Experience the Wild Beauty of Tenerife’s Coast by Kayak with Snorkeling
When you think of Tenerife, images of volcanic landscapes, rugged cliffs, and vibrant marine life probably come to mind. This kayak tour along the south coast offers just that—spectacular scenery, chances to see dolphins and turtles, and a relaxed, accessible adventure for all. Led by knowledgeable guides, this 2.5-hour journey costs around $40.64 per person and is perfect for those wanting a blend of light sport and nature exploration without needing prior experience.
What we particularly love about this tour is the carefully chosen route along the volcanic coastline and the comfortable equipment provided—like padded seats and wetsuits—that make paddling easier and more enjoyable. Plus, the inclusion of photos and videos captures your ocean adventure, so you can relive the magic later. On the downside, some travelers have noted that the chance of spotting dolphins or turtles isn’t guaranteed, which is a reminder that marine wildlife is unpredictable. This trip is suitable for families, couples, or friends looking for a fun, scenic, and accessible outdoor activity.
Key Points
- Accessible for all skill levels with equipment and guidance provided.
- Small group size (maximum 10) ensures a personalized experience.
- Opportunity to see dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
- The scenic volcanic coastline offers caves, cliffs, and spectacular views.
- Includes snorkeling gear, water, snacks, and photos/videos of your trip.
- Weather-dependent—good conditions mean a more enjoyable experience.
Discover the Beautiful Coast of Tenerife by Kayak
This experience takes you along the impressive volcanic coast of Tenerife, an area filled with towering cliffs, caves, and crystal-clear waters. The tour begins at the Shaka Kayak y Sup Tenerife center on the promenade in front of Los Cristianos Beach, a spot easily reachable by public transport or a short walk, making logistics straightforward. For about two and a half hours, you’ll paddle along the coastline, taking in stunning views that make this part of Tenerife special.
What we find especially appealing is how the guides, like Gabriel or Ciro, bring a lot of experience and a friendly attitude that keeps the atmosphere relaxed yet informative. As one review put it, “Gabriel had a great, fun-loving attitude,” which makes a difference when you’re navigating open water, especially for beginners or families with kids.
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What to Expect: From Paddling to Snorkeling
Once you arrive, the team supplies all the necessary gear—paddles, vests, wetsuits, snorkeling glasses (including a full-face mask option)—so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything special. The kayaks are designed for comfort, with padded seats that make paddling for 2-3 hours less tiring, even if you’re not a seasoned athlete.
The route itself is carefully designed to maximize your chances of encountering marine life, such as dolphins and sea turtles, although some reviews mention that sightings aren’t always guaranteed. Still, the excitement of possibly seeing these creatures in their natural environment adds a special thrill to the tour.
The highlight for many is the chance to swim with turtles and explore sea caves, which add variety and wonder to the paddle. In addition, the guide will often lead a snorkeling session in calmer spots, where you’ll see fishes and underwater formations. If conditions are rough, snorkeling may be canceled, but you’ll still enjoy the scenic paddle.
Small Groups, Personal Attention
The tour keeps groups small—no more than 10 participants—which means you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide. One reviewer commented, “Groups are small and guide was great,” feeling that this made the experience less hurried and more tailored to individual comfort.
You’ll have the opportunity to capture your adventure with photos and videos, which are included as part of the package. Many travelers appreciated this, noting how these images allowed them to remember the trip vividly.
Who Is This Tour Perfect For?
This excursion is suited to families with children, couples, or groups of friends looking for a relaxed yet adventurous outing. The activity doesn’t require prior experience, and the equipment is designed for comfort. It’s also ideal for those who want to explore Tenerife’s coast without the formality of a large boat trip or the need for strong athletic skills.
However, travelers should have moderate physical fitness, as paddling for nearly three hours can be tiring. Also, since marine life sightings are not guaranteed, those hoping for a dolphin or turtle spectacle should be aware that nature doesn’t operate on a schedule.
A Balanced Look at the Experience
While many travelers rave about the stunning scenery, friendly guides, and value for money, some reviews highlight potential drawbacks. For example, one person noted their route was not the most efficient, which led to exhaustion, especially when paddling alone against currents and wind. This points to the importance of group size and route planning for a smooth experience.
Another reviewer mentioned that snorkeling was canceled due to rough seas, which illustrates that weather conditions can impact the activity—something to keep in mind if you’re visiting during stormier months.
Price-wise, $40.64 per person offers good value considering all gear, water, snacks, and photos included. Compared to similar marine excursions, this tour provides a more intimate experience with the coast, rather than large boat trips, adding to its appeal.
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Practical Details and Tips
- The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, which is enough time to enjoy paddling and snorkeling without feeling rushed.
- Meeting point is easy to find in front of Los Cristianos Beach on the promenade.
- Group size is limited to 10, ensuring personalized attention.
- It’s recommended to wear a cap and booties, especially if you plan to snorkel or paddle for longer.
- The tour is weather-dependent—bad weather means it might be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund if that happens.
Authentic Marine Encounters and Realistic Expectations
Many reviews emphasize that seeing dolphins and turtles depends on chance. As one reviewer noted, “those are the same for the other places, so your chances are the same everywhere,” which sets realistic expectations. Some guests do see these creatures, sometimes multiple, and others just enjoy the stunning coast and marine environment.
The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, often going above and beyond to take photos with GoPro cameras and explain the area’s geology and marine life. This adds educational value to the trip, making it more than just a paddle.
The Sum Up: A Worthwhile Adventure for Nature Lovers and Families
This kayak and snorkeling tour along Tenerife’s volcanic coast offers a great balance of scenic beauty, wildlife potential, and relaxed fun. It’s especially suited for families with children, beginners, and those who appreciate smaller groups and personalized guidance. The included photos and videos, combined with the stunning views of cliffs and caves, make it a memorable outing.
While marine sightings are not guaranteed, the excitement of paddling along rugged coastline and swimming with turtles makes this a rewarding experience. It’s a fantastic way to see Tenerife from a different perspective—on the water, close to nature, and with friendly guides leading the way.
If you’re looking for an affordable, authentic adventure that combines scenery, wildlife, and light activity, this tour is a compelling choice. Just keep in mind the weather, physical effort, and the unpredictable nature of marine life, and you’ll likely come away with plenty of stories and beautiful memories.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the activity is designed as a family-friendly outing, with paddling equipment and guidance suitable for all ages. Just ensure your children are comfortable in water and can paddle for 2-3 hours.
Do I need experience to join?
No prior kayaking or snorkeling experience is necessary. The equipment is provided, and guides are there to help you feel comfortable and safe.
What should I bring?
It’s recommended to wear a cap and booties for protection, and bring your own sunscreen. The tour provides snorkeling gear, water, and snacks, but you might want to bring a small waterproof camera or your phone for photos.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Bad weather can lead to cancellation, but in that case, you’ll be offered a reschedule or full refund.
How many people will be on the tour?
The group maximum is 10 participants, which allows for a more personalized and relaxed experience.
What if I don’t see dolphins or turtles?
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the guide’s goal is to maximize your chances. Even without animals, many guests find the coast’s scenery and the activity itself enjoyable.
This kayak and snorkeling tour in Tenerife offers a genuine chance to enjoy the island’s rugged coast, spot marine animals, and get a bit active—all wrapped up in an accessible package that suits families, beginners, and adventure seekers alike.
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