Best Beginner Dive Sites in Tenerife for Easy First Dives
Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe for beginner scuba divers. With calm conditions, warm water and many easy shore dives, it is perfect for first dives, Discover Scuba Diving experiences and PADI Open Water courses.
In this guide, you will find the best beginner dive sites in Tenerife, including depth, entry type, typical conditions and what marine life you can expect to see so you can choose the right spot for your first scuba dives.
Beginner Dive Sites in Tenerife – Quick Comparison
| Dive Site | Area | Depth | Entry | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Puertito | Costa Adeje area | 3–12m | Shore | Turtles and relaxed first dives |
| Los Chuchos | South Tenerife | 5–15m | Shore | Stingrays and sandy bottom |
| Abades | East coast | 3–10m | Shore | Training, Discover Scuba & courses |
| Montaña Amarilla | Costa del Silencio | 5–18m | Shore | Volcanic landscape and swim-throughs |
| Palm Mar Wall | Palm Mar | 10–20m | Boat | Gentle wall dives and chance of dolphins |
How to Choose a Beginner-Friendly Dive Site in Tenerife
- Look for shallow depth ranges (up to around 12–15m) for your first dives or Discover Scuba Diving experience.
- Prefer sites with shore entry and protected bays if you feel nervous or get seasick easily on boats.
- Ask your dive center about typical current and surge conditions and choose the calmest site available on the day.
- Decide what you want to see – turtles, rays, volcanic rock formations – and pick a site that matches your priorities.
Top Beginner Dive Sites in Tenerife Explained
El Puertito (Best for turtles)
El Puertito is one of the most popular beginner dive sites in Tenerife. Calm water, a sandy bottom and shallow depth make it ideal for first dives, Discover Scuba Diving and relaxed fun dives. Sea turtles are frequently spotted here at beginner depths.
Los Chuchos (Best for stingrays)
Los Chuchos is famous for its stingray encounters. The sandy seabed and predictable conditions make it a safe and exciting option for beginner divers who want to see rays up close while still diving in a controlled environment.
Abades (Best for training)
Abades is widely used for Open Water courses and Discover Scuba Diving in Tenerife thanks to its protected bay, easy access and shallow reef. It is a great choice if you want a very calm environment with lots of time to practice skills.
Montaña Amarilla (Volcanic dives)
Montaña Amarilla offers unique volcanic formations, lava rocks and small swim-throughs. It is slightly more visually interesting while still being suitable for beginners when the conditions are good.
Palm Mar Wall
Palm Mar Wall is a gentle wall dive with great visibility and plenty of marine life. It is usually reached by boat and is suitable for beginners who already feel comfortable after a first shore dive. In this area there is also a chance to see dolphins at the surface.
Diving Conditions for Beginners in Tenerife
- Water temperature usually ranges between 19°C and 25°C during the year.
- Visibility is often between 15 and 30 meters, which helps beginners feel safe and oriented.
- Most beginner dives in Tenerife are shore dives with easy entries from small bays or beaches.
- Conditions are calm most of the year, but your dive center will always choose the safest site on the day.
FAQ – Beginner Scuba Diving in Tenerife
Is Tenerife good for beginner divers?
Yes. Tenerife is one of the best beginner diving destinations in Europe thanks to its calm conditions, warm water, good visibility and many shallow dive sites suitable for Discover Scuba Diving and entry-level courses.
What is the easiest dive site for beginners?
El Puertito and Abades are often considered the easiest and safest dive sites for beginners in Tenerife, thanks to their shallow depths, protected bays and easy shore entries.
Can I see turtles when diving in Tenerife?
Yes, you can often see turtles in Tenerife, especially at dive sites like El Puertito where turtles are commonly seen at beginner depths during both Discover Scuba Diving and fun dives.
More Tenerife Diving Guides
Book Your Beginner Dives in Tenerife
Compare beginner-friendly dive centers in Tenerife and choose the best option for your first scuba dives, Discover Scuba Diving or Open Water course.
Discover Scuba Diving
Try your first dive in Tenerife with a professional instructor in a beginner-friendly site.
Open Water Course
Beginner certification courses to progress from first dive to autonomous scuba diver.
Fun Dives
Already certified? Enjoy easy reef dives in Tenerife suitable for relaxed beginners.
Ready to book this experience?
Browse courses from dive centers and book directly on Be Underwater.