Tenerife: Snorkeling to look for Turtles and Rays

Tenerife: Snorkeling to Look for Turtles and Rays – A Practical Guide

If you’re dreaming of exploring Tenerife’s underwater world, this snorkeling experience offers a promising glimpse into marine life like turtles, rays, and possibly dolphins. While no tour can guarantee sightings, it’s a solid choice if you want to combine a scenic boat ride with some quality snorkeling time.

What we really like about this adventure is how accessible it is — offering all necessary gear and a family-friendly vibe. However, it’s worth noting that the sea can be chilly, and sightings, while likely, aren’t assured. This experience suits travelers who appreciate a relaxed, guided trip and are comfortable in the water, regardless of age.

Key Points
– All equipment provided including wetsuits, making it easier to focus on the fun.
– Great for families and travelers of all ages, as long as you’re comfortable in water.
– Marine life sightings aren’t guaranteed, but chances are good to see turtles, rays, and dolphins.
– Fast boat transfer adds a thrill to the start, with about 45 minutes snorkeling time.
– Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with friendly, informative service.
– Cost-effective at around $53 per person for a 2.5-hour trip, offering good value for the ocean experience.

An honest look at Tenerife’s snorkeling adventure

When we think about snorkeling in Tenerife, what comes to mind is a chance to see some of the island’s marine treasures without the fuss of deep dives or complicated excursions. This tour kicks off from Los Cristianos harbor with a quick, exciting boat ride out to the snorkel spots near Palm Mar. The boat ride alone sets a lively tone, giving you a peek at Tenerife’s coastline from the water, which is a delight in itself.

Once at the designated bay, you’re equipped with all the gear you need — masks, fins, and a long wetsuit to combat the sometimes cool Atlantic waters. We appreciate that the wetsuit is included because it can make a big difference in comfort, especially if you’re not used to colder waters. Plus, the instruction provided means beginners or those a little unsure can feel reassured before jumping in.

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What the tour involves

The snorkeling itself lasts about 45 minutes, which is a decent chunk of time to float around and observe the marine life. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share insights about the local ecosystem. Based on reviews, they seem to know their stuff, which helps foster a relaxed, engaging atmosphere.

We noticed that the chance of seeing specific animals like turtles and dolphins is high but not guaranteed — a reality that makes sense in the wild. Reviewers mention sightings of turtles and rays, but also clarify that sometimes your luck may vary. One traveler from the Netherlands said, “All equipment is provided, including a wetsuit, which is great because the sea is quite cold. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any dolphins or turtles, but we did see lots of fish. The staff were friendly and knew a lot about the underwater world.”

Similarly, another from Switzerland shared, “The snorkeling was great. The people are super nice and knowledgeable. We did see a turtle, but it was in open water, so we couldn’t swim with it.” This honesty helps set realistic expectations and highlights the importance of enjoying the experience itself, regardless of what you might see.

The pros of this snorkeling tour

One of the biggest pluses is the professional, friendly guides. They don’t just hand you gear and shuffle you off but seem genuinely interested in making sure everyone is comfortable and informed. That makes a difference, especially if you’re new to snorkeling or traveling with family.

The family-friendly nature of the tour is another highlight. With an age range from 8 to 80, it’s accessible for many, provided everyone can handle the water. It’s a gentle introduction to snorkeling in Tenerife, making it suitable for a wide audience.

The value for money is also noteworthy. At about $53 per person for 2.5 hours, including all equipment and instruction, it’s a decent deal considering the boat ride, gear, and guided support you get. It’s a relaxing, scenic way to spend part of your Tenerife holiday, especially if marine life encounters excite you.

Points to consider

While it’s a lovely trip, no outdoor marine adventure is without its caveats. The sea can be colder than expected, so packing a wetsuit (which is included) is essential for comfort. If you’re prone to seasickness or don’t like being on the water, this might not be your best choice.

Also, because the sighting of turtles, rays, or dolphins isn’t guaranteed, those seeking a “swim with” experience might find it less satisfying. But even without guaranteed sightings, most reviewers agree that the overall experience is enjoyable, thanks to the guides and the chance to explore Tenerife’s marine environment.

How the tour is structured

The experience kicks off at the Aqua-Marina dive center in Playa de las Americas, where you’ll check in and get your gear. The short transfer to Los Cristianos harbor ensures everyone is ready for the fast boat ride. Once aboard, you’ll be cruising along the coast, soaking in the views before anchoring at the snorkeling site.

At the bay, you’ll jump in with your guide, who will provide some instructions if needed. The water’s clarity varies, but with a wetsuit, you’ll be comfortable even if the Atlantic is a little chilly. Expect to see a variety of Marine life — from the majestic turtles and rays to schools of colorful fish. Dolphins are occasionally spotted, but again, sightings depend on luck.

After your snorkeling, you’ll return to the dive center or go directly back from Los Cristianos harbor, depending on your preference. The whole trip lasts about 2.5 hours, making it a manageable outing that doesn’t eat up your entire day.

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What travelers appreciate most

Many reviews emphasize the friendly and knowledgeable guides. One reviewer from Switzerland said, “The service was otherwise top-notch, I’m very satisfied and had a great time.” Such positive encounters with staff make a substantial difference, offering reassurance and enriching the experience.

Participants also praise the ease of gear rental and instruction, which lowers the barrier for newcomers. The inclusion of a wetsuit is especially helpful because it allows you to stay in the water longer and more comfortably.

The downsides

The main downside is the lack of guaranteed animal sightings. If you’re primarily eager to swim with turtles or dolphins, this might not hit the mark every time. Still, the overall experience often compensates with the joy of floating in Tenerife’s waters and observing the lively school of fish and rays.

Another consideration is the sea conditions, which can be cool and occasionally choppy. If you’re sensitive to seasickness or prefer calm waters, you might want to prepare accordingly or consider other options.

Who should consider this snorkeling tour?

This trip is best suited for those who want a relaxed, guided snorkeling experience in Tenerife. It’s ideal for travelers of all ages comfortable in the water, especially if you’re looking for a family-friendly outing. If marine life sightings are a bonus rather than a guarantee, this tour offers a genuine chance to enjoy the sea and learn about the local ecosystem, thanks to knowledgeable guides.

If you’re on a budget and want a quick, fun ocean adventure that includes all gear and instruction, it’s a solid pick. But if your main goal is guaranteed wildlife encounters or a more exclusive, in-depth marine experience, you might want to explore other options.

Final thoughts

This snorkeling experience in Tenerife offers a good blend of scenic boat travel, marine exploration, and expert guidance. While sightings are not assured, most participants leave with a greater appreciation for Tenerife’s underwater life — and often, some memorable animal encounters. It’s a straightforward, family-friendly adventure that’s accessible and reasonably priced.

If you’re happy to go with the flow and enjoy the ocean’s surprises, this trip will likely serve you well. Just be prepared for the possibility that nature might keep some of its creatures hidden — but even then, you’ll have fun floating and exploring in a beautiful setting.

FAQ

Is the snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, all snorkeling gear including masks, fins, and wetsuits are provided, so you don’t need to bring your own.

Can children participate in this tour?
Yes, it’s suitable for ages 8 and up, as long as they are comfortable in the water. It’s considered a family-friendly experience.

Do I need to know how to swim?
Participants must be comfortable in the water, but you don’t need to be an expert swimmer. The guides are there to help.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to wear or bring a hat for sun protection when not in the water.

Is there a chance to see dolphins?
Yes, dolphins might be seen, but sightings aren’t guaranteed. The main focus is on turtles, rays, and other marine life.

How long does the snorkeling last?
You’ll have about 45 minutes of snorkeling time during the 2.5-hour tour.

Is the tour refundable if I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend a few hours on Tenerife’s coast, this snorkeling tour offers a solid, guided, and family-friendly option. It’s a chance to enjoy the ocean, learn from knowledgeable guides, and maybe even share the water with some of Tenerife’s most charming creatures.

You can check availability for your dates here: