Tenerife: Turtle & Dolphin Kayak Tour with Snorkel & Wetsuit

If you’re considering adding a splash of adventure to your Tenerife trip, a kayak and snorkel tour focusing on dolphins and sea turtles might be just what you need. This experience, offered by Xplore Tenerife, is all about getting up close and personal with marine life in a respectful, eco-certified way. While I haven’t done this tour personally, I’ve gone through plenty of reviews, descriptions, and details to help you decide if it’s right for you.

What really catches our eye is how many travelers rave about the opportunity to see dolphins jumping and turtles gliding just meters away from their kayaks. Plus, the fact that videos and photos are included makes this a good value for those wanting memories without shelling out extra. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that participants need to be able to swim and meet certain physical requirements, which might exclude some.

This tour is best suited for anyone with a sense of adventure, a love for wildlife, and a basic swimming ability. If you’re comfortable on the water and eager to witness marine animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them, this experience could be a highlight of your Tenerife holiday.

Key Points

• Wildlife sightings are the star: dolphins and turtles are often seen close to the kayaks and during snorkeling.
• Respectful eco-tourism: the company is eco-certified, ensuring animals aren’t disturbed.
• All-inclusive media: photos and videos are included, helping you capture the moments.
• Physical requirements: you must be able to swim, and there’s a weight limit of 100 kg per person.
• Duration and setting: a compact 3-hour trip with scenic coast and mountain views.
• Suitable for active travelers: not ideal for children under 14, pregnant women, or those with health issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Breakdown of the Tour

What the Tour Is All About

This 3-hour guided kayaking and snorkeling tour is designed to give you a genuine chance to see dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of marine life in Tenerife’s waters. The experience is run by Xplore Tenerife, the only eco-certified kayaking operator on the island, which reassures us about their commitment to wildlife and environmental care.

You’ll start with a quick safety briefing, after which you’ll walk a few minutes to the launch site at Playa de Los Cristianos. From there, you’ll paddle along the coastline, enjoying spectacular views of Tenerife’s coastline and mountains. The guides are multilingual, speaking Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, and French, so language barriers are minimal.

The Itinerary — Step by Step

The trip’s structure is straightforward but well thought out. First, there’s the initial safety briefing, which lasts about 15 minutes, and then a short walk to the kayaking spot. The tour involves two main paddling segments of about an hour each—one on the way out and one returning, with scenic views on both legs.

The middle part of the trip includes a stop at Cueva de los Enamorados, a small cave that offers a break before the highlight of the tour: the “secret stop” in a secluded bay. Here, you’ll have around 30 minutes to swim, snorkel, and observe marine life. Many reviews mention that this quiet bay is accessible only by boat, making it feel like a special hideaway.

Finally, the tour concludes back at Playa de Los Cristianos, completing a well-rounded experience in about 3 hours.

Wildlife Viewing — What to Expect

The real draw for most travelers is the chance to see dolphins up close. The waters around Tenerife are home to five dolphin species, including the common bottlenose, and pods of up to 30 dolphins are not uncommon. Some reviews even describe pods jumping high into the air, making for unforgettable photos.

Sea turtles, particularly green and loggerhead turtles, are also frequently spotted. While sightings aren’t guaranteed—since these are wild animals—the chance of spotting them is about 90%, according to the tour operators. Many reviewers have praised guides like William, Coco, Max, and others for their patience and ability to help guests spot wildlife.

Along With dolphins and turtles, snorkelers can enjoy observing schools of colorful fish, rays, and flying fish beneath the surface. Several reviews mention how calm and crystal-clear the water is, making snorkeling an easy, pleasant activity.

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The Snorkeling and Wetsuits

The included wetsuits ensure that you stay warm in the Atlantic waters, which can be surprisingly chilly depending on the season. The wetsuits are short but effective, and most reviewers find them comfortable. The snorkeling spot is described as secluded and accessible only by boat, creating an intimate experience with marine life.

If you’re nervous about snorkeling or swimming, keep in mind that it’s necessary to be a confident swimmer to participate. The guides are attentive and helpful but cannot take non-swimmers out on the water safely.

The Equipment and Media

One of the most praised aspects is the quality of the equipment. The kayaks have comfortable seats with back support, and paddles are sturdy. The small group sizes mean you won’t feel cramped or rushed.

