Tenerife: Snorkeling Trip in a Turtle Habitat

If you’re considering a snorkeling adventure in Tenerife, this tour offers a great way to explore the island’s marine world without needing prior experience. It’s especially appealing if you’re after close encounters with sea turtles and a boat ride along stunning coastlines. From what we’ve seen, many travelers appreciate the friendly guides, the value for money, and the chance to spot dolphins and rays. However, a potential consideration is that turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed, which is always something to keep in mind when dealing with wild animals.

This experience can suit a variety of travelers—whether you’re a first-timer eager to try snorkeling or someone looking for a scenic, relaxed outing. It’s particularly family-friendly, with guides attentive to children and beginners. If you’re after a fun, safe, and informative marine tour that offers memorable wildlife encounters, this trip might be just right for you.

Key Points

• Beginner-Friendly: Easy instructions and safety guidance make it accessible even for those new to snorkeling.
• Stunning Coastal Views: The speedboat ride along Tenerife’s coast is a highlight, giving you gorgeous scenery en route.
• Wildlife Encounters: The chance to see sea turtles, dolphins, rays, and colorful fish makes this trip special.
• Value for Money: At approximately $53, the experience packs a lot of fun and education into 2.5 hours.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized, attentive experience.
• Flexibility: Suitable for those who prefer just sightseeing and not snorkeling but still want ocean views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Snorkeling Safari

When you’re planning a trip to Tenerife, the underwater world tops many bucket lists. This snorkeling tour offers a straightforward way to enjoy Tenerife’s marine biodiversity, especially in the well-known Turtle Area. The tour kicks off at the PADI 5* Travel Sub Dive Center, where you’ll start with a safety briefing lasting about 30 minutes. This part is crucial—it sets the tone for a relaxed, well-organized experience and ensures everyone understands what to do before hitting the water.

The Speedboat Ride: A Scenic Kickoff

Next comes a 15-minute speedboat ride that’s part thrill, part sightseeing. We’ve read that travelers love the stunning coastal views, with many quoting how the boat itself was fun and lively. The swift ride gives you a taste of Tenerife’s cliffs and shoreline, setting a dramatic scene for the underwater adventure ahead.

Snorkeling in the Turtle Habitat

Once at the snorkeling spot, the main attraction is the chance to swim alongside sea turtles—these gentle creatures are the stars of the show. Guides are seasoned and focus on safety, especially for beginners. The water here is described as crystal-clear, making it easier to see marine life. Expect to encounter colorful fish, rays, and maybe even dolphins or whales if luck is on your side.

Many reviews mention the friendly, patient guides—some of whom are very passionate about their work. One reviewer praised an instructor named Andrea, noting how helpful he was, and another mentioned their guide Max taking lots of pictures and giving useful snorkeling tips. These personal touches elevate the trip from just a boat ride to a meaningful experience.

Marine Life & Wildlife Sightings

While turtle sightings are not guaranteed—a reality of observing wild animals—many guests report seeing dolphins, flying fish, and a variety of sea creatures. One reviewer shared, “We saw dolphins and flying fish on the boat, and many colorful fish while snorkeling.” Seeing dolphins from the boat is fairly common, adding a bonus to the already vibrant marine environment.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Guided Tour Experience

The guides’ knowledge and passion shine through, making even those new to snorkeling feel comfortable. Multiple reviews mention how reassuring and patient the instructors are, making sure everyone is safe and enjoying themselves. If you’ve ever felt nervous about snorkeling or unsure about gear, you’ll appreciate the supportive attitude.

The Duration and Price Point

At 2.5 hours, the tour is just the right length—long enough to see marine life and have fun without overcommitting your day. The cost of $53 per person is quite reasonable considering the inclusion of snorkeling equipment, a boat ride, and expert guidance. Many reviews echo the sentiment that this experience offers great value, especially given the quality of the guides and the chance to see wildlife up close.

What to Expect at Each Step

Meeting Point & Preparation

You’ll meet at the Travel Sub Dive Center, located in front of pier 5 in Puerto Colon. The team is helpful in guiding you to the correct spot, and they offer wetsuits, fins, masks, and tubes—so you’re well-equipped. Be sure to bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and perhaps your own prescription goggles if needed.

