Tenerife isn’t just about its volcanic landscapes, lively nightlife, or year-round sunshine—it’s also a prime spot for snorkeling. Its clear waters, diverse marine life, and accessible underwater parks make it an ideal destination for anyone wanting to see sea turtles, dolphins, and colorful fish. We especially like the Tenerife: Kayak Safari and Sea Turtle Snorkeling, which combines eco-friendly kayaking with some of the island’s best snorkeling spots. Watching dolphins from a kayak or catching a glimpse of a sea turtle in its natural habitat offers a more personal experience than just floating on a boat.
Tenerife’s varied tours accommodate all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re after a short family-friendly snorkel in a marine protected area, a full-on whale-watching trip with snorkeling, or a private boat charter with gourmet food, there’s something for all. Below, we’ve rounded up the best options, highlighting what makes each one special and who it’s best suited for. Dive in!
1. Tenerife: Kayak Safari and Sea Turtle Snorkeling
At number one, we start with the Tenerife: Kayak Safari and Sea Turtle Snorkeling, which impresses with its sustainable approach. This tour offers the chance to see sea turtles in their natural environment while paddling quietly in a kayak. As you glide through calm waters, you’ll also have unobtrusive dolphin sightings from your kayak—a rare treat. A highlight is exploring a sea cave filled with marine life, accessible only by sea, adding an adventurous twist to the day. The tour includes snorkeling with an instructor, making it suitable even for beginners who want a safe, guided experience.
The itinerary features multiple stops, from scenic viewpoints to secret snorkeling spots, providing a well-rounded adventure. With a 4.5-star rating from over 2,800 reviews and a modest price of $35 per person, it’s great value for those looking for an active, eco-conscious tour with plenty of wildlife encounters. It’s perfect if you want to combine adventure with wildlife observation while avoiding large crowds.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a fun, eco-friendly way to see marine animals up close, ideal for active travelers and families alike.
2. Tenerife: Snorkeling Tour in a Marine Protected Area
Ranking second, the Tenerife: Snorkeling Tour in a Marine Protected Area receives a perfect 5-star average rating from nearly 500 reviews. It’s designed for those who want a relaxed, family-friendly underwater experience. The tour lasts about 50 minutes, taking you into one of Tenerife’s most vibrant marine parks, where you can spot sea turtles, colorful corals, and a variety of fish. The included high-quality equipment such as wetsuits, masks, and fins ensures you’re comfortable in the water.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on responsible wildlife viewing—guides are attentive to eco-friendly practices. Many reviewers appreciate the personal support, with one noting that even an 82-year-old grandmother enjoyed the experience. The inclusion of photos and videos to bring home memories adds extra value, especially for those who love sharing their adventures.
Bottom Line: This option is perfect for families and snorkelers wanting an accessible, well-organized tour with a focus on ethical wildlife observation.
3. Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling
Next, the Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling combines the thrill of whale and dolphin watching with the relaxing pleasure of a luxury sailboat experience. For around $70, you get three hours aboard a sleek vessel, with opportunities to snorkel and enjoy a delicious onboard lunch and drinks. The trip is ideal for travelers who want to combine marine wildlife viewing with the comforts of a private boat.
This tour is a hit thanks to its focus on cetaceans, turtles, and seabirds in their natural habitat, with a crew dedicated to making your experience enjoyable. The intimate setting means plenty of chances to ask questions and spot sea creatures from close range. The reviews praise the professional crew and the chance to relax while enjoying scenic coastlines.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a combination of whale watching, snorkeling, and a leisurely cruise with good food and a small group vibe.
4. Abades: Guided Snorkeling Tour with Photos
In fourth place, we have the Abades: Guided Snorkeling Tour with Photos. This tour is just two hours long but packs in a lot of underwater action. Led by experienced guides, you’ll explore colorful coral reefs and encounter species like octopuses, stingrays, and turtles. The highlight is the free underwater photos and videos—a real value-add that lets you relive the moment.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 200 reviews, many mention the friendly guides and the opportunity to see marine life up close in a safe, guided environment. It’s especially suited for beginners or families wanting a shorter, manageable snorkeling experience without sacrificing quality.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking professional guidance, great photos, and a gentle introduction to Tenerife’s underwater world.
5. Tenerife: Snorkeling Trip in a Turtle Habitat
At number five, this Snorkeling Trip in a Turtle Habitat offers a family-friendly 2.5-hour adventure. It combines a speedboat ride with snorkeling in a designated turtle habitat, with the chance to see rays, fish, and sometimes even dolphins. The tour is designed for beginners, with safety guidance and easy-to-follow instructions.
This tour is especially good for those who want a quick yet engaging snorkel with the bonus of a scenic boat ride. The reviews emphasize the fun and safety, with many appreciating the support for young children and the opportunity to spot marine creatures in their natural environment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families and first-time snorkelers wanting a short, fun, and scenic marine adventure.
6. 3-Hour Cetacean Watching and Snorkeling Tour in Tenerife
Number six is the 3-Hour Cetacean Watching and Snorkeling Tour. With a perfect 5-star rating from 82 reviewers, it focuses on wildlife encounters, especially whales and dolphins. Starting from Los Gigantes, the trip includes a tapas and drinks stop, plus a snorkeling session in a bay where marine life is abundant.
This tour stands out for its small-group intimacy and the chance to see dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. The reviews speak of friendly staff, and one reviewer praises the “incredible” whale sightings. With a very affordable price of $21, it’s a good choice for budget-conscious travelers who want quality wildlife encounters.
