Kayaking and Snorkeling with Turtles

Kayaking and Snorkeling with Turtles in Tenerife: A Practical Guide

If you’re looking to experience Tenerife’s marine wonders without diving deep into the ocean, the Kayaking and Snorkeling with Turtles tour offers a fantastic way to do just that. For $51 per person, you’ll spend around 2 hours exploring the coastline of Los Cristianos, with the chance to spot dolphins, turtles, and a variety of colorful fish in their natural habitat. This tour departs from Rays Bay, near Los Cristianos, and takes you on a guided adventure that combines active water sports with the thrill of wildlife encounters.

One of our favorite aspects of this tour is the combination of kayaking and snorkeling, which keeps the experience dynamic and engaging. Plus, the guides are experienced, friendly, and know exactly where to look for wildlife—making your chances of seeing turtles and dolphins quite high. We also appreciated the eco-friendly approach, ensuring that your fun doesn’t come at the expense of the ocean environment.

A potential consideration is that getting back into the kayak after snorkeling can be challenging if you’re not physically prepared. Several reviews mention this, especially for those with limited mobility or strength. Still, if you’re in good shape or eager to challenge yourself, this won’t be a problem.

This tour is ideal for families, first-time snorkelers, and water lovers who enjoy a balanced mix of adventure and nature. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a family group, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this short but rewarding outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Likely to see turtles, dolphins, and various fish
• Scenic Views: Stunning coastline of Los Cristianos and Mount Teide
• Inclusive Equipment: All necessary gear provided, no swimming experience needed
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance with full refund
• Guided Experience: Led by knowledgeable guides who ensure safety and fun
• Value: Around 2 hours of guided adventure for just $51

An Overview of the Experience

The Kayaking and Snorkeling tour in Tenerife begins with a pickup from one of ten locations along the south coast, making it convenient for most travelers staying in the popular resort areas. Once at Rays Bay near Los Cristianos, you’ll receive instructions and all the gear needed—life jackets, masks, snorkels, and boots. You don’t need to worry if you’re not confident in your swimming skills; the equipment and guided oversight make it accessible for beginners and inexperienced swimmers.

The tour kicks off with a gentle paddle along the coast, offering spectacular views of Los Cristianos’ beaches and the looming profile of Mount Teide in the background. As you glide over the water, keep an eye out for dolphins, which are sometimes spotted frolicking in the waves. Several reviews highlight dolphin sightings, adding a magical touch to the experience. One reviewer mentioned, “We saw dolphins from afar while kayaking, which was honestly the highlight.”

Your guides, who speak several languages including Spanish, English, German, and others, keep the group safe and informed. They’re praised for their patience and knowledge. For example, one guest said, “Andrew was great—patient, clear, and made us feel safe, especially with our 6-year-old.”

After about 2.5 hours of kayaking, the tour pauses in Palm-Mar for about half an hour of snorkeling. This is where most people hope to encounter friendly turtles—and many do. Several reviews mention swimming with turtles, describing them as quite approachable. One enthusiastic guest shared, “We swam with a turtle that was very close, which was unbelievable.” If you’re lucky, you might also see dolphins nearby, although they are not guaranteed.

On the return leg, you’ll enjoy more breathtaking views, including the silhouette of Mount Teide. Back at the kayak center, there’s an opportunity to view and purchase photos of your adventure, capturing unforgettable moments.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start Point: Rays Bay, Los Cristianos, with options for pickup from various locations like Fañabé, Costa del SIlencio, or Playa de las Américas. The pickup process is smooth, and the tour includes transportation from your hotel or apartment if you’re in the south of Tenerife.

Initial Briefing: Once at Rays Bay, instructors give safety instructions and show you how to use the gear. This is particularly reassuring for first-timers or those concerned about equipment.

Kayaking Along the Coast: The group heads out into the open water, paddling past Los Cristianos. The coastline’s rugged beauty and the chance to spot marine life in the distance are captivating features here.

Snorkeling in Palm-Mar: The highlight for many is the half-hour snorkeling stop. The waters are usually calm and clear, ideal for observing underwater life. Turtles often hang out here, and guides do their best to help swimmers get close to these gentle creatures.

Wildlife Spotting: Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their ability to spot dolphins and turtles, sometimes from a distance. The success rate in sightings is high, but it’s also about the experience of being out on the water, observing nature in its natural environment.

Return Journey: As you paddle back to the starting point, the scenery continues to impress, with Mount Teide towering majestically over the landscape, providing a dramatic backdrop.

Post-Tour: Photos of your trip are available for purchase, allowing you to relive the moments. Many travelers find that these photos become treasured keepsakes.

The Value of This Tour

At $51 per person, this activity offers a lot of value for those eager to combine light adventure with wildlife encounters. You’re not just paying for the physical activity but for the chance to see dolphins and turtles—experiences that can be difficult to organize independently. The inclusion of all equipment, safety gear, and professional guides enhances the overall value, making it accessible for all skill levels.

Considering the duration of about 2 hours, this isn’t an all-day commitment but rather a well-paced, manageable excursion that fits easily into a holiday schedule. The availability of flexible booking and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds a layer of convenience for travelers with unpredictable plans.

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Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for families with children who want a safe, guided introduction to marine life. It’s also ideal for solo travelers or couples looking for a memorable, active experience with chances of wildlife sightings. Water enthusiasts who enjoy light paddling and snorkeling will appreciate the mix of physical activity and relaxation.

If you’re someone who appreciates stunning coastal views and guided expertise, you’ll find this tour rewarding. Those with limited time in Tenerife will value how much they can see and do in just a couple of hours.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This kayaking and snorkeling tour offers a well-balanced experience that combines adventure, nature, and stunning scenery. Its greatest strengths are the knowledgeable guides, who make wildlife spotting feel effortless, and the beautiful coastal vistas that are visible throughout. For families and first-timers, the safety equipment and guided instructions make it approachable, while seasoned water lovers will appreciate the chance to paddle along Tenerife’s coast.

The value proposition is clear: for just over fifty dollars, you receive an active, wildlife-rich outing that’s both fun and educational. It’s especially suitable if you’re eager to see marine animals like turtles and dolphins in their natural environment—something many travelers remember long after their trip is over.

However, keep in mind that getting back into the kayak after snorkeling can be tricky for some, and sightings of dolphins are not guaranteed, as with all wildlife experiences. If you’re prepared for these minor caveats, you’ll find this tour a rewarding way to connect with Tenerife’s marine world.

FAQs

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You don’t need to be a confident swimmer. The tour provides life jackets and floats, and guides are present to ensure safety. If you’re worried about swimming, inform your guide beforehand.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 2 hours, including kayaking, snorkeling, and the return paddle.

Are the equipment and gear provided?
Yes, all necessary gear—including life vests, masks, snorkels, and boots—is included in the price.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in planning.

What is the best time to go?
Availability varies, but mornings tend to be less crowded and possibly more successful for wildlife sightings like dolphins.

Is transportation included?
Transportation from your hotel or apartment in the south of Tenerife is included, with options from ten pickup locations.

Can I buy photos of the trip?
Yes, photos are available for 15 euros per kayak and are a popular way to keep memories alive.

Is there an age limit?
While specific age limits aren’t mentioned, the reviews suggest it’s suitable for children as young as six, provided they’re comfortable with water activities.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel. Sunscreen is advisable, especially since you’ll be exposed to the sun during the paddling and snorkeling.

This experience stands out as a well-organized, family-friendly, wildlife-focused adventure that offers a meaningful taste of Tenerife’s marine environment. Whether you’re seeking your first snorkeling experience or looking to enjoy a scenic paddle with chances for wildlife sightings, this tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours on your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: