Reviewed · TENERIFE DIVING COURSES

Private Try Dive for 2 with our experienced Instructor

★ 5.0 · 12 reviews 2.5 hours From $118 Operated by Barbarian Diving Tenerife · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Book on GetYourGuide →

Tenerife gives you a rare chance to try scuba without being folded into a large class. This private session for two begins with a safety briefing and equipment lesson, then takes you into the clear water at Playa de las Vistas with an instructor watching closely. You may see shoals of fish, octopuses, rays, seahorses, and sometimes sea turtles.

I like two things right away. First, the private format lets your instructor set the pace for you and your partner or friend, which matters if one of you feels nervous. Second, the instructors, including Kathi and Katherine, have been praised for their patience, calm manner, and skill at pointing out small creatures that you might otherwise miss.

The main consideration is the age rule: this activity is for ages 18 and over. You also need to avoid flying for 12 to 24 hours afterward, so it works best early in a Tenerife stay or on a day with no flight soon after.

Key points at a glance

  • A genuinely private session: Only two participants share the instructor, rather than joining a large class.
  • Playa de las Vistas access: The meeting point is easy to reach, with only a short walk from the beach to the water.
  • A reassuring first experience: Kathi and Katherine are noted for patient instruction and steady support when nerves appear.
  • Plenty of equipment included: You receive a wetsuit, mask, fins, tank, regulator, buoyancy control device, diving computer, and surface marker.
  • Marine life at close range: Expect colorful fish and the possibility of octopuses, rays, seahorses, and sea turtles.
  • Good value for a couple: At $118 per person, the price includes the instructor, training, equipment, scuba session, and possible transport.

Why a private session changes the experience

Private Try Dive for 2 with our experienced Instructor - Why a private session changes the experience

A first scuba outing can feel awkward in a group. You are learning to breathe through a regulator, manage buoyancy, clear your ears, and communicate underwater, all while trying to look at fish. A private instructor removes much of the social pressure.

You and your companion can ask questions without holding up a class. If one of you needs extra time, the instructor can slow down rather than moving on to the next scheduled group. That personal attention is especially useful if you feel anxious before entering the water.

The private format also suits couples celebrating something special. One person can encourage the other, and you share the same small discovery rather than splitting up among several participants. The experience is still carefully supervised, but it feels more personal than a standard introductory class.

There is a practical limit to this intimacy. The activity is a try session, not a full certification course. You get the key instruction needed for this outing, but you should not treat it as a substitute for formal scuba training if you want to continue independently.

More diving courses on Tenerife:

Beginning at Playa de las Vistas

You meet the crew at Playa de las Vistas in Tenerife. Some bookings include round-trip transport from designated meeting points or local accommodation, though the exact arrangement varies by provider, so check your confirmation carefully.

The beach setting is helpful for a first attempt. One specific detail from the experience is that the walk from the facilities to the water is short, with only a few steps needed before entering. That keeps the process simple when you are carrying unfamiliar equipment.

You should arrive in beachwear. The provided wetsuit handles the main swimming clothing, while the changing facilities make it easier to get ready. A large restroom has also been useful for changing, according to the details available about the setup.

Playa de las Vistas is also a less complicated meeting point than a remote launch site. You are not being sent out on a boat or asked to manage a long transfer before the lesson begins. That makes the 2.5-hour schedule feel focused on the actual activity.

The briefing, equipment, and first breaths

The session starts on land with a safety briefing and basic training. Your instructor explains how to use the equipment, what to do underwater, and how to handle the first moments when the mask and regulator feel unfamiliar.

The gear supplied is substantial:

  • Wetsuit
  • Mask
  • Fins
  • Tank
  • Regulator
  • Buoyancy control device
  • Diving computer
  • Surface marker

You also receive instruction from a trained guide and a supervised scuba session. The inclusion of the computer and buoyancy device is important because this is not simply a swim with a mask. You are using proper scuba equipment under professional supervision.

The first few minutes may be the hardest part. Several people needed time to settle their breathing or overcome nerves, but the instructors responded by slowing down, listening, and offering reassurance. That is where a private booking earns its keep. You are not forced to pretend you feel ready when you do not.

Kathi, Katherine, and the other instructors work in several languages: English, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Clear communication matters here, especially when you are learning hand signals and safety procedures. If you have a strong language preference, confirm that the instructor available for your time speaks it.

Entering Tenerife’s clear water

Once you and your companion are comfortable, you move into the sea for the guided underwater portion. The experience is designed around an easy first encounter, with your instructor close by and ready to help with breathing, buoyancy, and any small problem that appears.

The water is described as crystal clear, which helps you see marine life without needing to travel far. You might pass through a school of fish early in the session. Small colorful fish are a likely part of the scenery, while octopuses, rays, seahorses, and occasional sea turtles are possible sightings rather than guarantees.

One especially memorable possibility is a seahorse. It is a tiny creature, and you could easily miss it without a guide who knows where to look. The instructor’s role is not only to keep you safe but also to point out the life around you.

You should keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife is unpredictable, and no activity can promise a turtle or ray on a particular day. The pleasure is in learning how much is happening below the surface, even when the larger animals stay away.

The private setup helps with this. Your guide can direct both of you toward a creature and give you time to look, rather than moving on because a larger group is waiting. If you enjoy quiet observation more than speed, that is a real advantage.

