Tenerife: Snorkel with Turtles

If you’re dreaming of swimming alongside sea turtles in their natural habitat, the Tenerife snorkeling tour offered by Ocean Friends Buceo and Freediving might catch your eye. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed reviews and info paint a pretty appealing picture of what you can expect. It’s a relatively short, 2-hour adventure that combines a boat ride through the Natural Protected area Malpais de Rasca with a chance to see marine life, including (hopefully) sea turtles.

What really stands out are the expert guidance from experienced instructors and the small-group setting, which helps keep the experience personal and less overwhelming. Plus, the inclusion of free photos is a nice touch — it means you get to relive those magical moments without worrying about taking your own snapshots. One thing to keep in mind is that while sightings aren’t guaranteed, the chances of spotting turtles and other marine animals seem quite good based on reviews and the tour’s design.

However, if you’re not comfortable swimming or prone to seasickness, this might not be the ideal trip for you. It’s also a tour primarily suited for those aged 8 and above who are confident swimmers, since it involves snorkeling in open water. But if you’re a seasoned or even a novice snorkeler eager to see marine life in calm waters, this could be a highlight of your Tenerife trip. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide if this tour fits your style.

Key Points

• Small-group experience offers a more personalized, relaxed time in the water.
• Guided by expert instructors enhances safety and confidence for all skill levels.
• Chance to see turtles and other marine life in their natural environment, though sightings aren’t guaranteed.
• Includes all snorkeling gear and free pictures to remember your adventure.
• River landscape views from the boat ride add to the overall experience.
• Price point at $78 per person offers good value for a unique marine encounter.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tenerife Snorkel with Turtles Tour

This tour is designed to give you a taste of Tenerife’s underwater world without the need for extensive diving experience. It starts at the Marina South in Las Galletas Harbour, where you’ll meet your guides and get fitted with your snorkeling equipment. The tour’s itinerary revolves around a boat ride out to a designated snorkeling zone within the protected Malpais de Rasca area—a spot acknowledged for its stunning scenery and marine diversity.

The boat ride itself lasts about 25 minutes each way, giving you a chance to enjoy the sea views and spot some of the surrounding landscape from the water. Once at the snorkeling site, you’ll spend around an hour in the water, swimming alongside turtles, fish, and maybe even stingrays or barracudas, depending on what the marine life brings that day.

Your guide, who is a qualified freediving instructor, will offer a thorough briefing, ensuring everyone feels safe and understands how to snorkel comfortably. This personalized attention is especially beneficial if you’re new to snorkeling. The small group size (usually around five people plus the guide) is often praised for making the experience more intimate and less rushed.

At the end of the snorkeling session, you’ll get access to your photos—free, high-quality images to help you relive the moment. The entire activity lasts about two hours, making it a manageable half-day trip that won’t eat up your entire schedule.

The itinerary in detail

Start at Marina del Sur: This is your meeting point. Arrive about 20 minutes early to get ready and check your equipment. It’s straightforward to find, and the staff is friendly and organized.

Boat ride to the snorkeling zone: The first 25-minute ride takes you through the calm waters of the Malpais de Rasca, an area known for its volcanic landscape and natural beauty. The ride itself is relaxing, and it’s a good time to get your gear sorted or just soak in the views.

Snorkeling in the protected waters: Once at the site, which is carefully chosen to minimize impact on wildlife, you’ll don your wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins. The instructor leads the group, offering tips and ensuring everyone is comfortable. Keep in mind, sightings of turtles and marine animals depend on luck, but the chances are reasonably high given the reputation of the area.

Return back to Marina South: After roughly an hour of snorkeling, you’ll board the boat again for the 25-minute ride back. The experience concludes at the same spot where it started, making logistics simple.

What’s included and what’s not

Included in the price are the boat trip, snorkeling equipment (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins), insurance, guidance from an experienced instructor, and the free photos. These are the core items you need for a safe and enjoyable time in the water.

