Three hours, and suddenly you’re underwater. This Try Scuba experience in Tenerife turns a busy morning into a very personal scuba skills session with Barbarian’s instructors like Kathi and Sergio guiding you step by step. You start with a solid briefing, then practice the basics in shallow water before you head into Tenerife’s volcanic sea for an underwater look at real marine life.

What I love most is the calm, structured teaching and the chance to get comfortable fast—especially if you’re nervous. I also like the small group setup (maximum 3 travelers), which means you don’t feel rushed or lost. One consideration: you’re starting at 8:30 am, and pickup (if you want it) costs an extra 5 euros, so you’ll want to plan your morning route.

Key things to know before you book

• Small group format (max 3): more hands-on attention during gear time and skills practice.
• Safety briefing that actually prepares you: clear rules, basic technique, and equipment guidance before any time underwater.
• Shallow-water skill practice first: you learn the essentials while you’re still able to stand and adjust.
• Volcanic underwater rock formations: the scenery is shaped by Tenerife’s geology, not generic “anywhere water.”
• Marine-life focus, not just motion: you’re guided to sea life such as octopus, rays, and sometimes sea turtles.
• English instruction is the default: the experience is offered in English, and the team is comfortable working with different needs.

The full flow of a Try Scuba session in Tenerife

This experience is built like a confidence ladder. You’re not thrown in at the deep end. You’ll get gear on, listen to a safety briefing, practice the core skills where it’s manageable, and then continue with a guided underwater session in Tenerife’s coastal waters.

Timing is short on paper—about 3 hours—but it’s packed with the right steps so you can actually enjoy yourself. The whole point of Try Scuba is to leave feeling like you understood what was happening, not just survived it.

Here’s how the flow typically feels, step by step:

1) Check-in and getting suited up

You’ll meet at Calle Espigón del Benchijigua, 7 in Arona (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). From there, you’ll get organized with the scuba equipment. Since use of the equipment is included, you’re not hunting for rental gear or guessing what to bring.

I like this part because it sets the tone: you’re focused on the basics early, and the instructor can spot any fit issues before you get in the water.

What to watch for: If you have any personal preferences (fit comfort, comfort level underwater), say it early. The better the fit, the calmer you’ll feel once you start breathing through the regulator.

2) The briefing: safety rules and the “how it works” basics

Before you go anywhere, you’ll get a comprehensive briefing from expert instructors. This is where you learn essential safety guidelines, how the equipment is used, and the basic techniques you’ll need underwater.

Instructors (including Kathi and Sergio in past sessions) are known for a relaxed pace and clear explanations. That matters because the first time you use scuba gear, your brain is busy. The more calmly you’re taught, the easier it is to follow during the underwater part.

I’d treat the briefing like your cheat sheet. If something feels unclear, ask immediately—this is exactly when you’ll be able to fix it.

3) Shallow water skills: practice while you’re still comfortable

Next comes shallow water practice. This is where you get your hands on the motions you’ll repeat under guidance—things like breathing control, buoyancy basics, and how to move calmly while staying within safe limits.

This step is also why this experience works well for first-timers. You can learn without panic. If conditions aren’t perfect (like lower visibility), instructors still plan to help you see what you can and keep the session smooth.

4) The guided underwater session in Tenerife’s volcanic waters

Once everyone is comfortable, you continue into the water with a guide. The underwater setting is shaped by Tenerife’s volcanic formations, which makes the scenery feel specific to the island—rocky structure, interesting contours, and pockets where marine life tends to pass by.

What you may spot (depending on conditions and timing) includes colorful fish, octopus, and rays. Sea turtles are sometimes seen as well. Even if you don’t catch the “big ticket” animal, you’ll usually see plenty of life up close.

A useful mindset: think “slow, look around, and let the guide help you scan,” not “race to the biggest animal.” The instructors provide personalized support so you stay within your comfort zone while still getting an enjoyable experience.

5) Back to the meeting point

This activity ends back at the meeting point in Arona. It’s designed as a clean half-day experience rather than a long day with transfers and multiple activities.

Price and what you actually get for $90.11

At about $90.11 per person for roughly 3 hours, the value here comes from what’s included.

You get:

• Scuba equipment included
• All fees and taxes included
• Insurance included

Photos aren’t included, so if you want underwater shots, you’ll need to plan for that separately (or bring your own solution if the operator allows it—no details are provided on that point).

