Snorkeling Tour with Sea Turtles and Stingrays

Discover Tenerife’s Underwater Wonders with a Snorkeling Tour Featuring Sea Turtles and Stingrays

If you’re dreaming of snorkeling in Tenerife, this two-hour adventure offers a chance to swim alongside sea turtles and stingrays in their natural habitat. For $79.79 per person, you’ll start your morning with a scenic boat ride from Las Galletas, cruising along the volcanic coast of Malpais de Rasca, a striking landscape that alone is worth the trip. Then, in small groups limited to 6 people, you’ll slip into the water with an experienced guide who makes sure everyone feels safe and comfortable.

What we particularly like about this tour is the personalized attention – with small groups, guides can give better instructions and share fascinating facts about marine life. Plus, the photos taken during the snorkel are included, so you don’t have to worry about capturing your memories. The tour also offers hotel pick-up depending on your location, making it convenient for travelers staying nearby.

On the flip side, it’s worth noting that wild animals in their natural environment mean there are no guarantees you’ll see turtles or stingrays every time. But even without a sighting, the experience of exploring Tenerife’s vibrant underwater landscape is charming. This tour suits those who enjoy small, intimate groups, want engaging guides, and are comfortable swimming in open water. It’s especially appealing if you’re eager for a chance to see sea turtles up close, given the high likelihood but not certainty of sightings.

Key Points

• Small Group Size: Limited to 6-8 people, ensuring a personalized and less crowded experience.
• Marine Life Encounters: Swim with sea turtles and possibly stingrays in their natural habitat.
• Beautiful Coastal Views: Cruise along Tenerife’s volcanic coast and admire the rugged landscape.
• Professional Guides: Knowledgeable instructors provide safety instructions and share interesting insights.
• Photos Included: Free pictures sent via email to remember your underwater adventure.
• Convenience: Optional hotel pick-up and mobile tickets simplify your planning.

A Deep Dive into the Snorkeling Experience

The Itinerary: From Land to Underwater Marvels

Your day begins at the Marina South in Las Galletas, where you’ll meet your guide, a friendly expert who will prepare you for the adventure ahead. The journey starts with a boat trip along Tenerife’s coast, providing a fantastic perspective on the island’s volcanic landscape. As you cruise, you’ll get a chance to absorb the scenery — rugged cliffs, volcanic formations, and the soothing Atlantic backdrop.

Once you reach the snorkeling zone near Malpais de Rasca, the guide will give a thorough briefing. This is worth paying attention to because they’ll explain how to use the wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins safely — key info that helps even nervous swimmers feel more confident. The small group size makes it easier for the instructor to give individual attention, answer questions, and ensure everyone feels secure.

What to Expect in the Water

For about an hour of snorkeling, you’ll float amid sea turtles, stingrays, and other marine life. The guide, who is also a freediving instructor, will be on hand for support and to point out interesting sights. Many reviews mention how close and personal the encounters are — as one traveler noted, “Super personalized, safe, and full of turtles close by.”

Swimmers often describe the experience as “magical,” with some noting that the visibility makes it easy to observe marine creatures. While there’s a high chance of seeing turtles, the guides remind visitors that animals are in their natural environment, so sightings can’t be guaranteed. Still, many reviewers like Julia appreciated the ample time for snorkeling and the small group which enhanced their experience.

The Photos and Final Moments

After swimming, your guide will take photos of you in action, capturing those unforgettable moments. These are sent via email afterward, allowing you to relive the experience without having to juggle a waterproof camera. Many visitors mention how much they cherish these images, especially since they are included in the price.

The tour concludes back at the marina, and depending on your plans, you might want to explore nearby spots or relax after your aquatic adventure.

What Does the Price Cover?

At $79.79, this tour offers good value considering it includes a boat trip, all snorkeling equipment, a knowledgeable instructor, insurance, and photos. The wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins are provided, so you only need to bring swimwear, a towel, and a sense of adventure.

While the cost might seem a bit higher than a casual swim at the beach, you’re paying for the guided experience, safety, and the chance to see marine animals in their natural habitat, which is hard to replicate on your own.

The Small Group Advantage

One of the standout features of this tour is its small group size—limited to 6 to 8 travelers. Reviewers repeatedly mention how this makes the experience more intimate and relaxing. They felt less rushed, more engaged, and appreciated the personal attention from guides like Angela and Elio, who are praised for their expertise and friendliness.

This intimacy is especially valuable when snorkeling, as it reduces the chaos common in larger tours, allowing everyone to enjoy the environment at their own pace. It also offers better opportunities to interact with guides and ask questions about Tenerife’s marine ecosystem.

The Natural Environment: What You Should Know

Snorkeling occurs in a natural, protected area, which is part of what makes the experience special. The landscape along Malpais de Rasca adds a dramatic backdrop to your underwater adventure. The volcanic formations and clear waters are ideal for spotting sea turtles and stingrays, but you should be prepared for the inherent unpredictability of wildlife encounters.

Reviewers mention that “most people didn’t see the baby stingray,” pointing out that animal sightings can vary. Still, the probability of seeing turtles is high, and even if you don’t, the overall experience of being in Tenerife’s marine environment is rewarding.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

The tour starts at 9:00 am from the marina. To make the most of your trip, it’s recommended to arrive a little early. Hotel pick-up might be available depending on your location, which is a bonus for those staying nearby. The tour is suitable for children aged 8 and above who can swim, making it family-friendly.

What to bring? A swimsuit, towel, and sun protection are advised, especially since you’ll be in the water and exposed to the sun during the boat ride.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Reviews

The consensus among travelers is that this tour is generally well-organized and enjoyable. Julia’s review highlights how small group size and friendly guides made it a “really wonderful” experience, while others appreciated the chance to see dolphins as a bonus — even if not guaranteed.

One reviewer felt slightly disappointed about not seeing turtles, but emphasized that “the high probability” still makes it worthwhile. Others praised the knowledgeable guides, describing them as “brilliant” and mentioning the delicious local tapas they enjoyed after the activity, which could be part of a broader day out.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This snorkeling tour is perfect for travelers who love small-group adventures, value professional guidance, and are eager to see Tenerife’s marine life in a safe and respectful way. If you’re comfortable in open water and want a personalized experience with the chance of swimming alongside sea turtles, this is a solid choice.

Families with children over 8, couples, or friends looking for a memorable aquatic outing will find this tour both fun and educational. Be aware that, like all wildlife encounters, sightings depend on luck, but the experience of exploring Tenerife’s underwater world makes it worthwhile regardless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pick-up available?
Yes, depending on your location, hotel pick-up might be offered, making it more convenient to join the tour.

What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sun protection. All snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and photos are included.

What is the minimum age?
Children must be at least 8 years old and able to swim comfortably.

Can I guarantee seeing turtles or stingrays?
Since these animals are in their natural habitat, sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the high likelihood makes it worthwhile.

How long is the snorkeling portion?
You can expect about one hour of snorkeling in the designated area.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, participants should be able to swim, as the activity involves snorkeling in open water.

In sum, this snorkeling experience in Tenerife offers a fantastic blend of scenic boat rides, intimate marine encounters, and expert guidance—ideal for those seeking authentic, memorable moments in the ocean. It’s a perfect choice for wildlife lovers, small-group enthusiasts, and anyone eager to explore Tenerife’s vibrant underwater realm.