This trip feels personal from minute one. I loved the 1-1 attention and the way instructor Monika used breathing and stretching to calm first-time nerves fast. You’ll also get a no-pressure pace, so you can move from sand to open water when you feel ready.

The main thing to consider is health and conditions: the activity depends on good weather, and it’s not recommended if you have active asthma. If either of those apply, it’s worth asking before you book.

1-on-1 shore scuba with Monika in Tenerife

This experience is built for people who want scuba instruction without the usual chaos. No crowd. No one else tagging along. You and your instructor take the pace, and that changes everything—especially if you’re nervous.

You meet in Santa Cruz de Tenerife at Avenida Maritima, then the day starts with a short intro and gear setup. From there you enter from the beach, which is a big deal in Tenerife where boat trips can sometimes mean choppy rides. Shore entry tends to feel more controllable, and that control matters when you’re learning how your breathing and buoyancy work together.

For beginners, the promise is simple: you don’t need prior experience. The plan is to give you time to feel safe, learn the basics, and then enjoy seeing marine life at a speed that doesn’t make your heart race.

What happens before you even enter the water

Good scuba starts on land. This is why I like that your session begins with an easy-to-understand introductory video. It’s there to help you wrap your head around what you’ll be doing before anyone asks you to perform underwater skills.

After that, you’ll do equipment fitting. The gear is prepared and tailored for you unless you’re already certified. That’s practical: correct sizing helps you breathe comfortably and stay in position without fighting your kit.

You’ll also get answers to any questions in person. If you’re the type who worries about the unknown—like what that regulator feel actually means, or what happens if you get anxious—this part gives you a chance to sort it out before you’re under.

Then come the calming tools. The session includes meditation and breathing techniques, plus stretching. In the review notes I saw, that approach helped a first-timer feel safe almost immediately after meeting Monika.

Entering from the beach: slow, stable, and in your control

Here’s the biggest practical win: this is a shore entry. That means you don’t have to manage stairs, ladders, or an awkward transition from boat to water. You enter from the beach, and you control how quickly you move forward.

Once you’re geared up, you begin in shallow water where you can stand comfortably. This is a smart teaching method. Instead of forcing you to hang in the water column right away, you get time to get used to breathing through the regulator while your feet are still supported.

You can also control how deep and fast you go. That’s not just a nice idea—it’s the difference between learning and panic. If you want a gentle, short experience focused on comfort and basics, you can steer it that way.

And because there are no strangers joining you, you’re not performing for anyone. I find that matters. Underwater learning is already awkward enough without an audience.

Marine life you can actually look for in Tenerife

The underwater world around Tenerife is a huge draw, and this session is designed to let you experience it without feeling rushed. You can expect guided time to look for marine life, including the chance of stingrays and turtles.

Colorful fish are mentioned as part of what you’ll see. But the real value is how the guide matches the plan to your comfort level. If you’re new, you’re likely to spend some time simply getting your breathing steady and your body positioned well. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to race through as many sightings as possible.

In other words, you’re not on a checklist. You’re learning how to slow down, look around, and enjoy what’s near the route you’re following.

How instruction style makes or breaks a first session

This is where the reviews really point the spotlight. The instructor doesn’t just explain things—they help you settle.

One of the standout themes is warmth and confidence-building. In a first-time account, the person was scared at first, but after meeting Monika, they felt safe quickly. Breathing and stretching helped them calm down, and the instructor was described as both professional and approachable.

Another key point: the instructor adjusts the schedule to your needs. That matters because nerves and learning curves are personal. If you need extra time at the shallow stage, you should be able to take it.

The session also includes language support in English and Polish. That’s useful if you want to understand instructions clearly without translating in your head while breathing compressed air.

Equipment, insurance, and what’s included in the price

You’re not expected to bring your own scuba gear. The price covers use of scuba equipment, and you also get bottled mineral water for each guest.

Scuba diving insurance is included too. That’s a real quality-of-life factor. Learning experiences already feel like enough. Knowing insurance is handled reduces the paperwork stress and the what-if stress.

Photos are not included. There’s an option for photos at 20€ per package including video. If you want a keepsake, plan for that added cost. If you’re hoping for a full photo set, check what exactly that package covers before you go.

Also, private transportation isn’t included. Since the meeting point is near public transportation, it’s doable without a car, but you’ll want to plan how you’ll get to Avenida Maritima on time.

Price and value: is $65 a good deal?

At about $65 for roughly 2 hours 30 minutes, the value is mostly in what you’re buying: private instruction with no strangers and no rush.

Many scuba experiences charge extra for smaller groups or for getting someone to focus only on you. Here, that private format is part of the baseline. For beginners, private coaching is often worth it because the instructor can respond immediately to hesitation, breathing problems, and comfort issues.

You’re also getting shore entry, a calm progression in shallow water, and a pre-session intro video plus breathing and meditation-style techniques. That reduces the chance you waste time fighting discomfort and instead helps you actually learn.

The only “cost” is what’s outside the listed inclusions: photos (if you want them) and getting yourself to the meeting point. If you already understand you’ll keep your expectations realistic—more learning and comfort than athletic underwater feats—this price looks fair for what’s delivered.

Timing and what 2.5 hours feels like in real life

The duration is listed at about 2 hours 30 minutes. In practice, this kind of session time usually includes meeting, video, gear fitting, safety talk, gradual entry, time underwater, and then exiting and debriefing.

Since you control the pace, the underwater segment may feel shorter or longer depending on how comfortable you are. That flexibility is a feature, not a trick. The instructor’s job is to keep you safe and calm while still giving you meaningful underwater time.

If you hate being late, aim to arrive a bit early. Not because the day is rushed—because being ready makes the whole start smoother.

Who this experience fits best (and who should be careful)

This is ideal for beginners and for people who feel nervous around water or new gear. It’s also described as calm with no pressure, which is great if you like a quiet plan and don’t want to feel social pressure.

It can also suit digital nomads and introverts. That’s not a marketing line—it’s the reality of 1-1 time. You won’t spend the day sharing attention or answering group questions.

If you have active asthma, it’s not recommended. That’s the main medical limitation shared with the experience info. Also, the activity calls for moderate physical fitness. You don’t need athletic stamina, but you should be able to manage getting geared up and entering the water comfortably.

Finally, service animals are allowed, and that can matter for some people.

Weather matters more than you think

The experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This matters because shore entry and comfortable conditions go together. If wind or swell makes entry harder, you don’t want your learning day to become a struggle. The good news is the setup is designed for the beach, so when conditions are right, it tends to feel simple and controlled.

A quick reality check on photos and expectations

You will not automatically get photos. If you want photos and video, you’ll pay the 20€ package option.

Also, remember what you’re paying for: instruction and comfort. Your goal should be to feel steady with your breathing, enjoy the marine life you see, and finish the session feeling proud of what you learned—not exhausted from trying to hit every possible sight.

When people feel relaxed, they spot more. That’s not mystical. It’s practical: you look around better when you’re not fighting anxiety.

Should you book Tenerife Under The Sea?

If you want a first scuba session that feels safe, calm, and personal, I think you should book. The 1-1 format is the star, and instructor Monika’s approach—breathing, stretching, confidence-building, and adapting to your needs—makes this a strong choice when you’re nervous.

I’d hesitate only if you have active asthma or if you can’t be flexible on dates due to weather. Otherwise, this is a solid value pick: gear included, insurance included, shore entry for easier comfort, and clear prep with an intro video.

If you’re the type who likes control, quiet, and learning at your own speed, this one fits.

FAQ

Is this scuba session private?

Yes. It’s a private activity, so only your group participates.

Do I need prior scuba experience?

No experience is required. The session is personalized to your experience level, and the instructor provides an introductory video for first-timers.

Where does the session start and finish?

You start at Avenida Maritima, 3, 38588, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the $65 price?

Included are use of scuba equipment, bottled mineral water for each guest, and scuba diving insurance.

How do you handle beginners who feel scared?

The experience includes meditation and breathing techniques, stretching, and a safe, gradual entry in shallow water where you can stand comfortably.

Can I control how deep and fast we go?

Yes. You’ll be in control of how deep and how fast you go during the session.

What marine life might I see?

You’ll explore Tenerife’s underwater world with the chance of seeing stingrays and turtles, plus colorful fish.

What if the weather isn’t good?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are photos included?

No. Photos are available for 20€ per package including video.

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