Tenerife: Snorkeling Tour in a Marine Protected Area

Tenerife: Snorkeling Tour in a Marine Protected Area

A trip to Tenerife isn’t complete without experiencing its underwater world. For around $40 per person, you get a 2-hour guided snorkeling adventure along the southeast coast, starting from the tranquil beach in Abades. Led by friendly, multilingual guides, this tour promises a 50-minute exploration where you can swim with sea turtles, peer into rocky reef formations, and enjoy crystal-clear waters teeming with life.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the thoughtful attention to safety and comfort—full wetsuits, high-quality gear, and assistance for kids or less confident swimmers. Plus, the free photos and videos mean you’ll have lasting memories without any extra hassle. One highlight is the chance to see green sea turtles in their natural habitat, though sightings can’t be guaranteed. A slight downside is that if weather conditions are poor, the tour might be canceled or postponed, so flexibility is key.

This tour suits families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone eager to dip into Tenerife’s marine treasures without needing prior experience. If you love nature, value guides who care deeply about marine life, and enjoy sharing authentic moments with loved ones, this excursion hits the right note.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Accessible for all skill levels with top-notch equipment and professional guides.
• Spotting turtles is a highlight, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.
• Photo and video package included, offering a great souvenir of your underwater adventure.
• Calm, sheltered waters ensure a safe experience for children and non-swimmers.
• Small group size (limited to 8 people) means personalized attention.
• Weather conditions can affect the schedule, so flexibility is advised.

Discovering the Underwater World of Tenerife

When you set out from the beach in Abades, you’re immediately struck by the serenity of the sheltered bay. The calm, warm waters—averaging between 19° and 23°C from March to September—offer just the right conditions for a relaxed snorkeling experience. The clear visibility and rocky reef formations provide a visual feast, lush with colorful fish, curious octopuses, and seahorses hiding in the rocks. As many reviews highlight, the professional guides—like Raffaella and Ron—are key to making this a safe and enjoyable trip, regardless of your experience level.

What we loved most was the well-fitted, high-quality equipment. The full wetsuits are designed to keep you warm and buoyant, making it easier to float and observe marine life without tiring quickly. We also appreciated the multilingual instructors, who explained everything clearly, ensuring everyone felt comfortable whether they’d snorkeled before or were new to it. And having extra assistance for children or less confident swimmers means the whole family can join in.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

The tour centers around a 50-minute guided snorkel, but it begins well before you dip into the water. Upon arrival at the meeting point, located at Magilu, you’ll find your guides wearing a distinctive shirt, ready to gear you up and give a safety briefing. This briefing covers the basics, such as how to use the equipment and how to interact respectfully with the marine environment—important because the guides strictly follow guidelines to protect marine life. For instance, feeding marine life or touching animals like turtles is prohibited, emphasizing responsible tourism.

Once suited up, you’ll wade into the crystal-clear waters of a sheltered bay with rocky reefs and coves. The guides often swim in front and behind, ensuring no one gets left behind and everyone observes the marine creatures in a responsible manner. As you snorkel, you’ll notice vibrant coral formations, schools of colorful fish, and possibly a juvenile stingray burying in the sand—as one reviewer described.

The highlight for many is the chance to spot a green sea turtle. While sightings are not guaranteed—since they are wild animals swimming freely—the environment is ideal for catching a glimpse. Even without turtles, the diversity of marine life is impressive enough to satisfy curious underwater explorers.

After your swim, the guides collect your underwater photos and videos, which they share with you free of charge. These digital keepsakes capture your moments among the fish and turtles, making it easier to relive the experience later. The tour then wraps up back at the beach, and you can freshen up with the public shower or head straight to enjoy the view.

Equipment and Guides: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The full wetsuits, masks, snorkels, boots, and fins provided are of high quality, with different sizes to fit everyone comfortably. This attention to gear means you don’t need to worry about uncomfortable or ill-fitting equipment ruining the experience. Many reviewers comment on how the gear kept them warm and buoyant, which is especially important in cooler months or for less experienced swimmers.

Guides like Raffaella and Ron are frequently praised for their knowledge, patience, and friendliness. They speak multiple languages, making the experience accessible for international visitors. Their respectful approach to marine life—following protocols when encountering turtles—ensures that guests can enjoy the beauty without causing stress or harm to the animals. Several reviews mention how the guides went above and beyond, even helping nervous first-timers or assisting children, reinforcing the feeling of safety and support.

