Gran dia de buceo con Jorge. Muy recomendado.
Gente muy agradable y material muy profesional.
Dive Center
Deep Ocean Diver
Picture this: you just finished an amazing week of guided dives in Tenerife with your friends. You’re sitting on the beach, watching the sun go down 🌅, and suddenly remember — you’re flying home tomorrow morning. Is it safe? Should you have waited longer before booking that flight?
If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, you’re not alone. Many divers, especially beginners, are unsure about flying after diving. Today, we’ll give you everything you need to know: the science, expert recommendations, and practical tips so you can plan your diving holidays with peace of mind.
Why can flying after diving be dangerous? 🤔
When you go diving, your body absorbs extra nitrogen due to the increased pressure underwater. After you surface, this nitrogen has to slowly leave your body through your lungs. If you jump on a plane too soon (where cabin pressure is lower than at sea level, usually equivalent to 2,400 m altitude or 0.75 bar), the nitrogen can form bubbles in your tissues 🫧.
These bubbles can cause decompression sickness (DCS), a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. That’s why waiting the right amount of time before flying is critical.
For more details on decompression sickness, check DAN’s safety recommendations.
Recommended waiting times before flying 🕒
So, how long should you wait before flying after scuba diving? Let’s break it down clearly:
| Dive type | Recommended wait before flying |
|---|---|
| Single no-decompression dive | At least 12 hours |
| Multiple dives / multi-day diving | At least 18 hours |
| Dives requiring decompression stops | At least 24 hours |
| Deep or complex profiles (30m+) | 24 hours recommended |
👉 Your dive computer usually shows a no-fly time after each dive. Always check it before planning your flight.
You can learn more about these guidelines on PADI’s official site.
Is flying before diving a problem? 🛬
Good news! There’s no risk in diving after flying. Planes don’t increase nitrogen absorption in your body, so you can land in Tenerife and jump into your first dive in Radazul the same day. If you’re new to diving, why not try our PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience? 🤿
Apnea after scuba diving: a hidden risk ⚠️
Did you know that freediving after scuba diving can be as dangerous as flying? Apnea involves rapid ascents and descents (often at 1 m/s or faster) that can trigger decompression sickness in a body still loaded with nitrogen.
✅ Freedive before scuba? No problem!
❌ Freedive after scuba? Wait at least as long as you would before flying.
Explore more about this on our PADI specialty course page.
Factors that influence the no-fly time ⏳
Your no-fly time isn’t just about how many dives you did. It also depends on:
Dive depth: Deeper dives = more nitrogen → longer wait
Duration of dives: Longer bottom time = more nitrogen absorbed
Profile: Square profile dives (same depth for most of the dive) load more nitrogen
Safety stops & ascent rate: Fast ascents or skipped stops? Add extra hours just to be safe
Altitude exposure post-dive: Planning a trip up Mount Teide? 🏔️ That’s like flying → wait 12-24 h too!
Want more tips? Check our Essential guide to your first scuba diving experience.
How to plan your dive trip without flight risks ✈️🤿
Here’s an easy trick:
👉 Never dive the day you’re flying
👉 Leave at least one full day at the end of your trip without diving
That way, you can relax, explore the island or visit attractions like the Teide National Park without worry.
Looking for ideas for your last day? Why not book a marine biology course or just enjoy some snorkeling?
Real-life tip from our team 💬
One of our Deep Ocean Diver instructors shares:
“We always remind our divers: if in doubt, wait longer. You can’t go wrong being cautious, but you could get seriously ill if you take the risk.”
External factors to keep in mind 🌍
Did you rent scuba equipment? Double check with our rental & refills team if your gear is suited for your dive profile. And remember, your PADI dive computer or even gear from top brands like Cressi can help monitor your safety margins!
FAQ: Flying and diving ❓
How long should I wait before flying after diving?
• 12 h for one no-deco dive
• 18 h for multiple dives
• 24 h for deco or deep divesCan I dive the same day I fly in?
• ✅ Yes! Flying before diving is safeCan I freedive after scuba diving?
• ❌ No. Wait the same as for flyingCan I climb Teide after diving?
• ❌ No. Teide’s altitude is like flying → wait 12-24 h
Plan your dive trip smart — and safe 💙
Ready to explore Tenerife’s incredible dive sites? 👉 Check out our dive areas
Want to refresh your skills? Try our ReActivate course
First time diving? Book your PADI Open Water Diver course
🚀 Contact us today for advice or to book your spot: contact page
🌟 Limited spaces — plan ahead to dive safely!
📣 See what our Clients say
Deep Ocean Diver - PADI Dive Center
Centro Comercial, C. Juan Sebastián El Cano, 15, Planta 1 Local 2, Radazul
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Un ambiente muy caluroso, la posibilidad de una experiencia inolvidable y unos profesionales inmejorables.
Muchísimas … More gracias a Marco por toda la paciencia que tuvo y lo mucho que demuestra el amor hacia su trabajo. De su mano, me superé a mí misma y vi con mis propios ojos la belleza que se puede descubrir cuando se dejan de lado los miedos y se está tranquila y consciente. Mil gracias por guiarme por ese camino.
También un enorme abrazo a Jorge, que con su personalidad y simpatía hizo que mis días en el curso fueran más amenos y me sintiera como en casa.
Muchísimas gracias a todo el equipo de profesionales que trabajan en este centro, hicieron posible que mi vida tome un rumbo aún más bonito a partir de ese momento. -
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I definitely recommend having a course with this school! They take teaching seriously, calmly explain every practice, … More show you how to be safe underwater and assist you all the time. They are also very kind! Wonderful experience 🙂
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We highly recommend this school, nice atmosphere, calm and fun instructors 🙂 great experience
ADDRESS
Calle El Cano 15. Radazul Bajo.
CC Radazul. Floor 1. Shops 1 and 2
38109 El Rosario, Tenerife, Canary Islands.
FREE PARKING FOR CUSTOMERS
CONTACT
info@deepoceandiver.es
(+34) 600 84 16 92
DIVE SHOP HOURS
Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
DIVE CENTER HOURS
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Closed for lunch from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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