Snorkeling in a Volcanic Bay

Snorkeling in a Volcanic Bay: A Close-Up Look at Tenerife’s Underwater World
Imagine floating effortlessly in tranquil, clear waters with a backdrop of dramatic volcanic rocks and the chance to spot starfish, octopus, and maybe even a sea turtle. For those visiting Tenerife, snorkeling in Los Abrigos offers just that: a relaxed, accessible peek into the island’s underwater habitat. For $67 per person, you get 1.5 hours of guided fun, complete with all the gear, transfer, and a photo report to remember the experience.

What we really like about this tour is how accessible it is — no prior experience required, just a willingness to enjoy the sea. Plus, the calm waters and excellent visibility make it easier for beginners and families alike to feel comfortable. On the flip side, some reviews mention that your chance of seeing bigger attractions like turtles or squid might depend on luck, as marine life sightings aren’t guaranteed. This tour is perfect for those who love nature, want a laid-back adventure, and don’t mind if they don’t see every species on the list. It’s especially suited for families with children over 8 years old or anyone looking for an easy, guided introduction to snorkeling.

Key Points

• Accessible for Beginners: No previous snorkeling experience needed; suitable for ages 8 and up.
• All-Inclusive Equipment & Transfer: Wetsuits, fins, masks, and round-trip transport are provided, simplifying planning.
• Guided by Local Experts: Friendly, knowledgeable instructors enhance safety and provide insight into volcanic formations and marine life.
• Photo Keepsake: Free images help you remember your underwater adventure long after you’ve left the water.
• Calm, Clear Waters: Ideal conditions for visibility, especially for those new to snorkeling.
• Variable Wildlife Sightings: While starfish and colorful fish are common, larger animals like turtles are a possibility but not guaranteed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail: What You’ll Actually Do

Starting at the Marina del Sur in Puerto de Las Galletas, you’ll meet your instructor and fellow snorkelers. The transfer to Los Abrigos bay is straightforward, taking you to a calm, sheltered spot renowned for its volcanic rock formations. We appreciated how the tour includes all the equipment, so there’s no need to fuss with bringing your own gear or worrying about sizes — wetsuits, fins, masks, and snorkels are all provided.

Once you’re in the water, your guide will lead you along volcanic formations that resemble another world, full of nooks and crannies where marine life likes to hide. The guides are fluent in both Spanish and English, which is helpful for international travelers. Expect to see starfish clinging to rocks, colorful parrot fish darting around, and perhaps a few crustaceans scuttling nearby. The water’s calmness means you’ll have excellent visibility, making it easier to spot the creatures and formations.

A common highlight is the chance to observe small octopus, moray eels, sea crabs, and cuttlefish. Some reviews mention that, although guides are friendly and knowledgeable, wildlife sightings can be hit-or-miss; one traveler noted, “We only saw a few fish and not turtles, squid, octopus as said in the description.” Still, many travelers praise the guides’ efforts to make the experience enjoyable, especially when they take photos or help little ones with piggyback rides in the water.

After about 1.5 hours, you’ll return to the starting point, ending your adventure back at Marina del Sur. The included free photos provide a wonderful memento of your underwater exploration, capturing moments you might otherwise miss.

Highlights and Considerations

The marine diversity here makes it a worthwhile outing. The volcanic landscape adds a scenic and educational element, as you learn about Tenerife’s geological history. The guide’s local knowledge and friendly attitude help make this a relaxed experience, especially for first-timers.

However, the possible drawback is that wildlife sightings depend on luck, and some travelers have expressed disappointment if they don’t see larger animals like sea turtles or octopuses. Remember, this is nature, not a zoo, so patience and a bit of luck are part of the package.

The experience is best suited for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a straightforward, guided snorkeling outing that’s more about enjoying the underwater scenery than a deep-sea expedition. If you love marine life and are okay with a possibility of limited sightings, this tour offers a friendly, safe introduction to Tenerife’s waters.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This snorkeling adventure is ideal if you want an easy, guided experience with all gear included. It’s perfect for beginners or those with young children over 8 who are comfortable in the water. If you’re looking for a quick, affordable way to see Tenerife’s marine environment with the assistance of friendly instructors, this tour hits the mark.

Travelers who value authentic, natural settings and local guides who know their stuff will especially enjoy the volcanic scenery and marine life. If you’re dreaming of encountering octopuses, starfish, and colorful fish in calm waters, this tour can deliver.

That said, those expecting guaranteed sightings of sea turtles or other larger creatures might want to temper their expectations, as wildlife sightings are unpredictable. Also, the duration—just 1.5 hours—means it’s a quick splash of the underwater world, perfect for a morning or afternoon outing rather than a full-day adventure.

Practical Tips for Your Snorkeling Adventure

• Bring a towel and swimsuit to change into after your session.
• Arrive on time at the Marina del Sur, as the activity has specific start times that you should check in advance.
• Be comfortable swimming — you need to be able to swim to participate.
• Dress appropriately for weather conditions and bring sun protection, especially if you plan to stay afterward.
• Consider bringing your own waterproof camera if you want more control over capturing images, although free photos are included.
• Check availability beforehand, as starting times vary and slots can fill up fast during peak seasons.

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The Bottom Line

Snorkeling in Los Abrigos offers an accessible, family-friendly way to experience Tenerife’s volcanic seabed. With friendly guides, all gear included, and calm waters for easy snorkeling, it’s a great choice for beginners or anyone wanting a relaxed underwater adventure. The natural beauty of volcanic rock formations combined with marine life makes for a memorable outing — even if you don’t see every species on the list.

Ideal for travelers who appreciate guided experiences, appreciate good value, and are eager to explore Tenerife’s coastal waters without fuss. While wildlife sightings can be unpredictable, the overall experience of floating above volcanic formations in clear waters is worth the price. If you’re seeking an authentic, stress-free introduction to marine life, this tour is a solid pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this snorkeling tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 8 and older are welcome, provided they are comfortable swimming.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear?
No, all equipment including wetsuits, fins, masks, and snorkels are provided as part of the tour.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including transfer time and snorkeling in the bay.

Can I see sea turtles or other large animals?
While there is a chance of seeing larger animals like sea turtles or stingrays, sightings are not guaranteed and depend on luck.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and perhaps a waterproof camera if you want to take more photos.

Where do we meet for the tour?
You meet at the dive center at Marina del Sur, Puerto de Las Galletas.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transfer to the bay from the meeting point is included in the price.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak both Spanish and English, making communication straightforward for most travelers.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

In the end, snorkeling in Los Abrigos offers a delightful glimpse into Tenerife’s volcanic seascape, perfect for those looking for a relaxed, guided underwater experience. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or solo, it’s a chance to enjoy the island’s marine beauty without fuss — and maybe even spot a starfish or two.

You can check availability for your dates here: