Abades: Tenerife Turtles and Rays Snorkeling Trip

Tenerife Turtles and Rays Snorkeling Trip: A Closer Look

If you’re dreaming of catching a glimpse of sea turtles and graceful rays while on Tenerife, this snorkeling experience from Abades is worth considering. While I haven’t personally been on this exact tour, I’ve read plenty of reviews and explored what it offers, and I think it has quite a lot going for it.

What really stands out is the chance to swim in a volcanic underwater landscape—Tenerife’s unique geology creates a fascinating backdrop beneath the waves. Plus, you’ll be in the hands of knowledgeable guides who make the experience accessible even for beginners. On the flip side, it’s important to remember that animal sightings can’t be guaranteed—the ocean is a big, free environment, and wildlife often keeps us guessing.

This tour is well-suited for travelers looking for an educational, relaxed, and intimate snorkeling outing. It’s not ideal if you’re after a high-adrenaline adventure or traveling with very young children under 4, but if you enjoy calm waters and marine discovery, it’s a solid pick.

Key Points

• Small-group experience keeps it personal and manageable.
• Learn about Tenerife’s marine environment from a marine biologist guide.
• Swim with turtles and rays—though sightings are not guaranteed, it’s quite common.
• Includes snorkeling equipment, so no need to worry about bringing gear.
• Departure points vary depending on sea conditions, offering flexibility.
• Duration is 1.5 hours, perfect for a quick, refreshing ocean escape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tenerife Turtles and Rays Snorkeling Trip

This experience offers a good balance of adventure and education. It’s not a long day-long tour but rather a focused 1.5-hour outing, which makes it perfect if you’re juggling other activities or simply want a taste of Tenerife’s underwater life.

You’ll meet your guide in front of the Magilu bar at one of several designated meeting points—either at Abades Beach, Alcalá Beach, or Marina del Sur in Puerto de Las Galletas. The actual departure depends on the sea conditions, which is a sensible approach since safety and comfort come first. The tour then takes place either from the coast or from a boat, giving flexibility based on the day’s weather.

The Snorkeling Spots and Marine Life

The tour specifically targets an area where a family of green turtles and different types of rays typically reside. While the guide cannot guarantee sightings, they do their best to bring you close to this fascinating marine life. Many reviews mention how attentive and friendly guides are—Paco, in particular, gets a shoutout for being beginner-friendly and informative.

The underwater landscape itself is quite remarkable, shaped by Tenerife’s volcanic origins, creating a terrain that’s both beautiful and interesting to explore. Expect to see rocky reefs, colorful marine flora, and perhaps some fish darting around.

The Underwater Experience

Jumping into the water with just snorkel gear means you’re in for a fairly straightforward, no-fuss adventure. The equipment is included, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer to. The guide will give a quick briefing, explain safety protocols, and ensure everyone feels comfortable before heading into the water.

The Guide’s Role and Educational Element

One of the highlights from reviews is the guides’ knowledge. They don’t just point at animals—they share interesting facts about Tenerife’s marine ecosystem and the significance of the volcanic landscape beneath the waves. For many, this makes the experience more meaningful and memorable.

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The Value of This Snorkeling Trip

At $63 per person, this experience offers a good bang for your buck. It’s not the cheapest way to see marine life in Tenerife, but considering the inclusion of professional guides and snorkeling gear, it’s a fair price for what you get.

It’s noteworthy that the tour is limited to 10 participants, which keeps the group small and allows for personalized attention. If you’re traveling solo or with a small group, you’ll likely find this setting conducive to laughs, questions, and a relaxed atmosphere.

A common theme in reviews is how much guests appreciated the educational nature of the trip. Having a marine biologist along means you get insights into the creatures you’re swimming with, which often turns a simple snorkel into a more enriching experience.

Practical Details and Tips

Since the trip doesn’t include hotel pickup, you’ll need to find your way to the meeting point. Make sure to arrive ready to swim—wear your swimwear, bring a towel, and perhaps a waterproof camera to capture the underwater moments.

Given the 1.5-hour duration, it’s best suited for those with limited time or who prefer a shorter adventure. It’s also an activity that’s accessible to beginners, especially since the guide explains everything clearly and keeps the environment friendly. Just note that children under 4 aren’t suited for this tour, so plan accordingly.

The tour runs in English and Spanish, making it accessible for most visitors. And, if the sea conditions aren’t favorable, the departure point can change, which is a good flexibility feature.

Authentic Experiences from Past Travelers

One of the most heartening reviews mentions, “It was a fantastic experience! My boyfriend and I had no snorkeling experience at all, and our guide Paco was super attentive to us and explained everything in a beginner-friendly way. He also told us interesting facts about the island, the sea, and its creatures. For us, it was the most beautiful activity during our entire vacation in Tenerife.”

This kind of feedback highlights how approachable and educational the trip can be, even for newcomers to snorkeling. The guide’s attentiveness is a major plus, especially if you’re slightly nervous about being in the water.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect if you’re after a relaxed, small-group experience with a focus on marine life and education. It’s suitable for first-time snorkelers, nature lovers, and those who want to learn more about Tenerife’s underwater ecosystem.

However, if you’re looking for guaranteed animal sightings or a longer, more adventurous excursion, this might not be the right fit. It’s also not suitable for young children under 4, but older kids comfortable in the water will likely enjoy it.

If you value guides who are knowledgeable and personable, and you enjoy the idea of discovering Tenerife’s marine environment without a big crowd, this tour offers a pleasant, honest, and well-organized way to spend part of your day.

FAQs

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkel equipment is included in the price, so you just need to bring your swimwear and a towel.

Where does the tour depart from?
Depending on sea conditions, the departure point could be Abades Beach, Alcalá Beach, or Marina del Sur in Puerto de Las Galletas.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 4 years old, but older kids comfortable in the water should enjoy it.

How long does the trip last?
The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a nice quick outing without taking up your whole day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift.

Will I see turtles or rays?
While sightings aren’t guaranteed because the animals are wild and free, the tour targets areas where turtles and rays are often seen, and guides do their best to bring you close.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a straightforward, friendly snorkeling adventure in Tenerife that offers the chance to see turtles and rays, this trip is a solid choice. It’s especially appealing if you want a small-group environment with a guide who makes marine life accessible and interesting. The natural volcanic backdrop adds a special touch, making the underwater landscape as memorable as the creatures you hope to spot.

For those who enjoy learning while exploring, and don’t mind that the ocean’s wildlife can’t be guaranteed, this tour offers a relaxed, educational, and genuinely enjoyable experience. It’s a good pick whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, and it’s a lovely way to add a splash of marine adventure to your Tenerife trip.

Ready to dip your fins into Tenerife’s waters? Just keep in mind the sea’s unpredictability, come prepared, and you might find yourself swimming alongside some truly special creatures, guided by experts who love sharing their knowledge.

You can check availability for your dates here: