Tenerife: Kayak and Snorkel Tour with Wildlife Encounters

We’re reviewing a 3-hour eco-friendly kayak + snorkel tour from Xplore Tenerife, built around calm paddling, wildlife spotting, and a sea-only access swimming stop. It’s the kind of outing where you spend your time on the water (and not in long lines), with scenic coastline and mountain views along the way.

Two things I really like about it: you get wetsuits and snorkeling gear included, plus the operator includes photos and videos so you’re not stuck juggling a phone in open water. Also, the guides focus on wildlife-protection rules and responsible viewing, which makes the whole trip feel thoughtful, not just “go see stuff.”

One consideration: you must be a confident swimmer to join. If sea conditions are judged unsafe (wind can matter), snorkeling plans can change, and you don’t want to be surprised by that on arrival.

Key points worth knowing before you book

• Secluded sea-only bay for a swim and snorkel stop, reachable by kayak
• Up to a 90% chance (conditions-dependent) of spotting marine life in the area
• Equipment included: kayak, snorkel gear, life jacket, and wetsuit
• Guides handle the content with included photos and videos during the tour
• Swim requirement and clear limitations (age, weight, medical conditions)

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why this Tenerife kayak-and-snorkel mix feels like the right combo

Kayaking first and snorkelling second works well here because you’re not rushing from land to water with zero warm-up. You paddle through calm Atlantic waters, then you get a proper chance to linger underwater at a secluded bay stop.

The area is known for marine life, and the tour is set up around wildlife viewing guidelines, not chasing animals. That matters. When everyone understands the rules, you get better sightings and a calmer vibe for the whole group.

Also, the timing is short enough to feel active but not exhausting. Three hours is a sweet spot for travellers who want something outdoorsy without losing an entire day.

Price and value: what $35 covers and why it feels fair

At $35 per person for a 3-hour guided outing, the value mostly comes from what’s included. You’re getting kayaks, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and wetsuits, plus accident insurance. On top of that, the tour includes pictures and videos, which can save you the hassle of trying to film everything yourself.

What’s not included is also straightforward: water, swimsuits, and towels. That means you can travel light—just bring the basics you’d normally pack for the beach, plus sunscreen and flip-flops.

One more practical detail: the experience is designed for a hassle-free start, with a safety briefing and gear provided on-site. That reduces the “hidden costs” feeling you sometimes get with tours that force you to buy rentals or scramble for essentials.

Where to meet: finding Xplore Tenerife near Cristianmar

Meet at Xplore Tenerife Kayaking and Biking. Search for Xplore Tenerife on Google Maps. The building is called Cristianmar, and the office is on the ground floor to the left of the building when you’re facing the sea.

I’d treat meeting time seriously here. You want a buffer to check in, get your wetsuit on, and ask questions before you’re out there on the water.

The first 15 minutes: safety briefing and settling the group

You start with a 15-minute safety briefing. This isn’t just paperwork—it’s where the guide sets expectations for paddling technique, how to use the life jacket, and what to do during the stop at the secret bay.

Then there’s a short on-foot transfer (about 5 minutes) to the launch area. It’s usually enough to break the ice, get organized, and help everyone settle into the rhythm of the trip.

If you’re prone to overthinking water sports, this briefing is a big deal. Reviews often point to guides being clear and calm, and that usually comes from strong instruction early on.

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Paddle segment 1: Playa de Los Cristianos and dolphin watching

Your first main water stretch happens from Playa de Los Cristianos, where you paddle for around 1 hour. This is when you’ll do the classic “look for wildlife” work—dolphin watching plus general marine life viewing.

As you go, you also get scenic coastline and mountain views on the way. That matters because even in the moments when dolphins are quiet, you’re still enjoying Tenerife from a perspective you can’t get from the promenade.

A pattern I noticed in how people talk about this tour: dolphins are often seen during this kayaking stretch, sometimes close-ish, sometimes farther out. Either way, the point is being on the water when conditions line up.

Cueva de los Enamorados stop: short hop, strong scenery

Next is a brief stop near Cueva de los Enamorados (about 15 minutes). It’s another kayaking segment with the same focus: wildlife viewing and dolphin watching, wrapped in coastal scenery.

Because this is short, it’s not the time to expect “everything will happen right here.” Instead, think of it as the tour team repositioning to where the conditions and wildlife activity look best.

If you’re the type who loves sea views, this is the stretch where the scenery can feel especially dramatic—volcanic character, strong coastline lines, and open water around you.

The secret bay: 30 minutes of swim and snorkel you can’t do from land

The star moment is the secret stop—a 30-minute swim and snorkel session in a secluded bay only accessible by sea. You’re surrounded by volcanic formations and get crystal clear water based on the tour description and many travellers’ experiences.

This stop is where you’ll likely feel the biggest sensory difference between “watching from above” and “seeing what’s underneath.” The sandy seabed can make it easier to spot fish resting on the bottom, depending on visibility and conditions.

One realistic note: snorkelling success can vary. Some travellers report lots of fish. Others say they didn’t see as much. That doesn’t mean you did anything wrong; it’s just how underwater visibility and movement work day to day.

What wildlife you might see (and why it’s still nature, not a guarantee)

The tour is designed for wildlife encounters in one of the most biologically rich zones in the Canaries. The operator states you can have up to a 90% chance of observing some of the tour’s most loved marine species, depending on conditions and strict wildlife-protection guidelines.

The tour description lists species you may encounter, including:

• trumpetfish
• parrotfish
• bream
• wrasse
• damselfish
• barracuda
• rays resting on the sandy seabed

In traveller accounts, dolpholphs, sea turtles, and rays show up again and again. Some people even describe turtles swimming very close to their kayak. That’s the dream outcome, but it’s still wild life. You don’t get to choose proximity, only to be in the right place when animals decide to show up.

So the best mindset is: come for the experience, and enjoy wildlife as a bonus when it happens.

Guides really make the tour: clear instruction and great spotting

The guides are repeatedly praised for being knowledgeable, attentive, and good at finding wildlife without turning it into chaos. Names that come up often include Luna, Bea, Coco, Jessica, Max, and Jack, plus other guides like Miguel and Mario.

What I’d call out as “actually useful” from that feedback:

• They explain what you’re seeing and why it matters
• They help groups stay coordinated, especially when paddling
• They take the time to point out sea life even when sightings are farther out
• They manage video and photo capture so you’re not distracted from safety

A bunch of travellers also mention guides taking great videos and pictures—so you don’t need to risk your phone in the water. If you do want your own camera, at least bring something protected. One traveller recommended a protective case, and that’s good common sense for seawater conditions.

Wetsuit reality: staying comfortable so you can focus on wildlife

Wetsuits are included, which I love for two reasons. First, it reduces the “will I be cold?” guessing game. Second, it keeps you more focused on paddling and snorkelling rather than adjusting your clothing the whole time.

You’ll still want your sun protection, because you’ll be outside for the full tour duration and the Canaries sun can be sneaky.

One practical tip: wear your swimwear under the wetsuit if you can. It speeds things up and makes the whole process smoother at the start and end.

What to bring (based on what travellers will actually need)

Bring these items, because the tour doesn’t include everything:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Flip-flops

Also keep in mind: no alcohol and drugs are allowed. It’s a water activity with safety rules, so keep it clean and calm.

If you’re thinking about cameras, bring them smartly. A few travellers say they were glad they didn’t have to worry about phones because the guides capture photos and videos.

Getting into the water: who can join and who should skip

This is not a casual float. It requires basic water comfort and physical capability.

You must be able to swim. If the supplier considers it unsafe, you won’t be able to do the activity.

There’s also a weight limit for kayak stability: 100 kg per person (the listing also states people over 220 lbs won’t be able to partake). Beyond that, you should avoid this tour if you have:

• back problems
• pre-existing medical conditions
• pregnancy

Age matters too: the minimum age is 14 years old. Minors under 18 but over 14 must be accompanied by a parent.

If your group has mixed fitness levels, you’ll likely be fine—as long as everyone meets the swim and health requirements. Guides often accommodate different skill levels, but the rule still stands: you need to be safe in the water.

Weather, safety decisions, and how rebooking can work

Nature controls the soundtrack here. Even on a planned day, wind and sea conditions can influence what’s possible.

You get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. And if conditions change during the day, the operator will only run the activity if it’s judged safe. Traveller accounts mention situations where snorkelling was adjusted due to wind conditions or where a later time was arranged for safety reasons.

That’s frustrating when it happens—but it’s also reassuring. This is a water tour, and safe calls should come first.

Pictures and videos: a smarter way to enjoy the day

A nice touch is that pictures and videos are included. That means you can focus on paddling and watching rather than holding a device at the exact wrong moment.

In traveller accounts, guides often take videos and photos during dolphin and turtle sightings, and that lets you relive the best moments after you’re back on land.

If you want your own shots, do it carefully and keep your gear protected. Salty spray plus surprise waves is a real combo.

Should you book this Tenerife kayak and snorkel tour?

If you want an ocean-focused outing with a guided team that’s genuinely into wildlife, this tour is a strong pick. The biggest reasons are guides, the chance for stunning wildlife sightings, and the fact that $35 feels like good value when you factor in gear, wetsuit, insurance, and photos/videos.

Book it if you:

• can swim comfortably
• want a mix of kayaking views plus underwater time
• like guided wildlife spotting without stress

Skip it (or choose something else) if you:

• can’t meet the swim requirement
• have back issues, pregnancy, or relevant medical limitations
• fall outside the weight limit
• want a fully guaranteed snorkel-heavy experience regardless of conditions

If your plan is Tenerife in 3 hours with real water time, this is one of the better ways to do it—active, scenic, and very much about the animals showing up when they want to.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Tenerife kayak and snorkel tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

It costs $35 per person.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at Xplore Tenerife Kayaking and Biking. The building is Cristianmar, and the office is on the ground floor to the left of the building looking toward the sea.

What activities are included during the tour?

You’ll kayak for wildlife viewing and dolphin watching, then you’ll have a swim and snorkel stop at a secluded bay.

Is snorkeling gear and a wetsuit included?

Yes. Kayaks, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, wetsuits, and a guide are included.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Participants must be able to swim to join this activity.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and flip-flops.

What is not included in the price?

Water, swimsuits, and towels are not included.

What languages are the instructors available in?

The instructor languages listed are Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, and French.

What are the main age and weight requirements?

The minimum age is 14. There is a kayak stability weight limit of 100 kg per person, and people over 220 lbs (100 kg) cannot take part.

You can check availability for your dates here: