Scuba training in 3 days, done right. This SSI Open Water course in South Tenerife is interesting because you get a structured skill build, then you put it to use on multiple underwater training sessions with a team that sounds genuinely invested in comfort and progress. I especially liked the small group size (up to 4) and the way instructors bring calm, practical patience to the learning curve. The main consideration is that it is a real course, so you need moderate physical fitness, and kids must be able to swim (minimum age is 12).

You’ll start at Av. Magallanes, 5, 38612 El Médano, with the day beginning at 8:30 am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. Transportation is included, so you are not juggling logistics while you are learning buoyancy and equipment basics. One more thing: expect a busy 3 days, because the course covers the full progression over the 6 underwater sessions.

Key things I’d bet on before you book

• Up to 4 people means you get more attention when skills feel tricky.
• SSI Open Water structure over 3 days gives you a full learning arc, not a “try it once” experience.
• Instructors praised for patience and humor (Chris and Jon show up repeatedly in reviews) which matters when you are doing e-learning and then handling real equipment.
• Everything core is included: scuba gear, instructor, SSI materials, and insurance, plus transportation.
• Local underwater variety around the island is part of the point, including trips to places like Abades, where a review notes a cave packed with trumpet fish.
• Debrief culture shows up in reviews, with people talking through the experience afterward and getting local tips on food and bars.

SSI Open Water in South Tenerife: what you’ll actually do

This is the first level of the SSI Open Water course. In practical terms, it is a 3-day training program built around learning core scuba skills well enough that you can keep using them on future trips. The course runs with 6 underwater training sessions across 3 days, so you do not just watch, you practice. That repetition is what turns “I get it in theory” into “I can do it calmly when I’m wearing the gear.”

You’ll also have an instructor guiding every step. In reviews, the instructors are repeatedly described as patient and hands-on, even when students are learning the rhythm of breathing, buoyancy, and equipment handling. One reviewer mentioned e-learning with real instruments during the first couple of days, which tells me Medanodive mixes classroom-style prep with immediate, practical application.

The course is offered in English, and the tour info states you’ll receive confirmation at booking. You can also expect the pace to feel “course-driven,” not casual sightseeing. If you like structured learning with clear coaching, you are in the right place.

Medanodive in El Médano: the calm start that matters

Your meeting point is Av. Magallanes, 5, 38612 El Médano, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and you start at 8:30 am. That early start is common for water activities, but it also helps you avoid the day getting too crowded and stressful. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you are not stuck figuring out a return.

One thing I like from the details you were given is that transportation is included. For a course like this, that’s not just convenience. It means you can focus on breathing technique and gear setup instead of burning mental energy on buses, parking, or finding the right pickup spot.

Medanodive caps groups at 4 travelers. In the real world, that usually translates into fewer people waiting around and more time with the instructor while you practice. One review even mentions a scenario with only one participant on the course, which suggests the team can keep things individualized when conditions allow.

Day-by-day flow: how the 3 days build your comfort

Because the only formal “stop” listed is Medanodive, the best way to think about the itinerary is by training phases. You’ll spend the 3 days moving through the full Open Water progression, with instructor support, SSI materials, and scuba equipment provided.

Day 1: setup, basics, and getting your body used to the gear

Your first day is about building comfort with equipment and the core skill set. Expect coaching on how to breathe steadily and how to manage buoyancy without panicking. One reviewer specifically mentioned working on breathing skills after the course, which is a good hint that breathing rhythm is a big focus area early on.

You’ll likely spend time with the e-learning component and then immediately transfer that learning to real practice with actual instruments, not just screens. The reviews mention this “e-learning with real instruments” approach on the first two days, and it’s exactly what you want. It reduces the gap between knowledge and muscle memory.

Possible drawback to plan for: your first day can feel intense because you are learning multiple new things at once. If you arrive tired, it can make it harder to absorb instructions quickly.

Day 2: practicing control and learning what to do when things feel new

By day 2, you are usually past the “what is this?” stage and into the “okay, I can do this” stage, at least for the fundamentals. The reviews highlight instructors like Chris as patient and even funny, which matters when you need your confidence more than you need extra information.

This is also when the course momentum really shows. SSI Open Water is designed so each session reinforces the previous one. With 6 underwater sessions total, day 2 typically helps you move from “I can follow steps” into “I can respond and adjust.”

Day 3: skill consolidation and applying it across the full course goals

Day 3 is for tightening everything up. You will practice the skills again with more control, and you should feel less “new” than day 1. Reviews describe the team as making intense training feel enjoyable, and one person mentioned progressing through training and enjoying the time with the instructors.

If you are the kind of learner who likes closure, day 3 will feel satisfying. You are not just doing random sessions. You are completing the course progression so you can move on confidently later.

Where you go underwater: Tenerife sites, not cookie-cutter routes

The course is in South Tenerife, and you’ll be transported to training locations as part of the included service. The reviews give a strong clue that Medanodive is not stuck doing the same underwater spot every time. One reviewer praised the way the instructors took them to fun and interesting underwater sites once the required skills were in place.

One specific example from a review: Abades. That same review notes that the beach area can have low visibility because of whirled sand, while being further out leads to a wonderful view. It also mentions a cave with a large number of trumpet fish, and that on that particular day rays were not visible but an octopus was seen instead.

What that means for you: Tenerife underwater conditions can change. If you are sensitive to visibility, you may want to keep expectations flexible, especially near sandy beaches. If you want a better chance at clearer views, focus on how the team positions you during the session, since “closer to the beach can be hazier” is a real pattern mentioned in the reviews.

The instructors and vibe: why people keep recommending this team

The most consistent praise is not just about scenery. It is about teaching style. In the reviews you provided, names that show up often include Chris, Jon, and Isma (also written as Ismael). People describe Chris as patient and professional, with a sense of humor that helps when training feels demanding.

One review even thanked the team for being extremely professional and friendly, and another mentions that the instructors made the student feel comfortable. That comfort part is not “nice to have” for scuba training. When you feel calm, you breathe better, you think better, and your buoyancy tends to improve.

There’s also a social, down-to-earth element. One review mentions chatting afterward and the team being helpful with suggestions for local bars, restaurants, and things to do around the area. That might not sound like course-critical information, but it can make your whole experience better, especially if you’re traveling solo as a learner and want an easy way to unwind after a long day.

Price and value: is $600.85 fair for what you get?

The price is $600.85 per person for the 3-day experience. That number can look high at first glance, but for scuba training, it often makes sense because the package includes the things that usually add up fast when you book them separately.

Here’s what’s included:

• Scuba equipment
• Instructor-led training
• SSI materials and SSI feeds (as stated in your details)
• Insurance for the activity
• Transportation

It’s also listed as having no exclusions in the provided details, so there are no special “gotchas” listed that you must add on later (at least based on the information you shared).

When I judge value, I look for two signs: you are not paying extra to figure out logistics, and the group size keeps training personal. With up to 4 travelers, you are paying for coaching time, not just access to water. With transportation included, you are paying for fewer headaches.

If you compare this to building your own plan, including equipment rental, instruction, and insurance, you usually end up paying similarly or more. Here, you are buying a ready-to-go course package with a teaching team that reviews describe as consistently professional and supportive.

Who this course is perfect for (and who should hesitate)

This SSI Open Water course is a strong fit if:

• You want a structured learning path over 3 days, not scattered one-off experiences.
• You appreciate a small group where questions do not get lost.
• You want English instruction and a team that focuses on comfort and skill building.
• You value included basics like equipment, instructor, materials, insurance, and transport.

It might be a less ideal fit if:

• You cannot comfortably meet the requirement of moderate physical fitness.
• You are younger than 12, or your child cannot swim well (children must be accompanied by an adult and be able to swim).
• You dislike early mornings. The start is 8:30 am.
• You want zero intensity. This is a full training course with real skill practice across 6 underwater sessions.

On the positive side, the operation is friendly to your planning needs: confirmation at booking and flexibility if the day you want is not available (the provider tries to arrange another day, and if not possible you get a full refund).

The practical checklist you’ll thank yourself for

Your success here is mostly about preparation and mindset. From what’s emphasized in the information and the reviews, here’s what I’d personally watch:

• Bring a calm attitude about learning breathing and buoyancy. One review specifically hints that breathing gets focus, and that’s normal.
• Expect some e-learning and then immediate hands-on practice with real tools. Don’t plan to treat day 1 as purely “orientation.”
• Be ready for changing underwater conditions. The Abades visibility note (sand affecting the beach area) is a real reminder that conditions vary.
• Plan for 3 full days of training energy. This is not a half-day activity.

Should you book SSI Open Water with Medanodive?

If you want an SSI Open Water credential path in South Tenerife, and you like the idea of up to 4 students, included equipment and insurance, and instructors known for patient coaching, I think this is an excellent option. The biggest selling points in the feedback you shared are consistency in professionalism and teaching comfort, with instructors like Chris and Jon showing up again and again, plus Isma/Ismael in supportive roles.

I’d say go for it if you meet the swim and fitness basics and you want a real course, not a casual intro. The only reason I’d pause is if you are uncomfortable with the early start or you prefer a lighter schedule. For the right learner, this is the kind of training that can set you up for future trips with skills you actually trust.

FAQ

Where is the SSI Open Water course based?

The meeting point is Av. Magallanes, 5, 38612 El Médano, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the experience start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the course?

It runs for about 3 days.

What does the course include in terms of underwater sessions?

The SSI Open Water course consists of 6 underwater sessions across the 3 days.

What language is instruction provided in?

The course is offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

Included are scuba equipment, an instructor, SSI materials and SSI feeds, diving insurance, and transportation.

What is the minimum age and swimming requirement?

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

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What happens if the day you choose is not available?

If your chosen day is not available, they will try to arrange another day. If that is not possible, you receive a full refund.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.