Things to Do › Watersports

Diving & Snorkelling in Tenerife

Volcanic reefs, clear water and a genuine variety of marine life make Tenerife a solid, underrated diving destination.

Tenerife's volcanic coastline means diving here looks different from a typical Caribbean or Red Sea trip — black rock formations, swim-throughs and walls rather than coral reefs — but the water clarity and marine life (rays, barracuda, octopus, and occasional turtle and angel shark sightings) make it a genuinely good, less-crowded alternative to more famous dive destinations.

Where to Go

Popular spots

  • The west coast (around Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago) has some of the clearest water and best-known dive sites.
  • Several PADI dive centres around Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos offer try-dives for beginners as well as certified dives.
  • Snorkelling doesn't require a school — rocky coves like Playa de la Arena and El Puertito are popular self-guided spots, sometimes with sightings of resident turtles.