Not included is the optional video, which some might find tempting to purchase for a more cinematic record of their trip. You’ll need to bring your own swimwear and towel, as well as any sun protection or personal items you prefer.

The value of this experience

At $78 per person, this tour offers decent value, considering it covers transportation, expert guidance, all gear, insurance, and photos. The small-group setup means you’re not just another face in a crowd, which tends to boost the overall enjoyment and safety.

Reviews echo this sentiment, with many guests mentioning how well-organized and friendly their guides were. Several highlight the high probability of seeing turtles, and even if they didn’t, the experience of swimming with fish and rays was still worth it. One reviewer put it nicely: “It’s worth getting out of bed early for the best experience,” and another appreciated the “beautiful pictures and videos.”

The tour is particularly suited for those who are confident swimmers, as it requires you to be able to swim comfortably in open water. Given the 8+ age restriction, it’s mainly suitable for older children and adults who enjoy water activities.

More Great Tours Nearby

Pros and cons at a glance

Pros:
– Small, intimate groups for a personalized experience
– Knowledgeable guides who prioritize safety and respect for wildlife
– All necessary snorkeling gear included, so no extra rentals needed
– Free professional photos to preserve your memories
– The boat ride offers excellent views of Tenerife’s coastline

Cons:
– Sightings of turtles are not guaranteed, as animals are in their natural habitat
– Not suitable for non-swimmers or children under 8
– Weather conditions can impact visibility and animal sightings
– The activity is limited to a 2-hour window, so it’s somewhat brief compared to longer tours

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This snorkeling adventure is ideal if you’re looking for an accessible, guided chance to see marine life without diving equipment. It’s perfect for those who appreciate small groups and personalized attention. If you’re traveling as a couple, a small family, or even a solo traveler wanting a relaxed yet engaging marine experience, this tour fits well.

It’s especially suited for beginners or those with some snorkeling experience who want the reassurance of an instructor nearby. But if your main goal is guaranteed turtle sightings, remember that nature doesn’t always cooperate—patience and a bit of luck are part of the deal.

Final thoughts

All in all, the Tenerife Snorkel with Turtles tour offers a compelling mix of scenic boat rides, lively marine encounters, and expert guidance—all wrapped up in a manageable two-hour outing. The small-group format and inclusion of photos elevate the experience, making it more than just a quick swim.

While it might not deliver a guaranteed turtle sighting, the surrounding marine environment and the chance to swim with rays and fish are valuable in their own right. The price feels reasonable given what’s included, and the reviews consistently praise the friendly guides and beautiful scenery.

If you’re someone who loves the idea of snorkeling in calm waters with a good chance of marine animal sightings, this tour is worth considering. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to add a splash of adventure to your Tenerife trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 8 years old, and kids need to be confident swimmers. It’s best suited for older children or adults who can swim comfortably.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
No, prior snorkeling experience isn’t required, though it might help. The guides will give instructions to ensure everyone feels safe.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear and a towel. Sun protection like sunscreen and sunglasses is recommended, as well as any personal items you might need during the trip.

What if I don’t see any turtles?
Sightings depend on marine wildlife in their natural habitat, so there’s no guarantee. However, many guests report seeing turtles, fish, rays, and barracudas.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride to and from the snorkeling site lasts about 25 minutes each way.

Are wetsuits provided?
Yes, wetsuits are included along with masks, snorkels, and fins.

What’s the group size?
It’s a small-group activity, typically around five people plus the instructor, which helps keep things personal and relaxed.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak both Spanish and English.

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

Is this activity weather-dependent?
Yes, weather conditions can impact visibility and animal sightings, so it’s good to check the forecast and be flexible if possible.

This tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to explore Tenerife’s marine side. It’s worth considering if you’re after a safe, guided, fun snorkeling experience with a natural chance to see sea turtles and other marine life.

You can check availability for your dates here: