Tenerife: Puerto Colon Discover Scuba Diving Trip

A first taste of breathing underwater can be the memorable part of a Tenerife holiday, and this three-hour outing makes that trial manageable: a briefing on shore, a short speedboat ride, then a supervised session in the sea to a maximum depth of 12 meters. You don’t need prior scuba experience, but you do need reasonable physical health and to be at least 10 years old.

I like two things in particular: the close guidance from a PADI professional, which helps first-timers feel prepared, and the chance to see local marine life, from fish and rays to a possible turtle. Instructors Max and Toby have been praised for clear explanations, patience, and a reassuring sense of humor.

One consideration: a turtle sighting is not guaranteed, and the €113 price does not include photos or videos. You’ll also need to avoid flying or going to high altitude for at least 12 hours afterward.

What to know before booking

• Your first underwater session: No previous scuba experience is required. You learn basic safety and skills under direct professional supervision.
• A short coastal boat trip: The speedboat takes about 15 minutes each way from Puerto Colón.
• A 12-meter maximum depth: The underwater portion lasts about 40 minutes, with the instructor nearby.
• Marine life is a possibility, not a promise: Turtles, rays, octopus, and fish have been spotted, but wildlife sightings vary.
• The listed price is €113 per person: Basic scuba equipment is included. Photos and videos are not.
• Plan around your flight: Leave at least 12 hours between the underwater session and flying or going to high altitude.

From Puerto Colón to your first breath underwater

The experience begins at Travel Sub Dive Center, inside the Escuela Náutica building in the private Puerto Colón parking area. Look for the building in front of pier 5, go inside, and find the reception. The activity returns to this same meeting point.

That specific meeting instruction matters. Puerto Colón is a marina area, and heading straight to the pier without finding the dive centre could cost you time. Arrive with your swimwear on or ready to change, and bring a towel and sunscreen.

The three-hour duration includes more than the time in the water. Your schedule includes a 30-minute safety briefing, a 15-minute boat ride out, about 40 minutes underwater, and a 15-minute return trip. The remaining time allows for the other parts of getting ready and wrapping up, though no separate duration is given for those steps.

The briefing: useful skills, not a full course

Before boarding, your instructor explains the basic safety rules and the equipment you’ll use. That includes a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device, gauges, and tank. You’ll also learn how to breathe through the regulator and practise key skills for the session.

This is an introduction, not a substitute for a full certification course. That distinction is useful if you’re curious but unsure about committing to a longer programme. You get a supervised taste of the activity and a PADI Discover Scuba Diving certificate, without signing up for a complete course.

The briefing can make a real difference if this is your first time. Max and Toby have been praised for explaining things clearly, helping with equipment choices, and keeping the tone relaxed. One instructor used jokes and stories to put first-timers at ease; another tailored the plan to the person’s knowledge and comfort. You can expect support, but it’s still sensible to listen carefully and speak up if anything feels unclear.

The information says you should be in reasonable physical health. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with diabetes, or people with pre-existing medical conditions. If you have a health concern, check with the provider before booking rather than assuming the general eligibility rules cover your situation.

The 15-minute speedboat ride along the coast

Once the briefing is done, you head out by speedboat for around 15 minutes. It’s a short ride, but it gives the outing a clear sense of going from marina to open water. You’ll get coastal views on the way, and the boat returns to the centre after the underwater session.

The ride is part of the appeal if you want an ocean outing, not just a lesson in a pool. It also means you should be comfortable getting on a boat and travelling to the site. The trip is not described as a sightseeing cruise, so treat the coast views as a welcome part of the transport rather than the main event.

There is an option for people who don’t want to snorkel or take part in the underwater session but would like to enjoy the ocean and coastline from the boat. If that is your main interest, check the exact arrangement with the centre before booking, since the available information does not explain how that option works or whether it has a different price.

About 40 minutes beneath the surface

The underwater portion lasts about 40 minutes, and the maximum depth is 12 meters. You’ll explore with direct supervision from a PADI professional, using the skills introduced in the briefing. The instructor’s close presence is especially valuable for a first-timer: you can focus on getting comfortable and looking around rather than trying to manage every detail alone.

There’s no need to arrive expecting a particular wildlife encounter. Turtles are possible, but not guaranteed. Rays, fish, and other marine life may also appear. Past sightings have included an octopus and stingray, which gives you a sense of what might turn up, not a promise of what you’ll see.

The reported highlights are often the simple ones: getting used to breathing underwater, moving around in the equipment, and seeing familiar sea life in a new setting. If you’re nervous, remember that this is meant as an introduction under supervision, not an independent outing. Tell your instructor how you’re feeling and follow the instructions you’ve practised.

The session is not suitable for everyone. The activity information gives a minimum age of 10 in one place, while another note says it is not suitable for children under 8. Because those age statements do not match, confirm the minimum age directly with the centre before booking for a child. Minors need adult supervision on the boat, and the adult must pay for the activity.

What the €113 price includes, and what it doesn’t

At €113 per person, the price covers a three-hour outing, instruction, the boat transport, and the basic scuba equipment you use. For a first-time visitor, that bundles the key parts of trying the activity into one booking, rather than asking you to arrange gear and transport separately.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you’re curious about scuba but not ready for a full course, the supervised session and basic skills can be a worthwhile way to test your comfort. If you mainly want a long boat trip or guaranteed wildlife sightings, this may not be the best match: the boat rides are brief, and no animal encounter is promised.

Photos and videos are not included in the price. Some participants have received images after the session, but you should not count on that as a standard inclusion. A prescription mask is also not provided, so you’ll need contact lenses or go without glasses. The mask cannot be used over glasses.

The activity has a 4.8 rating from 62 reviews. The most consistent strengths are the instructors’ calm explanations, the feeling of being safe and supported, and the quality of the underwater experience. These points matter more than a long list of promised sightings for a beginner, since good instruction is what helps you enjoy the sea rather than worry about each new sensation.

Small practical details that can save a headache

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Basic equipment is included, so you do not need to bring a mask, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device, gauges, or tank. If you wear glasses, plan to use contact lenses or remove them for the session.

You should not fly or go to high altitude for at least 12 hours after the activity. That timing can affect the rest of your holiday, especially if you have a flight on the same day. Book with your travel schedule in mind.

Instruction is available in English, Russian, French, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. If you have a particular access need, it is wise to confirm the details with the centre before you go, since the general accessibility note does not describe the facilities or assistance available.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is offered. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Who should book this Puerto Colón experience?

This is a good fit if you’re at least 10, in suitable health, and curious about trying scuba without enrolling in a full course. It also suits a holidaymaker who wants a short, structured activity with an instructor close by, rather than a self-guided outing. The reported sightings of fish, rays, octopus, and sometimes turtles add a welcome bonus.

It’s a weaker choice if you need guaranteed turtle sightings, want photos included, wear glasses without contact lenses, or have a medical condition listed as unsuitable. It may also be inconvenient if you plan to fly or travel to high altitude within 12 hours. For children, confirm the age rule directly because the stated minimum-age notes conflict.

I’d book it if the idea of breathing underwater appeals and you’re comfortable following instructions in the sea. The strongest reason to go is not a promised encounter with a turtle; it’s the chance to try a new skill with a professional guiding you through the first steps.

FAQ

Do I need scuba experience?

No. Prior experience is not required. You’ll learn basic safety guidelines and skills with direct supervision from a PADI professional.

How deep does the underwater session go?

The maximum stated depth is 12 meters.

How long are you underwater?

The scuba portion lasts about 40 minutes.

Is seeing a turtle guaranteed?

No. Turtle sightings are not guaranteed. Rays, fish, and other marine life may also be seen.

What equipment is included?

Basic equipment is included: a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device, dive gauges, and a tank.

Are photos or videos included?

No. Photos and videos are not included in the price.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I wear glasses under the mask?

No. The mask cannot be used with glasses. You’ll need contact lenses or to remove your glasses for the activity.

How long should I wait before flying?

You should wait at least 12 hours after the activity before flying or going to a high altitude.