Tenerife: Snorkel with Turtles

If you’re dreaming of swimming alongside sea turtles in their natural environment, Tenerife offers an accessible, well-organized way to do just that. For around $78 per person, this 2-hour snorkeling tour takes you from the bustling marina in Las Galletas out into the protected waters of Malpais de Rasca. Led by friendly guides, you’ll enjoy a boat ride through scenic landscapes, then dive into clear waters teeming with marine life — with the highlight, of course, being the chance to spot sea turtles.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its personalized nature. Small groups mean fewer crowds and more individual attention, helping even first-time snorkelers feel at ease. The expert guidance from a free-diving instructor ensures safety and comfort, making this accessible for many. Plus, the free pictures you receive at the end help you relive the moment without the hassle of capturing everything yourself.

One thing to consider is that, while seeing turtles is highly probable, it’s not guaranteed, since these animals are in their natural habitat and may not always be visible. If you’re particularly eager to see turtles above all else, keep that expectation flexible. This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy marine scenery, small-group intimacy, and guided instruction, making it a great fit for beginners and seasoned snorkelers alike.

Key Points

• Small group size enhances the personalized experience and safety.
• Guided by an experienced instructor ensures comfort and confidence, especially for beginners.
• Boat ride through Malpais de Rasca offers breathtaking views of the landscape from the water.
• Free photos make it easy to remember the day without extra effort.
• Not guaranteed for turtle sightings, as marine animals are in their natural habitat.
• Duration of around 2 hours makes it a manageable, yet memorable activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Snorkeling with Turtles Tour in Tenerife

Location and Accessibility

Starting at Marina del Sur, Las Galletas Harbour, the tour is easy to reach, especially if you’re staying nearby or can arrange transportation from your hotel. The meeting point is at dock 5, and the activity begins with a quick briefing before heading out onto the water. Arriving 20 minutes early is recommended to get fitted with your gear and settle in.

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour’s structure is straightforward, but each step is designed to maximize your experience:

• Start at Marina South: Here, you meet your guides and get introduced to the safety instructions and equipment. The friendly guides we read about, like Angeles and Elio, foster a welcoming environment, especially for first-timers.

• Boat trip through Malpais de Rasca (25 minutes): This scenic ride is a highlight in itself. You’ll enjoy views of Tenerife’s rugged coastline, volcanic formations, and possibly some local seabirds. It’s a calm, relaxing prelude to snorkeling.

• Snorkeling session (around 1 hour): Once at the designated spot, you’ll don wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins. The guides will offer instructions tailored to your comfort level, whether you’re a novice or experienced. The chance to see sea turtles, along with a variety of fish and perhaps stingrays, makes the effort worthwhile.

• Return boat ride and back to marina: The 25-minute return trip offers more chances to admire Tenerife’s landscape, often with opportunities for photos and chatting about marine life.

What We Love

One of the best features of this tour is the small group size—often just five people plus the guide—which creates a more intimate, relaxed environment. Several reviews mention how feeling welcomed and well-guided made all the difference. Sonja pointed out that, even though they didn’t see turtles, the diversity of fish and stingrays still made the experience “awesome” and “definitely worth a trip.”

The guides’ expertise is another highlight. We loved the way they tailored instructions for absolute beginners, ensuring everyone felt safe and confident. This is especially important since snorkeling can sometimes be intimidating for those new to the activity, but with proper guidance, it becomes a joyful adventure.

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Possible Drawbacks

The main consideration is that sea turtle sightings are not guaranteed. While the tour’s reputation for turtle encounters is strong, marine animals are wild and unpredictable. Some reviews mention seeing barracudas, stingrays, and fish instead, which still makes for an impressive experience but could be disappointing if your main goal is to see turtles.

Plus, the activity is not suitable for children under 8 or non-swimmers, so families with younger kids should look for alternatives. Also, remember that you must be able to swim to participate comfortably.

Value for Money

At $78, this tour offers a well-rounded experience: boat ride, snorkeling equipment, expert guidance, insurance, and photos—all in just two hours. Compared to more expensive or longer tours, it provides excellent value, especially considering the small group size and personalized attention. The inclusion of free photos is a thoughtful touch, helping you keep the memories alive without extra cost or hassle.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits adventurous beginners and seasoned snorkelers who appreciate a small-group setting and professional guidance. It’s great for those interested in marine wildlife, especially if seeing turtles is a bucket list item—though patience and luck are factors. It’s also ideal for travelers who want a short, manageable outing that combines scenic boat rides with underwater exploration.

Practical Tips for Your Snorkeling Adventure

• Bring your swimwear and towel for comfort before and after the activity.
• Arrive early to ensure enough time for gear fitting and instructions.
• Be prepared for variable weather—a wetsuit is provided, but you might want an extra layer if it feels chilly.
• Remember, you’ll need to be able to swim, so confidence in the water helps.

FAQs

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
No, prior experience isn’t necessary. Guides are experienced in helping beginners feel safe and comfortable.

What if I don’t see turtles?
While there’s a high chance of seeing turtles, it’s in their natural habitat, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, many other marine animals are often seen.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children under 8 years old are not allowed. Non-swimmers also should avoid this activity.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride to and from the snorkeling site lasts about 50 minutes in total, split into two 25-minute segments.

What should I bring?
Swimwear and a towel are recommended. The activity provider supplies wetsuits and snorkeling gear.

Is the activity weather-dependent?
Yes, poor weather conditions could affect the tour, but the provider will contact you 24 hours in advance if there are changes.

Are photos included?
Yes, you’ll receive free pictures to remember your snorkeling day.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours in advance.

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

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons, and you can reserve with the flexibility to pay later.

Final Thoughts

This Tenerife snorkeling tour offers an excellent blend of scenic boat rides, guided instruction, and marine encounters, all wrapped in a small-group setting that emphasizes safety and personalized attention. Whether you’re a dedicated snorkeler or a curious beginner, the chance to see sea turtles, stingrays, and vibrant fish makes this a memorable outing. The value for money, combined with the thoughtful touches like free photos, makes it a compelling choice for those eager to explore Tenerife’s underwater world without fuss.

If your goal is authentic marine wildlife encounters in a friendly, controlled environment, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially suitable if you want a short but meaningful experience that balances adventure with comfort. Just keep your expectations flexible about turtle sightings, and you’ll likely come away with fantastic memories—and maybe some great underwater photos—to share.

Embark on this small-group snorkeling tour in Tenerife and discover the joys of marine life in a safe, guided, and scenic environment. It’s an experience worth considering if you love the water and want to make the most of your time in the Canary Islands.

You can check availability for your dates here: