You’re about to try scuba without the chaos. This Tenerife experience pairs a calm safety briefing with close instructor attention, then takes you into Tenerife’s volcanic waters to meet local marine life. You’ll do skill practice first, then go under with a guide who watches your comfort level.

One thing to plan for: pickup can cost extra. The tour starts at 8:30 am at Calle Espigón del Benchijigua, 7, and if you want pickup, it’s 5 extra euros—otherwise you’ll meet at the location.

Key highlights

• Up to 3 travelers means more hands-on help and quicker feedback when you’re learning
• English briefing with clear explanations of safety and equipment use
• Shallow-water practice first, so you get control of breathing and buoyancy before you go deeper
• Volcanic underwater scenery with real chances of seeing octopus, rays, and even sea turtles
• Gear + insurance included, so you’re not scrambling for basics or paperwork on the day

8:30 Start in Arona: what your Try Scuba morning actually looks like

This is a short outing, about 3 hours, built for first-timers who want the thrill fast—without skipping the safety part. It begins at 8:30 am at Calle Espigón del Benchijigua, 7, 38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The activity finishes back at the meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out new transport right after you’ve been in the water.

The format stays steady: you’ll start with a briefing, gear up, practice in shallow water, then head into Tenerife’s underwater world with your guide. The small group size (max 3 travelers) matters here. With fewer people, the instructor can slow down for your questions and check your positioning and breathing as you learn.

If you’re choosing this tour because you’re nervous, you’ll like the pacing. There’s time to build comfort first, instead of rushing straight into the most demanding part.

Safety briefing that helps you feel in control

What I like about this experience is how it treats first-time scuba as a learning process, not a test. Before anything gets wet, instructors walk you through core safety rules, basic techniques, and how to use the equipment properly. That briefing is where you get your mental map: how the gear works, what to do if something feels off, and how the group stays coordinated.

Then you put that info into action in shallow water. That’s a big deal. You’re not trying to figure out breathing, buoyancy, and hand signals all at once in deeper water. You get to practice the fundamentals while the instructor can see everything clearly and step in quickly.

From what you can expect with this team, the instruction style is calm and straightforward. In past sessions with guides like Kathi and Sergio, the common theme is personal attention and a focus on safety without taking away the fun. In at least one instance, the briefing was delivered in English and helped a nervous beginner relax quickly.

Shallow-water practice: the skill checks that make later moments easier

After the briefing, you’ll gear up and head to shallow water for essential skills. This part is where the experience turns from lecture to muscle memory. You’ll practice the basic movements you need to stay comfortable underwater, with your instructor watching closely.

This is also where the “try” in Try Scuba really shows. Instead of pretending you’re already an experienced diver, the tour builds the basics first. You’ll get comfortable enough to move on with confidence, and that comfort helps you enjoy the underwater scenery rather than thinking about every sensation.

If conditions are tricky, the instructors adjust. One set of accounts noted limited visibility on the day, but the guides still worked to help the group see as much as possible. That’s reassuring because underwater days don’t always cooperate, and good guidance is what keeps the experience positive.

Tenerife underwater: volcanic features and marine life you can actually hope for

Tenerife’s water is known for volcanic formations, and this tour leans into that. Once everyone is comfortable, you’ll follow your instructor on a guided underwater session in crystal-clear waters with local marine life.

Here’s the realistic part: you can’t guarantee specific animals every time. But you can choose this experience because the guides are clearly good at spotting. In earlier outings with Barbarian Diving, divers have mentioned seeing animals such as octopus, rays, and sea turtles, along with colorful fish and big schools of marine life. Some accounts also mention angel sharks and the thrill of unexpected sightings.

Volcanic underwater terrain tends to create varied shapes and hiding places. That’s why you can feel like you’re “exploring” instead of just passing by. The guide also plays a role in what you notice. In multiple accounts, instructors were attentive about pointing out what they spotted and helping divers understand what they were seeing.

If you’re the type who wants to learn while you look, this is a good match. The guide isn’t just checking you off; they’re helping you make sense of the underwater world.

