Tenerife: Puerto Colon Discover Scuba Diving Trip

Seeing a sea turtle while breathing underwater is the sort of holiday memory that sticks. This three-hour Puerto Colón outing gives you a gentle first taste of scuba, with a short boat ride, a supervised underwater session to a maximum of 12 meters, and views of Tenerife’s coast along the way.

I like the clear beginner focus. You learn how the mask, regulator, buoyancy device, tank, and gauges work before entering the water, then practice key skills under direct supervision. I also like the small but worthwhile mix of wildlife, from fish and rays to the possibility of an octopus or turtle.

The main consideration is that turtle sightings are not promised, and 40 minutes underwater can feel brief if you already have scuba experience. At $113, this is best viewed as a well-organized introduction rather than a full certification course, with photos and videos costing extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Maximum depth of 12 meters: You get a real underwater outing, not just a surface lesson, but always stay within the instructor’s plan.
• About 40 minutes in the water: The session is long enough to explore, though some of the three-hour schedule is used for safety instruction and boat travel.
• Max and Toby are praised instructors: Max is noted for patient, tailored guidance, while Toby is described as reassuring and good at keeping first-timers relaxed.
• A speedboat adds a scenic coastal leg: The ride takes about 15 minutes each way and gives non-divers something to enjoy too.
• Basic equipment is included: Mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device, gauges, and tank are supplied.
• You receive a PADI DSD certificate: This records your introductory session, but it is not the same as completing a full open-water certification course.

What the Puerto Colón session is really like

The experience begins at Travel Sub Dive Centre, inside the Escuela Náutica building in front of pier 5 at the private Puerto Colón parking area. Go into the building and find the reception desk. That detail matters because the meeting point is not simply a spot beside the boats, and arriving at the pier without entering the building could waste time.

The total outing lasts about three hours. The schedule includes roughly 30 minutes for the safety briefing, 15 minutes on the speedboat to the site, about 40 minutes underwater, and another 15 minutes by boat on the return. Some time is also needed for equipment preparation and getting in and out of the water.

That pacing makes sense for a first attempt. You are not rushed straight from the harbor into the sea, but you also are not sitting through a full classroom course. The result is a compact introduction that fits neatly into a morning or afternoon around other Tenerife plans.

The final stop is back at the same Travel Sub Dive Centre. You do not need to arrange a second pickup point or find your way back from a different beach.

The 30-minute safety briefing at Puerto Colón

The briefing is the most important part of the outing, especially if this is your first time using scuba equipment. You go over the purpose of the main gear, including the mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device, tank, and gauges.

You also learn how to breathe underwater and how to move with the equipment. That sounds simple, but the sensation can feel strange at first. A calm instructor and a clear explanation make a real difference here. Max is specifically praised for explaining the equipment carefully and adjusting the plan to suit a participant’s knowledge and comfort. Toby is also noted for helping first-time participants feel ready and safe.

If you make an open-water session, you practice several skills in shallow water before heading farther out. This is a useful step, not filler. It gives you time to get used to the regulator, mask, and buoyancy before concentrating on fish and the sea floor.

You need reasonable physical health, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with diabetes, or people with other pre-existing medical conditions. The supplied age details are slightly uneven: the PADI Discover Scuba program requires participants to be at least 10, while the additional information says the activity is not suitable for children under 8. If you are booking for a child, confirm the exact age rule with the center before paying.

The speedboat ride along Tenerife’s coast

After the briefing and preparation, you take a speedboat toward the underwater site. The ride lasts about 15 minutes each way, so the boat is more than just transport. It gives you a quick look at Tenerife from the water and adds a sense of occasion without turning the trip into a long sightseeing cruise.

I like this arrangement for people who do not want to spend an entire day at sea. You get the coastal views and the excitement of a fast boat, but the outing stays focused on the underwater session.

The boat also helps the activity work for mixed groups. Someone who is curious about the ocean but does not want to snorkel or scuba can still enjoy the ride and views. The experience is described as suitable for people who want to see the coast without taking part in the water activity, though minors need adult supervision on the boat and the adult must pay for the activity.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel and sunscreen. You should also be ready for sun and spray during the boat portion. Prescription masks are not included, and regular glasses cannot be worn with the diving mask. Contact lenses or removing your glasses are the stated options.

Forty minutes among Tenerife’s marine life

The underwater session lasts about 40 minutes and reaches as deep as 12 meters. You remain under the direct supervision of a PADI professional, which is exactly what makes this suitable for beginners. The instructor can stay close, check that you are comfortable, and help you concentrate on breathing and movement instead of worrying about every piece of equipment.

The possible marine life includes turtles, rays, fish, and other sea creatures. An octopus was also seen during one of the reported sessions, which gives you an idea of the variety you might encounter. Still, do not book this as a guaranteed turtle trip. Wildlife has its own schedule, and the activity clearly states that turtle sightings are not assured.

The strongest part of this format is the combination of instruction and freedom. You are not simply being pulled through the water. After learning the basic skills, you can swim around and look at the underwater world while the instructor keeps watch.

