Snorkeling in a Volcanic Bay

Setting out on a snorkeling adventure in Tenerife’s volcanic bay of Los Abrigos offers a unique glimpse into the island’s vibrant underwater world. This activity, priced at $67 per person, promises around 1.5 hours of relaxed exploration, guided by knowledgeable instructors who know exactly where to find the best sights. It’s an accessible, family-friendly experience that appeals to those eager to discover marine life without the need for extensive diving skills.

What stands out most about this tour is the chance to swim among starfish, octopuses, and colorful fish in calm, clear waters—perfect for both beginners and seasoned snorkelers. The boat ride to the bay, coupled with expert guidance, creates a safe and enjoyable environment. A potential downside? Some reviews mention that sightings can be limited, especially near the port, which might affect your expectations if you’re hoping for a wide variety of marine creatures. Still, it’s a fantastic way for anyone curious about the ocean to get close-up views of marine flora and fauna in a natural setting.

This tour is ideal for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a relaxed but memorable underwater experience during their Tenerife holiday. Be prepared to enjoy stunning volcanic formations, learn from friendly guides, and take home photos to cherish long after the splash.

Key Points

• Accessible for non-swimmers and kids 8+, making it family-friendly.
• Guided by bilingual instructors, ensuring clarity and safety.
• Includes all necessary snorkeling gear—wetsuit, fins, snorkel, and mask.
• Photos are included, giving you a visual souvenir to remember your trip.
• Calm waters and clear visibility create excellent conditions for viewing marine life.
• Limited sightings reported by some guests, especially near the port, so expectations should be managed.

An In-Depth Look at the Tenerife Snorkeling Experience

What Makes This Tour Special?

This snorkeling adventure in Los Abrigos is designed to be both relaxed and informative. The location itself, a volcanic bay, adds a unique character to the experience. The volcanic rock formations are visually striking and serve as natural habitats for marine creatures, making every swim fascinating.

The guides from Ocean Friends Buceo and Freediving are praised for their friendliness and knowledge. They not only take care of the equipment and safety but also help you spot the marine life that lurks among the rocks. One reviewer, who brought their daughter along, highlighted that the instructor was willing to carry her piggyback in the water when she got tired—something that really resonated with families.

What to Expect During Your Snorkeling Adventure

Meeting Point & Duration: The tour begins at the dive center in Marina del Sur, Puerto de Las Galletas. The entire activity lasts approximately 1.5 hours, which includes transfer, gear-up, snorkeling, and return. You’ll want to arrive a little early to get fitted with your equipment and listen to safety instructions.

The Ride to the Bay: The boat trip to Los Abrigos is part of the fun. It’s a short journey, and the calm waters mean your ride will be smooth, with good chances to spot some of the local seabirds or even a passing dolphin if you’re lucky.

Snorkeling Conditions: Expect clear visibility—ideal for spotting colorful fish, starfish, and crustaceans. The waters are typically calm, making it suitable for beginners. The volcanic formations create a unique underwater landscape that adds depth and interest to your swim.

Marine Life Encounters: While snorkelers have the chance to see a variety of marine animals like octopuses, moray eels, sea crabs, and parrot fish, some reviews note that sightings can be sparse, especially if you’re near the port. A guest mentioned that they only saw a few fish and missed turtles or squid as hoped, but still enjoyed the guides’ efforts.

Photos & Keepsakes: One of the most memorable parts of the tour is the included photo report. The guides take pictures during your swim, providing you with a visual record to share and relive the experience long after you leave the water.

The Value of the Equipment & Instructors

All snorkeling gear—wetsuit, fins, mask, and snorkel—is included in the price, which simplifies planning and ensures you don’t need to bring your own. The wetsuits help with buoyancy and warmth, especially important in the Atlantic waters.

The instructors are bilingual (Spanish and English), making communications straightforward for international visitors. Their friendly approach and patience, especially with children or less confident swimmers, make a noticeable difference in how comfortable participants feel.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families with children aged 8 and above, as well as solo travelers wanting a gentle introduction to snorkeling. It appeals to those on a budget, as it offers good value with all gear, guiding, and photos included. Even non-swimmers can enjoy the water thanks to the instructor’s assistance and calm conditions.

Adventure seekers hoping to encounter sea turtles or rays might find this tour less suited, as some reviews mention limited sightings. However, the focus on volcanic formations and marine flora still makes it an engaging underwater walkabout.

Practical Tips for Your Snorkeling Trip

• Bring a towel and your swimsuit; gear is provided, but towels are not.
• Arrive early to ensure a smooth start.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking preventative measures before the boat ride.
• Photographs are included, but check if you want to purchase an optional video—some guests found the pictures to be a great keepsake.
• Remember, you must be able to swim comfortably to join.

How Does It Compare to Other Experiences?

Compared to other boat-based snorkeling excursions in Tenerife, this tour stands out for its affordable price and family-friendly nature. While some trips focus on marine biology with expert guides or include longer time in the water, this activity emphasizes a relaxed, safe environment with beautiful volcanic scenery.

The availability of photos included in the price offers extra value, especially for travelers wanting a visual memory without extra costs. The positive reviews about the guides’ kindness and attentiveness are echoed across most feedback, making it a safe bet for first-timers or families.

The Sum Up

This snorkeling tour in Los Abrigos perfectly balances ease, education, and scenic beauty. It’s a wonderful introduction to Tenerife’s underwater world, especially suited for families, beginners, and those on a budget. The calm waters, volcanic backdrop, and friendly guides contribute to a memorable experience, even if marine sightings aren’t always abundant.

You’ll gain a new appreciation for the marine environment while enjoying the relaxed pace and supportive atmosphere of the tour. The included photos give you a lasting souvenir, and the manageable duration makes it a great addition to a busy Tenerife itinerary.

While sightings of larger animals like turtles aren’t guaranteed, the chance to see starfish, octopuses, and colorful fish in a volcanic setting makes this tour a worthwhile and authentic slice of Tenerife’s marine life.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, children aged 8 and above can participate, provided they can swim confidently. The guides are attentive and accommodating, making it a family-friendly outing.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear? No, all necessary equipment—wetsuit, fins, mask, and snorkel—is included in the price.

How long does the snorkeling activity last? The entire experience, including transfer and the boat ride, lasts about 1.5 hours. The actual snorkeling time is shorter but sufficient for a relaxed exploration.

Where do we meet for the tour? You meet at the dive center located at Marina del Sur in Puerto de Las Galletas.

Are there any additional costs? The tour price covers gear, instructor, insurance, and photos. Video recordings are optional and not included.

What should I bring? Bring a towel, your swimsuit, sunscreen, and possibly a change of clothes. If you want to purchase additional photos or videos, ask the guides.

Can non-swimmers participate? Yes, with the help of the instructor, non-swimmers can enjoy the water, but they should be comfortable in the water and listen to safety instructions.

Is there a chance to see turtles or rays? Sightings of turtles and rays are possible but not guaranteed. Some guests have wished for more variety, but the focus remains on the volcanic landscape and marine flora.

In summary, this snorkeling tour offers a well-rounded, friendly introduction to Tenerife’s underwater environment. With expert guides, inclusive gear, and stunning volcanic scenery, it promises a memorable few hours for anyone eager to explore beneath the waves.