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The Social Aspect and Small Group Experience

With groups limited to 8 participants, the tour feels intimate and personalized. This smaller size allows guides to give more individual attention, answer questions, and ensure everyone is comfortable. Many reviewers have expressed appreciation for this format, noting how guides like Gabi, Ron, and Rafaella made the trip feel special with their friendly, relaxed manner.

This setting also encourages social interaction—perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together. The small-group environment means no one feels lost or overwhelmed, even in sometimes windy or choppy conditions.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $40 per person, this snorkeling tour offers excellent value, especially considering the included professional gear, the guided instruction, and the free photos and videos. The quality of the guides, the safety measures, and the chance to see sea turtles, colorful fish, and stunning coral make it a worthwhile investment for nature lovers and those new to snorkeling alike. Many reviews mention how this experience exceeded expectations and was worth every penny—especially for the priceless memories captured on film.

It’s also notable that the activity is suitable for a wide age range. Even older adults and young children can participate comfortably, thanks to the calm waters and helpful guides. This makes it a great option for families seeking a memorable outdoor activity that’s both safe and fun.

Weather and Conditions: What You Need to Know

Weather can influence your experience. The tour might be canceled or altered in poor weather, strong winds, or rough seas, so flexibility is important. Since the activity relies on calm, clear waters, you might find some days better suited for snorkeling than others. The guides usually contact participants a day before, to confirm measurements and give updates, which helps in planning.

For those prone to motion sickness, it’s advisable to take medication beforehand, as the water is generally calm but can sometimes be affected by wind. Also, note that full-face masks are not allowed—the gear provided is standard snorkeling equipment.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone eager to explore Tenerife’s marine environment without needing prior experience. It’s particularly suited for those who value professional guides, responsible wildlife observation, and good value for money. If you’re interested in capturing underwater photos, the included videos make this a great keepsake.

However, it’s less suitable for people with mobility issues, wheelchairs, or non-swimmers, and those over 140 kg (309 lbs) or under 30 kg (66 lbs) might find it challenging to participate. The activity also requires arriving at least 10 minutes early and bringing swimwear.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth Your Time?

For anyone visiting Tenerife who wants to experience the island’s marine life firsthand, this snorkeling tour offers a well-rounded, responsible, and enjoyable introduction to the underwater world. The combination of professional guidance, high-quality equipment, and a focus on safety and conservation makes it stand out. Whether you’re traveling with kids, solo, or as part of a family group, you’ll find the experience rewarding—especially if you love nature or simply want to see a different side of Tenerife.

The chance to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat adds a magical touch, and the photos and videos ensure you’ll remember this adventure long after your trip ends. All of this comes at a reasonable price, making it a valuable activity for anyone who wants to add some underwater magic to their holiday.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour provides extra assistance for small children and non-strong swimmers, making it a family-friendly activity. The calm waters and professional guides help ensure safety and fun for all ages.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
No. The equipment is easy to use, and guides explain everything carefully. Many reviews mention that even first-timers felt comfortable and safe.

Can I see sea turtles during the tour?
While many reviews highlight sightings of green sea turtles, the guides cannot guarantee encounters—they swim freely in their habitat. But even if turtles aren’t visible, there’s plenty of colorful marine life to enjoy.

What should I bring?
Just your swimwear and a good attitude. Towels and showers are available at the beach if you want to freshen up afterward.

Are the wetsuits warm enough?
Yes, the provided wetsuits are designed to keep you warm, buoyant, and comfortable, even if the water temperature is between 19° and 23°C.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The activity might be canceled or rescheduled due to poor conditions. The guides will contact participants a day ahead to confirm or advise on alternatives.

How long is the snorkeling part?
The actual guided snorkeling lasts about 50 minutes, but the overall experience including gear-up and briefing takes around 2 hours.

Is the tour ecologically responsible?
Absolutely. The guides follow strict guidelines to protect marine life, including no feeding or touching animals, and they maintain respectful distances during turtle encounters.

This snorkeling tour in Tenerife’s protected waters offers a blend of adventure, education, and conservation—a true highlight for anyone eager to explore the island’s vibrant marine environment safely and responsibly. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, it’s an experience that’s hard to forget.

You can check availability for your dates here: