If you’re thinking about adding a marine adventure to your Tenerife trip, the Tenerife Turtle and Snorkel Tour from Costa Adeje might just catch your eye. This experience offers a chance to snorkel in waters known for their vibrant sea life, including the possibility—though not a guarantee—of glimpsing the island’s famous green turtles. For anyone who loves being in the water, this tour provides a straightforward way to explore the underwater world without needing your own gear or diving experience.
What we like about this tour? First, the professional guides seem to make a real difference, providing helpful safety instructions and sharing their knowledge, which helps keep the experience enjoyable and safe. Second, the convenience of fully supplied snorkeling equipment means no need to pack your own gear—always a bonus when traveling. That said, an important consideration is the uncertainty of actually seeing turtles; reviews reflect a mix of sightings and near-misses, so patience is key. This tour tends to suit travelers eager for marine adventures, especially those who are comfortable with guided boat trips and snorkeling in open water.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, well-organized water activity with the chance to see sea turtles and marine life, this tour could be quite a fit. But if your heart is set on guaranteed turtle sightings or a super calm sea, you might want to explore other options or be prepared for some variability.
- Key Points
- What to Expect from the Tour
- The Itinerary Breakdown
- The Snorkeling Experience
- Highlights and Challenges
- The Choppy Sea and Water Conditions
- The Group Size and Equipment
- Practical Considerations
- Real Experiences from Travelers
- The Price and Value
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Tenerife Turtle and Snorkel Tour from Costa Adeje
- Final Thoughts
- More Tours in Tenerife
- More Tour Reviews in Tenerife
- More Tenerife experiences we've covered
Key Points

- Snorkeling in Tenerife’s clear waters offers great visibility and diverse marine life.
- Guided tours help maximize chances of spotting turtles and other sea creatures.
- Equipment is included, making it easy to hop in without extra fuss.
- Sea conditions can vary, with some reviews mentioning choppiness that affects the experience.
- Group sizes are small (up to 10 travelers), providing a more personalized feel.
- Tour duration is around 3 hours, balancing fun with a manageable time commitment.
What to Expect from the Tour
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The Itinerary Breakdown
The tour kicks off at the PADI 5 Travel Sub Dive Center in Costa Adeje, a location that’s easy to find thanks to Google Maps and close to public transport options. From there, you’ll board a boat that cruises to areas where sea turtles are known to hang out. The boat ride itself can be quite fun, especially if you enjoy a bit of wave action—some reviews mention a lively ride with the chance of dolphin sightings en route. You’ll spend about 20-30 minutes on the water traveling to the main snorkeling spot, which, according to guides, is a prime location for marine life.
The snorkeling area is a small cove with crystalline waters, where the water depth ranges from 2 to 8 meters. Here, you’ll find abundant underwater flora, colorful fish, rays, and, with a bit of luck, the elusive green turtles that the tour is named after. Guides are helpful, offering tips and assistance, especially if you’re new to snorkeling or not confident in your swimming skills.
The Snorkeling Experience
Once in the water, you’ll have plenty of time to explore. The environment is described as ideal for snorkelers because of the clear water and mild weather, which makes for comfortable conditions. The guides often take underwater photos to help you remember the trip, and you can purchase these afterward—though some reviews say the photo package can be a bit pricey.
Highlights and Challenges
Many travelers have raved about the chance to see turtles close up and to swim among tropical fish and rays. Multiple reviews mention that the guides are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable—making the experience feel safe and enjoyable. One reviewer gushed, “Swimming with wild turtles! Just wow!!” and noted seeing three turtles, with one being particularly friendly.
However, it’s important to note that sightings are not guaranteed. Several reviews mention that no turtles were seen during their trips, which is an inherent risk with wildlife excursions. One traveler commented, “Sadly we didn’t see any turtles. Plenty of fish and an overall pleasant snorkeling experience.” The unpredictability is part of the deal, and some say it’s worth it for the chance rather than a certainty.
The Choppy Sea and Water Conditions
A few reviews highlight that sometimes the sea can be rough, especially if the weather isn’t calm. Some travelers felt seasick or found the water too choppy for ideal snorkeling, which can affect your chances of spotting turtles or even enjoying the experience comfortably. One reviewer noted, “The water was really chopping in and out of the boat, too choppy for turtles.” So if you’re sensitive to motion or prefer calm waters, pack some seasickness tablets or consider that this might be a variable factor.
The Group Size and Equipment
With a maximum of 10 travelers, you’ll appreciate the smaller group setting, which allows guides to give more personalized attention. The provided equipment (fins, masks, snorkels) is new and in good condition, according to reviews, and designed to make your snorkeling as comfortable as possible. No need to worry about packing your own gear—that’s a definite convenience.
Practical Considerations
The tour lasts about 3 hours, which makes it manageable even for those with tight schedules. It starts at a designated meeting point at the dive center, and transportation isn’t included, so plan to arrive on your own. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera if you want to capture the underwater moments. You should be able to swim independently, as the tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers.
Real Experiences from Travelers

