Snorkeling Tour with Sea Turtles and Stingrays

If you’re dreaming of exploring Tenerife’s underwater wonders, a snorkeling tour focused on sea turtles and stingrays offers a compelling choice. This experience combines a scenic boat trip along the volcanic coast with intimate snorkeling sessions in protected waters. With a small group limit of six, it promises a personalized, up-close encounter with marine life that many travelers find both memorable and meaningful.

One thing we love about this tour is how it balances adventure with education. The guides, including Angela and Elio, are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and effort to keep the group safe while respecting the animals in their natural environment. A potential consideration is that, like all wildlife encounters, seeing turtles or stingrays is not guaranteed, but the high probability makes it a worthwhile outing for marine life enthusiasts.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, educational, and authentic activity, especially those who appreciate small group atmospheres and are comfortable swimming in open water. Whether you’re on your first snorkeling trip or a seasoned water lover, the blend of scenic views, marine encounters, and expert guidance makes this tour a strong contender for your Tenerife itinerary.

Key Points

• Small-group experience ensures personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• High chance of seeing sea turtles and stingrays, though not 100% guaranteed.
• Expert guides like Angela and Elio make the experience educational and safe.
• Includes all gear: wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, making it easy to just enjoy the water.
• Scenic boat ride offers stunning views of Tenerife’s volcanic coastline.
• Photos included help preserve memories of this special day.

An Authentic Marine Adventure in Tenerife

When considering a snorkeling excursion in Tenerife, the duration of around two hours strikes a good balance—it’s enough time to enjoy the water and see marine life without feeling rushed. The tour departs at 9:00 am from Marina South in Las Galletas, a location easily accessible and near public transport, easing the logistics for travelers.

This tour stands out because of its small group size—a maximum of 8 travelers, with many reviews mentioning groups of only 4 to 6. This limited size not only enhances safety but also fosters a more intimate experience. As Julia_H from her review noted, “We had lots of time for snorkeling and swimming with the turtles,” and the small group meant everyone could enjoy the water without feeling crowded.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The journey begins with a boat trip that offers a chance to appreciate Tenerife’s volcanic coastline from the water. The boat, which has space for just a handful of adventurers, makes the experience feel both exclusive and relaxed. The crew provides some refreshments, which adds a welcoming touch before you dive into the water.

Once at the snorkeling location, you’ll be equipped with full gear—wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins—which are all included. This is especially helpful for travelers who prefer not to rent or bring their own. The guides, like Angela and Elio, are known for their professionalism and friendliness, making even nervous swimmers feel comfortable. They also take photos during the underwater encounters, which they email afterward—an excellent way to keep a visual record of your marine adventure.

What to Expect Underwater

The highlight is swimming with sea turtles, an experience that many find surreal. The guides emphasize respectful behavior to avoid disturbing the animals, ensuring the encounter remains natural and harmonious. While some reviews mention that not everyone sees turtles or stingrays, the overall odds are high, thanks to the well-chosen locations.

One reviewer, Monica_P, shared that their friends loved the experience, “Super personalized, safe, and filled with turtles swimming nearby.” Another appreciated the small group setting, noting that it allowed everyone to enjoy the activity without feeling crowded, which truly enhances the intimacy of the experience.

Marine Life and Wildlife Encounters

Apart from turtles, you might also encounter stingrays, as well as a variety of colorful fish. A review from Lynn_K mentioned that they saw beautiful fish but unfortunately didn’t spot any turtles or baby stingrays, highlighting the unpredictability of wildlife sightings. However, the guides’ expertise increases the chance of rewarding encounters, making this part of the adventure both exciting and educational.

Photos and Memories

The tour includes free photos, captured by the guides during your underwater swim. Several reviewers, including Sara_G, highlighted how these images help preserve their memories. Having a visual record of swimming alongside turtles and rays adds significant value, especially since capturing underwater moments can be tricky without proper gear.

What’s Included and What You Need to Know

Included in the price ($79.79 per person):

• Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins
• Boat trip along the coast
• Experienced instructor guiding and ensuring safety
• Insurance coverage
• Photos of your underwater experience

Not included:

• Video footage (available for purchase if you want high-quality recordings)

Additional considerations:

• The tour departs sharply at 9:00 am; punctuality is recommended.
• Minimum age is 8 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Swimming ability is required—comfort in open water is essential.
• Bring a towel and swimsuit for after your swim.
• Weather can impact the trip; poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

The Experience From the Guides’ Perspective

Angela and Elio seem to be a highlight for many travelers. Chiara_F praised their professionalism, noting that they also took the group to see dolphins, which adds an extra layer to the trip. Their ability to balance informative commentary with fun, relaxed vibes makes the experience stand out. They also take time to ensure everyone is comfortable, which is especially important for first-time snorkelers.

A Personal Touch

Many reviews emphasize the personalized nature of the tour. With a maximum of 6-8 travelers, the guides can give tailored advice, answer questions, and ensure everyone is safe and enjoying the activity. This small-group approach makes the experience less commercial and more authentic—ideal for travelers seeking genuine encounters with Tenerife’s marine environment.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This snorkeling adventure in Tenerife is ideal for marine life enthusiasts, families with children over 8, and those who value small-group intimacy. The chance to swim with sea turtles and stingrays provides a rare, memorable connection to nature, especially with the expert guidance from Angela and Elio.

The scenic boat ride, coupled with the chance to see Tenerife’s volcanic coast from the water, makes this tour visually stunning. The inclusion of photos and all gear adds great value, ensuring you’re not left scrambling to find equipment or take pictures yourself.

While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the high likelihood and the knowledgeable guides make it a worthwhile addition to any Tenerife holiday. If you’re after an authentic, respectful, and memorable marine experience, this snorkeling tour could be the highlight of your trip.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available? Yes, depending on your location, transportation to the meeting point at Marina South is available.

What is the minimum age for participating? Children must be at least 8 years old and be able to swim confidently.

What should I bring? Bring a towel and swimsuit. The tour provides all necessary equipment, but you might also want sun protection.

How long does the snorkeling last? You’ll spend approximately an hour underwater during the snorkeling session, with additional time for boat travel and briefing.

What happens if I don’t see turtles or stingrays? While sightings are highly probable, they are not guaranteed, as animals are in their natural habitat. The guides do their best to increase your chances.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers? No, comfort and ability in open water are necessary for participation.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, and poor weather may lead to rescheduling or refunds.

In essence, this snorkeling tour in Tenerife offers a well-rounded, intimate marine adventure—ideal for those looking to connect with nature while enjoying the island’s stunning coastal scenery. With caring guides, all-inclusive gear, and exceptional small-group attention, it promises a meaningful and fun experience that’s worth considering for your Tenerife trip.