The Safety Briefing

The safety briefing, lasting around 30 minutes, covers essential tips on snorkeling, the use of gear, and safety precautions. Based on reviews, this part is thorough and reassuring, especially if you’re new to water activities.

The Boat Ride

The 15-minute speedboat ride is often cited as a fun highlight. Travelers love the quick trip along Tenerife’s coast, as the boat cuts through the water with ease, offering fantastic views of the shoreline and the ocean. It’s an energetic start that sets the tone for the adventure.

Snorkeling Time

Once at the snorkeling site, you’ll have around 50 minutes immersed in the water. You’ll be guided on where to see marine life, and the guides often take photos for you. Many reviews talk about getting close to turtles—though again, no guarantees—making this a magical part of the trip. The water is described as crystal-clear, and the marine life vibrant, offering plenty to see.

The Wildlife & Marine Ecosystem

This tour is known for its diverse marine life. Aside from the sea turtles which are the main draw, expect to see fish, rays, and possibly dolphins. Some travelers have even spotted whales, although these are more rare. The guides’ insights about the wildlife add an educational element, making the experience both fun and informative.

Other Marine Encounters

Reviewers consistently mention the dolphins—some see them from the boat, others while in the water. Many also report beautiful colorful fish during snorkeling, with one describing it as a “super nice” experience.

The Guides’ Role

The staff’s passion and professionalism come through in their attention to safety and their effort to maximize wildlife sightings. Several reviews highlight how guides like Andrea and Maxi go out of their way to make guests comfortable and to capture memorable photos.

The Return & Overall Value

After about 50 minutes in the water, you’ll hop back onto the boat for another 15-minute ride back to the start point. Many reviews emphasize how smooth and well-organized the trip is, even when weather conditions are less than perfect. The inclusion of full insurance and snorkeling gear at this price point makes it a cost-effective choice for marine enthusiasts.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for beginners and families looking for a relaxed, safe way to explore Tenerife’s waters. Children over 15 are welcome with adult supervision, and the small group size ensures a personal experience. If you’re someone who enjoys scenic boat rides and has an interest in seeing marine life—especially sea turtles—you’ll find this tour rewarding.

While sea turtle sightings are not guaranteed, the chances of glimpsing dolphins and vibrant fish make it worthwhile. It’s particularly good if you’re visiting Tenerife for a quick, activity-packed outing that combines scenic views, wildlife encounters, and a friendly atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

This snorkeling trip in Tenerife offers a great balance of adventure, education, and relaxation. The friendly guides, beautiful coastal scenery, and the chance to see marine animals up close make it a solid choice for curious travelers. You’ll leave with memorable stories, some fantastic photos, and a new appreciation for the ocean’s creatures.

If you’re after a value-packed, well-organized experience that caters to beginners and families alike, this tour ticks all those boxes. Remember, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but the overall vibe and competence of the team make this a trip worth considering.

FAQs

Is this snorkeling tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides provide easy-to-follow instructions and safety guidance, making it accessible for those new to snorkeling.

What marine animals are most likely to be seen?
You might see sea turtles, dolphins, rays, and colorful fish. Turtle sightings, however, are not guaranteed since they are wild animals.

How long is the snorkeling part?
You get approximately 50 minutes of snorkeling in the designated turtle habitat.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes the boat ride, snorkeling equipment (wetsuits, fins, masks, tubes), multilingual guides, full insurance, and water.

Can I bring my own gear?
It’s not specified, but generally, the provided gear is sufficient. If you wear prescription goggles, you might need to bring those.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, especially for children over 15. Guides are attentive, and the experience is safe and fun for most ages.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps your own prescription goggles if needed.

What if the weather or sea conditions aren’t good?
The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and they prioritize safety, so trips may be rescheduled due to weather.

All in all, this snorkeling trip offers an engaging, safe, and scenic way to enjoy Tenerife’s underwater world. It’s perfect for travelers who value friendly guides, good value, and marine wildlife sightings, even if not always guaranteed.

You can check availability for your dates here: