Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Tenerife and learn to scuba dive or rediscover this passion during your vacation. 

What's not to like about scuba diving on an island like Tenerife? If you dream of discovering marine flora and fauna, you're in for a treat. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, don't miss out on this sport that combines pleasure and effort. What could be better than a first dive in Tenerife

Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Tenerife and learn to scuba dive or rediscover this passion during your vacation. 

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Discovery of a shipwreck in Tenerife

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Marine and underwater diving: what are the differences?

In Tenerife, you can go scuba diving, which involves swimming on the surface of the water. Snorkeling is the activity of choice for holidaymakers who want to observe marine life through a mask and snorkel. Scuba diving, on the other hand, is carried out under professional supervision at depths that are subject to decompression stops (20, 30, 40 meters or more, depending on your level). Several excursions are available in Tenerife to discover this sport and try scuba diving in Tenerife.

When to dive in Tenerife

Although the average annual temperature in Tenerife (22 degrees) is ideal for diving in all seasons, the water is warmest after the summer, from September to November. There are fewer tourists and you'll enjoy spending autumn with your feet in the water.

What types of diving are available in Tenerife?

There are several different types of scuba diving, the difference being in depth and diving techniques. In Tenerife, you can take first-level diving courses and practice the :

Snorkeling: Swimming at the surface with a mask and snorkel, then making small dives.

Snorkeling: Suitable for all levels.

Deep-sea diving: Explore shipwrecks with professional guidance.

Cave diving: Dive and explore underwater caves with a guide.

Marine life and biology diving: Discover what lies beneath the ocean's surface.

Diving adapted for individuals with diverse functional or sensory needs.

Themed diving: Swim with sea turtles in Tenerife.

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Top 7 best dive sites in Tenerife

Depending on your level, you can dive just about anywhere on Tenerife. Here is a non-exhaustive list of spots offering this type of marine excursion:

1) Port of Armeñime on the Costa Adeje

Protected from the trade winds, this area is ideal for diving. You'll discover a natural micro-reserve that has been protected since 2005 and is home to a variety of species, including turtles, starfish and seahorses. You can dive in this oceanic setting at depths of up to 15 metres.

Practical information:

  • Access to the water: via the El Puertito beach in the shape of an arc at the foot of the village of Armeñime.
  • The water is approximately 10-15 metres deep
  • Access by boat is also possible
  • The diving level is easy.
  • A session lasts around 60 minutes.

2) Montaña Amarilla

To the south, near the Las Galletas marina: with its incredible biodiversity and lunar landscape, this volcanic reef with its weak currents will introduce you to an exceptional seabed. You'll dive through caves, arches and various terraces, while encountering exotic fish such as moray eels, catalufas, yellow sponges and angel sharks.

Practical information:

  • Access to the water: via Amarilla beach, but more suitable by boat.
  • Depth: around 25 metres
  • The diving level is easy
  • A session lasts around 40 minutes

3) Cargo El Condesito (wreck)

At the southern tip of the island: experienced divers can satisfy their curiosity by exploring this 1970 wreck. ‘El Condesito’ is a cargo ship built in the 40s, 40 metres long and located 20 metres down in an underwater canyon that you can explore. But be warned, its condition is deteriorating considerably and you need to be extremely careful when exploring it. Less experienced divers will also be able to observe it by staying at a depth of 14 metres without venturing into the lair of the sea ghost.

Practical information:

  • Access to the water: by boat directly to the dive site
  • Depth: approximately 15-25 metres
  • Diving level is easy
  • A session lasts around 50 minutes

4) La Atlántida

On the west side of the island, near Los Gigantes, you'll find a unique new dive site featuring hardened lava flows that, over the years and through landslides, have formed what looks like an amphitheatre. You'll also have the chance to spot moray eels and anemones.

Practical information:

  • Access to the water: by boat directly to the dive site at Los Gigantes
  • Depth: approximately 15-25 metres
  • The diving level is average
  • A session lasts around 40 minutes

5) El Meridian wreck

On the island's south coast, El Meridian is the wreck of a German trawler that was brought to Tenerife in the 1970s and intentionally sunk in early 2000. At 18 metres long, it is home to a host of marine animals, including octopus, moray eels and angel sharks.

Practical information:

  • Access to the water: by boat directly to the dive site at El Palm-mar
  • Depth: approximately 20-30 metres
  • The level of diving is average
  • The duration of a session is approximately 35 minutes.

6) Tabaiba wreck

In the north of Tenerife towards Tabaiba, you'll find the wreck of a sunken tugboat at El Peñon. An artificially-created reef, you can observe different parts of the ship, such as the engine room, and discover many different species.

Practical information:

  • Access to the water: from the shore at around 100m or by boat directly to the dive site.
  • Depth: approximately 20-30 metres
  • The level of diving is average
  • A session lasts around 40 minutes
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Requirements and rules for diving in Tenerife

What are the rules for diving in Tenerife?

To make the most of this outing, it's essential to follow the safety instructions given by the diving instructors. Here are a few rules to remember when diving in Tenerife: 

  • Adapt the excursion to your diving level.
  • Follow the instructor's instructions to the letter.
  • The tour is private and only the group can take part.
  • If you are diving privately, make sure you have the necessary equipment and the compulsory documents mentioned above. Above all, always be accompanied on your outing. 
  • Make sure you dive in authorised areas and in good weather conditions.
  • Because of the pressure, we strongly advise against flying within 12 hours of diving.

What are the requirements for diving in Tenerife?

Although no particular physical condition is required for diving in Tenerife, you must have no heart or respiratory problems or any other serious illness incompatible with the sport. If you have any doubts, ask your doctor, who will be the only person to give you a reliable answer.

In addition, weather conditions must be favourable for deep-sea diving. In the event of cancellation, we will offer you another date and refund your money.

As far as the Atlantic Ocean is concerned, the waters around the island are warmed by the Gulf Stream from the north. The water is therefore between 19° and 24° all year round, and with the right wetsuits, scuba diving poses no problem.
Visibility is excellent, and you can regularly see more than 30 metres (except in spring, when plankton blooms).
Strong currents are very rare during dives, depending on the areas you visit. They also change according to the tides (rising or falling).

Diving equipment: how does it work?

To dive in Tenerife, you need the right equipment. You can hire diving equipment directly from the diving club. Some packages include the equipment in the price, while others are additional. But don't worry, most of the time, here's what's included in your booking for diving in Tenerife:

  • Scuba diving equipment (wetsuit, fins, mask, etc.)
  • Civil liability insurance for each participant
  • Beginners' diving certificate awarded at the end of the excursion
  • Photos and videos of the excursion
 
If you wish to dive privately in Tenerife's waters, you must present an appropriate diploma (licence or certificate) and medical insurance. In this case, you will use your own equipment or hire one on site.

What kind of animals can you see diving in the south of Tenerife? 

Tenerife's ocean waters are home to many species of fish. You can observe them by diving, but also by taking a boat trip. In the south of the island, you will most often come across : 

  • trumpet fish ;
  • sea turtles
  • seahorses
  • barracudas ;
  • anemones ;
  • octopuses ;
  • rays ;
  • moray eels ;
  • garden eels ;
  • octopus.

What kind of animals can you meet diving in the north of Tenerife? 

The northern part of the island has a stronger sea swell. On the famous Playa de las Terasitas, in the north-east of Santa-Cruz de Tenerife, you'll find the archipelago's largest angelfish shark breeding reserve. The area's waters are also home to : 

  • shrimp ;
  • horse mackerel ;
  • lobsters ;
  • catalufas ;
  • sea breams ;
  • santiaguiños ;
  • planaria ;
  • bogas ;
  • sea urchins ;
  • horse mackerel.

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English customer service: 00 34 674 42 08 73

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