Discover Barbarian Diving
What our Divers say?
We’re proud to have built a reputation as one of the top dive centers in Tenerife. Here are a few real snippets from 5-star reviews by our happy customers:
These are just a few voices among many. Our divers often comment on the comfort and confidence they felt even on their first dive, and how our team went above and beyond to create a fantastic experience. Consistently earning 5-star feedback motivates us to keep raising the bar. When you dive with Barbarian, you’re not just a customer – you become part of our dive family.
SSI Certified Dive Center 🏅 (Your Guarantee of Quality Training)
In short, being SSI certified means you’re in safe, trusted hands. We choose to partner with SSI because we believe in their student-focused philosophy and global network that benefits our divers. When you see the SSI logo at our dive center, you can be confident that you’ll receive training that is recognized and respected everywhere you go.
(Already certified with PADI or another agency? No problem – you’re welcome too! Certification cards from all recognized agencies are accepted for diving with us, and you can continue your education in the SSI system through a straightforward crossover process.)
- Scuba Schools International (SSI): One of the world’s largest and most reputable scuba training agencies, established in 1970. Known for its comprehensive, modern curriculum that meets ISO standards and is globally recognized—on par with agencies like PADI.
Internationally Recognized Certifications: SSI certifications (Open Water, Advanced, etc.) are accepted worldwide. Whether you’re diving in the Red Sea or the Great Barrier Reef, your SSI card is trusted by dive centers globally.
Digital Learning & Materials: SSI uses advanced digital platforms (app/website) for training materials, allowing you to study at your own pace—even before arriving in Tenerife. This means greater convenience and better preparation.
Safety & Skills Emphasis: Courses focus on in-water skill mastery and real comfort before progressing. The performance-based system ensures a stress-free experience, moving forward only when you’re ready.
Continuing Education Path: With 30+ specialty courses and professional levels, SSI offers a clear path for progression. Recognition ratings like Specialty Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Master Diver are awarded automatically. Going pro as a Dive Guide or Instructor is a realistic goal.
Quality Assurance: SSI centers follow strict standards and undergo regular monitoring. All instructors are certified SSI Professionals who keep their knowledge up to date, ensuring consistent, high-quality training.
Whether you’re new or already a diver, with SSI certification you’re in safe, trusted hands anywhere in the world.
OUR NAME, OUR SPIRIT
People often ask about our unique name. “Barbarian” symbolizes an adventurous spirit – fearless and bold. Just like the ancient barbarians were explorers of new frontiers, we dive into the unknown corners of the sea with excitement and courage. For us, it’s about pushing boundaries (safely!) and never losing our sense of wonder. Every dive is a chance to discover something new.
Meet our team!
Kathleen Knecht
Co-Founder & Head Instrucor
Sergio Cruz
Co-Founder & Head Instructor
Kathi is a certified SSI Instructor originally from Germany, with years of experience teaching divers of all levels around the world. She’s known for her patience, warm personality, and meticulous attention to safety (German efficiency 🌟). Sergio, our co-founder, grew up by the Atlantic and knows Tenerife’s waters like the back of his hand. He’s an expert dive guide and instructor who’s passionate about marine biology – you’ll love his dive site briefings and knack for finding hidden sea creatures! Together, we lead a small team of hand-picked dive professionals who share our values and enthusiasm.
As mentioned, we are trilingual and enjoy hosting divers from all over the globe. Our materials and briefings can be done in Deutsch, English, o Español as needed. We’ve introduced 10-year-olds to their first breaths underwater and helped retirees tick off bucket-list dives. We strive to accommodate everyone, including those with special needs or requests – just talk to us and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Our Philosophy
We believe diving should be both exciting and relaxing. That’s why we’ve blended a structure of professionalism (so you always feel secure and informed) with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere (so you feel like you’re diving with friends). Safety is our foundation – we never compromise on it. But we also know you’re on holiday, and fun is the goal! Expect plenty of laughs, surface interval snacks, and good vibes when you’re with us.
German Quality, Canary Island Hospitality
Being German-led means we run a tight ship – well-maintained gear, clean and up-to-date facilities, detailed dive briefings, and efficient logistics are standard here. If we say the boat departs at 9:00, we strive to keep it sharp at 9:00. If a piece of equipment isn’t 100%, it’s replaced. Your safety and comfort come first, always. At the same time, we embrace the local island warmth – we often end up chatting with our divers over a beer or coffee after dives, sharing stories as friends. It’s this combination of quality and camaraderie that defines the Barbarian experience.
Eco-Conscious Diving
The ocean is our playground and our passion, so we do everything we can to protect it. We follow eco-friendly diving practices – no touching marine life, excellent buoyancy to preserve reefs, and no litter left behind. We participate in beach clean-ups and support local marine conservation efforts. When you dive with us, you’ll also learn how to be a guardian of the sea, not just a visitor.
Diver Community
Over the years, Barbarian Diving Tenerife has grown into a community of adventurers. We love seeing guests come back year after year, sometimes moving from Try Dives all the way to Divemaster with us! We keep in touch through our social media and newsletter, sharing dive photos, tips, and island insights. Once you dive with us, you’re part of the family – expect a warm hello whenever you drop by our dive center!
Visit us!
Our dive center is conveniently located at Av. Juan Carlos I, Los Cristianos (in the Achacay building) – easy to reach from major tourist areas like Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje. We’re just minutes from the harbor and top dive sites. When you walk into Barbarian Diving, you’ll find a cozy shop and training area, quality rental gear, and smiling faces ready to talk diving. Even if you’re just passing by, feel free to swing in, say hello, and get advice on diving in Tenerife.
At Barbarian Diving Tenerife, our mission is simple: to provide you with a safe, memorable diving experience that unlocks the wonders of the underwater world and leaves you grinning from ear to ear. Whether it’s your first dive or your 500th, we can’t wait to share our passion with you and make your time in Tenerife truly special.
