Snorkeling from Boat

If you’re considering a quick but immersive way to see Tenerife’s vibrant marine life, a snorkeling from boat tour might be just what you’re after. While we haven’t personally tried this experience, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture. It seems perfect for those who want a taste of the ocean’s beauty without a long commitment, especially if you’re traveling with family or just want a relaxed, guided outing.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines easy access to underwater wonders with the comfort of a small group. Plus, the fact that you’re guided by multilingual instructors makes it accessible for many visitors. On the flip side, some travelers mentioned that encounters with marine animals can be hit or miss, which is pretty normal for outdoor wildlife activities. Overall, if you’re craving an adventure in the water that’s straightforward and packed with potential for fantastic sightings, this tour fits the bill nicely.

This experience is well-suited for families, first-timers, and those wanting a quick aquatic escape. Keep in mind that if you’re hoping to see specific animals like turtles or octopus, there’s no guarantee—they’re part of the excitement of nature. Let’s unpack everything you need to know so you can decide if this snorkeling trip is right for you.

Key Points

• Duration and Pacing: About 2 hours overall, with a 50-minute snorkeling session, making it a manageable activity during a busy trip.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 people, so it feels more personalized than large tours.
• Equipment & Guidance: All gear is provided, and guides offer helpful instructions in multiple languages.
• Marine Encounters: Expect to see fish, stingrays, and possibly octopus, starfish, turtles, and cuttlefish, but sightings can vary.
• Location Flexibility: The boat departs either from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje or Las Galletas, depending on weather conditions.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for children 6 and older, making it accessible for families with kids.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Snorkeling Boat Tour

This tour offers a convenient and engaging way to explore the underwater world off Tenerife’s south coast. The entire experience kicks off with a hotel pickup—saving you the hassle of reaching the dive center—and then a short transfer to meet your instructor. It’s clear that comfort and safety are priorities, as all equipment is provided and correctly fitted for each participant.

Once onboard, the guide gives a briefing about what to expect, the animals you might see, and safety tips. The boat trip itself is approximately 10-15 minutes to the snorkeling site, which is a nice balance—long enough to enjoy the voyage without it feeling tiresome. The actual snorkeling session lasts about 50 minutes, during which you get to float over underwater scenery full of colorful fish and possibly some larger creatures.

This kind of activity is ideal for those who want to touch the ocean’s surface without deep diving or complicated gear setups. It’s also great for beginners or those who prefer a more relaxed pace, as you’ll be guided throughout and assisted with entry and exit from the water. The small group size ensures you’ll get more personalized attention, and the multilingual guides make the experience accessible to a wide range of travelers.

What to Expect During the Tour

Pickup and Transfer

The process begins with hotel pickup, which is quite convenient if you’re staying in the southern part of Tenerife—from Callao Salvaje to El Medano, with a small additional fee for Los Gigantes. The group is kept intentionally intimate, with a maximum of 8 participants, so you won’t feel lost in a crowd.

Meeting Your Instructor

At the dive center, you’ll meet your instructor, who will provide all necessary equipment—wetsuits, neoprene boots, masks, fins, and snorkels. They also give a safety briefing and outline what to look out for during your underwater adventure.

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The Snorkeling Experience

After donning your gear and listening to the safety tips, you’ll hop on the boat and head towards the chosen snorkeling spot. The boat ride offers a chance to enjoy the views of Tenerife’s coast while anticipation builds. Once you reach the site, your instructor will help you enter the water and guide you through the underwater environment.

Underwater Encounters

During the 50-minute snorkel, you may see a variety of marine creatures, including colorful fish, stingrays, octopus, starfish, turtles, and cuttlefish. The guide’s expertise means you’ll be briefed on behaviors and habitats, making even a quick encounter educational and engaging. Some reviews, like Vinnie’s, highlight the value of purchasing photos afterward, capturing these fleeting moments for just 15 euros—a reasonable price for memories that last.

Return and Drop-off

Once the activity wraps up, you’ll return to the boat and head back to the dock. The transfer back to your hotel is straightforward, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction from having experienced Tenerife’s marine life firsthand.

Real Traveler Insights

One reviewer from Germany pointed out that while they enjoyed seeing many fish and an octopus, they wished there were more details provided in the briefing—something to keep in mind if you’re looking for an educational experience. Conversely, travelers from the UK had a fantastic time, with one saying, “Would 100% do again,” despite not seeing turtles this time.

Another guest mentioned how much they appreciated the affordable option to buy photos, which adds a nice value to the trip. The focus on small group sizes seems to be appreciated, making the snorkel less crowded and more personal.

Pricing and Value

While the exact price isn’t specified here, the experience appears to be priced reasonably, especially when considering the gear, guided instruction, and small group setting. The optional purchase of photos at 15 euros is an excellent way to extend the enjoyment beyond the water. For families or groups, the small size means more attention from guides and a more relaxed environment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys light water activities and wants a safe, guided introduction to Tenerife’s marine environment, this snorkel trip ticks many boxes. It’s particularly suited for beginners, families with kids over 6, and travelers who don’t want to spend hours underwater but still want to see marine life up close.

It’s also a good option if your goal is a short, scenic excursion rather than a full-day commitment. Keep in mind, since sightings of specific animals like turtles aren’t guaranteed, it’s best to approach this as a chance to enjoy the underwater scenery rather than a wildlife safari.

Final Thoughts

This snorkeling from boat tour offers a relaxing and manageable way to explore Tenerife’s underwater world without diving gear or extensive prep. The emphasis on safety, small groups, and guided instruction makes it approachable for all ages and skill levels. While encounters with marine animals like turtles or octopus depend on luck, the experience of floating over vibrant fish and rays makes it worthwhile.

We think it’s a great choice for those wanting a straightforward, fun, and scenic water activity. If you’re curious about marine life and enjoy being on or near the water, this trip provides a solid, no-fuss opportunity to tick that box during your trip to Tenerife.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 6 and older are welcome, making it a family-friendly activity.

How long does the snorkeling last?
The actual snorkeling session is about 50 minutes, within a total experience of roughly 2 hours including transfer and briefing.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?
Not at all. The guides provide all necessary instructions and equipment, making it accessible for beginners.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water. Dry clothes are also recommended for after the activity.

Can I see turtles during the tour?
While it’s possible, sightings of turtles are not guaranteed as marine animals are wild and free to roam.

Is the equipment provided?
Yes, all snorkeling gear — wetsuits, masks, fins, snorkels, and neoprene boots — are included.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour depends on weather conditions, and the departure site may change based on safety and visibility.

How many people are in each group?
Small groups are limited to 8 participants, ensuring more personalized attention.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, full refunds are available when you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Is it worth buying the photos?
Many travelers find the €15 photos to be a good deal, capturing their underwater moments without extra effort.

Exploring Tenerife’s marine life on a guided boat snorkel trip offers a relaxed, scenic, and memorable adventure. Whether you’re a first-timer or just looking for a quick ocean experience, it’s a straightforward way to enjoy the sea’s treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: