If you’re visiting Tenerife and want to explore its marine life without the need to master swimming, this snorkeling tour in Abades offers a fantastic option. For just $69 per person, you’ll spend about 50 minutes floating along a calm, protected bay with a personal instructor by your side. It’s an accessible way to get a glimpse of Tenerife’s underwater beauty, especially if you’re not comfortable in deep water or don’t have swimming skills.
What we love most about this experience is the personalized guidance — your dedicated instructor ensures safety and comfort, making it suitable even for first-timers or non-swimmers. Plus, the included photos and videos mean you’ll have beautiful memories to take home. Another highlight is the chance to see green sea turtles, an encounter that feels like a real treasure hunt, even though it’s not guaranteed.
A minor consideration is the dependency on weather conditions: strong winds or poor sea conditions can lead to cancellations or schedule changes, so flexibility is key. This tour would best suit travelers who want a low-pressure, guided marine adventure that’s fun, safe, and informative without requiring prior experience in water activities. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers curious about marine life but hesitant about swimming in open water.
Key Points
- Accessible for Non-Swimmers: No need for certification or prior experience; full wetsuits help keep everyone afloat comfortably.
- Personalized Guidance: Each participant is accompanied by a dedicated instructor, ensuring safety and support throughout the tour.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunity to spot sea turtles, colorful corals, and tropical fish in a marine protected area.
- Photo and Video Package: Free digital photos and videos capture the moment, making it easy to share your adventure.
- Flexible Booking: Reserve now and pay later, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Weather Dependent: Tour schedules may change or cancel due to adverse sea conditions, so check weather forecasts.
A Practical Guide to Tenerife’s Snorkeling Tour for Non-Swimmers
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Discovering Abades: The Perfect Calm Marine Setting
Tenerife is famous for its volcanic landscapes and lush scenery, but its southeast coast also hides a hidden gem — the marine protected bay of Abades. Here, the waters are calm, shallow, and clear, making it an ideal environment for snorkeling, especially for those who aren’t comfortable in open water.
When we arrived, we noticed the friendly guides wearing bright snorkel Tenerife T-shirts, immediately putting us at ease. The beach itself is straightforward — a public shower is available, and the setting is unpretentious yet picturesque. This ease of access is one of the strengths of the tour, making the whole experience uncomplicated, even if you’ve never been in the water with a snorkel before.
What to Expect on the Tour
The 50-minute guided experience starts with a brief safety talk — surprisingly thorough, considering the short duration. Your instructor will explain how to use the gear, what marine species you might see, and how to interact responsibly with wildlife. Remember, feeding animals is not allowed, which helps preserve the fragile ecosystem.
The gear is high quality — masks, snorkels, fins, boots, and full wetsuits. The wetsuits are a particularly good feature, providing buoyancy and warmth, which is vital given Tenerife’s moderate water temperatures. They’re available in all sizes, which means comfort for everyone, from kids to adults.
Once in the water, the guides are close by, providing support and encouragement. Many reviews note how patient and friendly the instructors are, especially for non-swimmers, highlighting the tour’s inclusive design. We loved the way the wetsuits kept us floating effortlessly, even if we weren’t confident swimmers.
Marine Life and Underwater Highlights
The main attraction is sea turtles, with a decent chance of spotting green turtles swimming gracefully through the bay — although, as the guide explained, it’s not guaranteed. Still, many participants reported successful sightings, which made the experience all the more memorable.
Beyond turtles, you’ll see colorful corals and a variety of tropical fish species that are unique to this part of the Atlantic. The underwater environment is vibrant, teeming with life, and accessible thanks to the calm waters. The guides take photos and videos during the tour, which are then sent to you free of charge. This is a bonus, especially since capturing underwater moments with a good camera can be tricky, and it’s great to have high-quality visuals to remember your trip.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Experience of Non-Swimmers
One of the standout features of this tour is how non-swimmers are accommodated. The wetsuits help keep everyone afloat naturally, and the trained instructor remains nearby, offering reassurance and guidance. Several reviews mention how nervous participants appreciated the attentive support, which allowed them to enjoy the experience without stress.
For those with concerns about motion sickness or anxiety in open water, the calm bay environment and professional supervision make a significant difference. The activity is designed to be fun and safe, even for those who might normally shy away from water-based adventures.
Practical Details and Tips
- Meeting point is the beach in Abades; guides are easily identifiable.
- Arrive 10 minutes early and wear your swimsuit for convenience.
- Bring swimwear, but no need to bring your own gear — all equipment is provided.
- Remember, no full face masks are allowed, so if you expect to use one, it’s best to skip this tour.
- The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or those over 140 kg (309 lbs) due to equipment and safety considerations.
- For safety, those with pre-existing medical conditions should inform the guides beforehand.
- Weather conditions can affect the schedule; a cancellation or change might happen in adverse weather, so stay flexible.
Value and Overall Experience
At $69, this snorkeling tour offers solid value, especially considering the inclusion of high-quality gear, personal guidance, and free photos. It’s a short tour, but the personalized attention ensures a memorable experience. For travelers looking for a stress-free, family-friendly activity that combines education, wildlife encounters, and some fun, this is a fantastic choice.
While it’s a quick outing, the quality of instruction and support means you’ll come away with a sense of achievement and new appreciation for Tenerife’s marine environment. Keep in mind, it’s a weather-dependent activity, so plan accordingly, and be ready for a flexible schedule.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This snorkeling experience is ideal for non-swimmers, families, or anyone curious about marine life who prefers calm waters and guided support. If you’re uneasy about swimming or just want a gentle introduction to snorkeling, this tour will meet your needs comfortably. It’s also perfect for those with limited time but who still want to enjoy Tenerife’s underwater world.
Travelers who value professional supervision, quality gear, and memorable photos will find this tour offers excellent value. On the flip side, if you’re seeking a longer or more adventurous snorkeling experience, or want to explore deeper reefs, you might need to look elsewhere.
FAQ
Can I participate if I am a non-swimmer?
Yes, this tour is specifically designed for non-swimmers, with wetsuits and guiding support to make floating and observing marine life easy and safe.
What should I wear?
Bring your swimwear and arrive prepared to wear it under the provided wetsuit. No need to bring your own gear, as everything is included.
Is there a chance I will see sea turtles?
There is a reasonable chance to spot green sea turtles, but sightings cannot be guaranteed since they swim freely in their natural habitat.
How long does the snorkeling last?
The actual snorkeling activity is about 50 minutes, giving you enough time to enjoy the marine environment without fatigue.
What if the weather is bad?
The activity may be subject to change or cancellation due to poor weather, strong winds, or adverse sea conditions. The provider will contact you if there’s a change.
Are photos included?
Yes, photos and videos are taken during the tour and sent to you at no extra charge, so you can relive the experience and share with friends.
Are there any restrictions I should know?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or those over 140 kg. Also, use of full face masks is not permitted.
To sum it up, this Tenerife snorkeling tour offers a well-rounded experience that delivers excellent value for those who want to see marine life without the need for advanced swimming skills. It’s safe, guided, and family-friendly, making it an especially attractive option for travelers seeking a relaxed yet engaging underwater adventure. Whether you’re eager to see turtles or just want to float and observe in the calm waters of Abades, this tour provides a memorable slice of Tenerife’s natural beauty — all at a reasonable price.
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