Our collection of reviews paints a picture of a tour that’s generally well-organized, with friendly staff and stunning marine environments. For instance, several travelers mention how close they got to turtles and the vibrant marine life, describing snorkel times as ‘delightful’ and ‘exciting’. One reviewer shared, “Really glad we did this, saw turtles within minutes of landing at snorkeling site,” emphasizing how quickly the experience can kick off.
On the flip side, some reviews point out the less ideal days—such as boat delays, busy coves, or no turtle sightings at all. One person recounted, “1.5-hour delay. Largest animal I saw was a fish,” which shows that patience and a bit of luck are parts of the experience.
There’s also a particularly intense review from someone who almost drowned because of poor communication and safety issues. While this isn’t typical, it’s a stark reminder that wildlife tours can carry risks, especially when sea conditions are rough or safety protocols are not strictly followed. It’s worth being aware and cautious if you decide to go.
The Price and Value

At about $53.36 per person, the tour seems reasonably priced given the small group size, supplied equipment, and the chance to see marine life in its natural habitat. It’s not a full-day adventure, but the 3-hour duration means you get a taste of snorkeling without overcommitting. Keep in mind that some reviews mention optional photo packages—they can be costly, so decide if capturing underwater moments is worth the extra expense.
Ultimately, the primary value comes from the guided experience, the convenience of provided gear, and the opportunity to explore Tenerife’s waters with the hope of spotting turtles and other marine creatures. Even if turtle sightings are hit or miss, many find the whole outing enjoyable thanks to the guides’ professionalism and the stunning underwater scenery.
Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is well-suited for travelers seeking a relaxed, guided aquatic adventure. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable in the water and want to explore Tenerife’s marine environment without diving gear. Family groups with confident swimmers might enjoy it, but non-swimmers should probably look elsewhere, as the activity isn’t designed for those who can’t swim independently.
If you’re someone who values small groups and personalized attention, this experience delivers. On the other hand, if you’re only interested in guaranteed turtle sightings or prefer calm seas, you might want to think twice or choose a different activity.
Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour? The tour provides a boat trip, professional guides, snorkeling equipment, and insurance. No transfers are included.
How long does the tour last? Approximately 3 hours from start to finish, including boat ride and snorkeling time.
Do I need my own snorkeling gear? No, all necessary equipment—including masks, fins, and snorkels—is supplied.
Can I see turtles on this tour? There’s a good chance to see turtles, but sightings are not guaranteed, as marine wildlife can be unpredictable.
Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers? No, participants must be able to swim on their own to join.
Where does the tour start? It begins at PADI 5 Travel Sub Dive Center in Costa Adeje.
Are there any age restrictions? While specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, the activity requires moderate physical fitness and swimming ability.
What should I bring? Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and possibly a waterproof camera. Remember that bags and phones stay on land during snorkeling.
What happens if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How do I cancel? Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance aren’t refunded.
Tenerife Turtle and Snorkel Tour from Costa Adeje
“Sadly we didnt see any turtles. Plenty of fish and an overall pleasant snorkeling experience. Our Dutch guide was fantastic. He was witty, knowledg…”
Final Thoughts

The Tenerife Turtle and Snorkel Tour from Costa Adeje offers a straightforward, engaging way to enjoy the island’s marine environment, especially if you’re eager to see sea turtles and vibrant fish. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable staff, it makes snorkeling accessible and safe, provided the sea conditions cooperate. While turtle sightings can’t be promised, many travelers have reported close encounters and beautiful underwater moments.
If you’re comfortable in the water, looking for a manageable half-day activity, and appreciate the chance to be in the ocean with marine life, this tour could be a good pick. Just keep expectations realistic about wildlife sightings, and be prepared for the possibility of choppier waters. All in all, it’s a solid choice for those wanting a relaxed, scenic underwater experience that emphasizes safety and guidance.
Remember, wildlife excursions carry an element of unpredictability, so approach with patience and an open mind. Whether you see a turtle or just enjoy the ocean’s beauty, you’re likely to come away with some memorable moments in Tenerife’s stunning waters.
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