A few more Tenerife trips worth comparing

The instructors are the strongest part

The most consistent strength of this experience is the human support. Kathi, also called Kath or Katherine in the available details, is described as friendly, patient, funny, caring, and professional. Those qualities matter more here than any sales description.

If you feel nervous, you want someone who notices it before it spoils the session. The instruction is meant to reassure you without making light of your concerns. Once you settle, the same guide can help you enjoy the fish and other animals rather than keeping your attention fixed only on the equipment.

The instructors also walk participants toward the beach and help make the transition from changing area to water straightforward. That may sound minor, but a first scuba session has many small moments when a calm guide makes the process easier.

You can also purchase photos and videos onsite. These are not included in the $118 price, but they may appeal to couples who want a record of the experience. Ask about the cost before agreeing to them, and remember that the underwater encounter itself is the main product.

Is $118 per person good value?

At $118 each, the cost is reasonable for a private introductory scuba experience in Tenerife, particularly if you value one-to-one attention. The price includes the instructor, briefing, training, wetsuit, mask, fins, tank, regulator, buoyancy control device, diving computer, surface marker, and the scuba session itself.

Transport may also be included from designated meeting points or local accommodation, depending on the provider. That can improve the value, but you should confirm whether pickup applies to your location.

A group session might cost less, so this is not the cheapest way to try scuba. You are paying for privacy and flexibility. If both people are confident and mainly want the lowest possible price, a shared group option may be enough. If one person is anxious, or if the occasion matters, the extra cost buys personal attention at exactly the point you need it.

The booking terms add useful flexibility. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability before building the rest of your day around it.

Timing, flights, and practical planning

The total duration is 2.5 hours. That includes the briefing, preparation, water time, and return to the meeting point. It is long enough to feel like a proper activity, but short enough to fit around a relaxed day in southern Tenerife.

Schedule it early in your holiday if you can. You should avoid flying for at least 12 to 24 hours after scuba activity, so do not place this close to your departure flight. The same rule matters if you plan a domestic or connecting flight soon afterward.

Bring beachwear and arrive ready for a water-based activity. The equipment is supplied, but the provider does not list photos or videos as part of the package. Those can be bought onsite if you want them.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, which is useful information for planning. Still, scuba equipment and movement near the water can involve practical details, so discuss your specific needs with the provider before booking.

Who should book this experience?

This is best for two adults who want to try scuba together without committing to a full course. It works particularly well for couples, close friends, or anyone planning a birthday surprise.

I would also recommend it if one person is excited and the other is uncertain. The private instructor can give the nervous participant more time and attention without an entire class watching. That is a much better setting for building confidence.

It is not suitable for children under 18. It is also a poor fit if you want a long boat trip, advanced scuba skills, or a guaranteed list of animals. The appeal is a guided first encounter in Tenerife’s coastal water, not a technical expedition.

Your companion should be comfortable sharing the same pace. The session is private, but you are still participating as a pair. If one person cannot continue, the experience may need to change, so honest communication with the instructor from the beginning is important.

Final verdict: book it if personal attention matters

I would book this private Tenerife scuba session if you want a gentle introduction, close support, and the chance to share the experience with one other person. The strongest reasons are the small group size, the patient instructors, the easy beach access, and the chance to see more than the usual quick glimpse of marine life.

The $118 per-person price makes sense when you compare it with the equipment, instruction, supervision, and private format included. Just remember that photos and videos cost extra, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and you need a safe gap before flying.

For a first underwater experience with someone you care about, this offers a good balance of adventure and reassurance. Book it when you can give yourself an unhurried day afterward, and let the instructor set the pace.

FAQ

Where does the private scuba session meet?

You meet the diving crew at Playa de las Vistas in Tenerife.

How long does the activity last?

The total duration is 2.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is the session private?

Yes. The group type is a private group for two participants with their instructor.

What equipment is included?

The package includes a wetsuit, mask, fins, tank, surface marker, diving computer, regulator, and buoyancy control device. It also includes the instructor, briefing, training, and scuba session.

Which languages are available?

Instruction is available in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Can I fly soon after the activity?

You should avoid flying for at least 12 to 24 hours after scuba activity. Plan the session with that waiting period in mind.

More like this

Tenerife Diving Courses, compared.

The full Tenerife Diving Courses list →
Southern Tenerife: 50-Minute Submarine Dive
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 2,216 reviews· from $72

Southern Tenerife: 50-Minute Submarine Dive

Read our review →
Beginners Scuba Dive Experience in Turtle Area
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 1,347 reviews· from $85

Beginners Scuba Dive Experience in Turtle Area

Read our review →
Beginner’s Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 627 reviews· from $82

Beginner’s Dive at a Spot with Turtle Sightings

Read our review →
Tenerife First Time Scuba Dive – Turtle Habitat, Small Groups
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 456 reviews· from $90

Tenerife First Time Scuba Dive – Turtle Habitat, Small Groups

Read our review →
Try Dive – PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Tenerife
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 214 reviews· from $156

Try Dive – PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Tenerife

Read our review →
RECREATIONAL DIVE (certified divers only) : Explore Canarian Sealife
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 174 reviews· from $114

RECREATIONAL DIVE (certified divers only) : Explore Canarian Sealife

Read our review →
guided Scuba Diving on Tenerife (for certified divers)
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 135 reviews· from $180

guided Scuba Diving on Tenerife (for certified divers)

Read our review →
Guided Boat Dives for Certified Divers
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 119 reviews· from $60

Guided Boat Dives for Certified Divers

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore Tenerife

Pick a coast, a crater or a kitchen.