Reviewed · TENERIFE SCUBA DIVING
Tenerife Under The Sea – dive into 1-1 personalised experience
Tenerife Under the Sea is built around one simple idea: you set the pace. Monika works with one person or one private party, beginning on the beach and staying in shallow water until breathing through the regulator feels normal. There is no packed boat, no stranger in your group, and no need to hurry.
I like the one-to-one attention, especially for a first underwater experience, and the use of breathing and meditation techniques before entering the water. The main consideration is that this is a beach-based activity, so you should be comfortable with a moderate level of physical effort and avoid booking if you have active asthma.
Key points at a glance
- Private session with Monika: You receive individual instruction rather than sharing your guide with a large group.
- Gentle beach entry: You enter slowly from shore and can get used to the equipment in water where you can stand.
- Useful for nervous beginners: Breathing and stretching techniques help settle first-time jitters.
- Marine life possibilities: Look for fish, stingrays, and turtles in Tenerife’s coastal waters.
- About two and a half hours: The timing includes preparation, equipment fitting, instruction, and time in the water.
- $65 includes the essentials: Scuba equipment, mineral water, and scuba insurance are included. Photos and video cost an extra €20.
A private start instead of a crowded group

Many first-time scuba experiences begin with a group briefing, a van ride, and a boat full of people you have never met. This one takes a quieter route. You meet at Avenida Maritima 3 in Tenerife, prepare with your instructor, and enter the sea from the beach.
That private format matters. If your first instinct is to tense up when water enters your mask or when the regulator feels unfamiliar, you can stop and reset without feeling that a group is waiting. Monika can spend time on breathing, explain the next step, and move forward only when you are ready.
The activity lasts about two hours and 30 minutes, but that does not mean two and a half hours are spent underwater. You will need time for the introductory material, questions, changing, equipment fitting, safety checks, and the gradual entry. That is a good thing for beginners. The preparation is part of the experience, not wasted time.
The private arrangement also works well for couples, friends, or families who want to participate together without strangers joining them. The activity is described as private, so only your group takes part.
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The first step is a short, clear introduction

Before the actual session, first-time participants receive an easy-to-understand video covering the basics. This gives you a chance to hear the main ideas before standing on the beach with a mask, fins, tank, and regulator in front of you.
You can ask questions in person before entering the water. That is useful because scuba has several small habits to learn at once: breathing through the regulator, clearing your ears, moving calmly, and using the equipment correctly. A short video cannot answer every personal concern, but it gives you a starting point for the practical briefing.
Monika’s style seems particularly suited to people who need reassurance without a hard sell. One first-time participant arrived scared and was helped with breathing and stretching techniques. The aim is not to rush you past fear. It is to make the next step feel manageable.
I would pay close attention during this part and speak plainly about any worries. If you dislike masks, feel anxious about breathing underwater, or are unsure about entering the sea, say so early. The whole point of this experience is to adjust the pace around you.
Getting fitted with equipment at your pace

All standard scuba equipment is provided and prepared for you, unless you already hold certification and have your own setup. The included gear is a strong part of the $65 value, since renting equipment separately can add cost and planning elsewhere.
The fitting process is more important than it may sound. A mask that leaks or fins that feel wrong can distract you from the sea. With individual attention, you can tell Monika if something feels uncomfortable before you reach the water.
A bottle of mineral water is also included. It is a small touch, but you will appreciate it after changing and preparing in the sun. Private transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Avenida Maritima 3.
The meeting point is near public transportation. The activity returns to the same location, which keeps the day simple. Since no private transfer is supplied, check your route before booking and leave enough time to arrive without rushing.
A gradual beach entry for first-timers
The session begins from the beach rather than a boat. That removes one common source of discomfort: there is no boat journey and no chance of seasickness before you even reach the water.
You start on land, get ready, and move into shallow water. The important detail is that you can stand comfortably at first. This lets you become familiar with breathing through the regulator before moving farther out.
For a nervous beginner, this gradual entry can make a big difference. You can pause, stand, ask a question, and try again. You are not committed to descending immediately. The instructor can check how you are coping before continuing.
A beach entry does require some physical effort. You should expect to carry or wear scuba equipment while moving from shore into the water. The activity asks for moderate physical fitness, so it is not the best choice if walking into the sea with gear would be difficult.
The conditions also depend on the weather. If poor weather makes the session unsafe or impractical, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That flexibility is useful, but it means you should keep some room in your Tenerife schedule if possible.
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Breathing techniques are a real feature, not filler

The breathing and meditation work is one of the most distinctive parts of this session. It is not presented as a separate wellness class. Instead, it helps you handle the practical challenge of staying calm while breathing underwater.
That matters because fear often creates a poor cycle. You feel nervous, breathe too quickly, notice the equipment more, and become even more tense. Slowing down before entering the water can help break that pattern.
Monika also uses stretching techniques, according to the experience details. These may help you prepare physically and mentally, although you should not expect a full fitness or meditation program. The value is in the calm preparation and the chance to focus before the sea takes your attention.
This approach makes the activity a good match for introverts, digital nomads, and anyone who prefers quiet instruction. You will not need to perform for a group or pretend that you feel confident. You can simply deal with each step as it comes.
What you may see below the surface

