Crystal water and short boat hops in Tenerife. This is a certified-only scuba outing from the south coast where you can choose among 20 underwater sites based on the day’s conditions, just minutes by boat from Puerto Colón.

I really like how smooth the start is. You meet at the Travel Sub reception in the Escuela Nautica building by pier 5, gear is set up for you, and the team keeps things moving, including a 30-minute safety briefing before you go underwater.

One thing to consider: the whole trip is about 2.5 hours, with your main water time listed at 45 minutes. So if you’re looking for a long, slow day with lots of time on the surface, this is more of a focused session.

Key things to know before you book

• Small group size (up to 10): easier communication and less waiting around.
• Puerto Colón location by the pier: you’re close to the ocean, so the day feels efficient.
• Equipment included: BCD, regulator, weights, fins, boots, wetsuit, plus an air tank (12 or 15 l).
• 20 possible dive sites nearby: the operator selects the best option for the day.
• Wrecks and caves included in the plan: you’re not only chasing marine life.
• Night dive options exist: if you want sunset or after-dark underwater time, ask about the departures.

Puerto Colón check-in at Escuela Nautica, right by the water

For me, the best part of any short scuba session is the logistics. This one starts at the Travel Sub Dive Centre meeting point in the Escuela Nautica building, located in front of pier 5, inside the private parking area at Puerto Colón. It’s also close to the water, about 100 meters from the ocean, so you don’t waste your morning walking across town.

You’ll want to go inside the building and find the reception. That’s where you’ll get oriented and typically where your crew confirms what’s happening next. The area feels built for this kind of trip, which matters when you’re trying to keep things calm and on schedule.

Since the sessions run multiple times per day, getting to the meeting point on time is part of the deal. Arrive with swimwear ready and towel packed, so you’re not changing clothes after you’re already nervous.

30 minutes of safety briefing, then you’re off

Before you head out, you get a full safety briefing, listed at 30 minutes. I like that this isn’t rushed. If you’re certified, you still want a clear check-in: local conditions, what the plan is for the underwater session, and the rules you’ll be using with your group.

You’ll go with an instructor and/or a DM (divemaster). The team is multilingual, with instructors speaking Spanish, English, Italian, French, Russian, and Dutch. That’s a big deal in Tenerife, because it helps you feel confident that you understood the key points before you’re in the water.

The briefing time also buys you something practical: gear check and coordination. When everything is set properly on land, your time underwater feels simpler. And if something small comes up, the crew can often adjust quickly rather than trying to fix issues mid-session.

Speedboat transfer: short rides, 5-20 minutes from the center

Once you’re briefed, it’s a quick hop to the water. The itinerary lists a speedboat segment of about 15 minutes, which usually means you’re not stuck on a long ride wondering if you’ll get seasick.

This matters because the trip is only 2.5 hours total. You don’t want big travel time eating your underwater time. The operator notes that their sites are 5-20 minutes by speedboat from the center, so you’re set up for maximum time at the locations rather than time on transport.

Also, there are two speedboats. In plain terms, that can help keep the group flow smoother, especially on busy days with multiple daily departures. Fewer delays means you get out on schedule and the day feels less like an airport run.

Your 45-minute underwater session: visibility, Atlantic life, caves, and wrecks

Your main water time is listed at 45 minutes. In that window, you’ll be looking at Tenerife’s underwater life and some of its standout structures.

The operator emphasizes crystal-clear water with excellent visibility, which is exactly what you want in this part of the Atlantic. Better visibility means you can actually enjoy the animals instead of just surviving the conditions.

Here’s what you can realistically expect to see, based on what they highlight:

• turtles
• rays
• angel sharks
• moray eels
• octopuses
• plenty of different Atlantic fish

You’re also not only doing wildlife spotting. The plan specifically calls out wrecks and caves, which often deliver a different kind of thrill. Wildlife can be hit-or-miss based on currents and luck, but caves and wrecks give you structure to explore, plus hiding places for the creatures you want to find.

One practical tip: in caves and around wrecks, don’t rush. Move calmly, keep an eye on your buddy, and follow the instructor or DM’s guidance. The payoff is a more relaxed experience, and you’ll likely notice more details, like how the fish behave when they feel safe enough to come closer.

Even though the session time is fixed, the day-to-day selection of sites (from their 20 options) helps keep repeat visits from feeling like you’re redoing the same route every time.

Night dive options for Atlantic giants after sunset

Tenerife has a way of changing underwater behavior after dark. This operator specifically mentions thrilling night dives where you can witness Atlantic giants.

Now, here’s the honest part: your exact departure in the 2.5-hour plan may or may not be a night option. The key value is that the center offers night dive opportunities in their broader schedule, so if your dates include one, it’s worth asking when you book.

Night sessions are great for people who:

• like different animal behavior at night
• want to see how the same reefs or structures feel under artificial light
• enjoy a slightly more adventurous atmosphere

If you’re considering night, think about comfort level with buoyancy and procedures. It’s not about being “brave,” it’s about being steady. Good control keeps the experience enjoyable and safe.

Included gear and what that saves you

You’re not just booking a spot and hoping for the best. This trip includes scuba equipment: BCD, regulator, weights, fins, boots, and a wetsuit. You also get the air tank, listed as 12 or 15 l.

That matters for value in Tenerife. If you tried to piece together rentals separately, you’d spend time coordinating shops, sizes, availability, and pickup points. Here, the crew prepares your gear for you, which lets you focus on the day’s plan.

Also included:

• instructor and/or DM
• water
• a babysitter option if parents want to dive together

That babysitter note is small on paper, but it’s a real practical advantage if you’re traveling as a mixed group. At the very least, it signals the center knows how to handle families better than some operators.

What’s not included: insurance and photos. So if you want photos, you’ll need to confirm whether the center offers add-ons or whether you’re planning to bring your own camera setup. (But the provided info doesn’t list photo packages, so treat that as a question to ask directly.)

Price and value: what $63 includes, and why that can be a smart deal

The listed price is $63 per person. For a short, organized trip, the real value isn’t just the number. It’s what’s included in that number.

You’re getting:

• equipment rental
• an air tank (12 or 15 l)
• a boat transfer within 5-20 minutes navigation
• an instructor and/or DM support
• water

When you add up those categories, $63 starts to look reasonable, especially for a structured, small-group experience. You’re also not paying extra for the basic essentials you would otherwise have to hunt down locally.

The small group size, limited to 10 participants, is part of the value too. A smaller group usually means less confusion on the way in and out, and you tend to get better attention if you have questions while getting ready.

One more value factor: multiple daily departures. If your schedule is tight, you can often pick a time that fits weather and day plans without sacrificing the trip.

Staff vibe and the kind of details that make it better

A lot of dive days rise or fall on the people. This center clearly leans into friendly, organized service.

I’ve seen how much difference a good receptionist can make. The reception experience is described as very nice and memorable, and the instructor team is called funny in a good way. That kind of tone matters because it lowers stress before you gear up.

And then there are the little “you got this covered” moments. One standout example: a staff member named Tobi helped with glasses, and people specifically thanked him for it. That tells you the team is attentive to the small stuff that can otherwise become a nuisance when you’re dealing with masks, visibility, and comfort.

If you wear glasses, don’t assume you’re on your own. Ask the crew what options they recommend for your situation. They may have practical tips or solutions based on how their setup works.

What to bring, and how to avoid wasting time

Packing for this is straightforward, which I appreciate. Bring:

• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen

You’re also in a wetsuit, so sunscreen is for before you’re covered and after you’re done. If you burn easily, put sunscreen on the areas not protected by the wetsuit before you head to the boat.

Also plan your timing around the schedule. Since the activity total is 2.5 hours, you’ll want to arrive with enough time to check in and get ready calmly. The more relaxed you are at the start, the better the water time feels later.

Who this is best for, and who should skip it

This experience is open to scuba certification holders, including PADI, SSI, and more. If you have a valid certification, you’ll be able to join the underwater session.

It’s not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• divers without certification

There’s also an important medical note: a medical certificate is required for participants over 55 years old. If you fall into that age range, don’t leave this until the last minute.

I also think this works well for:

• people who want a focused Tenerife scuba session without a long day plan
• certified travelers who value small-group organization
• divers who want a mix of marine life plus structure (wrecks and caves)

If you’re not certified or you’re traveling with someone who isn’t, you’ll need to look at other options, since this one is explicitly for certified participants.

Should you book Travel Sub in Tenerife?

Book it if you want a well-organized small-group scuba session with included gear, short boat rides from Puerto Colón, and a mix of animals plus wrecks and caves. The $63 price can be good value because it includes the equipment, tank, boat time, and instructor support.

Skip it or ask lots of questions first if you need extra flexibility on the schedule, because the trip is tightly timed at about 2.5 hours and the main water time is listed at 45 minutes. Also, if you’re not comfortable with the requirements for certified participants or if medical documentation applies to you, plan ahead.

My final take: this is the kind of Tenerife underwater outing that feels “easy to execute.” When logistics are handled well, you can spend your energy on what matters, seeing Atlantic life in clear water and checking out those wrecks and caves.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Tenerife scuba experience?

The experience lasts about 2.5 hours total, with a listed 45 minutes for the scuba session.

Where do I meet for the activity?

Meet at the reception of Travel Sub Dive Centre in the building Escuela Nautica, in front of pier 5, in the territory of private parking Puerto Colón.

Is this for certified divers only?

Yes. It is not suitable for divers without certification. It’s open to scuba certification holders such as PADI, SSI, and other certification programs.

What scuba gear is included?

Scuba equipment is included, including BCD, regulator, weights, fins, boots, and a wetsuit.

Do I need to bring an air tank?

No. The air tank is included, with 12 or 15 l tanks provided.

How long is the speedboat ride?

The itinerary lists speedboat time of about 15 minutes to get to the area and about 15 minutes to return.

What underwater life and sites should I expect?

You may see turtles, rays, angel sharks, moray eels, octopuses, and many Atlantic fish. The experience also includes wrecks and caves, and it mentions night dive opportunities with Atlantic giants.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is it suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, and participants over 55 require a medical certificate.

What’s the price and what’s included in it?

The price is $63 per person. Included items are scuba equipment, boat dive within 5-20 minutes of navigation, tank, instructor and/or DM, babysitter option for parents who want to dive together, and water. Insurance and photos are not included.