Your guides: Barbarian Diving’s small-group style and named pros

This is run by Barbarian Diving, and the human factor shows up in the results. You’ll likely spend the whole session with the same instructor, so you get consistency and clear feedback.

Names that come up again and again include:

• Kathi (often noted for making beginners feel safe and supported; in one case, she teaches in German)
• Sergio (frequently mentioned for hands-on guidance and helping nervous first-timers feel relaxed)
• Katie/Kathleen (same guide team in different spellings across accounts)
• Antonio (noted for explaining details in English and helping beginners get oriented)

What matters isn’t just the name on the schedule. It’s the teaching approach: personalized attention, respect for comfort level, and a steady safety focus. If you’re worried you’ll slow the group down, you should know the format is designed for learning. The max group size of 3 travelers gives the guides room to work at your pace.

Price and value: what $90.11 really includes

At $90.11 per person, this experience is priced like a straightforward first step—one that’s easier to justify because key costs are already covered.

Included:

• Use of scuba equipment
• All fees and taxes
• Insurance

Not included:

• Photos

That mix is where the value is. Many first-time experiences charge extra for gear or basic insurance coverage. Here, you’re getting the equipment and insurance inside the ticket price, so your total cost is less likely to creep up once you arrive.

Pickup is the main add-on. You can pay 5 extra euros for pickup service. If you live near the meeting area, you may be better off skipping pickup and using public transport. If you don’t want to think about timing on a short morning, the pickup add-on can be worth it.

Also, since photos aren’t included, decide upfront if you want to budget for pictures elsewhere. If you’re the kind of person who values visual proof, that’s one place to plan.

Who should book this Try Scuba in Tenerife?

This is a strong fit for:

• First-time scuba learners who want a guided, coached start
• People who prefer small groups and close instruction
• Anyone who wants to see Tenerife’s marine life without committing to a longer course first

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The session also has a practical structure: briefing, shallow practice, then an underwater experience with your instructor supporting you the whole time.

Who should think twice:

• If you hate water time or want a purely sightseeing option, this is active and hands-on.
• If you need pickup to make your morning work, factor in the extra 5 euros and plan around the 8:30 am start.

Practical logistics that affect your comfort on the day

The meeting point is fixed: Calle Espigón del Benchijigua, 7, 38650 Arona. The session starts at 8:30 am, and you’ll return back there at the end.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, and confirmation comes at booking. The meeting area is near public transportation, which is helpful if you want to travel light and avoid relying on taxi timing.

Small details matter for first-timers. Starting promptly keeps the water practice smooth, and the shallow-to-underwater progression works best when you’re not rushing or missing the briefing.

Should you book Barbarian Diving’s Try Scuba in Tenerife?

I’d book it if you want a first scuba experience that prioritizes comfort, safety, and personal guidance. The small group size, the step-by-step structure (briefing, shallow practice, then underwater), and the fact that gear and insurance are included all make this feel like solid value for a short trip.

If you’re on the fence, use this quick checklist:

• You want instruction in English
• You’re okay with an 8:30 am start
• You’re comfortable with an active, learn-while-you-go morning
• You’d rather pay for a package than assemble gear and coverage yourself

One more reason it’s tempting: Tenerife’s underwater life can be genuinely surprising. If you’re lucky with conditions and spotting, you could see octopus, rays, sea turtles, and plenty of fish along volcanic underwater features—guided by instructors who focus on your comfort level from the first minute.

FAQ

How long is the scuba experience in Tenerife?

It runs for about 3 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Calle Espigón del Benchijigua, 7, 38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is available for an extra 5 euros.

Is the experience offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes use of scuba equipment, all fees and taxes, and insurance.

Are photos included?

No, photos are not included.

How many people are in the group?

This activity has a maximum of 3 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

SSI Advanced Course in TenerifeTenerife: Teide National Park Buggy Tour with Hotel TransferTenerife: Teide and Las Cañadas Half-Day Tour2-Hours Spa Circuit in Costa Adeje