The Canary Islands are a paradise for all kinds of sports lovers: hiking, cycling, parasailing and of course, scuba diving!
The waters of these islands are internationally known for being crystal clear and around 20°C throughout the year, home to a great variety of marine species, while the seabed is made up of sumptuous volcanic rocks.
Although El Hierro may be the most popular spot in the Canary Islands, Tenerife is full of beautiful and secluded dive sites, where you might even be able to swim with turtles! This guide tells you everything you need to know before diving in Tenerife: the best time to dive, diving conditions, marine life around the island, and the main dive sites.
Summer, the best season to explore the seabed of Tenerife
Thanks to its location near the equator, Tenerife enjoys warm temperatures year-round, although they are slightly higher in summer (22–25°C) than in winter (18°C). The water temperature remains fairly constant throughout the year, ranging from approximately 19–23°C. The best time for diving is from April to October, due to the abundance of marine life around the island during this period.
Diving conditions: visibility, required skill level, and more
Most of the time, the crystal-clear waters allow divers to see up to 30 meters. The currents are not very strong in Tenerife, making it a perfect place for beginners to learn to dive.
However, the quality of its waters and the abundance of marine life attract experienced divers from around the world. Most dive centers offer trips for both beginners and experienced divers.
Which plan to follow on your holidays?
Don't miss the Experience Teide peak excursion: on foot or by cableway
Get to know the most visited national park in Europe and climb the highest peak in Spain. Exceed your limits on this excursion of ascent to Teide peak with permits.
If you want to live a unique and environmentally friendly experience, and also get to know the Teide National Park with a Senda guide, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, then this is the place for you. Unesco World Heritagebook your place for a guided visit to Teide with permits.
What to see while diving?
Turtles, angel and hammerhead sharks, whales, barracudas—you name it! Mammals and fish abound in the Canary Islands, and Tenerife is no exception. Furthermore, the seabed is made up of volcanic rock, creating a kind of underwater cliff where octopuses like to hide and live in corrals.
Scuba diving prices in Tenerife
Scuba diving in Tenerife is quite affordable, but the price can vary depending on the dive site you want to explore, whether you purchase a dive package that includes multiple dives, or if it's your first time. A trial dive costs around €60 to €70, depending on the dive center you choose.
You can buy a package for two dives, usually one in the morning and one in the afternoon, for €90 with diving equipment and insurance included.
Please note that these packages are only available to those who already have a diving license!
If you are a diving enthusiast, you can opt for 10-dive packages and get up to a 50% discount off the retail price. Diving centers usually sell them for between €250 and €300, and you'll have the opportunity to discover different places.
The best places to dive around the island
There are many places to visit in Tenerife, some in the south of the island and others in the north. Today we present three of them that are well worth a visit!
Yellow Mountain
Montaña Amarilla (literally “yellow mountain”) is a natural monument and one of the best diving spots in the Canary Islands. This magical place was formed by an underwater eruption and originated from yellow volcanic ash. Erosion did the rest. Turtles and manta rays love to relax in this beautiful spot, so you might be lucky enough to spot one! Why not try our Senda dive, where you'll snorkel among manta rays and turtles?
Radazul, the best place to dive in the north
Located near Santa Cruz de Tenerife – 13 km to be exact – Radazul is known for its night dives as well as its deep dives – the maximum depth reaches 40 meters in some areas. Unlike other dive sites on the island, the seabed is sandy and home to parrotfish, cuttlefish, barracuda, and crabs.
El Puertito, a small but beautiful diving spot
The perfect spot for absolute beginners! But divers of all levels will enjoy it too: butterfly rays, moray eels, and even a family of green turtles often swim around the rocks of El Puertito.
If you find it amusing, the turtles might even come and say hello! If you're still unsure which dive center to choose in South Tenerife, our Senda offers a fantastic first experience in harmony with marine life.
Is your favorite spot missing from the list and you'd like to share it with us? Feel free to comment below and tell us about your hidden gems! You can also read about more unique experiences in the Canary Islands in this post!
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