If scuba ever felt a little out of reach, this course helps. In Tenerife, you’ll train with a certified PADI team and earn a globally recognized OWD qualification at a pace designed for beginners. It’s hands-on, structured, and very safety-minded, which matters a lot when you’re learning new skills in open water.

Two things I really like. First, the instruction comes with a real focus on confidence-building, not just checkboxes. You’ll get clear explanations on the surface and then repeat skills until they click. Second, the format stays small, with a maximum of 8 travelers, so you’re not stuck waiting your turn while everyone else is already in the water.

One consideration: the schedule can feel intense. Several comments point to a fast rhythm of theory plus in-water practice, and one note calls out a later lunch (around 15:00), which could make the day tougher if you’re used to earlier meal times.

Key takeaways before you go

• Beginner-friendly OWD: no prior scuba experience required, with entry based on age, swimming ability, and physical readiness.
• English instruction: the course is offered in English, which helps you follow explanations and safety guidance clearly.
• Small group limit (max 8): easier attention from instructors when you’re learning mask skills and buoyancy control.
• Patient, calm coaching: multiple reviews highlight instructors who stay composed and guide you step-by-step.
• Gear and learning materials included: you won’t need to source equipment before you arrive.
• Tenerife marine life on the first real sessions: you can see lots of sea creatures from early on.

Scubanana in Radazul: your meeting point and first gear check

Your course starts at Scubanana, in Puerto Deportivo, Av. Colón nº1, 38109 Radazul, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. That matters more than people think. Radazul is close enough to stay organized, and it’s listed as near public transportation, so you’re not forced into complicated logistics right away.

Before you gear up, expect the “get your bearings” stage: paperwork, an equipment walkthrough, and the basics of how the system works. One reason these courses feel smoother when you use a shop like Scubanana is that you’re learning with equipment that’s already set up for the training flow. Multiple reviews mention clean, well-kept gear and a relaxed shop atmosphere, plus staff who help you feel comfortable on day one.

There’s also a nice human touch. One reviewer even mentioned dogs hanging around the shop, which might sound random, but it says something about the overall vibe: this is not a factory production line. It’s a place where you’re meant to learn.

OWD in plain terms: what you’re learning and why it matters

OWD is the baseline scuba qualification that a lot of people use as the gateway to future trips. The goal is simple: you learn enough technique and safety procedures to be comfortable using scuba equipment in open water under the structure of the course.

What stands out here is how the training is delivered. Reviews repeatedly praise instructors who explain the physics and the skills calmly, then walk you through the exercises until you’re doing them correctly. That combo is important because the hardest part for many beginners isn’t the equipment. It’s the coordination underwater: breathing timing, slow movements, and staying calm when things feel unfamiliar.

One comment that really captures the reality of learning: a student described initial uncertainty around the idea of using a snorkel and then switching to scuba breathing underwater, with the mask staying on and the air changing mid-skill. That’s a real mental hurdle. The upside is that the course is designed for repetition. If you need to practice an exercise once, then again, you get that. You’re not rushed through the parts that make you tense.

Also, you enroll with no prior scuba experience. You do need adequate swimming skills and good physical health. And you must be 10 years old or older for enrollment. If you’re unsure how your body handles exertion or if you have any medical questions, it’s worth checking with a doctor first—this isn’t an instructor call you can safely wing.

Two-day rhythm: how the course time tends to feel

Your course is listed as about 2 days and 3 hours (roughly 2.5 days total). It’s not a single long day. It’s a short multi-session training window, and that changes the way you should plan your other Tenerife activities.

A couple of themes show up in the feedback. First, the training alternates between theory and practice at a fast pace. That’s standard for courses like OWD, but it can feel intense if you’re tired or if you don’t like being “on” all day. Second, instructors set you up on the surface first—clear instructions, then controlled skill practice underwater.

One practical detail: one reviewer wished for break timing to be earlier, noting lunch at around 15:00. That doesn’t mean it will be exactly the same for every group, but it’s a useful heads-up. If you get cranky when meals run late, plan snacks and hydration accordingly on travel days. Ask what the daily schedule looks like for your exact start time.

Because it’s only about 2.5 days, there’s also a psychological benefit. You’re not stuck waiting months to get started. If you show up ready to learn, you can get from nervous first steps to a real certificate in a compact timeframe.

Safety and skill coaching: why the instructors get praised so much

When people leave high ratings for a beginner scuba course, it’s usually because of how safe they felt. Here, you’ll see that theme again and again.

The instructor style described across reviews is consistent:

• Calm instruction even when students are nervous
• Skills broken down clearly
• Patients who let you take the time you need
• A safety-first attitude

Specific names come up too. Reviewers mention instructors such as Cedric, Sergio, Marc, Paulina, and Saskia, plus a staff member at the desk—Denise—who’s described as friendly and welcoming. That kind of staff continuity helps, because you’re not constantly being handed off to new people with different coaching styles.

What you should watch for as you’re learning: your comfort level with mask handling and regulated breathing. Multiple reviews highlight that instructors guide students through the tricky parts with patience—sometimes repeating exercises more than once until the movement feels natural. That’s not just “nice.” It’s how you avoid developing unsafe habits. When you practice correctly enough times, your brain stops treating every new sensation like a threat.

Another smart detail: the training is tailored to individual needs. At least one review explicitly says the instructors adjusted training so the student could feel supported and safe. That can be a big deal if you’re doing OWD as a gift or as a “first step” before bigger plans.

Tenerife underwater life: what you’ll likely see in your early sessions

One of the best reasons to take OWD in Tenerife is that you don’t have to wait until later certifications to see real ocean life. Reviews mention a surprisingly wide range of sea creatures across early training experiences.

You’ll hear about:

• Octopus (including one described as having a large head shape)
• Cuttlefish
• Trumpet fish
• Starfish
• Barracuda
• Dorada
• And plenty of colorful smaller fish

Even if you don’t see the exact species listed in every review (water conditions change), the takeaway is useful: you can get the “this is real life underwater” moment quickly. That helps beginners stay motivated during the more technical skill practice.

It also explains the emotional punch in the feedback. One person basically moved from uncertainty to joy, crediting instructors for guiding them through the uncomfortable parts until they felt capable. If you’re learning, that’s exactly what you want: visible progress paired with an underwater world worth the effort.

Gear, small groups, and what included extras mean for value

The course includes scuba gear and learning materials, which is a real value point for beginners. Renting or buying equipment can become a surprise cost on trips, especially if you’re arriving from somewhere that doesn’t have easy access to a scuba gear shop.

With gear included, you can focus on one task: learning. You also reduce the risk of showing up with gear that doesn’t fit right, which can slow down your learning (and frustrate you).

Next: small group size. A maximum of 8 travelers is the difference between feeling coached and feeling like you’re waiting. It also makes scheduling tighter and teaching more interactive. For a course where you’re practicing steps repeatedly—mask, regulator control, buoyancy-like body positions—that attention is what shortens your learning curve.

Finally, the “equipment and shop cleanliness” comments matter. It signals that the training environment is maintained. That sounds basic, but with scuba, small things add up: comfort, hygiene, and the overall sense that the team has a system.

Price and value: is $724.41 a fair deal for OWD?

The listed price is $724.41 per person. On the surface, that’s not cheap. But for a beginner OWD course, the value calculation often comes down to three things:

1) You’re getting an internationally recognized PADI qualification

2) The training is done with gear and course materials included

3) You’re limited to a small class size, which usually improves coaching time

Add Tenerife to the mix, and you also get something hard to price: the motivation of learning in a place where you can see sea life quickly. When the first open-water experience is visually rewarding, the course feels like less of a chore and more like a beginning.

One extra value item: PADI-style courses often lead to future paid experiences. If you’re already thinking about continuing with Advanced or just wanting to book local excursions confidently, OWD can be a smart first investment. You’re paying for safe skill foundations you can reuse on later trips.

If you’re comparing options, don’t only look at the base price. Ask what’s included (here: gear and materials), group size (max 8), and language (English). Those factors decide whether the money buys you comfort and progress.

Who should take this course, and who should think twice

This course is a strong fit if:

• You’re a beginner with no prior scuba experience
• You want English instruction
• You want a structured start with safety-focused coaching
• You’re okay with a short, intense schedule over about 2.5 days

It may be a tougher fit if:

• You’re sensitive to changes in routines (the course alternates theory and practice quickly)
• You’re very meal-time rigid (one note mentioned lunch timing around 15:00)
• You’re unsure about your physical readiness and haven’t checked with a doctor

Also, consider flight timing. The guidance provided says you should not go underwater 12 hours before a flight. Plan your Tenerife travel dates with that in mind so you don’t end up stressed on departure day.

Should you book Scubanana’s OWD in Tenerife?

I’d book it if you want a beginner-friendly OWD course with calm, patient instruction, and you like the idea of a small group where you’re not lost in the shuffle. The repeated praise for instructor steadiness and step-by-step coaching is exactly what you want when you’re learning underwater control and mask/regulator coordination.

If you’re on the fence, here’s the quick decision guide:

• If you’re physically cleared to dive, comfortable learning at a fast pace, and you can handle the possibility of later lunch, this looks like excellent value.
• If you’re worried about the mental side of scuba equipment underwater (mask and breathing changes), still consider it. The feedback here suggests the instructors are good at slowing down the scary parts until they feel manageable.

FAQ

How long is the PADI OWD course?

It’s listed as about 2 days and 3 hours (approximately 2.5 days total).

Is the course offered in English?

Yes, instruction is offered in English.

Do I need prior scuba experience?

No. The course is suitable for beginners and requires no prior scuba experience.

What are the age and physical requirements?

You must be 10 years old or older. You also need adequate swimming skills and to be in good physical health. If you’re unsure, you’re advised to check with a doctor first.

Is there a rule about flying after the course?

Yes. The guidance says you should not go underwater 12 hours before a flight.

Is free cancellation available?

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