SSI basic diver In Tenerife – 2 Dives

Tenerife’s SSI Basic Diver course gives you more than a quick look beneath the water. You get two guided underwater sessions, beginning with simple breathing and safety work, then moving to a reef visit as deep as 12 meters. The small groups, capped at six, make this a sensible first step for anyone who wants real instruction rather than a rushed tourist activity.

I like the patient, personal approach. Chris is praised for helping nervous beginners, while Steph is noted for clear Basic Diver instruction. I also like that equipment, insurance, and an instructor are included, so you do not need to assemble a kit or sort out separate cover.

The main consideration is time. This is a five-hour course beginning at 8:00 am, not a short beach activity. You must be at least 12, able to swim, and ready to take part in a structured lesson before reaching the reef.

Key points to know before booking

• Two underwater sessions: The first builds comfort with breathing and simple exercises; the second reaches a maximum of 12 meters.
• Small groups of six: You should receive more direct help than on a large introductory outing.
• Patient named instructors: Chris, Mariona, Steph, and Ismael are among the Medanodive team connected with the course.
• Full practical package: Scuba equipment, instruction, and insurance are included in the stated $160.75 price.
• A useful step toward certification: The course can count toward later SSI training, with part of the cost discounted if you continue to Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver certification.
• Early start in El Médano: Meet at Av. Magallanes, 5, at 8:00 am, then return to the same point.

Starting at 8:00 am in El Médano

Your morning begins at Medanodive, at Av. Magallanes, 5, in El Médano. The activity lasts about five hours and finishes back at the meeting point, so plan on using most of the morning and part of the early afternoon.

That fixed start matters. You should arrive ready for a full training session, not treat this as something to squeeze between breakfast and a late-morning excursion. The early hour may also suit you if you want to keep the rest of the day free, but it is less convenient for anyone who prefers a slow holiday morning.

The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying around El Médano and do not have a car. The supplied information does not include hotel pickup, so you should plan to reach the address yourself.

Once you arrive, the team prepares you for the session and explains the equipment. The course includes the scuba gear, an instructor, and insurance. That all-in setup is useful for first-timers, since you can focus on learning instead of hiring pieces of equipment separately.

The first session: learning to breathe underwater

The first session is about getting comfortable. You meet the team, practice breathing underwater, and complete basic, easy exercises under the instructor’s supervision.

This is the part that matters most if you feel unsure. New scuba participants often need a little time to adjust to breathing through equipment and to the feeling of being below the surface. The course does not simply hand you a mask and send you out. It builds up through basic tasks intended to give you control and confidence.

The instructor remains with you throughout. Chris is specifically praised for staying calm and patient when a beginner became frightened, which is the sort of support you want at this stage. The team also includes Mariona, Steph, and Ismael, and the overall setup is designed for personal attention.

Do not expect a long reef tour during the first session. Its purpose is practice, familiarization, and safety. That may feel slow if you already have scuba experience, but it is exactly what makes the course appropriate for someone trying this for the first time.

The small maximum of six participants is another useful detail. Six is still a group, so you should not expect a private lesson, but it is manageable. Your instructor has a better chance of noticing when you need help, repeating an explanation, or giving you a moment to settle down.

The second session: reaching the reef at 12 meters

The second session moves beyond the basic exercises. You experience weightlessness and descend to a maximum depth of 12 meters, where you can explore the seabed, reef, and surrounding area under supervision.

That depth is enough to make the underwater setting feel like a proper scuba experience, while remaining within the course limit. You should think of this as a guided introduction, not independent exploration. The instructor stays with you and controls the pace.

The supplied course details do not promise a particular species list or a guaranteed wildlife sighting. That is worth keeping in mind when you book. The appeal is the chance to see the reef and seabed from below, rather than a specific animal encounter.

One account connected with Medanodive describes two sessions in the bay of Abades with Ismael, along with well-chosen spots and photographs. This indicates that the team may use more than one site, but you should confirm the exact location for your date rather than assume every booking takes place in Abades.

The second session is also where the value of the first becomes clear. After practicing breathing and simple skills, you can spend more time enjoying the sensation of weightlessness instead of concentrating on every new movement. That progression gives the morning a clear purpose.

What the instruction is really worth

At $160.75 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Tenerife. It is also more than a basic one-time tryout because you receive two sessions, full equipment, insurance, and instruction from a professional.

The strongest value comes if you are genuinely considering further training. The course is intended for people who want to go beyond a brief introduction, and it can be used toward SSI courses. If you later continue to Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver certification, part of the course is discounted as part of that next step.

That makes the price easier to justify for a curious beginner who wants a possible route forward. You pay for a structured first stage rather than a single underwater photo opportunity.

If you only want a very short novelty activity, the five-hour schedule and instruction may feel like too much. You are paying for preparation, supervision, and practice, not just time beneath the water.

Equipment, insurance, and personal attention

The included equipment removes one of the common hassles of trying scuba for the first time. You do not need to arrive with your own setup, and the course includes insurance as well.

The information does not list each piece of equipment, its brand, or the process for choosing sizes. You can expect the team to prepare the included scuba gear as part of the course, but ask ahead if you have a specific medical, comfort, or equipment concern.

The instruction is the more important inclusion. Beginners need someone who can explain what to do before the session, watch their reactions, and respond when something feels wrong. The feedback about Chris being friendly, relaxed, and patient is especially relevant for nervous participants.

Communication with the center also appears to be practical. One account praises support through WhatsApp before arrival, followed by help at the center from Chris and Mariona. That is useful if you need to clarify timing or arrangements, though you should still rely on your booking confirmation for the final details.

Who will enjoy this SSI course most

This course suits you if you are new to scuba but want a proper introduction. It is also a good fit if you are curious about certification and want to test your comfort before committing to a longer course.

Families can consider it, but the rules are clear. The minimum age is 12, children must be accompanied by an adult, and participants must be able to swim. The course information says most people can take part, but it does not provide a full medical eligibility checklist.

It should also suit a nervous beginner who values calm instruction. The first session gives you time to practice, and the instructor is with you at every stage. That does not remove every challenge, but it means you are not left to work things out alone.

Experienced certified scuba users may find the basic exercises too slow. This is a beginner course, not a guided outing for people who already have certification.

Service animals are allowed, and the center is near public transportation. The activity ends where it starts, which keeps the morning simple once you have made your way to El Médano.

The team and the feel of the experience

Medanodive’s staff are an important part of the course. Chris is associated with a relaxed, friendly teaching style, and one beginner specifically found his help valuable during a moment of fear. Steph is described as clear and sympathetic when explaining the Basic Diver material.

Another account highlights the support from Chris and Mariona before and during the visit. Ismael is connected with two sessions in Abades, as well as photographs provided as a memory of the day.

You should not assume that one particular instructor will lead every booking. Staff assignments can change, and the available information names several members of the team. The useful point is that the operation has several instructors involved, with an emphasis on friendly help and clear explanations.

The reported equipment quality is also positive, though no technical specifications are supplied. That means I would judge the package mainly on what is confirmed: gear is provided, an instructor is present, and insurance is included.

Practical details that can affect your morning

Confirmation is sent at the time of booking. If the selected date is unavailable, the provider will try to arrange another day. If that cannot be done, you receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancel later than that and the amount paid is not refunded. Changes made inside the 24-hour window are not accepted, and the cut-off follows local time in Tenerife.

The activity is offered as a mobile ticket, which is convenient if you keep bookings on your phone. Still, bring the confirmation details and allow time to reach Av. Magallanes, 5 before 8:00 am.

Because the course lasts about five hours, you should avoid booking another activity too close afterward. The exact site used for the reef session is not fully specified, so allow the whole stated duration rather than planning around an early finish.

Should you book the Tenerife Basic Diver course?

Book this if you want a serious first taste of scuba, prefer a small group, and may continue toward SSI or PADI training. The two-stage format is the main strength: you practice first, then reach a maximum of 12 meters with the instructor still beside you.

I would also recommend it for a nervous beginner, especially if calm personal support matters to you. The course is less appealing if you want a quick, low-commitment activity or already have substantial scuba experience.

At $160.75, the package makes the most sense when you count the two sessions, gear, insurance, instruction, and possible credit toward further SSI training. Confirm the meeting details and likely site before booking, then arrive ready for an early, active morning in the water.

FAQ

Where does the SSI Basic Diver course start?

It starts at Av. Magallanes, 5, 38612 El Médano, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does the course begin?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately five hours.

How many underwater sessions are included?

Two sessions are included. The first covers breathing and basic exercises, while the second includes a reef visit to a maximum depth of 12 meters.

What is included in the price?

The course includes the Basic Diver training, two sessions, an instructor, scuba equipment, and insurance.

What is the maximum group size?

The activity has a maximum of six participants.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12. Children must be accompanied by an adult and be able to swim.

Can this course help with later certification?

Yes. The course is valid for specified SSI courses, and if you continue to Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver certification, part of the course is discounted.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Late cancellations and changes made within 24 hours are not accepted.