Try Dive – PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Tenerife

The best part of this Tenerife activity is the first breath underwater: you get to try scuba without signing up for a full course. At Scubanana in Radazul, an instructor teaches the basics, lets you practise on land, then guides you in the water.

I like that instruction and equipment are included, so you can try the activity without first buying gear or completing a course. I also like the small group limit of eight, which leaves room for personal guidance. The main consideration: you need to be physically fit to take part, and you must leave at least 12 hours between the activity and a flight.

At a glance

• A first taste of scuba: No previous experience is needed, and the minimum age is 10.
• Land practice comes first: You learn the basics and practise before entering the water.
• Personal instruction: Ryan and Elias have led sessions at Scubanana, but you should not count on a particular instructor being assigned to yours.
• A small group: The maximum group size is eight, which helps keep instruction focused.
• Three hours, starting at 3 pm: Plan to spend the afternoon at the center and in the water.
• The essentials are included: Gear, instruction, insurance, learning materials, local taxes and PADI fees are covered. Photos cost extra.

Your first underwater breaths in Tenerife

Discover Scuba is designed for people who are curious about scuba but do not want to commit to a full certification course. You do not need prior experience. The aim is to learn the basic skills with an instructor and find out how you feel underwater.

That first step matters. Breathing through scuba equipment can feel unfamiliar, and the activity gives you a chance to get comfortable with the basics before heading into the water. You are not expected to arrive knowing what to do; instruction is part of the session.

The setting is Radazul, on Tenerife’s east coast, with the meeting point at Scubanana’s center in Puerto Deportivo. One participant described the sea as full of life, but no particular marine species or underwater sights are promised. The appeal is the chance to see what the water holds while learning a new skill.

I would think of this as an introduction, not a substitute for a full course. If you decide you want to continue, you can explore further training later. One person who tried the activity planned to return to Scubanana for a scuba licence, but that next step is entirely up to you.

Land practice before the water

The session starts with an explanation of the basics and practice on land. That order is useful: you get a chance to listen, ask questions and try the equipment before you are asked to use it in the water.

The instructor’s role is especially important for first-timers. Ryan and Elias are names associated with sessions at the center, and participants have described their teaching as calm, professional and attentive to different experience levels. Your assigned instructor may be someone else, but the activity is built around personal guidance rather than leaving you to work it out alone.

The center provides the diving gear, learning material and instructor. You do not need to bring your own scuba equipment. If you have concerns about your physical condition, raise them before booking; participants need to be physically fit to take part.

Entering the water with an instructor

After the land practice, you move into the water with your instructor. The supplied details do not specify the exact route, depth, or amount of time spent underwater, so do not book expecting a particular site or a set list of marine life. The focus is on trying the basics under supervision and discovering how you respond to the experience.

A first session can take a little adjustment. One participant found the activity tricky at first, then got the hang of it. That is a useful expectation to carry with you: allow yourself time to settle in, and listen closely to the instructor rather than rushing to keep up.

The group limit is eight people. That is small enough to support individual attention, though it is still a group activity rather than a private lesson. If you want a one-to-one session, ask the operator before booking, since a private option is not specified here.

What three hours gets you

The advertised duration is about three hours, with a 3 pm start. It is a half-day commitment, not an activity to squeeze into a short gap between plans. Keep the rest of your afternoon flexible, since the full session includes instruction and land practice as well as time in the water.

The meeting point is Scubanana Dive Center, Puerto Deportivo, Av. Colón, nº1, 38109 Radazul, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The activity ends back at the same meeting point. Public transportation is nearby, which can help if you are not driving, but check your route and timing before you set out.

You can book with a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at booking. The activity is offered in English. It is recommended by all participants in the available rating data, with a 5 out of 5 score from 214 ratings. That is a strong record, though it cannot guarantee that every session or instructor will suit every person.

Is $156.07 a fair price?

At $156.07 per person, this is not a casual budget activity. The price makes more sense when you account for what is included: an instructor, scuba gear, activity insurance, learning materials, local taxes and PADI fees. You are paying for a guided introduction with equipment and instruction, not simply access to the water.

That package is valuable if you want to try scuba without buying gear or committing to a longer course. The small group limit also adds practical value, since beginners often need more help than someone with prior experience. If you already have scuba training and your own equipment, this introductory session may offer less for your money.

Photos are not included. If having pictures of your first time underwater matters to you, ask the operator about photo options and cost before the activity. No photo service or price is specified.

The activity is booked, on average, about 32 days ahead. That does not mean you must reserve a month in advance, but it is sensible to check availability early if your Tenerife dates are fixed. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and changes are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this most

This is a good fit if you are at least 10, physically fit to take part, and curious about scuba but unsure about signing up for a full course. The land practice and instructor support make it approachable for a first-timer, while the three-hour format gives you a real introduction rather than a quick equipment demonstration.

It also suits people who like learning by doing. You will need to listen, practise and take direction. If you are uncomfortable in the water or have doubts about your ability to participate, contact Scubanana before booking rather than assuming the session will be suitable.

The activity may be less appealing if you want a private outing, a guaranteed instructor, or a specific marine-life encounter. None of those details is promised. And if you are flying soon after, the 12-hour no-fly interval is an important planning limit.

A few practical points before you book

Bring three hours of free time and arrive ready to learn. You do not need previous scuba experience, but the operator requires you to be physically fit for the activity. The stated minimum age is 10.

Plan your afternoon around the 3 pm start at Radazul. Make sure your transport gets you to Puerto Deportivo, and leave room for the full session before making other plans. If you will fly after the activity, keep at least 12 hours between the session and your flight.

The included gear and learning materials keep the preparation simple. Photos are the main listed extra, so decide beforehand if you want them and confirm what is available. With a maximum of eight participants, this is a guided group introduction, not a private course.

Should you book the Scubanana session?

Book it if you want a supported first try at scuba in Tenerife, value having equipment and instruction included, and can spare the afternoon. The mix of land practice, personal guidance and a small group makes it a sensible way to test your interest before committing to a full course.

Skip it if you are looking for a private session, need a guaranteed instructor or have less than 12 hours before a flight. At $156.07, the strongest value is for a true beginner who wants to learn the basics with help close at hand. If that is you, this is a practical way to find out whether the underwater world is your kind of place.

FAQ

Do I need prior scuba experience?

No. The activity is designed for people with no prior experience, and the instructor teaches the basics.

What is the minimum age?

You must be at least 10 years old to take part.

How long does the activity last?

It lasts about three hours. The stated start time is 3 pm.

Where does the activity start and end?

It starts at Scubanana’s center in Puerto Deportivo, Av. Colón, nº1, 38109 Radazul, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It ends back at the meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The price includes local taxes, an instructor, scuba gear, diving insurance, learning materials and PADI fees.

Are photos included?

No. Photos are not included in the price.

How long should I wait before flying?

You should not fly until at least 12 hours after the activity.