Bottom Line: Best suited for wildlife lovers wanting a short, intimate boat trip with snorkeling.
7. Tenerife: Kayaking and snorkeling, snacks, photos and marine life safari
Number seven combines kayaking and snorkeling on a 3-hour adventure with this tour. Known for its personalized approach and knowledgeable instructors, it offers paddling along the cliffs of Los Cristianos and a visit to the Cave of Pal Mar.
The tour boasts a high chance of seeing dolphins, and many reviews praise the friendly guides and relaxed pace. For just over $40, it provides a rich experience with opportunities to see marine life while enjoying snacks and memorable photos. It’s well-suited for those who want a combination of adventure, wildlife, and scenic beauty.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventurous travelers wanting a personalized, active marine experience with plenty of wildlife spotting.
8. Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling
If you’re after exclusivity, the Private Catamaran Charter offers a luxurious, customizable experience. For around $1,600, your group of up to 15 can enjoy a private half-day with a chef-prepared buffet, alcoholic drinks, and snorkeling gear included.
Travel in style along Tenerife’s coast, with opportunities to see dolphins, whales, and turtles in an uncrowded setting. The reviews highlight the professional crew and the personalized service that makes this perfect for special occasions or travelers seeking privacy. The main downside: it’s a significant investment, but the exclusivity and comfort are unmatched.
Bottom Line: Best for groups or couples celebrating special moments who want luxury, privacy, and tailored service.
9. Tenerife Whale Watching and Snorkeling Yacht Trip
The Tenerife Whale Watching and Snorkeling Yacht Trip combines the thrill of seeing whales and dolphins with the relaxing option to snorkel at scenic spots. This 3-hour adventure from Costa Adeje has earned a 4.5-star review, thanks to its beautiful coastline views and opportunity to spot marine mammals in their natural environment.
Participants enjoy snorkeling at Playa del Puertito, where turtles are often seen, and the main attraction—wild whale and dolphin encounters. The trip balances adventure with relaxation, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.
Bottom Line: A well-balanced choice for wildlife enthusiasts who want a combination of snorkeling and whale watching in a scenic setting.
10. Tenerife: Half-Day Snorkeling Tour
The Tenerife: Half-Day Snorkeling Tour provides a 4-hour opportunity to explore Abades Bay with an expert guide. It’s especially appealing because you get a guided underwater tour of the local marine life and the option to upgrade to scuba diving in the afternoon.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 146 reviews, this tour is best suited for snorkelers with some experience or those wanting to learn. The tour emphasizes seeing colorful fish and marine ecosystems, and the safe, organized setup makes it a reliable choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for snorkelers wanting a flexible, half-day adventure with an option to extend into scuba.
11. Kayaking and Snorkeling with Turtles
Number eleven, Kayaking and Snorkeling with Turtles, offers a fantastic eco-friendly marine adventure along Tenerife’s coast. For about $51, you paddle for 2.5 hours from Los Cristianos, with chances to see dolphins, turtles, and a variety of fish. The tour emphasizes respecting nature, making it a good pick for environmentally conscious travelers.
Many reviews highlight the friendly guide, the scenic coastline, and marine life sightings, including dolphins and turtles. It’s suitable for all fitness levels and offers a mix of active paddling and relaxing snorkeling.
Bottom Line: Best for eco-minded travelers seeking a balanced kayaking and snorkeling experience with wildlife sightings.
12. Kayaking + snorkeling with turtles
Finally, the Kayaking + snorkeling with turtles tour provides a 2-hour trip along the southern coast. It focuses on searching for dolphins and turtles, with guides showing you rocky shores only accessible from the ocean. The reviews praise the patient guides and the chance to see marine animals in their natural habitat.
This tour is perfect for those looking for a short, active day with a good chance of seeing marine life, especially if you enjoy both paddling and snorkeling.
Bottom Line: Great for active travelers and nature lovers wanting a compact but wildlife-rich experience.
How to Choose the Right Snorkeling Experience in Tenerife
Choosing the best snorkeling tour depends on your budget, time, and interests. If you’re after a private, luxurious day, the Private Catamaran might be perfect. For families or beginners, Snorkeling in a Marine Protected Area or Abades Guided Tour are safe bets. Those seeking wildlife encounters can’t go wrong with the Whale Watching Yacht or the 3-Hour Cetacean Tour.
If your schedule is tight, the 2-hour foray into turtle habitat is quick and memorable. Budget travelers will appreciate the affordable tours, while adventure seekers should consider the kayaking and snorkeling combo tours.
Book early, especially in peak season, to secure your spot. Check availability ahead of time, as weather conditions can impact marine excursions. And don’t forget—early mornings often provide calmer waters and better wildlife sighting chances.
Final thoughts
Tenerife offers an impressive variety of snorkeling experiences, from eco-friendly kayak safaris to luxurious private charters. For wildlife lovers, tours focused on whale and dolphin watching combined with snorkeling are hard to beat. Families and beginners will find safe, well-organized options like the marine protected area tours and guided snorkeling trips, which prioritize safety and fun.
For those wanting a luxury experience with privacy and gourmet food, the private catamaran stands out. Meanwhile, active travelers should consider the kayaking and snorkeling tours that combine paddling, wildlife, and scenic coastal views. No matter your style or budget, Tenerife’s waters promise unforgettable encounters with sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and vibrant fish. Be sure to book early and get ready for some of the best snorkeling of your life!