At the same time, you should keep your expectations realistic. This is a first-session program, not a long exploration for experienced scuba participants. The 12-meter limit and direct supervision are safeguards, and the main goal is to help you decide if you want to continue with a full course.

A few people have gone on to consider further training after the session. That makes the certificate useful as a record of your introduction, but it does not replace a full scuba qualification. If you want independent access to open-water sites later, you will need additional instruction.

Why the instructors matter for a first attempt

The difference between an awkward first session and a memorable one often comes down to the instructor. Max is praised for a friendly manner, a detailed briefing, and patience underwater. One account describes him tailoring the plan to the participant’s knowledge and experience, which is exactly what you want when comfort levels vary.

Toby is also singled out for making beginners feel prepared and safe. His relaxed storytelling and humor helped keep attention away from nervous thoughts before the session. That does not replace proper safety instruction, but it can make the first few minutes much easier.

The available instructor languages are English, Russian, French, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch. You should select the language that will let you understand safety instructions clearly, especially if you have never used scuba equipment.

What the $113 price includes

At $113 per person, the price is fair if you want a complete first introduction rather than a quick try in shallow water. The fee includes the basic scuba gear, instructor-led preparation, the boat ride, the underwater session, and the PADI DSD certificate.

The included equipment covers:

• Mask and snorkel
• Fins
• Regulator
• Buoyancy control device
• Dive gauges
• Tank

That list covers the essential gear you need for the session. You do not need to rent the basics separately, which makes the cost easier to assess.

Photos and videos are not included. This is worth remembering if you are hoping to leave with proof of your turtle encounter or a record of your first time breathing underwater. One participant received photos and videos after the session, but the activity information treats them as an extra rather than part of the standard price.

A prescription diving mask is also not included. If you wear glasses, plan ahead. The mask cannot be used with glasses, so contact lenses or going without glasses are the stated choices.

The value is strongest for a first-timer who wants a supervised, organized outing with transport on the water. It is less compelling for a qualified scuba participant looking for a longer or more technical session.

Health, age, and planning details that matter

You need to be in reasonable physical health. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart problems, diabetes, or pre-existing medical conditions. If any of those points apply to you, do not rely on a general assumption that you will be fine. Ask the provider before booking.

You also should not fly or travel to a high altitude for at least 12 hours after scuba. That makes the timing important. Do not schedule this on the same day as a flight, and leave enough time before any mountain trip or high-altitude plan.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, but the information does not explain every step of boat boarding or equipment use. If you use a wheelchair, contact the center in advance to discuss the practical arrangements.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You may also want a dry change of clothes for the return trip, though it is not specifically listed as required.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still changing. Check the available start times before booking because the activity runs for three hours and the schedule varies.

Who will get the most from this activity

This is a good choice if you have always wondered what scuba feels like but do not want to commit to a full certification course. You get a real underwater session, not only a classroom talk, while a PADI professional remains in charge.

It also suits couples or families with mixed interests. A non-participant can enjoy the boat and coastal views, while the person who wants to try scuba receives the instruction and equipment needed for the session.

You should think twice if you already have substantial scuba experience. The supervised format, 12-meter maximum, and 40-minute underwater period are designed for beginners. You may prefer a longer session built for qualified divers.

This is also not the right pick if your main goal is guaranteed turtle viewing. Turtles are a possible highlight, not a promise. Go for the chance to see marine life and the chance to learn whether scuba suits you.

Should you book the Puerto Colón Discover Scuba session?

Book it if you want a well-contained first step into scuba, especially if calm instruction matters to you. The combination of a 30-minute briefing, a scenic speedboat ride, 40 minutes underwater, included equipment, and a PADI DSD certificate gives the $113 price solid value.

Max and Toby are names worth noting when you request or confirm an instructor, since both are praised for clear explanations, patience, and keeping beginners relaxed. You should still expect normal first-time nerves and accept that wildlife sightings cannot be controlled.

Skip it if you need a full qualification, guaranteed turtles, included photos, or a long session for experienced scuba users. For everyone else, this is a practical way to test the underwater world without giving up an entire day in Tenerife.

FAQ

How long does the Puerto Colón scuba activity last?

The activity lasts about three hours. This includes a 30-minute safety briefing, a 15-minute speedboat ride to the site, about 40 minutes underwater, and a 15-minute return boat ride.

How deep will I go?

The maximum stated depth is 12 meters. The session takes place under the direct supervision of a PADI professional.

Do I need previous scuba experience?

No. No previous scuba experience is required, but you need to be in reasonable physical health and complete the safety instruction and basic skills practice.

What equipment is included?

The price includes a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device, dive gauges, and a tank. Prescription masks are not included.

Can I wear glasses with the diving mask?

No. The mask cannot be used with glasses. You will need to wear contact lenses or remove your glasses for the session.

Can I fly after the activity?

You should not fly or travel to a high altitude for at least 12 hours after scuba. Plan the activity with that restriction in mind.