Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
If you already hold a diving certification, in Tenerife you can do guided dives with a local centre, from the shore or from a boat. The island has volcanic seabeds with arches, caves and walls, good visibility for much of the year and water temperatures of around 19–24 °C depending on the season.
This page explains what paperwork centres ask for, how the dive site is chosen according to your level and what to check before booking.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Who it suits | Divers with a valid certification |
| Formats | Single dive, multi-dive packs, boat trips |
| Usual areas | Las Galletas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Abades, Radazul and others in the east |
| Documents | Certification, logbook and insurance; medical questionnaire or certificate |
| Level | The centre adapts the site to your certification and recent experience |
| Equipment | Hire available at all centres |
| Water temperature | Around 19–24 °C depending on the season |
| Price | Depends on the number of dives, the hire and whether it is from a boat |
What paperwork is required
- Certification card (from any recognised agency).
- Logbook, to show your experience and the date of your last dive.
- Dive insurance: some centres require it, and others include it or sell it separately.
- Medical questionnaire and, where applicable, a fitness certificate, as for a try dive.
If you have not dived for a long time, many centres suggest a refresher dive before going to more demanding sites.
How the site is chosen
| Factor | What it means |
|---|---|
| Your certification | Sets the recommended maximum depth |
| Recent experience | If you have not dived for a while, it is better to start gently |
| Sea conditions | With a swell, the centre changes area |
| Current | Some sites require a higher level |
| Interests | Walls, arches, wrecks, sandy bottoms with wildlife |
What you see
On Tenerife’s volcanic seabeds it is common to see white seabream, parrotfish, groupers, moray eels, octopuses, red mullet, rays and, in some areas, turtles and angel sharks. Wildlife is never guaranteed.
Who it suits
- Certified divers on holiday.
- Anyone who wants to do several dives over a few days with a pack.
- Anyone looking to continue training with specialities.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- No certification: start with a try dive.
- A long time without diving: ask for a refresher dive.
- Flying straight afterwards: you must respect the interval between your last dive and your flight.
How to choose well
- Which sites does the centre suggest for your level?
- From the shore or from a boat?
- How many divers per guide?
- What does the price include? Tank, weights, full equipment hire, insurance.
- Do they require your own insurance?
- Is nitrox available?
- What happens if the sea prevents the dive?
- Do they offer courses if you want to keep training?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Tank and weights | Included | — |
| Full equipment | Hire separately or in a pack | Price |
| Guide | Included | Ratio |
| Insurance | Variable | Whether it is compulsory |
| Transfer to the site | On boat trips | Timetables |
Safety
- Check your equipment and your buddy’s before entering the water.
- Respect safety stops and ascent rates.
- Tell the guide about any ear problems, cold or high air consumption.
- Respect the wildlife and do not touch the bottom.
Weather and season
- Diving is possible all year round. In winter the water is cooler; in summer, warmer.
- The northern swell can affect some sites in the east and north.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure.
- Number of dives and packs.
- Equipment hire.
- From the shore or from a boat.
- Nitrox and extras.
What to bring
- Certification card and logbook.
- Dive insurance, if you have it.
- Your own personal equipment (mask, snorkel, boots), if you travel with it.
- Swimwear, a towel and water.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Trying without a certification | Try dive in Tenerife |
| A guide just for you | Private diving in Tenerife |
| Technical dives | Technical diving in Tenerife |
| Going down without a tank | Freediving course |
Frequently asked questions
What paperwork do I need to dive in Tenerife?
Your certification, logbook and, depending on the centre, dive insurance. Also the medical questionnaire.
What if I have not dived for years?
Many centres recommend a refresher dive before going to demanding sites.
Where can you dive?
Mainly in the south and east: Las Galletas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Abades or Radazul, among other areas.
What is the water temperature?
Between about 19 and 24 °C depending on the season.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No: the centres hire out full equipment.
Can I fly after diving?
Not immediately. Respect the interval recommended by your centre and your tables.