The main reward is access to Tenerife’s coastal marine life. You might see fish, stingrays, and turtles, depending on the location and conditions on the day.
The experience offers flexible locations, but a specific site is not given in advance. That can be helpful because the instructor may choose a suitable place based on weather, water conditions, and your comfort. It also means you should not book expecting one named reef or a guaranteed animal encounter.
One memorable possibility is seeing a pregnant stingray. That kind of sighting is never promised, but it shows why moving slowly can be worthwhile. A private session gives you more room to watch rather than hurry past everything to keep up with a group.
Keep your expectations sensible. Marine life is wild, and turtles or rays may not appear on every outing. The strongest reason to book is the calm personal instruction and chance to explore, not a guaranteed checklist of animals.
Why the private format changes the experience

The lack of strangers is more than a comfort detail. It changes how the session works. In a standard group, the guide must follow the slowest person while also keeping everyone together. Here, the whole plan can be shaped around you or your own party.
If you need extra time in shallow water, you can have it. If you are comfortable and want to proceed, the pace can change. One participant specifically appreciated that Monika adjusted the schedule to suit personal needs.
The arrangement also reduces social pressure. You do not have to explain a pause to five other people or worry about holding up a group. That can be especially helpful for people who are shy, anxious, or new to scuba.
There is a tradeoff. A private experience does not automatically mean a longer underwater session or a more advanced route. The focus is comfort, safety, and personal guidance. Strong swimmers and certified participants seeking a technical or challenging outing may want a different type of activity.
What the $65 price really covers

At $65, this is a fair price for a private introductory session because the fee includes equipment, a bottle of mineral water, and scuba insurance. The one-to-one format adds value that is difficult to compare with a basic group lesson.
You are also paying for the instructor’s time before entering the water. The video, questions, fitting, breathing practice, and safety checks all form part of the service. For a first-timer, that preparation can be worth more than squeezing in a few extra minutes below the surface.
Photos and video are not included. A package costs €20. If you want a record of the experience, treat that as an optional extra rather than an unexpected charge.
Transportation is also separate. You need to reach Avenida Maritima 3 on your own, and the activity finishes back at the meeting point. Factor in your local transport costs when comparing this with a hotel pickup experience.
Who should book this Tenerife experience

I would recommend it most strongly to:
- First-time participants who want patient instruction
- People nervous about breathing underwater
- Introverts who dislike crowded group activities
- Couples or friends who want a private session
- Digital nomads looking for a quiet activity between work days
- Certified participants who want a relaxed personal outing, provided the format suits their goals
The experience requires moderate physical fitness. You should also avoid it if you have active asthma. The available information does not provide a full medical screening list, so anyone with a health concern should check with a qualified medical professional before booking.
Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Those details may help with planning, but the beach setting still means you should consider how comfortable you are moving through sand and shallow water with equipment.
Practical planning before you arrive
Wear whatever you need to feel comfortable changing and preparing for a beach activity. Bring the personal items you would normally want near the water, though the provided details only confirm equipment and bottled water.
Arrive ready to discuss your experience level and fears. You do not need previous experience, but the instructor needs honest information about your comfort in water and any concerns with the equipment.
Try not to schedule this immediately before an important appointment. The activity is planned for about two and a half hours, and weather or a slower start may affect the exact timing. The private format gives you flexibility, but it does not make the sea predictable.
The booking can be canceled for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. If bad weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.
Should you book it?
Book this if your priority is calm, personal instruction rather than a big group or a fast route. The beach entry, shallow-water start, breathing techniques, and patient pace make it a sensible first step for someone who feels curious but nervous.
At $65, the package offers good value because equipment and insurance are included, and you receive the instructor’s full attention. Just remember to budget for transport and optional €20 photos and video.
Skip it if you want a guaranteed turtle sighting, a named underwater site, a demanding route, or a full-day expedition. For a private introduction to Tenerife’s sea life, though, this is a thoughtful choice with a clear advantage: you never have to pretend you are ready before you actually are.
FAQ
Is previous scuba experience required?
No. The session is designed for beginners, and no prior experience is required.
How long does the activity last?
The experience lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including preparation, equipment fitting, instruction, and time in the water.
Is the experience private?
Yes. Only your group participates, with no strangers joining the session.
Where does the activity begin?
It begins at Avenida Maritima 3, 38588, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Where does the activity finish?
The activity ends back at the meeting point.
Is scuba equipment included?
Yes. Scuba equipment is included in the price.
Is insurance included?
Yes. Scuba diving insurance is included.
Are photos and videos included?
No. A photo package including video costs an additional €20.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.
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