When I judge value, I look at what could otherwise nickel-and-dime you: gear rental, insurance, and basic fees. This package covers those. Add the small group size (max 3), and the money feels aimed at quality instruction instead of volume.

Pickup is optional. If you take it, add 5 euros to the total for transportation support.

Morning logistics in Arona: 8:30 am and pickup math

Start time is 8:30 am, and the meeting point is on Calle Espigón del Benchijigua, 7, 38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The location is near public transportation, which helps if you don’t want to rely on a taxi.

If you want pickup, it’s available for an extra 5 euros. For me, this is worth considering if:

• you’re staying outside an easy walk of the meeting point,
• you don’t want to stress over the morning timing,
• or you’re traveling with limited mobility.

Quick practical note: since it’s an early start, bring a way to stay calm in the morning rush—water, sunscreen, and a light layer. Tenerife mornings can be pleasant, but you’ll still want to keep sun and wind in mind.

Safety-first coaching that keeps you relaxed

The best part of Try Scuba isn’t the gear—it’s how it’s taught.

You’ll get expert instruction in a format designed to reduce uncertainty:

• A comprehensive safety briefing first
• Clear equipment usage guidance
• Skill practice in shallow water
• A guided underwater session with instructor support throughout

From the way the instructors are described, they focus on making people feel safe and at ease. If you’re nervous, that matters. Several past experiences highlight that instructors keep the mood relaxed and help first-timers stay comfortable even when conditions are tricky.

One detail I really like: the personalized attention. With only up to 3 travelers in the group, you’re more likely to get individual corrections and quick reassurance.

Real-world benefit: you’ll spend more time learning what you need and less time waiting for the group to catch up.

What you’ll see underwater: rays, octopus, and maybe turtles

Tenerife’s volcanic underwater formations give this experience a distinct feel. The water isn’t just “open sea.” You’re guided through a coastal environment where rock shapes and structure influence what you might encounter.

Based on the experience description and what instructors are praised for spotting, your likely highlights include:

• colorful fish
• octopus
• graceful rays
• and occasionally sea turtles

Even when wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, the guide’s job is to help you notice what’s around you. Past experiences also mention that instructors know good spots and adjust to conditions like limited visibility to maximize what you can see.

A small tip that helps: keep your eyes scanning slowly. Underwater life isn’t always in the exact center of your vision. If you track movement calmly, you’ll catch more.

Who this Try Scuba session is best for

This experience is aimed at people who want a first scuba look without a full training course. Most travelers can participate, so it’s not limited to experienced swimmers, but you should still be prepared for basic underwater comfort.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• you’re doing your first scuba experience and want a structured intro,
• you value safety and clear guidance over speed,
• you want a small group setup for more instructor attention,
• you want a shot at Tenerife’s marine life in a relaxed morning format.

If you’re an advanced scuba student, this may feel more like an introduction than a technical challenge. In that case, you might enjoy it anyway as a refresher—but the real strength here is beginner comfort and guided basics.

What to bring (and what to skip)

The equipment is provided, so your job is mostly comfort.

Here’s what I’d plan for:

• a swimsuit you can wear comfortably before/after
• a light towel or quick-dry option
• sunscreen (then reapply after you’re done with the water, since you’ll still be in the sun beforehand)
• a small dry bag for your phone and essentials (ask the operator if you should keep valuables sealed during the session)

What to skip: big bags and valuables you don’t need. Photos aren’t included, so don’t assume you’ll receive a packaged set of shots afterward.

Should you book this Try Scuba in Tenerife?

I’d book it if you want a beginner-friendly scuba experience that prioritizes safety, calm teaching, and personal support. The small group size (max 3 travelers), included equipment, and included insurance are strong value points for a first-timer.

I’d pause or double-check your timing if you hate early mornings, since the start is 8:30 am and pickup costs extra. And if you’re the type who struggles with uncertainty, remember the experience requires good weather.

If your main goal is to get comfortable fast, learn the essentials, and see Tenerife marine life with expert guidance, this is the kind of morning that can make your trip feel a lot bigger than just sightseeing.

FAQ

What time does the Try Scuba experience start?

It starts at 8:30 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Where is the meeting point in Tenerife?

The meeting point is Calle Espigón del Benchijigua, 7, 38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is available for an extra 5 euros.

What language is the experience offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 3 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the use of scuba equipment, all fees and taxes, and insurance.

Are photos included?

No, photos are not included.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 3 travelers.