Scuba Diving in Tenerife: Dive Sites for Every Level

Tenerife sits in some of the richest water in the Atlantic, and its dive centres welcome everyone from first-timers to technical divers. Warm water, strong visibility and resident turtles make it one of Europe's easiest diving holidays.

Where to dive

• El Puertito — the calm cove west of Adeje is famous for its resident loggerhead turtles; easy, shallow and ideal for beginners and families.
• Las Galletas / Los Gigantes — drift dives along the Los Gigantes cliffs pass through arches and over volcanic ridges busy with groupers and rays.
• Radazul — a classic shore-dive entry on the east coast with a gentle slope and plenty of macro life.
• Cueva de Palomas — an exciting lava tube for advanced divers, near the south coast resorts.

The snorkeling and diving guide adds the shallow spots that pair well with a dive holiday, and the things to do list fits diving into a full island itinerary.

For beginners

The PADI Open Water course runs 3–4 days and most resorts have a centre steps from the beach — the where to stay guide flags hotels with their own dive shops. Confined-water training happens in the hotel pool, then you move to the sea. Courses cost around €350–450 including gear, so the budget guide is worth a read first.

Best season

Water temperatures run 18–19°C in winter and 22–23°C in summer; a 5mm suit works year-round. September–October offers the calmest seas, while the winter sun months still give good visibility on sheltered sites. Plan two or three dive days into a longer trip and pair them with whale watching tours for the full marine experience. The best time to visit page explains when the conditions are at their best, and the El Médano coast offers clear water on the south-east side if you want variety.