Tauchschule ATLANTIK

Located in Puerto de la Cruz, Tauchschule Atlantik has been a fixture of the Tenerife diving scene since 1994. This family-run centre, founded by the Christoph family, has spent three decades developing its training programmes and local expertise. It operates as a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm IDC Resort, making it a primary hub for both recreational divers and professional candidates.

The centre is conveniently situated within the Hotel Precise Resort, just a short distance from Loro Parque. This location provides easy access to the volcanic coastlines of Tenerife, where you can explore everything from shallow reef flats to deeper wreck sites and rocky walls.

The team is highly qualified, offering instruction across multiple certifying bodies including PADI, SSI, CMAS, PROTEC, IANTD, and RAB. This breadth of affiliation allows them to cater to a wide variety of training requirements, from standard recreational certifications to advanced technical training.

Instruction is delivered in English, German, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication during briefings and in the water. The centre maintains a high standard of safety, with a strict ratio of two divers per guide. For those looking to turn diving into a career, the facility is an active Instructor Development Centre (IDC) capable of training candidates up to the level of Instructor.

The training catalogue is extensive, covering the full spectrum of PADI and SSI certifications. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the PADI Bubblemaker programme, progressing through Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Rescue Diver levels.

For more experienced divers, the centre offers a wide array of specialty courses, including Enriched Air Nitrox, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Cavern Diver, and Drift Diver. They also provide training in Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Navigator, and Dry Suit Diver.

Technical and professional training is a core component of the centre's identity. They offer Instructor Development Courses (IDC), Divemaster training, and specialised instruction for Nitrox, EAD, and rebreather use. Specialty instructor training is also available for various disciplines such as Deep Diving, Navigation, Night Diving, and Wreck Diving.

The Gitano is the centre's primary dive vessel, having undergone a full renovation in 2018. This boat is powered by a 250HP outboard engine and is equipped to handle daily excursions to the various dive sites surrounding the island.

Daily boat dives depart from the harbour, taking you to the volcanic sites of the Tenerife coast. The vessel is configured to support both day trips and night dives, with Nitrox available for divers who require it.

The centre is fully equipped for both rental and retail, stocking reputable brands such as Scubapro, Cressi-Sub, Sub-Gear, Sea*Pro, Uwatec, and Aqualung. A full range of kit is available for hire, including professional-grade wetsuits and basic mask, snorkel, and fin sets.

On-site facilities include a dedicated reception, a briefing room, and a shop that also provides technical equipment servicing. For those undergoing training, a heated pool is available for skills practice. The centre also supports technical diving with rebreather capabilities, including training for the Draeger Dolphin SCR, Submatix SCR, and Submatix CCR.

The marine life around Tenerife is diverse, with many species inhabiting the rocky reefs and volcanic structures. You will regularly encounter various fish such as Parrotfish (Calotomus), Wrasse (Labridae), and many species of Damselfish. Schools of fish, including Bogue (Boops boops) and Sardine (Sardina pilchardus), are common sights throughout the water column.

In the sandy areas and near ledges, you can find many crustaceans and cephalopods. Look out for Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), Cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and various species of Crab (Brachyura) or Spiny lobster (Homaridae). Spiny spider crab and various types of shrimp are also frequently observed by divers.

Larger pelagics and rays add to the excitement of the dives. Eagle ray (Aetobatus), Ray (Batoidea), and various stingrays are often seen cruising the bottom, while Moray eel (Muraenidae) can be found tucked into the crevices of the reef. You may also encounter Trumpetfish (Aulostomidae) and various species of Grouper (Epinephelus) patrolling the sites.

Diving in Tenerife is possible year-round, though it is worth noting that the northern part of the island can experience more difficult maritime conditions during February and March. The water temperature typically ranges between 18°C and 25°C.

Most dives are conducted via boat or from the beach, depending on the specific site and local conditions. The volcanic nature of the coastline means that many sites offer interesting structure, though divers should always be prepared for the local conditions described during the pre-dive briefing.