Tenerife is a superb destination for snorkeling, thanks to its clear waters, volcanic landscapes, and abundant marine life. Whether you’re after a luxurious cruise to spot whales and dolphins or a more intimate underwater experience with turtles and rays, Tenerife offers options that suit all interests. We particularly like the Tenerife: Whales and Snorkeling Tour on a Luxury Yacht, because it combines the thrill of whale watching with a relaxed snorkeling session in remote, crystal-clear waters. Plus, enjoying tapas and unlimited drinks onboard makes for a memorable day out.
If you’re interested in highly personalized experiences, the Tenerife: Snorkeling underwater with freediving instructor offers an immersive journey guided by an expert, with yoga and breathing exercises to enhance relaxation under the sea. For families or those looking for a fun, active adventure, the Radazul: Family-Friendly Jet Snorkeling Tour features underwater scooters, making exploration easier and more exciting. No matter your style or budget, Tenerife has something that can turn your underwater dreams into reality.
1. Tenerife: Whales and Snorkeling Tour on a Luxury Yacht
Starting from the south coast of Tenerife, this luxury yacht trip blends whale watching with snorkeling in a remote bay. Board an elegant vessel that offers plenty of space and comfort, perfect for relaxing while enjoying delicious tapas and unlimited drinks. This tour is rated 4.9 out of 5 based on over 300 reviews, reflecting its popularity among travelers who want a touch of class combined with wildlife encounters.
What makes this tour special is the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, with the crew sharing insights about marine life along the way. After whale watching, you’ll snorkel in pristine waters where colorful fish dart amid rocky formations, offering an intimate glimpse of Tenerife’s underwater world. The itinerary includes scenic views, a boat cruise, and stops at scenic spots like Los Cristianos and Palm-Mar, making it a full, engaging experience for around 3 hours.
This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a luxurious, all-in-one outing that combines wildlife with snorkeling, along with plenty of comfort and good food. The reviews consistently praise the crew’s friendliness and the high-quality onboard amenities. The only potential downside is that it’s a bit pricier at $91 per person, but many say the experience is worth every penny.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for those who want a stylish day out with good chances of whale sightings and great snorkeling in Tenerife’s southern waters.
2. Los Gigantes to Teno: Boat trip with snorkeling & drinks
This 2.5-hour boat trip explores the coast from Los Gigantes to Punta de Teno, with an emphasis on snorkeling and exploring natural coves. With a rating of 4.9, it’s a popular and affordable option at just $51 per person. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a shorter, more relaxed outing that still offers plenty of marine adventure.
The trip includes stops at Masca Beach and Punta de Teno, both known for their rugged beauty and clear waters. You’ll get to swim and snorkel in quiet bays, observing marine fauna in natural settings. The knowledgeable skipper makes sure everyone feels comfortable and informed, sharing stories about the coastline and marine life along the way.
Guests appreciate the ease of booking and the well-organized nature of the trip, plus the opportunity to see the volcanic underwater landscape and spot diverse marine species. The highlight for many is swimming at Masca Beach, with its blue waters and abundance of fish. It’s a straightforward, value-packed tour that combines scenic views with active snorkeling.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers seeking a quick, scenic trip with quality snorkeling and insightful commentary without breaking the bank.
3. Tenerife: Snorkeling underwater with freediving instructor
For those wanting a more in-depth, mindful experience, this 3-hour tour focuses on underwater exploration guided by an experienced freediving instructor. Starting from Radazul, it combines breathing techniques, yoga, and Qigong to prepare you for a tranquil underwater adventure, rated 5 out of 5 by past participants.
The highlight is learning how to snorkel properly while exploring Tenerife’s vibrant marine life, including starfish, rays, and colorful fish. The instructor’s 25 years of experience ensures a safe, educational environment where you learn to relax and connect with the underwater world. The workshop includes a safety briefing, guided snorkeling, and a break with local snacks, making it suitable for beginners and those interested in a more holistic experience.
What makes this trip stand out is its focus on relaxation and mindfulness, rather than just observing marine life. It suits travelers who want to combine physical activity with mental wellness, all while discovering Tenerife’s underwater beauty. The reviews highlight the calming influence of the breathing exercises and the chance to see marine creatures in a peaceful setting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a gentle, educational approach to snorkeling and freediving, with a focus on relaxation and skills.
4. Radazul: Family-Friendly Jet Snorkeling Tour
If you’re traveling with family or kids who love gadgets, this 3-hour underwater scooter tour in Radazul is perfect. Rated 5 out of 5, it offers a fun, active way to explore Tenerife’s clear waters. For $53 per person, it provides equipment like underwater thrusters that make moving beneath the surface easier, especially for beginners or those hesitant about traditional snorkeling.