Another highlight is that photos and videos are included in the price, which is unusual for this kind of tour. Many reviewers mention enjoying the professional shots taken by guides, capturing their wildlife encounters from the best angles. This added value helps justify the cost, especially since many travelers don’t want to worry about taking photos during the trip.

The Guides — Knowledgeable and Friendly

From multiple reviews, it’s clear that the guides are a big part of what makes this tour stand out. They are described as friendly, caring, and knowledgeable, often sharing fun facts about marine animals or pointing out wildlife that guests might miss. Several reviewers appreciated guides like William, Coco, Max, and Jessica for their patience and enthusiasm.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Groups are kept small, which makes the experience more personal and safer. You’ll likely be paddling with about 5 to 10 other participants, creating a relaxed vibe. This also means the guides can give individual attention, helping timid paddlers or snorkelers feel more comfortable.

Practical Considerations

• Minimum age is 14 years — not suitable for younger kids or pregnant women.
• Participants must be able to swim.
• Weight limit of 100 kg per person — heavier guests might need to skip this.
• Bring sun protection, swimwear, towel, water, and flip-flops.
• Changing rooms and lockers are available at the meeting point.
• Tour runs in various languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French.
• The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility.

Why This Tour Works Well

Based on reviews and descriptions, this tour really succeeds when it comes to wildlife encounters and scenic beauty. The guides’ friendliness and attentiveness are often highlighted as key factors in making the experience enjoyable. The inclusion of photos and videos adds a lot of value, turning fleeting moments into lasting memories.

The secluded bay for snorkeling offers a peaceful break from the paddling, and many travelers have described the calm waters and clear visibility as ideal for observing marine life. Plus, seeing dolphins perform right beside your kayak is a thrill few other activities can match.

Potential Downsides

The main consideration is that it’s not suitable for everyone. If you’re not comfortable swimming or have mobility issues, you’ll need to think carefully. The weight limit and age restrictions exclude some travelers. Also, since sightings depend on wildlife behavior, there’s always a small chance you might not see dolphins or turtles—although many reviews suggest sightings are very common.

Weather can also influence the trip; rough seas or bad weather might prevent the tour from running safely. Always check the weather forecast before booking.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

If you’re an active traveler who enjoys being on the water, this tour offers an excellent combination of wildlife, scenery, and fun. It’s especially well-suited for those who love animals and want a respectful, eco-friendly way to observe dolphins and turtles.

It’s also perfect if you’re after professional guides and good-value media. The small group size ensures a more personal experience, and the scenic coastline views are a bonus for anyone who appreciates natural beauty.

However, if you’re not comfortable swimming or prefer a more relaxed or land-based activity, this might not be the best fit. Also, travelers with health issues, pregnant women, or those over 220 lbs should consider the physical demands and restrictions.

FAQs

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear? No, the tour provides wetsuits and snorkeling equipment, but you might want to bring your own mask or fins if you prefer.

Is this tour suitable for children? The minimum age is 14, so it’s geared more towards teenagers and adults. Younger children wouldn’t be able to participate.

How likely am I to see dolphins or turtles? According to the tour operators, there’s about a 90% chance of spotting dolphins and turtles, depending on the day and weather conditions.

What if I can’t swim well? You need to be a confident swimmer to participate. The guides cannot take non-swimmers out on the water safely.

Are the photos and videos free? Yes, they are included in the price, so you can relax knowing your wildlife moments are well captured.

What should I wear? Bring swimwear, a sun hat, sunscreen, flip-flops, and a towel. Don’t forget water to stay hydrated.

Final Thoughts

This kayak and snorkel tour in Tenerife offers a balanced experience of wildlife viewing, scenic beauty, and active fun. The chance to see dolphins leaping and turtles gliding in their natural habitat makes it stand out from more generic boat trips. The inclusion of photos and videos, along with knowledgeable guides, adds significant value.

It’s a trip that rewards those willing to get a little wet and paddle actively. If you’re an adventurous soul, enjoy nature, and meet the physical requirements, this tour could be a highlight of your trip to the Canary Islands.

For anyone looking for a respectful way to connect with marine life and enjoy Tenerife’s stunning coastlines, this experience is tough to beat. Just remember to keep your expectations realistic about wildlife sightings—most guests leave happy, having seen plenty of dolphins and turtles, and many describe it as one of their favorite activities on the island.

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You can check availability for your dates here: