Diving course for beginners in turtle area Tenerife

The Atlantic starts shallow. This beginner course at Abades lets you learn underwater breathing slowly, then explore a protected marine area with an instructor close by. I like the calm, private format and the free photos and videos, which give you something more lasting than a quick swim. The main consideration is that turtles and rays are wild, so sightings are never promised.

You do not need previous experience, and the staff are used to nervous beginners. Andres has earned special praise for attentive support, while the multilingual team offers instruction in English, German, and Spanish. Still, non-swimmers may find the session difficult, and anyone with heart, lung, or ear trouble should not book without appropriate medical clearance.

Key points at a glance

• Shallow-water start: You first get comfortable with the mask, fins, neoprene suit, and buoyancy equipment close to shore.
• Protected Abades setting: The session takes place at a national protected park with colorful fish and the possibility of sea turtles and stingrays.
• Private instruction: You receive personal guidance without a rushed group atmosphere.
• Three hours for $100: The price includes equipment, insurance, instruction, a certification card, and free photos and videos.
• Beginner-friendly support: No previous underwater experience is required, though panic attacks and weak swimming ability may make it a poor match.
• Strict post-session rules: Do not fly for 12 hours, visit Teide for nine hours, or take part in extreme sports after the activity.

Starting at Abades beach with a short walk to the sea

Your meeting point is easy to identify: go to Abades beach and look for the Magilu restaurant. That is where the instructor meets you before the session begins. The activity lasts about three hours, but that time includes the lesson, equipment fitting, shallow-water practice, the ocean session, and the return to the beach.

Abades is a useful choice for a first attempt because you do not begin in deep water. The teaching starts on land, then moves into shallow water so you can get used to the equipment one piece at a time. That simple progression matters. A first underwater session can feel strange even for a confident swimmer, and the first few minutes are usually about breathing, clearing your head, and learning how the gear responds.

The meeting point is at a restaurant rather than a dedicated changing facility. You should arrive ready to get into swimwear and bring a towel. There is no changing room or hot shower included, so keep your expectations practical. This is a straightforward beach activity, not a polished resort facility.

Learning the basics before entering deeper water

The course begins with an explanation of how to breathe underwater and how to use the equipment. You receive a neoprene suit, diving jacket, mask, and fins, along with the rest of the required equipment. Insurance is included, which is important for a first-time activity involving specialist gear.

Your instructor then helps you put everything on and enters the shallow water with you. This is where the course earns its beginner focus. Rather than sending you straight out, the instructor gives you time to feel safe and comfortable. If you are uneasy about the mask or the breathing system, this gradual start gives you room to settle down.

The private-group format is another strong point. You are not being hurried along with a large crowd, and the instructor can give attention to your pace. A first session is less about covering a great distance and more about becoming relaxed enough to enjoy the underwater world. The instructors have experience with people who are nervous, and the activity is presented as a calm introduction rather than a test of athletic ability.

You still need to be honest about your comfort level. Non-swimmers can take part, but the experience may be complicated for them. If you suffer from panic attacks, this may not be the best sport for you. The breathing sensation and face mask can feel confining, so choose this course because you are willing to try, not because someone else is pressuring you.

Meeting the fish of Tenerife’s Atlantic coast

Once you are comfortable in shallow water, the instructor guides you along the coast inside the protected natural area. The focus is on observing marine life rather than chasing it. You may see colorful fish, and with good luck, sea turtles and stingrays that live in the area.

The possible turtle encounter is a clear attraction, but you should treat it as a bonus. These are wild animals, not scheduled performers. Some sessions may include turtles, while others may bring different fish and sea life. The same rule applies to rays. No responsible operator can guarantee an animal sighting, and the experience should still be worthwhile without one.

The instruction specifically prohibits touching marine life, animals, or plants. That is good practice in any protected marine area. You get a better experience by watching quietly and giving animals space. It also protects the habitat that makes this stretch of Tenerife appealing in the first place.

The setting suits people who want a first look at the Atlantic without committing to an advanced certification course. You are not simply standing on a boat looking down. You are floating in the water with your equipment and learning how to move and breathe below the surface. That change in viewpoint is the real appeal.

Photos, videos, and the certification card

During the underwater session, the team takes photos and videos. These are provided free after the activity, in top quality according to the tour details. They are sent directly after the session, so you do not have to arrange a separate photographer or purchase an expensive image package.

This is especially useful for a first underwater experience. You may remember the sensation of breathing below the surface, but photos give friends and family a clearer picture of what you did. The images also make the $100 price easier to assess, since the fee covers more than equipment and instruction.

At the beach, you receive a certification card marking your first underwater experience. It should not be confused with a full professional scuba qualification. The supplied information describes it as a license or certification card from the introductory session, so think of it as a keepsake and record of participation rather than a permit for independent underwater activity.

The instructor and the equipment remain the important parts of the experience. Free media is a welcome extra, but you should not choose the activity only for the photos. Weather, visibility, animal sightings, and your own comfort all shape the quality of the session.

What the $100 price really covers

At $100 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend three hours in Tenerife. It is also not simply a guided swim. The price includes the full equipment set, diving insurance, an experienced instructor affiliated with CMAS and the International Aquanautic Club, the certification card, and the photos and videos.

For a beginner, the private format adds value. You are paying for a controlled introduction with close guidance, not just access to a mask and fins. The staff can help you if you are anxious, and the lesson gives you a better foundation than trying to work out the equipment alone.

The value is strongest if you want a personal introduction and plan to use the included photos. It is weaker if you only want to splash around for a short time or if you already have substantial underwater experience. There is no food, drink, changing room, or hot shower, so you should compare the price with the level of beach comfort you expect.

The booking terms are flexible. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before building the rest of your day around the session.

Language, safety, and the limits of a first lesson

Instruction is available in English, German, and Spanish. You need to speak one of those languages because clear communication is a safety issue, especially when you are learning breathing and equipment procedures for the first time.

The staff receive strong praise for their supportive manner. Andres is singled out as attentive and helpful, and one first-time participant noted that the instructor guided them well even though the instructor’s English was only moderate. Underwater communication relies heavily on gestures, but you still need to understand the land lesson and safety instructions before entering the water.

The minimum age is 10. The course is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart or respiratory problems. Ear problems are also listed as a reason not to take part. If you wear glasses, you need contact lenses because ordinary glasses cannot be used with the mask.

Do not treat the activity as a casual warm-up before a packed adventure day. You should not fly for 12 hours afterward, take part in extreme sports, or visit Teide for nine hours. These restrictions can affect your itinerary, especially if you are planning a same-day flight or a visit to Teide National Park.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That rule is basic, but it matters more here because you need to stay alert and follow instructions around breathing equipment and open water.

What to bring and what not to expect

Bring swimwear and a towel. The operator supplies the underwater equipment, so you do not need to pack your own mask, fins, neoprene suit, or jacket.

Plan for a simple beach setup. There is no changing room and no hot shower, which means you may want to wear your swimwear under your clothes and bring something dry for afterward. Food and drinks are not included, so arrange those separately if you expect to be hungry after three hours near the water.

The meeting point at Magilu restaurant helps you locate the team, but it does not turn the activity into a full beach resort package. Think of the course as an instruction-led outdoor session. That keeps the focus on the water, the marine life, and your first comfortable steps with the equipment.

Who will enjoy this Abades experience most

This course is best for an adult or child aged 10 or older who is curious about underwater activity, can follow instructions, and does not have the listed medical concerns. You do not need prior experience, and you do not need to be an expert swimmer, though weak swimmers should understand that the session may be harder.

It is particularly suitable if you want:

• A first underwater experience without a large group
• Patient guidance in English, German, or Spanish
• A chance to see fish and possibly turtles or rays
• Photos and videos included in the price
• A three-hour activity that begins in shallow water
• A small keepsake card after the session

It is less suitable if you dislike wearing a mask, feel anxious about breathing through equipment, suffer from panic attacks, or want guaranteed turtle sightings. It also does not fit neatly into a day that includes an immediate flight, Teide visit, or strenuous sport.

The praise for the staff is consistent in tone: people appreciated the support, the friendly team, and the way first-time participants were helped through the process. That personal care is more important than flashy extras when you are learning something unfamiliar.

Should you book this beginner course?

I would book this for a first underwater lesson in Tenerife if you value patient instruction, a private group, and included photos over beach facilities or guaranteed wildlife. The Abades setting, shallow-water start, and personal guidance make the course approachable, while the possibility of turtles and rays adds excitement without being falsely promised.

Before booking, check three things. Confirm that your health allows the activity, make sure you speak English, German, or Spanish, and leave enough time before any flight or Teide visit. If those points work for you, $100 is a fair price for equipment, insurance, an instructor, a certification card, and free photos and videos.

If you want a relaxed introduction rather than a serious qualification, this is a sensible choice. Go with realistic expectations: you are there to learn, observe, and enjoy the Atlantic, not to command the wildlife or rush through a professional course.

FAQ

How long does the beginner course last?

The activity lasts three hours, including the instruction, equipment preparation, shallow-water practice, underwater session, and return to the beach.

Where do I meet the instructor?

Meet at Abades beach near the Magilu restaurant. The meeting point is at the beach.

Is previous experience required?

No. The course is designed for beginners and does not require previous underwater experience.

What equipment is included?

The full equipment package is included. This includes a neoprene suit, diving jacket, mask, and fins.

Are photos and videos included?

Yes. Photos and videos of the experience are included free of charge and are provided after the activity.

Can I see turtles during the session?

You might see sea turtles and stingrays, but they are wild animals and cannot be guaranteed. You must not touch marine life, animals, or plants.