The tour begins at Macaronesian Divers, with an experienced guide leading the way as you test the biodiversity of the sea. The scooters allow you to cover more ground with less effort, making it easier to spot marine life like fish and marine plants. The tour is suitable for all ages, making it a great family outing, and the short duration keeps it accessible and manageable.
What travelers love about this experience is the mix of technology and nature, allowing a different perspective on Tenerife’s underwater environment. The safety measures and equipment quality are highly praised, with many noting it’s a perfect activity for those who want a bit of thrill without the complexity of scuba diving.
Bottom Line: A fantastic option for families or those wanting a lively, gadget-assisted snorkeling experience in Tenerife.
5. Abades: Tenerife Turtles and Rays Snorkeling Trip
This 1.5-hour trip focuses on swimming with turtles and rays, a highlight for many marine lovers. Rated 4.7 from six reviews, it’s an affordable and focused outing at $63 per person. Departing from Abades, it offers a chance to explore Tenerife’s volcanic underwater landscape and encounter some of its most charismatic marine animals.
The trip revolves around going to a special spot where turtles and rays are often seen, giving you the opportunity to swim alongside these gentle creatures. The boat crew provides insights into Tenerife’s marine ecosystem, making the experience educational as well as fun. With a short duration, it’s ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a meaningful underwater encounter.
Many reviews mention the thrill of seeing turtles and rays in their natural environment, and the overall friendliness of the crew adds to the charm. The compact nature of this tour makes it more intimate, but it’s best suited for those specifically eager to encounter these animals rather than a wider reef exploration.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts wanting a focused, shorter snorkeling trip to see turtles and rays.
6. Teno to Masca: Boat trip with snorkeling & drinks
This 2-hour boat tour from Punta de Teno to Masca takes you along Tenerife’s dramatic coastline, rated 4.8 out of 5 and costing only $40 per person. It’s an affordable way to see famed spots like the Cliffs of Los Gigantes and snorkel in local bays. The tour includes stops for swimming and snorkeling, along with a complimentary drink, making it a good value.
The highlight is the coastal scenery and the chance to explore multiple locations in a short time. The experienced skipper guides you through the volcanic coast and helps you observe marine life in the natural environment. The trip balances sightseeing with active snorkeling and is suitable for all ages.
Guests praise the humor and knowledge of the guide Nico, as well as the beautiful coastal views. It’s a flexible tour that suits travelers short on time but eager to combine scenery with underwater exploration, with the added bonus of a relaxed atmosphere and friendly crew.
Bottom Line: Great for budget-minded travelers who want scenic coastal views combined with snorkeling in Tenerife.
7. Snorkeling in a Volcanic Bay
Finally, this 1.5-hour snorkeling activity in Los Abrigos offers an intimate look at Tenerife’s volcanic underwater landscape. Rated 4.3, it’s an accessible choice at $67 per person, perfect for travelers looking for a shorter but memorable marine experience. You’ll be guided by an instructor who helps you spot starfish, volcanic formations, and colorful fish.
This tour emphasizes underwater photography, providing a keepsake of your adventure. The volcanic rocks and unique marine life make this a distinctive experience, suitable for all skill levels. The small-group setup ensures personalized attention from the instructor, making sure everyone gets the most from their time underwater.
What makes this tour special is the chance to explore Tenerife’s volcanic seabed in a relaxed setting, with guidance that enhances your understanding of the geological features and marine ecology. It’s best suited for those eager to see Tenerife’s unique underwater terrain with some photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in volcanic geology and marine life, with a short, focused snorkeling outing.
How to Choose the Right Snorkeling Tour in Tenerife
When deciding which snorkeling experience in Tenerife suits you best, consider your budget, time, interests, and physical fitness. For a luxurious day with wildlife sightings, the Tenerife: Whales and Snorkeling Tour on a Luxury Yacht offers comfort and wildlife in one package. If you’re after a more educational or mindful experience, the freediving with instructor provides a gentle, skill-building approach. Families or gadget lovers should consider the family-friendly jet snorkeling, while wildlife enthusiasts might prefer the Turtles and Rays trip.
Budget travelers will find value in shorter trips like the Teno to Masca boat tour, which combines scenery and snorkeling at a lower price. For those interested in volcanic landscapes, the snorkeling in a volcanic bay offers a unique geological perspective.
Timing-wise, most tours run year-round, but summer months tend to be warmer and calmer for snorkeling. Book early, especially during peak holiday seasons, to secure your preferred date and experience.
In summary, Tenerife offers a broad spectrum of snorkeling adventures — from luxury whale-watching cruises to intimate encounters with sea turtles and volcanic formations. For nature lovers and adventure seekers, booking early is advisable. Whether you want to relax onboard a yacht, learn freediving, or explore with your family, you’ll find a trip that matches your style and makes your trip to Tenerife unforgettable.
