REVIEW · TENERIFE
SSI Open Water, South Tenerife
Book on Viator →Operated by Medanodive · Bookable on Viator
Small-group SSI training in El Médano. In three days, you’ll work through the SSI Open Water course with 6 in-water training sessions, guided in English and run with a tight, organized team.
I love two things right away: the coaching style feels calm and personal, and the logistics are handled for you. Instructors like Chris and Isma are known for patience (even when you’re learning the basics) and for keeping the course structured but not stiff.
The main drawback to consider is time and effort: you’ll need moderate physical fitness and the course starts early (8:30 am), so it’s not a casual day trip. Also, you must be able to swim, and kids have to go with an adult.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you go
- What you’re really signing up for in SSI Open Water
- El Médano base: why South Tenerife is a smart choice
- The 3-day rhythm: how the training usually feels
- A note on what happens if your chosen day isn’t available
- Coaching style: why instructors like Chris and Isma get praise
- Where the course goes underwater (and what you might see)
- Value check: what the $600.85 price includes (and why it adds up)
- What you should still bring
- Group size and who this course suits best
- Age and physical fitness
- Logistics that make the day easier
- Should you book this SSI Open Water course?
- FAQ
- How long is the SSI Open Water course?
- How many in-water sessions are included?
- Where do I meet the team in El Médano?
- What time does the course start?
- Is the instruction offered in English?
- What’s included in the price?
- What’s not included?
- What are the age requirements?
- What fitness level do I need?
- What’s the cancellation and refund rule?
Key highlights to know before you go
- Small group size (max 4) means less waiting and more attention when you’re practicing skills
- Patient, human coaching from instructors like Chris and Isma helps first-timers relax fast
- All gear + insurance + transportation included, so the price covers the stuff that usually adds up
- English instruction makes it easier to ask questions and learn the why, not just the what
- Training around Tenerife’s popular areas, with examples like Abades and its caves and trumpet fish
What you’re really signing up for in SSI Open Water
This is the first level of an SSI open water pathway. The promise is simple: you’ll build practical underwater skills over a compact 3-day course, with 6 structured in-water training sessions.
What makes this course worth your time is the way it’s designed. Instead of “just going to see fish,” you’re training core habits: control, buoyancy, breathing, and safety steps you can carry into future snorkeling or certification. You’ll also deal with the classroom-to-water flow—some reviews mention an early learning component that then gets put into practice on real equipment right away. That kind of feedback loop is what turns nervous first attempts into steady progress.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
El Médano base: why South Tenerife is a smart choice
You’ll meet in El Médano at Av. Magallanes, 5 (38612), and that location matters more than it sounds. El Médano is set up for sea activities, so the day doesn’t feel like a long production. You’re starting at 8:30 am, which helps you get good conditions before the day heats up and activity ramps.
It’s also a practical town for hanging around after your training. One of the nicest perks isn’t underwater at all: instructors have been helpful with local tips for bars and restaurants, so you’re not stuck hunting for food after a long day in a wetsuit. It’s a small thing, but it changes your mood.
The 3-day rhythm: how the training usually feels
The course runs about three days. The exact pacing can vary depending on conditions, but you can expect a repeatable structure: learn a skill, practice it with guidance, then build confidence session by session. With 6 in-water sessions spread across the course, you’re not left waiting for a single big day. You get multiple chances to correct mistakes early—before bad habits stick.
A realistic way to think about it:
- Days 1 and 2 focus heavily on fundamentals and comfort with the gear
- You’ll move from “doing it once” to “doing it calmly and consistently”
- By the end, the goal is control and safety, not showy tricks
One review also points to a thoughtful course handoff: after you complete the required skills, the instructors go a step further and help you enjoy the more interesting parts of the underwater sites around the island. That matters because it keeps motivation high when you’re tired.
A note on what happens if your chosen day isn’t available
If the day you want isn’t possible, they’ll try to arrange a different day. If they can’t, you get a full refund. That flexibility is useful when your Tenerife schedule is tight.
Coaching style: why instructors like Chris and Isma get praise
This school’s reputation is built on people, not marketing. Multiple reviews highlight the same pattern: instructors are friendly, patient, and willing to keep things understandable. Names that came up again and again include Chris and Isma. Other team members mentioned include Jon, Mal, and Monika.
Here’s why that coaching style matters to you as a student:
- When you’re learning buoyancy and breathing, frustration is normal
- Humor and encouragement reduce the panic that slows learning
- Clear instruction speeds up the feedback loop—so you spend less time guessing
One review described Chris as patient and with a sense of humor that helped during the early e-learning phase. Another mentioned personal, attentive teaching, with the instructor making the course feel smooth even when it’s intense. That’s the difference between “I survived the course” and “I actually learned the skills.”
