Tenerife: Snorkeling to look for Turtles and Rays

If you’re dreaming of spotting sea turtles, rays, and dolphins in their natural surroundings, this snorkeling tour in Tenerife offers that possibility—though, like all wildlife encounters, it’s never guaranteed. For $53 per person, you’ll hop on a fast boat from Los Cristianos and cruise to an iconic bay near Palm Mar, where colorful fish and the chance to see some of the ocean’s gentle giants await. With all equipment provided and a family-friendly vibe, it’s a solid choice for anyone eager to explore Tenerife’s underwater world without deep-diving gear or prior experience.

What we really appreciate about this experience are the knowledgeable guides who make the trip both fun and educational, and the inclusive equipment that keeps everyone warm and comfortable—even in cooler waters. Plus, the scenic boat ride adds an extra thrill, giving you a chance to enjoy Tenerife’s coast from the sea. One possible downside is that marine life sightings are not guaranteed, which is worth keeping in mind for expectations. This tour suits families, beginners, and those wanting a relaxed, guided snorkeling adventure in a beautiful setting.

Key Points

• Marine wildlife sightings like turtles, rays, and dolphins are possible but not guaranteed.
• All necessary equipment and wetsuits are included, making it easy and comfortable.
• Fast boat transfer ensures minimal time spent getting to the snorkeling spot.
• Guides are friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience.
• Family-friendly activity suitable for ages 8 to 80.
• No hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your transportation to the meeting point.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Review of the Tenerife Snorkeling Experience

The Itinerary and What Makes It Special

Starting at the Aqua-Marina dive center in Playa de las Americas, you’ll register and gear up with all snorkeling equipment and a long wetsuit. This preparation stage is straightforward, helping those new to snorkeling feel secure and ready. The wetsuit is particularly appreciated given that the sea around Tenerife can be quite cool, even during warmer months, which the reviews confirm—“All equipment is provided, including a wetsuit, which is great because the sea is quite cold,” reports one traveler.

Once suited up, you’ll hop on a scenic transfer to Los Cristianos harbor, where the fast boat awaits. The boat ride, lasting roughly 15-20 minutes, is an enjoyable highlight in itself. It offers sweeping views of Tenerife’s rugged coast, and the speed of the vessel ensures you spend more time snorkeling than traveling. Expect a roughly 45-minute window for snorkeling, where you’ll float in the water observing marine life—including turtles, rays, schooling fish, and possibly dolphins.

The Snorkeling Spot’s Charm and Marine Life

The bay near Palm Mar is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life. While sightings of specific species like turtles or dolphins cannot be guaranteed, many find this area rewarding. One traveler shared: “We did see a turtle, but it was in open water, so we couldn’t swim with it,” which hints at the unpredictability but also the thrill of wildlife encounters.

What makes this particular snorkeling experience stand out, according to reviews, is the guides’ expertise and friendliness. They often know the best spots and can provide instruction if needed, making this suitable for beginners and families alike. As another reviewer said, “The staff were friendly and knew a lot about the underwater world,” adding a layer of confidence and education to the adventure.

Equipment, Comfort, and Logistics

The inclusion of snorkeling gear and wetsuits means you won’t have to rent or buy anything extra, which is a nice value add at the ticket price of $53. The wetsuit is especially appreciated in cooler waters, keeping snorkelers comfortable during their 45-minute swim. The instruction component ensures that even first-timers can feel confident in the water, which helps minimize anxiety and enhances enjoyment.

The meeting point is conveniently located at the Aqua-Marina Dive Center on Paseo Verode, and the activity ends back at the same spot or can finish directly from the harbor—giving flexibility for your next plans. Keep in mind that no hotel transfer is provided, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

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Who Would Love This Tour?

This snorkeling trip is ideal for families with children over 8, couples looking for a relaxed marine adventure, or solo travelers wanting to explore Tenerife’s underwater scene. Its family-friendly nature, combined with the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see sea turtles and rays, makes it suitable for those new to snorkeling or wildlife encounters.

The Value of This Experience

At $53, this tour offers good value for those wanting a guided, safe, and scenic snorkeling adventure. You get all equipment, instruction, and a boat ride—which are often additional costs elsewhere. While sightings of specific marine animals aren’t guaranteed, the experience itself—being on the water, in the warm wetsuit, and observing marine life—is rewarding, especially with friendly guides who make the effort informative and fun.

Many travelers appreciate the professional and approachable staff, noting that the guides “know a lot about the underwater world,” and that the service overall is “top-notch.” The fact that it’s suitable for all ages broadens its appeal, making it a practical choice for families with children, seniors, or anyone new to snorkeling.

Possible Drawbacks to Consider

The main limitation is the unpredictability of wildlife sightings. If your main goal is to swim with turtles or dolphins, understand that nature doesn’t always cooperate. Some reviews mention they saw turtles but couldn’t swim with them, which suggests that expectations should be tempered. Plus, no hotel pickup means you’ll need to plan how to reach the meeting point, which could be less convenient for some travelers.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for families, beginners, or anyone wanting a relaxed, guided snorkeling trip in Tenerife’s waters. It’s perfect if you want to combine a scenic boat ride with an introduction to marine life in a safe, friendly setting. Those looking for guaranteed wildlife encounters or a more intense aquatic adventure might want to consider other options, but for most casual snorkelers, this tour offers a nice balance of fun, education, and beautiful scenery.

FAQ

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?
No, the guides can provide instruction, and the activity is suitable for ages 8 and up. Comfort in the water is suggested, but prior experience isn’t necessary.

Is equipment included?
Yes, all snorkeling gear and a wetsuit are provided, so you don’t need to bring your own or rent separately.

Can I see dolphins during this tour?
Dolphins are among the animals you might see, but sightings are not guaranteed. The focus is on the natural habitat, where dolphins, turtles, and rays can sometimes be observed.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera. Remember, touching marine life is not allowed.

How long is the snorkeling portion?
You’ll spend about 45 minutes snorkeling in the water, which is ample time to enjoy the marine environment.

What’s the meeting point?
The activity begins at Aqua-Marina Dive Center on Paseo Verode, and you should arrange your own transportation there.

Is this experience family-friendly?
Absolutely, it’s suitable for children over 8 and is designed to be safe and enjoyable for all ages.

In sum, this snorkeling tour in Tenerife offers a friendly, educational introduction to the island’s underwater world, with the chance to see some of its most charming marine creatures. While nature’s surprises mean no guarantees of sightings, the professional guides and scenic boat ride make it a worthwhile option for those seeking a relaxed, memorable marine adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: