Tenerife: Snorkeling Trip in a Turtle Habitat

Imagine cruising along Tenerife’s coastline on a speedboat, then slipping into crystal-clear waters to swim alongside gentle sea turtles and vibrant marine life. For $48 per person, this guided snorkeling tour offers an accessible, family-friendly way to experience Tenerife’s underwater treasures for about 2 hours. Led by friendly, multilingual instructors, you get a chance to explore one of the island’s top marine spots, with the added thrill of a boat ride along the coast that’s as scenic as it is fun.

What we love most about this tour is the ease for beginners — the instructions are straightforward, and the equipment is modern and comfortable. Plus, the chance to see dolphins, rays, and colorful fish enriches the experience well beyond just swimming with turtles. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that sea conditions can affect visibility and turtle sightings, which aren’t 100% guaranteed. Still, with a price that includes all gear, insurance, and water, it offers excellent value for anyone wanting an authentic marine adventure.

This trip is perfect for families with kids, first-timers, or anyone who simply appreciates the beauty of the ocean without the complexity of diving. If you’re looking to combine a scenic boat ride with wildlife encounters in a safe, relaxed setting, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Easy for Beginners: Clear instructions and modern equipment make it accessible.
• Wildlife Encounters: Potential to see turtles, dolphins, rays, and colorful fish.
• Scenic Boat Ride: Enjoy spectacular coastal views en route to the snorkeling site.
• Value Price: At $48, it includes gear, insurance, and guidance.
• Flexible and Family-Friendly: Suitable for children over 15 and non-swimmers wanting ocean views.
• Weather Dependency: Sightings depend on sea conditions and animal activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tenerife Snorkeling Tour

This tour begins at the Travel Sub Dive Centre near Puerto Colon, conveniently located in front of Pier 5. After a brief safety briefing, you’re fitted with wetsuits, fins, masks, and snorkels—gear that’s well-maintained and designed for comfort. The process is smooth, with multilingual instructors helping ensure everyone feels confident before heading out.

The boat ride itself is part of the fun. We loved the way the speedboat sped along Tenerife’s coast, offering sweeping views of the shoreline, cliffs, and beaches. It’s a short but exhilarating trip that sets the tone for the water adventure ahead. The guides are passionate and eager to share insights about marine life and the local environment, which adds an educational layer to the trip.

Once at the Turtle Habitat, the calm, clear waters provide a perfect environment for snorkeling. The area is known as a sanctuary for sea turtles, and although sightings aren’t guaranteed, many reviewers have been lucky. As Charlotte puts it, “Really fun! Staff was really supportive, loads of little fishys, and we got to see dolphins as well!” These encounters tend to be special moments, often described as close and memorable.

The underwater world is teeming with activity. Expect to see a variety of fish, rays, and perhaps even dolphins or whales if the timing is right. Guides are excellent at pointing out species and helping you spot these creatures, which makes the experience all the more rewarding.

The Itinerary in Detail

Meeting at the Dive Centre

Your adventure begins at the Travel Sub Dive Centre, located conveniently near the Puerto Colon marina. The briefing includes safety instructions and tips for snorkeling, which is particularly handy for beginners. The staff is multilingual, making communication easy for international travelers.

Speedboat Ride Along Tenerife’s Coast

The boat departs promptly, and you’ll spend roughly 15-20 minutes speeding along the coast. Here, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Tenerife’s rugged shoreline, cliffs, and beaches. Many reviews mention how enjoyable this part is, with some calling it “fun on the water” and a great way to relax before getting in the water.

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Reaching the Turtle Habitat

The boat anchors near a designated marine protected area, renowned for its sea turtle population. The calm waters make it easier for beginners and children to snorkel comfortably. Guides provide safety instructions and assist with gear, ensuring everyone is ready.

Snorkeling Time

Most tours allocate around 50 minutes for snorkeling. In this time, you can expect to see sea turtles gliding gracefully, fish of all colors darting around, and rays drifting lazily beneath the surface. Reviewers frequently mention how close they got to the turtles, with some capturing wonderful photos.

Return Journey

After snorkeling, you’ll hop back onto the boat for a scenic ride back. Many participants enjoy the chance to see dolphins or flying fish on the way, with some reviews noting dolphin sightings as a highlight.

End of Tour

The tour concludes back at the starting point, with plenty of time to shower, change, and reflect on the day’s adventures. Some reviewers appreciated the professional support from guides like Andrea and Julia, who made the experience both fun and safe.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $48, this trip packs a lot of value. It includes all snorkeling gear, insurance, a boat ride, and guidance—everything you need for a safe and enjoyable experience. As several reviews highlight, the guides are knowledgeable and passionate, often going out of their way to help nervous swimmers or ensure everyone gets the best chance to see wildlife.

The small group size and personalized attention make it feel more like an adventure with friends than a generic tour. Some reviews mention how guides like Naty and Andrea are especially patient and helpful, which can make all the difference, especially for first-timers or children.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Weather and Sea Conditions: Sightings of turtles and marine life depend heavily on weather, sea conditions, and animal activity. While sightings are common, they cannot be guaranteed.
• What to Bring: Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Wet suits are provided, but you might prefer your own if you’re sensitive to fit or comfort.
• Age Restrictions: Children under 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult. It’s suitable for those who want ocean views but don’t necessarily want to snorkel.
• Gear and Accessibility: No prescription goggles are provided, so contact lenses are recommended if you need corrective vision.
• Cancellation Policy: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in case of weather changes.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

The reviews paint a clear picture of what to expect. Many mention dolphins seen on the way out or back, and loads of colorful fish in the water. Charlotte’s comment, “loads of little fishys and we got to see dolphins,” captures the magic of the experience. Several mention the supportive guides, like Vicki noting how helpful Julia was in making her feel safe, and others praising the professionalism of the staff.

Even when turtles aren’t seen, travelers often still rave about the beauty of the underwater world and the smooth organization. One review from Richard sums it up, stating, “Saw about 5 turtles very up close! Amazing experience I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Many families highlight how kids loved the opportunity to see marine animals, with some still talking about it weeks later. As Leila wrote about her children, “they are still talking about it three weeks later,” emphasizing how memorable this experience can be for little explorers.

The Sum Up

This snorkeling tour in Tenerife offers a well-rounded, affordable glimpse into the island’s aquatic life. It’s especially suited for beginners, families, or anyone wanting a relaxed, guided experience with wildlife. The combination of a scenic boat ride, expert guides, and close encounters with sea turtles and fish makes it a memorable activity without requiring advanced skills or equipment.

While turtle sightings cannot be guaranteed, the friendly guides, good value, and stunning underwater scenery make this tour a dependable choice for those seeking a taste of the Canary Islands’ marine environment. It’s a wonderful way to see the ocean from a different perspective, with plenty of opportunities for photographs and memories.

If you want an easy, safe, and authentic way to explore Tenerife’s underwater life — and don’t mind the weather-dependent nature of wildlife sightings — this trip is hard to beat. Perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone looking to enjoy the ocean in a relaxed, guided setting.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed for beginners with easy-to-follow instructions and safety guidance. The equipment is modern and comfortable, making it accessible for those new to snorkeling.

Can I see sea turtles on this trip?
Sea turtles are a key part of the habitat, and many travelers have seen them up close. However, sightings depend on weather, sea conditions, and animal activity, so they are not 100% guaranteed.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The tour provides wetsuits, fins, masks, and snorkels, but you may want your own contact lenses if you need corrective vision.

Are children allowed?
Children under 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult. The tour is family-friendly, especially for those who enjoy ocean views and marine life.

How long does the snorkeling last?
You’ll typically get about 50 minutes in the water, which is enough time to see a variety of marine creatures and relax without feeling rushed.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled or rescheduled in case of rough sea conditions. Many travelers mention that it’s worth being flexible, as the experience is still enjoyable even if turtle sightings are less frequent.

This detailed review should help you decide if Tenerife’s snorkeling trip is right for you. With friendly guides, scenic rides, and chances to see marine animals, it’s a memorable way to connect with the natural beauty of the Canary Islands.

You can check availability for your dates here: