Kayaking and Snorkeling with Turtles

Experience the Beauty of Tenerife’s Marine Life with Kayaking and Snorkeling

If you’re dreaming of exploring Tenerife’s vibrant waters, this kayaking and snorkeling tour offers a fantastic way to get close to marine creatures like turtles and dolphins while soaking up breathtaking coastal scenery. Spanning just a couple of hours, the experience balances adventure and relaxation, making it a suitable choice for travelers of various ages and fitness levels.

One of the things we love most about this tour is the chance to see dolphins and turtles in their natural habitat—these moments feel genuinely special and authentic. Plus, the professional guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making safety and fun their top priorities. That said, a possible consideration is that after snorkeling, some may find getting back into the kayak a little tricky if they don’t have good physical condition.

This experience is perfect for those seeking a family-friendly, eco-conscious adventure or anyone eager to enjoy Tenerife’s marine environment from the water. If you’re after an active, memorable day that combines scenic views with chances to spot wildlife, this tour fits the bill.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Chance to see turtles, dolphins, and various fish
• Scenic Views: Stunning coastline of Los Cristianos and Mount Teide as backdrops
• Eco-Friendly Sport: Environmentally conscious way to explore the sea
• All Skill Levels Welcome: Equipment provided; swimming experience not necessary
• Guided Experience: Led by knowledgeable, multilingual instructors
• Great for Families: Safe and fun for children with supervision

A Closer Look at the Tenerife Kayaking and Snorkeling Experience

This tour, priced at $51 per person, offers more than just a splash in the water. It’s a balanced mix of adventure, wildlife spotting, and scenic sightseeing, all within a two-hour window. The short duration makes it an ideal option if you’re on a tight schedule or want a quick taste of Tenerife’s marine environment without spending a whole day at sea.

The Starting Point: Rays Bay in Los Cristianos

The adventure begins in Los Cristianos, at Rays Bay, where you’ll receive instructions and gear up. The tour’s emphasis on safety and accessibility is clear—all equipment, including life jackets, masks, snorkels, and boots, are provided, so no need to bring your own gear unless you prefer. If you’re worried about swimming, don’t be—guides will help you feel comfortable and secure throughout.

The Journey to Palm-Mar: Marveling at Coastline and Water

Once equipped, your guides lead you into the water, and the real fun begins. The route takes you towards Palm-Mar, offering stunning views of Los Cristianos and the shimmering sea. During this part of the trip, you might catch sight of dolphins swimming alongside you—many reviewers mention seeing these playful creatures, with one noting, “We saw dolphins jumping in front of us,” and others describing the thrill of spotting them from a distance.

Snorkeling and Wildlife Spotting in Palm-Mar

The highlight is the half-hour snorkeling stop in Palm-Mar, which often turns into a wildlife encounter. Reviewers frequently mention swimming alongside friendly turtles—these turtles are known to be quite approachable, with guides often assisting guests who struggle to get back on their kayaks after snorkeling. One guest praised their guide from Romania, saying, “He was wonderful and did everything to help us,” highlighting the attentive and caring approach of the staff.

While dolphins aren’t guaranteed, many participants have had the opportunity to see them during the trip, with some reviews mentioning multiple sightings. The environment here is protected, so guests are asked to respect the wildlife and keep a safe distance, which helps ensure everyone has a responsible and enjoyable experience.

The Return Journey and Pictures

On the way back, you’ll enjoy more of Tenerife’s picturesque coastline, with Mount Teide towering in the distance—an iconic backdrop that adds to the experience’s visual appeal. Back at Rays Bay, you can browse through the photos taken during the trip—costs are €15 per kayak, which many find worthwhile to preserve their memories.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour is well-structured to maximize your time on the water while maintaining a relaxed pace. With 10 pickup locations, including popular spots like Playa de las Américas, Costa del Sol, and Los Cristianos, the tour is accessible from most areas in the south of Tenerife.

• Pickup: Options include Fañabé, Puerto de Santiago, La Caleta, and others, with convenient times starting around 10 a.m.
• Transport: Included from designated locations, with a focus on South Tenerife hotels and apartments.
• Tour Duration: Around 2.5 hours of kayaking, plus prep and return time—most of which is spent on the water.
• Drop-off: Similar to pickup, with multiple options, making the process hassle-free.

The tour’s small group size—often around six guests per guide—ensures personalized attention and a more engaging experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers excellent value, especially given the inclusion of transportation, equipment, insurance, and guides. You’ll get the full safety gear, along with the expertise of guides fluent in several languages, including Spanish, English, German, Polish, Russian, and French.

The cost of photos (€15) is the only extra expense, which many guests find reasonable considering the quality and memories captured.

What Reviewers Say

Guests consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. Anastasia, for instance, mentions that their guide, Rasta, was “lovely,” and Srikanth highlights how Andrew was “patient and explained everything,” making the experience safe and comfortable for even a small child. Nicole appreciated Sebastian’s helpfulness, especially sharing water and masks, which shows the guides’ dedication to guest comfort.

The scenic views also get rave reviews, with many noting how the coastline and Mount Teide create a stunning backdrop for the water-based adventure. Several reviewers mention seeing dolphins and turtles—sometimes multiple times—making the experience feel truly authentic rather than just a tourist show.

Practical Tips from Reviews

• Arrive early if you want to start when the tour begins—sometimes, setup delays happen, especially if you’re booking the first trip of the day.
• Bring sun protection—many reviewers remind future travelers to pack sunscreen and a towel.
• Be prepared for post-snorkel kayak entry—some guests with lower physical fitness found it a bit challenging to re-enter the kayak after snorkeling, so consider your physical condition.

The Value and Who It’s Best For

Considering the price of $51, this tour offers excellent value. Not only do you get professional guidance and all necessary equipment, but you also gain a genuine chance to see marine life in its natural environment. The possibility to spot dolphins and turtles makes it more than just a kayaking trip; it’s an opportunity to connect with Tenerife’s sea creatures respectfully and sustainably.

This experience is particularly suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and water lovers who want a safe, guided adventure without the need for prior experience. The small group size and multilingual guides enhance the personalized feeling, making it ideal for those who appreciate attentive service.

It’s important to note that the activity’s physical demands are manageable for most, but if you have mobility issues or lower fitness levels, you might find the re-entry into kayaks after snorkeling more challenging. Still, many reviewers state that guides are very accommodating and helpful.

Final Thoughts

This kayaking and snorkeling tour in Tenerife strikes a nice balance between adventure, scenic beauty, and wildlife observation. The chance to see turtles and dolphins in their natural surroundings is a highlight that many travelers will cherish long after the trip ends. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge add a layer of trust and comfort, making this experience accessible and enjoyable.

If you’re after a responsible, family-friendly marine adventure that captures the essence of Tenerife’s coast and its aquatic life, this tour deserves serious consideration. It offers a practical yet memorable way to explore the island’s underwater world while enjoying spectacular views of Mount Teide and the coastline.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes transport from designated locations in the south of Tenerife, making it convenient to start your adventure.

Do I need to swim to join the activity? No swimming experience is necessary. All equipment, including life jackets and floats, is provided, and guides are there to support you.

How long is the tour? The kayaking portion lasts approximately 2.5 hours, with some additional time for setup, instructions, and photos.

Can I see dolphins during the tour? While sightings are not guaranteed, many guests do see dolphins, especially during the route to Palm-Mar. Some reviewers have noted multiple dolphin sightings.

What if I want to keep photos from the trip? Photos cost €15 per kayak, and many guests find this a worthwhile souvenir of their marine adventure.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, many reviews mention bringing children as young as six, with guides ensuring safety and comfort for all. However, re-entering kayaks after snorkeling might be a bit challenging for some lower-fit individuals.

This kayaking and snorkeling tour in Tenerife promises a blend of fun, wildlife encounters, and stunning scenery, all guided by knowledgeable professionals. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a family, or just someone eager to see the island’s marine environment, it’s a memorable way to spend a few hours on your holiday.