Beginner Scuba Dive with Scubapoint Tenerife in Turtle Area

Tenerife’s turtle area gives first-time swimmers a gentle introduction to the Atlantic below the surface. You begin with a short land lesson, learn how the equipment works, then head by boat with a certified PADI instructor for a carefully managed underwater session. No previous experience is required.

I like the small groups of up to 10, since beginners often need extra time with breathing and buoyancy. I also like the patient approach shown by the instructors: one guest who struggled to breathe comfortably was supported until she could continue, while her partner carried on with another instructor. The main thing to consider is that scuba can feel awkward at first, and the session may not suit anyone with a medical condition, pregnancy, or an age over 70.

Key points to know before you book

• The session is made for first-timers: You receive basic instruction before entering the water, so you do not need a scuba certificate or past experience.
• You meet at Puerto Colon: The activity includes a boat trip to the underwater site, rather than asking you to find your own way to a remote shore location.
• A PADI instructor stays with you: The staff focus on comfort, breathing, equipment use, and safe movement underwater.
• The group limit is 10 people: That is small enough to offer a more personal feel than a large boat outing.
• The full equipment is supplied: You need to bring only water and beachwear.
• It costs $88 per person: For a two-hour first experience with equipment, instruction, and boat transport, the price is reasonable if you want to test scuba before paying for certification.

Starting at Puerto Colon in Tenerife

Your meeting point is Puerto Colon, a useful base for a boat-based activity in Tenerife. The harbor setting keeps the arrival simple: you meet ScubaPoint there, prepare with the team, and set out toward the turtle area.

The advertised duration is two hours, though the full process includes preparation, the land briefing, equipment use, the boat trip, and time in the water. Treat it as a focused half-day-style outing rather than a quick ten-minute try. The exact starting time depends on availability, so check the schedule before you plan other activities around it.

I would arrive ready to listen and with as few distractions as possible. Bring water and beachwear. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and that is especially important for any activity that involves breathing equipment and close instructor supervision.

Puerto Colon is also a practical meeting point if you are already spending time in the area. The experience does not include a hotel transfer in the information provided, so you should plan your own way to the harbor.

The land lesson comes first

The first part takes place on land. Your instructor explains the basic parts of the scuba equipment, how to use them, and the safety steps you need to follow. This is not a full certification course, but it gives you the essential foundation for a short supervised session.

For a first attempt, the breathing lesson matters most. Breathing through a regulator feels different from breathing normally, and some people need a few minutes to relax. The instructors appear prepared for that. One French guest had trouble finding a comfortable breathing rhythm at depth, and her instructor stayed with her and helped until she managed it.

That detail is useful because it tells you what kind of support to expect. You are not simply handed equipment and sent into the water. If you need to pause, adjust, or repeat an instruction, the staff can work with you. At the same time, you should be honest about your comfort level. There is no prize for pushing past panic.

The instruction is offered in English, French, Italian, and Spanish. That can make a real difference during a safety briefing, when understanding a small instruction clearly is more important than saving a few minutes.

Taking the boat to the turtle area

After the briefing, you access the site by boat. The boat trip is included in the price, so you are not paying separately for transport to the water.

The name of the activity points to a turtle area, and the underwater setting is intended to show you Tenerife’s Atlantic marine life. The supplied details do not promise a guaranteed turtle sighting, a particular depth, or a fixed list of animals. Keep your expectations sensible: the main purpose is to learn basic skills and experience the sea bed in a controlled setting, not to join a specialist wildlife expedition.

That is actually a good match for a first session. You can concentrate on breathing, body position, and listening to your instructor instead of trying to cover a large underwater route. The clear water gives you a chance to look around, but the quality of marine life and visibility can vary with natural conditions.

A boat-based site also means less time working out where to enter the water yourself. You follow the team to the chosen location, receive guidance, and focus on the experience. The trade-off is that you have less control over the exact site and schedule than you would with a private shore outing.

Your first time below the surface

Once you enter the water, the instructor guides you through the session and helps you get comfortable. You can practice the basic skills from the land lesson, then spend time looking at the sea bed and the marine life around you.

The key word here is controlled. This is not presented as a free-swimming trip where you head off alone. The instructor is there to help with equipment, breathing, and confidence. For a beginner, that close supervision is worth more than a longer session with little guidance.

Your first few moments may feel strange. The regulator changes the rhythm of breathing, the equipment feels unfamiliar, and it can take time to coordinate looking around with staying calm. You should expect a learning curve, not instant ease. The positive part is that the staff seem willing to adapt to each person rather than treating the group as one unit.

A couple can also have different comfort levels. In one case, one partner needed extra support near the surface while the other continued farther down with another instructor. That arrangement allowed both people to enjoy the outing without forcing the more confident person to wait for the entire session. It also shows why the small-group format matters.

