Tenerife: Snorkeling Tour in a Marine Protected Area

If you’re considering adding a touch of underwater adventure to your Tenerife trip, this snorkeling tour might just be the perfect choice. It’s a well-reviewed experience that promises a gentle and engaging exploration of Tenerife’s underwater world, suitable for all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, the combination of calm waters, diverse marine life, and professional guidance makes this outing stand out.

What we love about this tour is its accessibility — no prior experience needed and full equipment is provided, making it friendly for those a bit wary of swimming in open water. The chance to see sea turtles, vibrant coral, and colorful fish is pretty exciting too. Plus, the added bonus of free high-quality photos and videos helps you relive the moments long after you leave the water.

One thing to keep in mind is that, as with all wildlife encounters, there’s no guarantee you’ll see turtles; they swim freely in their habitat. Also, the tour is weather-dependent, so it can be canceled or altered if conditions aren’t ideal. Still, if you’re after a safe, responsible, and fun introduction to Tenerife’s marine life, this experience ticks many boxes.

Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, family-friendly activity that offers a good balance of nature, safety, and fun — and for those who really want to capture their underwater moments.

Key Points

• Accessible for all: No swimming experience required; gear and full wetsuits supplied.
• Wildlife sightings: Chances to see turtles, colorful fish, and other marine creatures in their natural habitat.
• Responsible interaction: Clear guidelines protect marine life; touching or feeding is prohibited.
• Professional guidance: Multilingual instructors make everyone feel safe and included.
• Pictures included: Free photos and videos, captured by an underwater photographer, are a great souvenir.
• Weather dependent: Conditions can cause changes or cancellations, so flexibility is key.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

This snorkeling trip is designed to give you a taste of what Tenerife’s underwater world has to offer, all within a short, manageable timeframe. It lasts about two hours, including the briefing, gear-up, and actual snorkeling time, with most tours starting in the late morning or early afternoon. The meeting point is straightforward — just look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt at Magilu, on the beach in Abades.

What makes this experience appealing is the setting itself. The sheltered bay in Abades provides calm, clear waters that are suitable even for non-strong swimmers or those a bit nervous about swimming in open water. The rocky reef formations and hidden coves create a lively habitat where you’ll encounter a variety of fish, octopuses, seahorses, and potentially sea turtles.

The guides are experienced professionals who go out of their way to make sure everyone feels comfortable. Many reviews praise Raffaella and Ron for their warmth, patience, and deep respect for marine life. They’re multilingual, which helps create an inclusive atmosphere, especially for international visitors. They also assist with extra help for children, seniors, or anyone needing a little extra support.

The Equipment and Safety Measures

A key part of this tour’s appeal is the quality of the gear provided. Full wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, and boots are all included and are well-fitted. This means you stay warm and buoyant, which is particularly helpful if you’re new to snorkeling or concerned about the water temperature (which hovers between 19° and 23°C depending on the season).

Safety is a priority. The guides give a comprehensive briefing before entering the water, explaining how to interact with marine creatures safely and ethically. Touching or feeding marine animals is strictly prohibited, and proper distances are maintained, especially around turtles. Many reviews note how confident and safe everyone feels thanks to the guides’ professionalism — even people who arrived hesitant or nervous.

The tour can be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions aren’t suitable — wind, rain, or rough seas can impact visibility and safety. The provider communicates proactively, often via WhatsApp or email, to notify participants of any changes.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This snorkeling experience shines most for those seeking a relaxed, family-friendly activity. It’s especially suited for beginners, thanks to the calm waters and expert supervision. If you’re traveling with children or seniors, you’ll appreciate the assistance and safety protocols, plus the ease of snorkeling with high-quality equipment.

For solo travelers or couples looking for a straightforward way to explore Tenerife’s marine biodiversity, this tour offers a very accessible entry point. It’s also ideal if you want a quick, memorable activity without committing to a full-day tour.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the chance to see green sea turtles and a variety of colorful fish makes it a rewarding outing, even if sightings of turtles aren’t guaranteed. Many reviews mention the pleasure of simply observing the marine environment and taking home stunning photos of the underwater scenery.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins with a brief safety and interaction guideline, usually held on the beach in Abades. This is your chance to ask questions, get fitted with your gear, and hear about the marine life you might see. Don’t worry if it’s your first time snorkeling — the guides have plenty of experience helping nervous swimmers or children.

