Your first breaths underwater are surprisingly doable. This Costa Adeje experience pairs PADI coaching with a calm start, then takes you toward a turtle-friendly site for an easy, beginner setup in clear water.

What I like most is how well they balance fun with structure. You get a short intro from the instructor, then you’re supervised closely during a limited, beginner-friendly underwater session (max 12 meters) before you switch to snorkeling.

One heads-up: turtle sightings are not 100% guaranteed because they’re wild. Still, they do expect encounters in most cases, and you’ll likely see plenty of other sea life too.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

PADI-qualified instruction and close supervision for total first-timers and nervous first-goers

Max 12-meter underwater time that keeps the experience beginner-focused

Snorkeling safari with a guide in waters known for marine life

Speedboat ride with ocean and coast views, plus chances to spot whales or dolphins

Small group (max 10) for easier attention and smoother check-ins

Gear and wetsuit included, plus full insurance and water

Costa Adeje start: where the day begins (and how to find it)

The meeting point is the Travel Sub center in the ESCUELA NAUTICA building, in front of pier 5, within the private parking area at Puerto Colon. If you’re using a map app, zoom in enough to find the pier and the marina area—this is one of those spots where accuracy beats guessing.

Once you’re inside, plan to take it slow. The first chunk of the outing is all about getting you comfortable with the plan, the gear, and the safety signals before you ever reach the water. It’s also a good sign that the operation runs for multiple languages (English, Italian, Spanish, French, Russian), because it usually means their briefing process is standardized and clear.

Safety briefing that doesn’t feel like homework

This is a beginner-focused scuba session, and it shows in how they handle the start. You’ll have a safety briefing that lasts about 30 minutes, and the goal is simple: you should know what to do, what to avoid, and what signals mean when you’re underwater.

The vibe matters here. In real-world first-timer moments—like getting used to breathing underwater or adjusting when ears feel weird—the best instructors stay calm and keep it practical. At this center, instructors like Reuben and Romana are repeatedly praised for being patient and steady, even when someone is panicking or struggling with the depth on the way down.

Also pay attention to this detail: they take beginners seriously. One reason people feel safe is that the staff doesn’t rush you just to hit a schedule. They focus on you being ready. That’s the difference between a fun intro and a stressful one.

Speedboat ride: the fun part before you hit the water

After the briefing, you jump onto a speedboat. The ride is short—about 15 minutes to the site—so you get the ocean scenery without losing the day to transit.

This is also where you can score bonus wildlife time. The plan includes looking out from the boat for whales and dolphins as you move between locations. Even when you don’t see them, you still get a serious taste of the Atlantic coastline from the water—salt spray, open horizon, and that immediate feeling of being out there with the marine world instead of just watching it from shore.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, give yourself a small head start: sit where you feel most stable, keep your eyes on the horizon, and don’t overfill right before you leave. The trip is brief, but speedboats are fast by nature.

Your first scuba session: max depth, easy rules, close coaching

Your underwater time is about 25 minutes, and the maximum depth is 12 meters. That depth cap is a key part of the beginner value. It limits stress, keeps conditions manageable, and still gives you enough bottom time to see fish and feel what scuba breathing is like.

You’ll be using all the needed gear, including a wetsuit, fins, and mask, plus you’ll have the instructor directly guiding you. The provided info says there’s 1 instructor for every 2 people, and in practice, the attention can feel even more personal when beginners need extra reassurance.

Expect the usual first-timer sensations:

• you’ll need to get comfortable breathing steadily
• you may feel ear pressure changes as you descend
• you’ll follow clear hand signals for common actions

If you’re worried about ears, that’s not an issue you should ignore. Ask questions during the briefing, and be honest about discomfort. One reason this center earns high marks is that instructors are willing to slow down and guide you step-by-step rather than treating your panic as a problem to get rid of.

Depth isn’t the only limit: your health matters

This activity isn’t for everyone. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or people with pre-existing medical conditions. It’s also not suitable for diabetes. If any of those apply, skip this one and look for a medically appropriate alternative with a different operator.

Snorkeling safari after scuba: turtle country, plus more fish

Once the underwater portion ends, you move into snorkeling. Snorkeling time is also about 25 minutes, and it’s guided. That’s important because snorkeling can be much more fun when someone points out what to look for and helps you stay oriented around the best area.

The snorkeling happens in waters known for marine life, and the highlight is a turtle population site. Turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the operator notes that in about 95% of cases, turtles come into the area—so this is one of the better chances on the island if turtles are your must-see.

Even when turtles don’t show up during your specific window, you’re still set up to see other sea creatures like fish and rays. Some guides are also known for finding interesting underwater details rather than just floating around, which helps a beginner stay engaged.

Glasses and masks: the one equipment rule that can surprise you

A practical warning before you get excited: you can’t use the snorkeling or diving mask with glasses. If you wear prescription eyewear, you’ll need contact lenses or you’ll have to remove your glasses for the experience.

This matters because it affects comfort. If you can’t see clearly without corrective options, bring contacts if you use them, or consider whether snorkeling is worth it for you.

What the boat-and-water format is good for (and what it isn’t)

This trip is built for first-timers who want a guided introduction, not for divers looking to chase advanced conditions. The limited depth and short underwater time help you have a good first experience without feeling like you need training hours beforehand.

You also don’t have to snorkel or do the underwater portion to enjoy the day. The activity is described as suitable for people who want ocean and coastline views even if you choose not to snorkel or take part in the scuba part. So if your travel group has mixed comfort levels, it’s a workable compromise.

Photos and video: nice-to-have, not included

Underwater photos and video are available on the spot, but they’re not included in the base price. If you care about getting images of your first attempt, plan on either budgeting extra for the content or bringing your own waterproof solution. (The exact pricing of photos isn’t listed here, so treat it as an on-the-day decision.)

Price and value: is $85 a good deal?

At around $85 per person for a 3-hour outing, what you’re paying for is more than just “time in the water.” You’re getting:

• a speedboat to the site
• instructor-led scuba coaching
• guided snorkeling
• wetsuit, fins, and masks included
• full insurance
• water

For beginners, the value comes from reducing the friction. You don’t need to rent gear separately, and you’re not figuring out the safety side on your own. The small group size (limited to 10) also supports that value—more attention, less chaos, and faster support when someone is nervous about breathing or ear pressure.

Is it the cheapest option? Maybe not. But for a first scuba session with a PADI-qualified instructor and guided snorkeling, it’s priced like a proper guided experience, not a casual rental.

Who should book this scuba-and-snorkel combo

This tour is a great fit if you:

• are a true beginner and want structured coaching
• want a realistic shot at turtles
• care more about safety and confidence-building than extreme underwater time
• are traveling as a couple or small group and want a calm, supervised format

It’s also a solid choice for experienced swimmers who want the novelty of scuba breathing without an advanced course. And it can work well for solo travelers too, because you’re in a small group with instruction broken into manageable steps.

If you’re bringing kids, note that minors (8–17) must be supervised on the boat by an adult for the cost of the activity. It’s not suitable for children under 8.

Quick packing list for Tenerife salt air

Bring what makes the day comfortable above the water:

• sun hat
• towel
• sunscreen
• flip-flops
• passport or ID card for children

You don’t need a swimsuit set because towels and swimming costumes aren’t listed as included, and wetsuits are provided. Still, bring something you’ll be comfortable changing into before and after. Also remember: after your scuba session, you should avoid flying or going to high altitude for at least 12 hours.

Should you book this Tenerife turtle area experience?

If you want a beginner-friendly way to experience scuba breathing, this is the kind of tour that makes sense. The setup is short, the depth is limited, and the instruction style (patient, calm, safety-first) is what keeps the experience from turning into a scary experiment.

I’d book it if turtles are your top goal, but I would also go in with flexibility. Turtle encounters are high-likelihood, not guaranteed, and the underwater time still gives you plenty of fish and rays to enjoy.

If glasses are part of your daily life, double-check the mask rule first (contacts or no snorkeling mask with glasses). And if you have any medical restrictions listed—heart issues, pregnancy, diabetes, or pre-existing medical conditions—don’t force it. Choose a safer alternative.

FAQ

Is turtle sighting guaranteed on this trip?

No. Turtle sightings can’t be 100% guaranteed because they are wild animals. The operator notes that in about 95% of cases, turtles come into the area.

What’s the maximum depth for the beginner scuba session?

The underwater session reaches a maximum depth of 12 meters.

How long is the activity?

The total duration is about 3 hours.

How much time do you spend underwater and snorkeling?

You’ll have about 25 minutes for the underwater scuba part and about 25 minutes for the snorkeling safari.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the boat trip to the site, the scuba session, snorkeling with a guide, equipment (including wetsuit, fins, and mask), insurance, and water.

Are towels and swimming costumes provided?

No. Towels and swimming costumes are not included, and wetsuits are provided.

Can I wear prescription glasses with the mask?

No. It’s not possible to use the diving or snorkeling mask with glasses. You’ll need contact lenses or you’ll have to remove your glasses.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, and passport or ID for children.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for people under 8, pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with pre-existing medical conditions, people with diabetes, and people over 95 years.

What should I do after the scuba session regarding flying?

You should plan to not fly or go to high altitude for at least 12 hours after diving/scuba.

Can I cancel and still get a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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