A first breath underwater beats a selfie. This PADI trial scuba experience in Tenerife takes you from basics to your first guided underwater moments in about three hours, with strong PADI structure and a small group size capped at 8. I like how it’s built for true beginners, and I like that you get gear and insurance handled for you. One consideration: you need to be physically able to participate, and photos are not included.

The standout is the practice on land first, so you get breathing and equipment basics down while your instructor can correct you fast. You also get personal coaching throughout, and the vibe from guides like Ryan and Elias is friendly and professional at the same time. Plan on giving it your full 3-hour block and arriving ready to move.

Key things you’ll notice right away

• Small group size (max 8), which means less waiting around and more hands-on help
• Land drills before you enter the water, so you’re not guessing once you’re underwater
• Full gear and learning materials included, plus PADI fees and local taxes
• Scuba insurance included, which adds peace of mind for a first timer
• English instruction, so you won’t be stuck on translation when it matters most

A first-timer scuba session in Tenerife, set up for confidence

If you’ve ever watched someone breathe underwater and thought, That looks doable, but I have no idea where to start, this is the kind of activity that’s made for you. In Tenerife, you’re not sent out with zero guidance and a wing and a prayer. You’re coached through the basics, then you practice the key things before you ever commit to the real underwater part.

I especially like that it’s positioned as a true “try it” experience rather than a full certification course. That means your time is focused on the essentials: learning how scuba equipment works, getting comfortable with breathing underwater, and doing it all with an instructor right there with you.

The setting matters too. Your meeting point is at the Scubanana center at Puerto Deportivo in Radazul, near public transportation. You get a straightforward start, and you’re back at the same place when it’s over. Simple flow is a big deal when you’re doing something new.

One more practical note: the session runs about 3 hours and starts at 3:00 pm. That’s late enough to avoid the harshest daytime heat for many people, but it also means you should plan for the light to shift and your body to cool down after you’re in and out of the water.

The 3:00 pm timeline, from check-in to back at the start

The experience is structured around one main meeting location, the Scubanana center, where it begins and ends. Here’s the rhythm you should expect.

First, you check in and get the core intro with your instructor. For a lot of first-timers, the early minutes can feel like information overload, because there’s a lot of equipment and vocabulary. The good sign here is the emphasis on hands-on guidance and personalized instruction. Based on how the staff are described, you’re not just hearing a lecture, you’re getting nudged into the right habits.

Next comes the land practice. This is where you learn the basics and practice while you can fully see what you’re doing. You work through how the gear fits, how breathing feels, and how to follow the instructor’s cues. This is also typically the part where first-timers start to relax, because nothing is happening underwater yet.

Then you move into your underwater moments. This is still beginner-friendly, with an instructor guiding you throughout. Expect a learning curve at first. Even when you feel calm on land, underwater changes your pace and your awareness. The good news is that the coaching is designed to help you get your bearings fast.

Finally, you wrap up and return to the meeting point. You leave with a better sense of what scuba really feels like, not a vague story that sounds cool in theory.

What you do on land first (and why it matters)

The land practice is one of the most valuable parts of this experience. You’re learning diving basics with an experienced instructor, and you do practice on land before entering the water. For first-timers, this is the difference between feeling like a passenger and feeling like a participant.

On land, you’ll focus on skills that you need in the water but can actually manage on solid ground. That includes understanding your gear, how to handle it, and how your breathing should feel. If you’ve ever tried a new sport and spent your first hour “watching,” this setup avoids that.

Also, the instructor can spot issues instantly. The equipment may look simple, but fit and comfort matter. When someone like Ryan is described as taking your level into account, that’s exactly what this land stage enables. You get corrections before they turn into problems underwater.

The other quiet benefit: land practice helps reduce fear. It’s hard to feel safe when you don’t know what to do. Land practice gives you a plan.

Your underwater time: what the try-scuba moments feel like

This is a Discover Scuba trial, which means the underwater part is guided and beginner-focused. You’re getting the chance to experience what it’s like to breathe underwater, without needing prior experience and without committing to a full course.

Based on the tone of the experience, the first minutes can feel tricky, but then things click. That fits how scuba usually works for newcomers: at the beginning, you’re learning to coordinate breathing, movement, and attention. Once you realize you’re not alone and your instructor is guiding you step by step, your body follows.

The best indicator that you’ll enjoy this is the staff approach. People specifically praise how comfortable and guided they felt, including with names like Elias. If you’re nervous about doing something technical in a new environment, having an instructor who keeps the process calm and clear is not a small detail.

You should also be ready to keep things simple. This is not the time for big experiments. You’ll likely spend more time on core habits, following instructions, and feeling out buoyancy and motion basics rather than chasing every possible view.

One thing to remember: photos are not included. If you want a visual memory of your first underwater breath, plan on that cost separately or use your own phone where allowed by the shop and conditions. (But the listing does not include photos, so you should not assume you’ll get a photographer.)

Gear, insurance, and PADI fees: what’s truly covered

One of the reasons this is good value for first-timers is that it’s not “pay for the instructor, then figure out the rest.” Your session includes:

• Diving gear
• Diving instructor
• Scuba-related learning material
• Scuba insurance
• PADI fees
• Local taxes

That matters because it removes the annoying uncertainty. When you’re trying scuba for the first time, you don’t want to deal with sizing gear, buying rentals, or discovering last minute costs. Here, the essentials are included.

It also means the training is tied to the PADI structure. PADI fees are included, which usually signals standardized materials and a consistent approach to the learning flow. It’s a good mix of local guiding and an industry framework.

What’s not included: photos. So you can treat the listed price as the full training experience fee, minus picture packages.

Instructors you’ll remember: Ryan and Elias (and the teaching style behind them)

What people seem to love most is the staff vibe, and it shows up in the details. Ryan is singled out for being extremely capable in instruction, and for adapting to different experience levels. Elias is praised for making people feel comfortable, and for making the overall experience feel smooth even for first time participants.

The practical takeaway for you: you’re likely to get calm coaching rather than rushed “do it now” instructions. That’s huge in a water setting. Even if you’re excited, your brain may need time to understand what you’re hearing and then translate it into action.

There’s also a strong thread of friendliness. The descriptions say staff are accommodating and professional at the same time. In real life, that combination is what turns a scary new activity into something you can actually enjoy.

If you want a clear benefit statement: you’ll feel supported in the moments that usually make people hesitate, the first equipment checks, the first breath moments, and the first time you follow underwater cues.

Price and value: is $156.07 worth it?

At $156.07 per person for about 3 hours, this is not the cheapest activity in Tenerife. But for what you get, it can be a fair value.

Here’s why the price can make sense:

• The session includes gear and instructor time, plus the PADI fees and local taxes.
• Scuba insurance is included, which often costs extra when you’re piecing things together yourself.
• You’re not buying a full certification course. You’re paying for a structured tryout that focuses on first-timer success.

So the question isn’t just, Is it $156? It’s, Does this prevent you from wasting money on a scattered beginner plan? In most cases, a well-run tryout is worth paying for because you only get one first attempt.

The main “value risk” is also practical: if you’re not physically able to participate, you may end up losing time. You don’t want to be in a condition where you can’t go. If that’s you, talk to the provider before you commit, because the tour info specifically says you have to be physically in conditions to participate.

Who this suits best (and who should think twice)

This try-scuba experience is designed for people with no prior experience. It has a minimum age of 10, so it can work for teens and some families, as long as everyone meets the physical requirements.

It’s also a smart choice if you’re curious about scuba but don’t want the full course right away. You’ll learn enough to understand what scuba feels like and what skills you’d want to practice more later.

On the other hand, you should think twice if you have any concern about physical readiness. The tour info says you need to be physically in conditions to dive. Even if you’re generally healthy, check with your own limits and any medical advice you might follow.

Timing can matter too. The guidance says you should not do an underwater session within 12 hours before a flight. So if you’re booking a flight the same day or early the next morning, plan backward and give yourself a buffer.

Practical tips to help you enjoy it more

A smooth first experience is mostly about preparation.

Arrive early enough to settle in. The meeting point is Scubanana center at Puerto Deportivo in Radazul, address Av. Colón, nº1, 38109, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Aim to arrive with time to check in, get oriented, and feel calm before the training starts.

Bring 3 hours of free time. The activity requires that you have time for the experience window, about 3 hours.

Expect an equipment session. Since gear is included, you’ll still spend time getting fitted and learning how it works. Bring a sense of patience, and you’ll get more out of it.

Plan your day around the 3:00 pm start. If you’re juggling tours, don’t schedule anything tight before or after. You’ll likely want a relaxed start and a calm end.

Don’t plan on photos being included. If having underwater photos matters to you, you’ll need to decide separately. Treat that as a decision point, not an afterthought.

Should you book this try-scuba experience?

If you want a beginner-friendly scuba trial with a structured PADI approach, land practice, and personalized coaching in a small group, I think this is a strong choice. The biggest selling points are practical: gear and insurance included, the land training that builds confidence before the water, and instructors who keep things supportive.

I’d book it if:

• You’re at least 10 and you’re physically able to participate
• You want to experience breathing underwater without committing to a full course
• You prefer a small group setup that keeps the instructor’s attention on you

I might skip or postpone if:

• You have any doubt about physical readiness
• You’re traveling with a flight soon and cannot meet the 12-hour guidance
• You want guaranteed photos as part of the package

FAQ

What is included in the Try Scuba experience?

The price includes local taxes, a diving instructor, diving gear, diving insurance, learning material, and PADI fees. Photos are not included.

How long is the experience and what time does it start?

The experience lasts about 3 hours and starts at 3:00 pm.

Do I need prior scuba experience to join?

No prior experience is needed. The experience is designed for first-timers.

What is the minimum age to participate?

You must be at least 10 years old to participate.

Are there any rules for flying or physical fitness?

You must be physically in conditions to participate. You should not do an underwater session within 12 hours before a flight.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.