Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A try dive (baptism dive) is a first dive with a tank, accompanied by an instructor at all times, with no need for a prior course or qualification. It includes a briefing on land, basic exercises in shallow water and a short dive in which you discover the seabed.
In Tenerife it takes place in sheltered areas in the south and east, with good visibility for most of the year. This page explains the requirements, the depth limits and what the activity should include.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | First dive with an instructor, no qualification needed |
| Total duration | About 2–3 hours, including briefing, equipment and the dive |
| Depth | Limited; on introductory programmes, a maximum of 12 metres, and less on the first dives |
| Minimum age | From age 8, with depth limits by age |
| Health | Compulsory medical questionnaire; a certificate if you have a condition |
| Ability to swim | Not always compulsory, but you need to be comfortable in the water |
| Equipment | Wetsuit, BCD, regulator, tank and fins included |
| Price | Depends on the centre, the area and whether transport or photos are included |
Health: the questionnaire is compulsory
Before diving you have to fill in a medical questionnaire. If you answer no to every question, you can usually dive without further formalities. If you have a condition such as asthma, heart problems or epilepsy, you will need a medical fitness certificate signed by a doctor.
The Spanish national regulation on safety in underwater activities (Real Decreto 550/2020) is the reference that centres apply; several centres in Tenerife use questionnaires based on it.
Age and depth
The usual conditions in recreational diving are:
| Age | Usual maximum depth |
|---|---|
| 8–9 years | 6 metres |
| 10–11 years | 12 metres |
| 12–15 years | 21 metres |
| 16–18 years | 40 metres |
On a try dive, the actual depth is usually much less: many centres stay at around 6 metres on the first dive.
What happens
- Welcome and medical questionnaire.
- Theory briefing: equipment, hand signals, ear equalisation and rules.
- Exercises in shallow water: breathing through the regulator, clearing the mask.
- Dive with the instructor beside you at all times.
- Return and, if booked, photos or video.
Where it takes place
Dive centres are concentrated in the south and east: Las Galletas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Abades and Radazul, among others. These areas have easy access from the shore and sheltered water.
The water temperature is around 19–24 °C depending on the season, and a wetsuit is included.
Who it suits
- Anyone who has never dived and wants to try.
- Families with children from the minimum age.
- Anyone who has already snorkelled and wants to go deeper.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Breathing, heart or ear problems: you need a medical assessment.
- Pregnancy: diving is not recommended.
- If you are flying or going up Teide in the following hours: because of the pressure changes, allow a margin. Ask the centre how long.
- Claustrophobia or anxiety in the water.
How to choose well
- How many students per instructor?
- Is it done from the shore or from a boat?
- What is the maximum depth?
- Does it include dive insurance?
- What happens if you feel uncomfortable and come up early?
- Does it include photos or video?
- Is there transport from your area?
- Does the try dive count towards a later course? On some programmes, yes.
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Full equipment | Included | Wetsuit sizes |
| Instructor | Included | Student ratio |
| Insurance | Usual | That it is included |
| Photos and video | Extra | Price |
| Transport | At some centres | Area |
Safety
- Never hold your breath while ascending: it is the basic rule of diving.
- Equalise your ears often on the way down.
- Tell the instructor about any discomfort, however small.
- Follow the hand signals agreed before entering the water.
Weather and sea
- With a swell, visibility drops and the centre may change the site or postpone the dive.
- Mornings are usually calmer.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure.
- From the shore or from a boat.
- Duration and number of dives.
- Photos, video and transport.
What to bring
- Swimwear, a towel and flip-flops.
- Sun protection.
- A medical certificate, if you need one.
- Water and something to eat afterwards.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Seeing fish without a tank | Snorkellingling in Tenerife |
| Diving with a qualification | Diving for certified divers |
| An instructor just for you | Private diving in Tenerife |
| Going down without getting wet | Submarine excursion |
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a qualification for a try dive?
No. It is an introductory activity with an instructor.
Do you need to be able to swim?
It is not always compulsory, but you need to feel comfortable in the water. Ask the centre.
How deep do you go?
On introductory programmes, 12 metres at most, and often around 6.
From what age can you do it?
From age 8, with depth limits according to age.
Do I need a medical certificate?
Only if you answer yes to any question on the medical questionnaire.
Can I fly after diving?
Not immediately. You need to allow a margin because of the pressure changes; ask the centre how long.
Do you see turtles?
It is possible in some areas, but not guaranteed.