First time under water can feel like you’re stepping into a different world. This 3-hour beginner scuba course in the Abades turtle area lets you learn how to breathe under water, then see colorful fish and sea turtles with an instructor who keeps things calm and safe.

I especially like the hands-on pacing: you start in shallow water to feel comfortable in your gear before going farther out. And you get real take-home value, including a certification card plus high-quality photos and videos right after the session.

One thing to keep in mind: turtle sightings are never guaranteed since they’re wild animals in a protected marine area.

Key points at a glance

• Shallow-water start so you can build comfort before any deeper water time
• Colorful fish + chance of sea turtles and sting rays in the protected Abades area
• Private group, no rush, with an instructor focused on first-timers
• Full gear + insurance + certification card included in the price
• Photos and videos for free, delivered immediately after the tour

Why Abades is a smart first underwater experience in Tenerife

Abades is set up well for beginners. You meet at the beach in the national protected park area, and the whole flow is designed around safety and first-comfort breathing. That matters because your success here isn’t about going far or fast. It’s about learning how your body responds when you’re in scuba gear.

The setting also boosts your odds of seeing wildlife. This is a protected marine zone, and that usually means more fish around than you’d expect in a regular swim spot. In addition to colorful fish, this course specifically aims for sea turtles and sting rays, so it’s not just training—it’s also a real wildlife moment.

If you’re hoping for a checklist-style experience (learn the basics, then see turtles), you’ll like the structure. Just remember: turtles are wild. Some days you’ll spot them, and some days you won’t.

3 hours of training: from gear fitting to your first calm swims

The session runs for about 3 hours, and it feels like a tight, focused lesson rather than a rushed “try it and go” experience. You’ll meet at the beach in Abades, with the meetup point being by the restaurant called Magilu.

After you arrive, the instructor gives you a full beginners’ course. You’ll learn the key parts of your first underwater breathing experience: how the equipment works, what to do to stay relaxed, and how to move safely with your gear. This is where many first-timers gain confidence, because you’re not guessing underwater.

Then comes the gear moment. You’ll get a neoprene suit, mask, fins, and the buoyancy jacket. If you’ve never worn this setup before, it can feel a bit bulky at first. The good news is that the course is planned for that exact moment—so you’re not thrown into the deep end while you’re still figuring out how you float.

Next, you enter shallow water. This is a big deal. You take your first steps in the water to feel safe and comfortable with the mask and fins, and you practice controlled breathing. Only after that do you move along with the guide to see the marine life in the Atlantic waters around Tenerife.

What I like about this pacing is that it keeps your brain working on one task at a time. You’re learning the breathing and body position while also getting used to being underwater. If you’re anxious, that gradual setup helps.

When you’re back on the beach, you receive your certification card (your proof that you completed the first experience course). You’ll also get the photos and videos, and the provider notes these are included and available right after the tour.

Turtles, rays, and fish: what wildlife time really feels like

This experience is built around sea life, not just the technical side. Once you’re comfortable in the water, you’re guided toward an area where colorful fish are waiting. With luck, you may also see larger sea turtles and sting rays in this natural protected area.

Here’s the honest expectation setting: wildlife viewing is always seasonal and dependent on what’s around that day. The course clearly aims for turtles, but since they’re wild, you can’t treat it like a guaranteed encounter. That said, many first-timers are still thrilled even with the fish alone, because the underwater world looks much more colorful than people expect.

One subtle benefit of going in the protected area is that the guide can help you focus on what matters. It’s easy to get distracted underwater. The instructor’s job is to keep you oriented so you don’t miss the moment when something swims by.

Also, the course includes time where you can enjoy floating in the ocean. That’s often the best part for beginners, because floating turns “learning” into something more relaxing. Instead of fighting the water, you start working with it.

The instructor approach: calm coaching for first-timers

The instructors are a big reason this course earns strong scores. You’re not just getting a checklist briefing—you’re getting support in real time.

In particular, one review highlighted Andres as a very attentive instructor who made the experience feel warm and personal. Another theme in the feedback: beginners felt taken care of and guided step by step, not left to figure things out alone. That’s exactly what you want for a first underwater lesson.

The course also works for people who are afraid. The information you get emphasizes that you might be nervous and the instructors still help you through it without rushing you. In my view, that approach is what makes the difference between a stressful first attempt and a fun one.

Language matters too. The provider lists instruction in English, German, and Spanish, and it’s stated that if you don’t speak one of those languages, they can’t run the course for your safety. So if you’re planning to book, make sure you can follow at least one of these languages well enough to understand safety instructions.

If you’re wondering how technical the instruction is, the feedback suggests that even when English isn’t perfect, the underwater parts don’t require heavy language. You’ll mostly rely on demonstrations and direct coaching.

What you get for the $100 price: value that’s more than gear

The price is $100 per person, and the value comes from what’s included. This isn’t only renting equipment and hoping for the best.

Included items:

• Full underwater equipment (neoprene suit, mask, fins, buoyancy jacket)
• Diving insurance
• An experienced instructor listed with CMAS / international aquanautic club credentials
• A certification card for your first experience
• Photos and videos of your trip for free, noted as top quality

Then there’s what’s not included:

• Food and drink
• Changing room
• Hot shower

That inclusion list is the key. Many experiences charge extra for insurance, a certificate, or photos. Here, you’re buying the complete package: safety coverage, a real instructor-led lesson, and a take-home card plus visual memories.

For a short 3-hour outing, getting the certification card and the media right away is a lot of practical value. You leave with proof you did it, and you also have photos/videos to show what you experienced underwater—without needing to figure out how to bring your own waterproof camera.

Just plan ahead for comfort on land. Since a changing room and hot shower aren’t included, bring your towel and be ready to manage basic rinse and drying yourself.

Who this is for (and who should skip it)

This course is described as a beginner option and it says you don’t need experience. It also notes an age minimum: it’s possible from 10 years old.

It also sets some clear health and comfort boundaries:

• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Not recommended for people with heart problems
• Not suitable for people with respiratory issues
• Panic attacks: not the best sport for you
• People who wear glasses: you need contact lenses instead
• Non swimmers: possible but complicated

That last point is important. If you can’t swim well, the activity may still be offered, but it’s not presented as easy. Your comfort and ability to stay calm in the water matter. I’d treat that as a “talk to the instructor” situation before you book.

If you’ve got asthma, breathing limitations, heart conditions, or you know you’re prone to panic, don’t assume scuba gear fixes everything. This activity can be controlled, but it still involves being underwater, regulating breathing, and trusting the process.

On the other hand, if you’re generally healthy, older than 10, and you can handle learning a new skill in a small private group, this is a very reasonable first step.

Practical tips: what to bring and what to avoid after

Before you go, pack the basics:

• Swimwear
• Towel

That’s it. You don’t need to bring your own scuba gear.

Rules and safety notes are also part of the experience:

• No touching marine life, animals, or plants
• No alcohol and drugs

That’s not just for wildlife protection. It also keeps the underwater environment safer and more respectful for everyone.

After the session, the provider lists some do’s and don’ts:

• No flights for up to 12 hours after the trip
• No extreme sports after the trip
• Don’t visit Teide for 9 hours after the trip

I know these sound a bit strict, but they’re practical safety guidance. If your Tenerife plan includes climbing, big altitude changes, or catching a flight soon, plan your day around this session.

Also keep in mind this one: turtles are wild animals, so you might not see them every time. If you go with a flexible mindset—fish are included, turtles are a bonus—you’ll enjoy it more.

Should you book this beginner scuba course in Tenerife?

You should book if you want a structured first underwater lesson in a place that’s geared for beginners. The combination of shallow-water training, experienced instructor coaching, and the fact that you get a certification card plus photos/videos for free makes this feel like a complete first-timer experience, not a pricey “sample.”

You might think twice if you have respiratory or heart issues, panic attacks, or you need access accommodations not mentioned here. Also, if you strongly require a turtle sighting on the spot, go in with tempered expectations—wild animals don’t schedule themselves.

If your goal is to learn how to breathe underwater confidently and come back with proof and great visuals, this is an excellent fit.

FAQ

Is this course really for beginners?

Yes. The course is designed for people with no experience and focuses on learning how to breathe under water safely.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 3 hours.

Where do we meet for the session?

You meet at the beach in Abades by the restaurant named Magilu.

What is included in the price?

The price includes full underwater equipment, diving insurance, an experienced instructor, a certification card, and free photos and videos of your trip.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Non swimmers is possible but described as complicated, so swimming ability can affect how easy the course feels.

Can I see sea turtles?

You may see sea turtles, but they are wild animals and sightings are not guaranteed.

What languages are offered?

The instructor teaches in English, German, and Spanish.

Are there any health or safety restrictions?

Yes. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with respiratory issues, and it’s noted that panic attacks may make it a poor fit. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and you also shouldn’t touch marine life, animals, or plants.