” feeling until you add rentals, fees, and paperwork later. Here, the essentials are already bundled, which tends to make the experience smoother—especially when the schedule is compact.

The costs not included are also clear: diving insurance and photos. So the smart move is to plan for those two things upfront, rather than assuming they’re covered.

How fit and timing affect your course

You should have a moderate physical fitness level to take part. You also have to be physically in conditions to dive. If you’ve been sick recently, are dealing with injuries, or you’re unsure about readiness, it’s better to discuss it before you commit.

Timing matters too. The guidance you’ll want to follow is: you should not dive 12 hours before a flight. That’s about safety and avoiding pressure-related risks after flying. If your travel plan involves an airport transfer the same day, check your itinerary and build in a buffer.

Finally, confirmation is received at booking, and the course is offered in English. That helps if you want clear instruction without language friction.

Who should book this AOWD course in Tenerife

This course is a great fit if:

• You’re an Open Water Diver ready to build skills and confidence.
• You want a structured course with coaching on navigation and buoyancy control.
• You’re interested in trying a night session and a wreck session in a supervised way.
• You prefer a small-group setup (max 8) where instructors can give hands-on feedback.

It may be less ideal if you’re looking for a purely sightseeing trip with minimal skills work. AOWD is intentionally skill-forward. You should expect correction, practice, and attention to technique—because that’s what makes the training stick.

Also, if you want to plan future specialty training, keep the credit idea in your head and ask your instructor which Adventure Dives count toward the specialties you’re considering.

Should you book Scubanana’s PADI AOWD in Tenerife?

If your goal is real skill growth in a calm, organized setting, I’d say yes. The best reasons to book are the consistent themes of professional instructors, safety-first teaching, small-group attention, and a course mix that includes both night and wreck experiences.

I’d hesitate only if you’re not ready to meet the requirements: you must already be a certified Open Water Diver, you need to be physically able to dive, and your travel timing should respect the 12-hour rule before flights.

If that all matches your situation, this is the kind of short, focused training that can set you up for smoother scuba outings for years after.

FAQ

Do I need to be certified before I can take this course?

Yes. You have to be a certified Open Water Diver to take part.

How long is the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course in Tenerife?

It runs for 2 days (approx.).

Where does the course start?

The start point is Scubanana’s base at Puerto Deportivo, Av. Colón, nº1, 38109 Radazul, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does it start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

What’s included in the price?

Included: local taxes, diving instructor, diving gear, learning material, and PADI fees. The ticket is mobile.

What is not included?

Not included: diving insurance and photos.

Is the course taught in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 8 travelers.

Are there any timing rules before traveling by flight?

You should not dive 12 hours before a flight.

Can Adventure Dives count toward PADI specialty courses?

Each Adventure Dive may credit toward the first dive of the corresponding PADI Specialty Course. Ask your instructor if you’ve earned credit for the specialties you’re interested in.

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