Once suited up, you’ll enter the sheltered bay, where the real fun begins. The calm waters make it easy to float and glide over rocky reefs and seagrass beds. Here, you’ll encounter colorful fish darting between rocks, curious octopuses, and sometimes seahorses hiding in the weeds. The clear visibility allows you to see details of the marine world without straining.

The guides will lead the group to the spots where encounters are most likely, but it’s all about patience and respecting the environment. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a green sea turtle swimming gracefully nearby — a highlight that many reviews rave about. Even if you don’t see a turtle, the variety of fish, starfish, and stingrays makes the experience worthwhile.

The tour concludes back at the beach where you can rinse off in the public showers and review your photos and videos, which are sent to you later via WhatsApp. Many reviewers mention how they appreciated the professional quality of the pictures, often capturing moments they might have missed.

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Price and Value

At around $40 per person, this snorkeling experience is quite a good deal considering what’s included. High-quality gear, a guided 50-minute tour, multilingual instructors, and free photos and videos add up to a compelling package. Plus, the intimate group size — limited to just 8 participants — ensures you get personal attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.

For travelers who want a curated, responsible, and engaging marine experience without a hefty price tag, this tour offers good value. It’s not about long hours or luxury add-ons; it’s about quality, safety, and the chance to enjoy Tenerife’s underwater magic.

The Reviews Speak Volumes

The positive feedback is consistent. Many mention how their guides, Raffaella and Ron, go above and beyond to make everyone feel safe and cared for. Several reviews highlight the inclusiveness and the multilingual approach, which makes non-native English speakers feel at home.

People love the opportunity to see a variety of marine life, with some lucky enough to spot multiple turtles, juvenile stingrays, and a wealth of colorful fish. Multiple reviews describe the guides’ professionalism, friendliness, and respect for wildlife, which is reassuring when interacting with nature.

The photos and videos stand out as a beloved feature — many reviewers say they’re high quality and a fantastic souvenir of the trip. And even with some wind or less-than-ideal conditions, many still felt the experience was worth it, praising the guides’ ability to adapt and maintain a safe environment.

The Sum Up

This snorkeling tour in Tenerife offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to explore the island’s marine environment. It’s especially suited for those who value safety, high-quality equipment, and responsible wildlife interaction. With knowledgeable guides, a relaxed pace, and plenty of opportunities to see sea turtles and colorful fish, it provides a memorable underwater snapshot of Tenerife’s biodiversity.

The experience is ideal for beginners, families, or anyone wanting a hassle-free, affordable adventure. The free photos and videos are a great bonus, allowing you to cherish your underwater moments long after your trip ends. While nature can be unpredictable — with no guarantee of turtle sightings — the overall experience consistently receives high praise for its professionalism and value.

If you’re looking for a gentle, well-organized introduction to Tenerife’s underwater world, this tour is a solid choice. It combines fun, education, and a respectful approach to nature, making it a highlight that many travelers remember fondly.

FAQ

Is this snorkeling tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s designed to be accessible for anyone, even if you’ve never snorkeled before. The guides provide full instructions and high-quality gear that keeps you buoyant and comfortable.

Will I see turtles?
There’s a reasonable chance of seeing green sea turtles, but since they’re wild animals, their presence isn’t guaranteed. Many people do see them, but the tour emphasizes observing animals responsibly without stressing them.

How long is the snorkeling time?
The actual guided snorkeling lasts about 50 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the underwater scenery without feeling rushed.

What should I bring?
Just bring your swimwear. All the snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and assistance are provided. You might want to bring a towel or a waterproof camera if you have one.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages, with additional support offered for small children, non-strong swimmers, and seniors. Just inform the guides beforehand if extra help is needed.

What happens if the weather isn’t good?
The activity can be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions, such as strong winds or poor sea visibility, make it unsafe. The provider will contact you the day before to confirm or update plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: