Discover Scuba Diving, free pictures included

Tenerife’s volcanic coast gives first-time scuba learners a fine setting for their first underwater session. You begin in calm, shallow water, learn at your own pace, then progress to a maximum of 12 meters with a certified instructor beside you.

I like the small group limit of six, which should make it easier to ask questions and get help. I also like that equipment, insurance, and photos are included, so the $95.03 price covers the main pieces of the experience.

The main drawback is that the advertised two hours can stretch anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on group size. You’ll also need to account for the long wetsuit and optional video, neither of which is included.

Key points to know before booking

• Calm-water introduction: You start in a shallow beach area before moving farther down.
• Maximum depth of 12 meters: This is a beginner-level session, not an advanced excursion.
• Certified instructor support: You receive a theory briefing, equipment guidance, breathing practice, and underwater communication help.
• Small groups: A maximum of six people keeps the session more personal.
• Photos included: You receive pictures of the experience, while video is available for an extra charge.
• Las Galletas meeting point: The activity begins and ends at Paseo Espigon las Galletas, with transport listed for the Los Abrigos area.

Starting at Las Galletas with a simple plan

You meet at Paseo Espigon las Galletas, 1, in Las Galletas, Arona. The activity returns to this same meeting point, which keeps the logistics tidy and avoids a second pickup location at the end.

The stated duration is about two hours, but the practical range is 1.5 to 3 hours. That difference matters if you have a restaurant booking, airport transfer, or another excursion later in the day. A smaller group may move along more quickly, while a larger group can take longer as each person gains confidence.

Transport from the Los Abrigos area is listed as part of the convenient arrangements. If you are staying elsewhere in southern Tenerife, check the exact pickup details before booking, since the official meeting point is in Las Galletas.

The location is near public transportation. You do not need to plan a full day around this activity, but allow extra time around the two-hour estimate. First-time underwater sessions often move at the pace of the least confident person, and that is a good thing here.

Learning the basics before entering the water

The session begins with a theory lesson. You learn the basic ideas behind scuba, how the equipment works, how to breathe through the regulator, and how to communicate underwater.

That first briefing is more important than it may sound. New participants often focus on the exciting part and forget that breathing slowly, clearing your mask, and using simple hand signals are the skills that make the session comfortable. The instruction gives you a chance to understand the equipment before you are asked to use it in the sea.

You also learn the basic techniques for underwater communication. Since you cannot speak normally once you are submerged, clear signals and regular contact with the instructor help you stay calm and aware.

This is not a classroom-heavy course. It is an introduction designed to get you ready for a supervised first session. You should expect practical guidance rather than a full certification course. The activity teaches you enough to take part safely under direct supervision, but it does not replace formal scuba training.

The equipment is included, as are insurance and the services of a certified instructor. The long wetsuit is not included, so check what clothing is supplied and what you should bring or arrange before arriving.

Building confidence in shallow water

After the briefing, you head to a beach area with shallow, calm water. This is the strongest part of the plan for a first-timer because you can concentrate on breathing and movement without immediately dealing with depth.

You work at your own pace. The instructor can help you get used to the mask, regulator, and other equipment before you move farther out. If you feel nervous, this first stage gives you time to settle down rather than forcing you into a full underwater session at once.

I especially like the progression from shallow practice to greater depth. It treats confidence as part of the experience, not as something you are expected to have before you arrive. The calm start also makes this a reasonable choice for someone curious about scuba but unsure about committing to a longer course.

The activity does require a moderate level of physical fitness. You should be comfortable taking part in a beach-based water activity and following instructions in the sea. A health questionnaire is required before entering the water, and some medical conditions can prevent participation. Asthma and heart conditions are specifically mentioned, so consult your doctor if you have a relevant concern.

Reaching a maximum depth of 12 meters

Once you feel ready, the session progresses to a maximum depth of 12 meters. That is enough to move beyond the very shallow shoreline and see Tenerife’s underwater volcanic formations, while keeping the activity within a beginner-friendly range.

The volcanic setting is a natural reason to choose this particular experience. Tenerife’s character does not stop at the beach. Beneath the surface, you may see rock formations created by the island’s volcanic past, along with marine life such as crabs and fish.

The exact sightings are never guaranteed. Sea conditions, visibility, and the day’s location affect what you see. Still, the combination of volcanic rock and marine life gives the session more interest than simply practicing in a featureless training area.

You remain with the instructor throughout. The aim is not to cover a large distance or reach a dramatic depth. It is to help you become comfortable underwater and enjoy a short look at the coast from a different angle.

If you already hold a scuba qualification or have substantial experience, this will probably feel basic. The maximum depth and short format are aimed at first-timers, not at people seeking technical instruction or a long underwater route.

Photos that make the short session memorable

Photos are included, which adds real value for a first underwater experience. Scuba equipment can make it awkward to take your own pictures, and many beginners are too busy managing their breathing and position to think about a camera.

The photos give you a record of the occasion without asking you to buy a package after the fact. They also make the experience easier to share with friends or family who were not in the water.

Video is not included but can be purchased separately. If video matters to you, ask about the price and format before the session begins. The included photos are enough if you mainly want a few reminders of the day, while the paid video may appeal if you want a longer record of your first underwater attempt.

The images are a bonus rather than the main reason to book. The strongest part of the activity remains the patient introduction, shallow-water practice, and supervised move to greater depth.

What the $95.03 price really covers

At $95.03 per person, this is not simply a beach swim with a rented mask. The price includes the equipment, certified instruction, insurance, and photos. For someone testing scuba for the first time, those inclusions make the cost easier to justify.

You are paying for supervision as much as for gear. The instructor explains the equipment, watches your progress, helps with underwater communication, and remains available as you move toward the 12-meter maximum.

The small group limit also matters. With no more than six participants, the instructor can give more attention than would be possible in a large class. That is particularly useful when one person needs extra time to become comfortable.

The price is less attractive if you already know you want formal scuba certification. In that case, you may prefer to put the money toward a longer training program. It also becomes less of a bargain if you want video, since that costs extra, or if you need to arrange the long wetsuit separately.

For a one-time introduction, though, the package is fairly clear: equipment, instruction, insurance, and photos are bundled together. You are not left to assemble the basics yourself.

How the instructor support shapes the experience

The quality of a first scuba session depends heavily on how well the instructor handles nerves. Here, a certified instructor remains with you at all times and supports you through the theory, equipment use, shallow-water practice, and deeper section.

That close support is useful even if you are generally confident in water. Breathing through scuba equipment feels different from normal swimming, and underwater communication takes a moment to understand. Having one person focused on your safety and progress lets you pay attention to the experience itself.

The feedback from the session points to a briefing that works well for newcomers and attention that continues throughout the activity. The strongest praise centers on people feeling comfortable, learning the basics clearly, and seeing a wide range of marine life.

You should still be honest about your comfort level. Tell the instructor if the mask feels wrong, if breathing feels difficult, or if you need more time in shallow water. The activity is designed for beginners, and its pace should allow for that.

Timing, weather, and practical limits

The activity depends on favorable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy is helpful, but you should still avoid booking this on the final morning of your holiday if the experience is important to you.

You should also avoid scuba within 24 hours before flying. That rule makes flight-day scheduling a poor fit, even though the activity itself is short. Build the session into the middle of your Tenerife stay when possible.

The minimum age is 10. All participants complete a health questionnaire before the session, and certain medical conditions may prevent participation. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

The activity is offered in English. If another member of your group is less comfortable in English, confirm that the safety briefing will be clear to everyone before booking.

Free cancellation applies when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off follows local Tenerife time.

Who will get the most from this Tenerife activity

This is best for you if you:

• Have never used scuba equipment and want a guided introduction.
• Want a short water activity rather than a full-day commitment.
• Like the idea of seeing volcanic formations and marine life.
• Prefer a small group with a maximum of six people.
• Want photos included rather than having to arrange your own camera.
• Are staying near Las Galletas or can reach the meeting point easily.

It may not suit you if you want a certification course, a long underwater route, or a large amount of free time in the sea. It is also not ideal immediately before a flight, or if a medical condition could restrict your participation.

The high rating and full recommendation reflect the parts that matter most for beginners: a clear introduction, a calm start, close instructor support, and the chance to see Tenerife’s underwater volcanic coast. The strongest praise focuses on comfort, good explanations, marine life, and attentive supervision.

Should you book this first underwater session?

Book it if you want to test scuba in a controlled setting without committing to a full course. The shallow-water start, maximum depth of 12 meters, certified support, small group, insurance, equipment, and included photos make the package easy to understand.

I would be more cautious if your schedule is tight, since the session may take up to three hours. Check the long wetsuit arrangements, allow plenty of time before any flight, and remember that video costs extra.

For a first taste of Tenerife below the surface, this is a sensible choice. You get direct instruction, a gentle progression, volcanic scenery, marine life, and a photographic record, all within a short southern Tenerife activity.

FAQ

Where does the activity start and finish?

It starts and finishes at Paseo Espigon las Galletas, 1, 38631 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

How long does the activity last?

The estimated duration is about two hours. The total time can range from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the number of people in the group.

What is the maximum depth?

The session reaches a maximum depth of 12 meters.

Is this suitable for someone with no scuba experience?

Yes. The activity begins with a theory lesson and instruction on equipment, breathing, and underwater communication before you enter shallow water.

What is included in the price?

The price includes diving equipment, a certified instructor, insurance, and photos.

Is video included?

No. Video is available to purchase separately.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10 years old.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the activity are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.