Safety also comes up in reviews in a simple way: you’re taught well and you’re made to feel safe while doing it. If you’re the type who worries about doing everything perfectly, this kind of guidance is a big deal.
Where the course goes underwater (and what you might see)
You won’t be stuck only in one tiny area. Tenerife offers different underwater conditions depending on the site and the day, and the team is known for choosing varied training spots.
One specific example mentioned is Abades. People described:
- A cave setting with an impressive number of trumpet fish
- Cave and fishlife experiences that feel like a real payoff after training skills
On that same trip, rays weren’t visible, but an octopus showed up. That’s a good reminder for you: wildlife depends on timing and conditions. Your best strategy is to treat each session as skill-building first, and wildlife as a bonus.
Value check: what the $600.85 price includes (and why it adds up)
At $600.85 per person for about three days, it’s not a “cheap fun activity.” But the value is strong because the course includes the real cost drivers most people underestimate.
Included items you should plan around:
- Scuba equipment (so you don’t have to rent or buy gear)
- An instructor for the training
- SSI course materials
- Underwater insurance
- Transportation to the water area
- SSI-related course support (listed as SSI feeds/material support)
What that means in practical terms: you can budget for the course and not get hit with a surprise at the end. Also, included equipment reduces friction. If you’ve ever tried to learn anything technical while using unfamiliar gear, you already know why that matters.
If you’re traveling and comparing options, price alone can mislead. A “lower” price often means you cover more extras on your own. Here, you’re paying for a full package: instruction + gear + insurance + movement around Tenerife.
What you should still bring
The listing doesn’t list personal gear requirements. So you’ll want to plan like you would for any structured water course: swimwear and a change of clothes, plus anything your school normally requests. If you want to feel confident, ask before you arrive what they expect you to bring.
Group size and who this course suits best
The course caps at 4 travelers, which is a huge advantage for first-timers. Less waiting means you spend more time practicing and less time staring at the horizon.
This setup is also ideal if you like direct feedback. People praised the instructors for being attentive and personal. One review even describes a scenario where the student was effectively alone on the course, which is exactly the kind of learning environment that helps you move quickly.
This course fits best if:
- You can swim and you’re comfortable learning technical skills
- You’re ready for an early start and a structured schedule
- You want a recognized certification path (SSI Open Water)
It’s not a great fit if you want a slow, purely sightseeing day. This is skill training, not a lounge-by-the-water experience.
Age and physical fitness
Minimum age is 12. Children must be with an adult and able to swim. Travelers should have moderate physical fitness. If you’re unsure, honesty helps—these courses rely on you being able to move comfortably and stay calm while learning the basics.
Logistics that make the day easier
You’ll get a confirmation at booking time, and the ticket is mobile. The meeting point is near public transportation, so you’re not forced to rely on a private car.
Start time is 8:30 am, so plan your morning like you would for an important class: eat something sensible, arrive early, and don’t treat it like a lie-in day. If you’re coming from another part of Tenerife, factor in extra buffer time.
Also, service animals are allowed, which is a helpful note if that applies to you.
Should you book this SSI Open Water course?
Book it if you want a first certification built around calm, supportive instruction and you value a tight group size. The standout themes in the experience are the instructors’ patience and the feeling of safety while you learn. With equipment, insurance, and transportation included, you’re also paying for the whole workflow, not just the paperwork.
Don’t book it if you’re looking for an easy, flexible half-day activity. This is structured training, it starts early, and you need to be able to swim and handle moderate physical effort.
If you fit the basics, I think this is one of those Tenerife activities where you walk away with real skills, not just a nice memory.
FAQ
How long is the SSI Open Water course?
It runs for about 3 days.
How many in-water sessions are included?
The course includes 6 in-water training sessions across the 3 days.
Where do I meet the team in El Médano?
You start at Av. Magallanes, 5, 38612 El Médano, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
What time does the course start?
The start time is 8:30 am.
Is the instruction offered in English?
Yes, it’s offered in English.
What’s included in the price?
The price includes scuba equipment, an instructor, material/SSI course support, underwater insurance, and transportation.
What’s not included?
The information provided lists no exclusions.
What are the age requirements?
The minimum age is 12. Children must be accompanied by an adult and be able to swim.
What fitness level do I need?
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
What’s the cancellation and refund rule?
You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid will not be refunded.