You will have the chance to use your new skills in the sea, but the exact amount of underwater time is not specified. Weather, comfort, safety, and the pace of the group can all affect how the session unfolds. If you want a guaranteed long underwater route, this introductory format may feel limited. If you want a safe test before taking a course, its short length is an advantage.

What makes the staff important

Equipment is only part of a first scuba experience. The instructor determines how easy it is to ask questions, slow down, and recover from nerves.

ScubaPoint uses certified PADI instructors, and instruction is available in four languages. The most useful quality is not a particular accent or scripted speech. It is the ability to notice when someone is tense and give that person time. The French couple’s experience suggests the team can split attention sensibly, with one instructor offering extra help and another supporting a more confident participant.

A British family also had a positive experience with a 10-year-old who had special needs. The child was put at ease and well supported. That is encouraging for families, although you should contact the provider directly about any individual needs before booking. The published restrictions say children under eight cannot take part, but they do not provide a detailed accessibility plan.

The age limit matters. The activity is not suitable for children under eight or people over 70. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with pre-existing medical conditions. The health warning is broad, so if you have any condition that could affect breathing, pressure, movement, or exertion, ask the provider before paying.

Is $88 good value for a first scuba session?

At $88 per person, the package includes full scuba equipment, an instructor or monitor, and the boat trip. You are paying for more than time in the water. The price also covers the gear you would otherwise need to rent separately, the basic lesson, the boat transfer, and the staff support that makes a first attempt possible.

For someone curious about scuba but unsure about committing to a certification course, this is a sensible trial. A full course requires more time, study, and money. This session lets you find out whether you enjoy the breathing system and the feeling of being underwater before taking that next step.

The value is strongest for beginners who want personal attention. A group of 10 is not the same as a private session, but it is still a manageable limit. If the group reaches its maximum, the amount of individual time you receive will depend on how many people need help and how the instructors divide the group.

The price is less compelling if you are already certified and expect a substantial exploration. The session is built around an introduction, not an advanced underwater tour. Experienced participants may find the instruction and short format too basic.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this for:

• Adults and children aged eight or older who want a first taste of scuba
• Couples with different confidence levels
• Families who want close support for a child, after checking individual needs
• People comparing scuba with snorkeling and wanting more time below the surface
• Visitors who prefer an instructor-led activity rather than arranging equipment alone
• Anyone considering a certification course but not ready to commit

I would be more cautious if you dislike confined breathing equipment, feel uneasy in open water, or want complete independence. The session is designed to help nervous beginners, but no instructor can guarantee that everyone will enjoy the sensation.

You should also take the health restrictions seriously. The provider specifically excludes pregnant women, people over 70, people under eight, and people with pre-existing medical conditions. Do not assume a booking form replaces medical advice.

Practical advice for a smoother session

Arrive with water and beachwear, and keep the rest simple. You do not need to bring scuba equipment because full gear is included.

Listen closely during the land lesson. The more attention you give the equipment demonstration, the more mental space you will have once you enter the sea. Ask for a repeat if an instruction is unclear, especially if you are not fully comfortable in the activity language.

Do not compare your pace with someone else in the group. A partner or friend may become comfortable quickly while you need more time. The staff can support different levels, and the experience described for one couple shows that you do not necessarily have to move at exactly the same speed.

I would also avoid scheduling an important appointment immediately afterward. The listed duration is two hours, and the real pace includes preparation and the boat trip. A little extra breathing room makes the day less rushed.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead and the reserve-now, pay-later option make this easier to fit into a changing Tenerife itinerary. Those policies are useful, but they do not remove the need to check health requirements before booking.

Should you book ScubaPoint?

Book this if you want a careful first attempt, not a serious technical session. The strongest reasons are the PADI instruction, full equipment, boat access, small groups, and staff who appear willing to stay with a nervous participant until the basics feel manageable.

The turtle area adds a clear purpose to the outing, while the short two-hour format keeps the commitment modest. You may see Atlantic marine life and practice new skills, but no specific wildlife sighting or underwater route is guaranteed.

At $88, I think it is a fair choice for a beginner who wants to test the waters before taking a full course. It is less suitable for certified scuba users seeking depth, distance, or advanced training. Check the health restrictions, arrive at Puerto Colon prepared, and book with the expectation that patience and comfort come before covering a lot of ground.

FAQ

Where does the scuba session meet?

You meet ScubaPoint at Puerto Colon in Tenerife.

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is two hours. Check availability for the specific starting time.

Do I need previous scuba experience?

No. The session is designed for beginners and includes a basic land lesson before you enter the water.

What is included in the price?

The $88 price per person includes full scuba equipment, an instructor or monitor, and the boat trip.

Which languages are available?

Instruction is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Who cannot take part?

The activity is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or people over 70.