Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
Technical diving covers dives that go beyond the limits of recreational diving: greater depth, mandatory decompression stops, the use of gas mixes other than air (such as enriched nitrox or trimix) and redundant equipment, with twin-tank or rebreather configurations.
It is not a beginner activity: it requires specific certification, previous experience and strict planning. This page explains what it involves and how to check that a centre is properly equipped.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Diving beyond recreational limits, with decompression or gas mixes |
| Requirements | Specific technical certification and proven experience |
| Equipment | Redundant configurations; twin tanks, stages or rebreather |
| Training | Courses by level from technical agencies |
| Planning | Profiles, gases and times calculated before the dive |
| Safety | Surface support and emergency protocols |
| Price | Depends on the course, the gases and equipment hire |
How it differs from recreational diving
| Aspect | Recreational | Technical |
|---|---|---|
| Direct ascent to the surface | Always possible | May not be: there are mandatory stops |
| Gases | Air or nitrox | Nitrox, trimix and decompression mixes |
| Equipment | One tank and one primary regulator | Redundant configurations |
| Training | Recreational levels | Specific technical courses |
| Planning | Tables or dive computer | Detailed planning of gases and profiles |
What you need
- Technical certification at the corresponding level.
- Minimum number of dives beforehand, depending on the agency.
- Medical certificate that is still valid.
- Insurance that covers this type of diving: many recreational policies do not.
How to choose a centre
- Which technical agency and which levels does it teach?
- Does it have an active technical instructor?
- Can it supply the gas mixes you need and analyse them?
- Does it have technical equipment for hire?
- What surface support is there during the dive?
- What emergency protocol does it have and how far away is the nearest hyperbaric chamber?
Who it suits
- Experienced divers who want to go beyond the recreational limit.
- Anyone looking for technical training during a long trip.
- Technical divers visiting the island who need gases and support.
Who it does not suit
- Beginners: start with a try dive or with recreational dives.
- Anyone looking for a casual holiday activity: technical training requires time and commitment.
Safety
- Planning is part of the dive: gases, times, turn points and emergency plan.
- Never improvise changes of profile or gas.
- Check and analyse your gas mixes before getting in.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure.
- Course or dive and level.
- Gases used.
- Technical equipment hire.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Guided dives with a recreational certification | Diving for certified divers |
| Exclusive guide | Private diving in Tenerife |
| Going down on a single breath | Freediving course in Tenerife |
Frequently asked questions
What is technical diving?
Diving beyond recreational limits: with mandatory decompression stops, special gas mixes and redundant equipment.
Can I do it without experience?
No. It requires technical certification and previous experience.
Are there technical dive centres in Tenerife?
Some centres offer technical training and services. It is worth confirming levels, gases and equipment before you travel.
Does my dive insurance cover me?
Not always. Many recreational policies exclude technical diving.