🌊 Start Your Dive Journey: From First Breath to Ocean Explorer
- Roberta Carafa
- Aug 2
- 3 min read

Have you ever stood on the shore and wondered, what's really out there — beyond the blue?For me, that question became a lifelong love affair. Now, as a PADI instructor and marine biologist based in Tenerife, it’s my greatest joy to guide others into this world.
If you’ve been dreaming of discovering what lies beneath the waves, this post is for you. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your diving further, I’ll walk you through how we turn curiosity into confidence — one dive at a time.
Why I Teach PADI Courses
PADI isn’t just a certification — it’s a pathway into a global community. With over 50 years of history and millions of certified divers worldwide, PADI is the gold standard in scuba training.
Here’s why I choose to teach PADI courses:
Worldwide Recognition – Your PADI card opens oceans all over the world. Whether you’re diving in Indonesia, Mexico, or right here in Tenerife, you’re always welcome.
Solid Foundations – Safety, skill-building, and environmental awareness are all built into each course.
Flexibility – Whether you prefer e-learning or face-to-face teaching, we go at your pace, not mine.
Belonging – When you become a diver, you join a family of ocean lovers. And my little dive school is where that journey begins.
🌱 First Step: The PADI Open Water Course
The Open Water Diver course is where it all starts. It’s your entry ticket to a lifetime of underwater adventure. Here’s how it unfolds:
1. Knowledge Development
We begin by understanding the basics — how your gear works, how pressure affects the body, how to plan a dive. You can study online or in person, depending on your style.
2. Confined Water Sessions
In calm, shallow water, we practice essential skills like clearing your mask, breathing through your regulator, and controlling your buoyancy. We go slowly and mindfully — no rushing here.
3. Open Water Dives
This is where it clicks. You take your first real breaths underwater and begin exploring the sea. I’ll be right by your side through each dive, helping you build confidence and enjoy every second.
Once complete, you’ll be certified to dive with a buddy, anywhere in the world, down to 18 meters.
🧭 What to Expect During Your Course
I always tell my students: diving isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being present.
You’ll learn:
How to use and care for your equipment
How to dive safely and react to challenges calmly
How to move with ease, respect, and awareness underwater
How to observe without disturbing — becoming part of the ecosystem, not just a visitor
We’ll laugh, learn, sometimes struggle — and then break through. That’s the magic of learning something new.
🌟 What’s Waiting for You Underwater?
Once you’re certified, the ocean becomes your playground. Here’s what you can look forward to:
🐠 Coral Reefs & Volcanic Formations – From colorful fish to curious moray eels, every dive is a new discovery.
🚢 Wreck Diving – Dive into history as you explore sunken ships covered in marine life.
🌌 Night Dives – See bioluminescent plankton sparkle, and meet creatures that only come out after dark.
📸 Underwater Photography – Capture the magic of the deep and relive it anytime.
No two dives are ever the same. And that’s what keeps us coming back.
🧠 Keep Growing: From Open Water to DiveMaster
Once you catch the diving bug (and trust me, you will), there’s a whole world of continuing education available through PADI:
Advanced Open Water – Try deeper dives, underwater navigation, and new environments.
Rescue Diver – Learn how to handle problems with calm, skill, and confidence.
Specialties – Like Nitrox, deep diving, or wreck exploration.
DiveMaster – Ready to lead? This is the first professional level — and a big step toward a life-changing lifestyle.
Each course builds on the last. And I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.
💙 Preparing for Your First Dive
Here are a few simple tips I share with all new divers:
Hydrate well – Your body will thank you.
Sleep enough – A rested mind makes better decisions.
Gear up with care – I’ll help you double-check everything.
Talk to me – I’m your instructor and your buddy. Let’s always keep the conversation open.
✨ The Ocean Is Calling
Diving is more than a sport. It’s meditation, connection, and exploration all wrapped into one. It invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the world through a different lens.
If your heart is pulling you toward the sea — listen.
Come join me here in Tenerife, and let’s take that first breath together.You bring the wonder. I’ll bring the patience and passion.
With saltwater smiles,
Roberta PADI Instructor & Founder, Ocean Soul Diving




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