Tenerife: Kayak Sea Safari with Snorkel and Snacks

If you’re looking for a fun, active way to enjoy Tenerife’s stunning coastline—without breaking the bank—the Kayak Sea Safari from Los Cristianos might just be your best bet. This 3-hour tour offers a balance of adventure, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty, with knowledgeable guides leading the way. Whether you’re keen on spotting dolphins, turtles, or simply soaking up the views, this trip promises a memorable slice of the ocean.

We really appreciate how this experience combines water activities with cultural and natural sights. The opportunity to paddle along dramatic cliffs, explore a sea cave, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters is fantastic for anyone craving a hands-on, authentic encounter with the sea. Plus, the inclusion of snacks and drinks adds a nice touch of comfort.

The one thing to keep in mind? It’s a physically active outing, so some basic fitness levels are helpful. Also, while wildlife sightings are common, they’re not guaranteed, which is worth noting if you’re hoping for specific animal encounters. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those who enjoy outdoor adventures, family groups, or simply want a different perspective of Tenerife’s coastline.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Spot dolphins, turtles, and fish in their natural habitat, with guides calling out the best moments.
• Scenic Views: Paddle along rugged cliffs and the Los Cristianos coastline, with opportunities for great photos.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides like Santiago, Didi, and Max make the tour both fun and informative.
• Value for Money: At $35, including equipment and snacks, it offers excellent value for a half-day adventure.
• Eco-Friendly Focus: Bring your own reusable bottle—water is provided to support sustainable tourism practices.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for those aged 7 and over, as long as you’re comfortable with some physical activity.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Easy Start and a Warm Welcome

From the moment you arrive at Mana Kayak, the scene feels welcoming and well-organized. The meeting spot is just outside the Reveron Plaza Hotel, marked by a surfboard bearing the company’s name—easy to spot. The setup includes changing rooms, bathrooms, and water, along with fresh fruit to get your energy up. This thoughtful preparation immediately puts you at ease, especially if you’re new to kayaking or snorkeling.

Gearing Up for Adventure

Once your group has assembled, the guides—many of whom speak several languages—hand out wetsuits, life jackets, and snorkel masks. Their safety briefing is thorough but approachable; they walk you through the essentials, sharing local facts and wildlife insights. This step is crucial, especially if you’re a beginner or bringing kids, because the guides like Santiago and Didi take pride in creating a fun yet safe environment.

Paddle Along the Stunning Coastline

The core of the tour kicks off with a short walk to Playa Los Cristianos, where the water awaits. You’ll paddle along cliffs that are definitely photo-worthy—think rugged rock formations and sweeping ocean views. The guides are excellent at pointing out notable sights and making the journey engaging. Reviewers emphasize how Didi’s humor and detailed explanations made the experience both enjoyable and educational.

Visiting Lovers Cave and Scenic Stops

One of the highlights is the visit to Cueva de los Enamorados (Lovers Cave), a scenic stop along the coast. It’s a quick pass-by with photo opportunities, where the natural beauty is striking. During the paddle, there’s also a “secret stop” designed for swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife watching. Some guests, like Janice, mention how seeing turtles and dolphins in their natural environment was “a moment you’ll never forget.” Although wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, most guests leave with photos of dolphins, turtles, or schools of colorful fish.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

The snorkeling segment is brief but rewarding. The lively underwater scenes include schools of fish, rays, and, if lucky, some turtles. The guides are attentive, often taking photos for you, so you can relax and enjoy the moment without worrying about capturing it all on your own. Reviewers like Sarah and Judith highlight how friendly guides like Max and Didi made sure everyone, even those who aren’t expert swimmers, felt comfortable and included.

The Return and Post-Activity Refreshments

After about 30 minutes of snorkeling and paddling, you’ll head back to the starting point. The return journey is a gentle paddle with plenty of time for selfies and soaking up the views. Once ashore, more drinks and snacks await, perfect for a celebratory toast or simply rehydrating after the exertion. The emphasis on eco-consciousness, like bringing your own reusable water bottle, is a small but meaningful touch that reflects the tour’s dedication to environmental responsibility.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Guides Who Make a Difference

From Santiago’s patience to Didi’s humor and Max’s sharp eye for wildlife, the guides are consistently praised for their professionalism and friendliness. Their ability to communicate well in multiple languages ensures a smooth experience for international visitors. Several reviews mention how guides like Didi went above and beyond, even taking photos or helping those feeling seasick.

Scenery and Wildlife in Balance

While the scenic cliffs and the cave are beautiful, the real draw is the chance to see dolphins and turtles in their natural environment. Many reviewers, including Estelle and Nina, mention how dolphin sightings were a particular highlight—sometimes even very close to the kayaks. The unpredictability of wildlife is part of the charm, but guides work hard to maximize your chances.

Value for Your Money

At just $35, with all gear included and snacks, this tour represents great value. It’s a half-day of active fun that combines exercise, nature, and scenic beauty. Given the positive reviews, many guests feel they received more than their money’s worth, especially with the added bonus of professional photos and the possibility to return for free if animals weren’t spotted initially.

Family and Beginner Friendly

With a minimum age of 7 and a focus on safety, this trip works well for families and beginners. Reviewers note that even those with no experience can manage paddling, thanks to clear instructions and supportive guides. However, a basic level of fitness helps, especially if waves are stronger on the day.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting at Mana Kayak, the tour begins with a quick walk to Playa Los Cristianos, where the water is warm and inviting. The guides, like Santiago and Didi, conduct a safety briefing, ensuring everyone is comfortable with kayaking and snorkeling. The small group size, often praised for personal attention, makes it easier to ask questions and get help if needed.

The paddle along the coast provides stunning views of Los Cristianos cliffs, rugged and dramatic, perfect for photos. The highlight here is the visit to Cueva de los Enamorados, which offers a scenic vantage point and photo opportunities. This part of the trip is about appreciating the landscape and the peacefulness of the ocean.

The secret stop is where the real magic happens—swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife watching. Guests often comment on seeing dolphins swimming nearby or spotting turtles, which truly elevates the experience. The guides sometimes take the initiative, like Daniel and Max, to get closer to the animals or take photos, making the moment even more special.

Returning to the beach, you’ll paddle back along the coastline, with more chances to enjoy the scenery or relax on your kayak. The tour concludes with a small refreshment session, where you can reflect on your adventure and share stories with fellow travelers.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: 3 hours, making it an ideal half-day activity.
• Price: $35 per person, including equipment, snacks, and a guide.
• What to Bring: Towels, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, beachwear, and a reusable water bottle (water is provided).
• Not Allowed: Pets, alcohol, glass objects, and any substances that might impair safety.
• Good to Know: Physical condition is important; those with certain health issues should consult their doctor before joining. The experience is weather-dependent, so it might be canceled or rescheduled in rough conditions.
• Language Support: Guides speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Dutch, but specific language availability should be confirmed in advance.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This kayaking and snorkeling adventure is ideal for adventurous families, beginners eager to learn, or anyone interested in wildlife spotting without venturing onto a boat tour**. It suits those who enjoy outdoor activities and aren’t afraid of a little physical effort, as paddling along the coast involves some exertion. If you’re after a relaxed day with scenic views, wildlife encounters, and a dash of active fun, this trip hits the mark.

However, it’s not suitable for pregnant travelers, people with back or heart issues, or those over 220 lbs. Children under 7 are also advised to skip this one, as it requires some physical coordination and stamina.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides walk you through the basics, and most guests find paddling manageable—even without prior experience. Plus, support from the guides helps boost confidence.

What wildlife might we see?
Most reports mention dolphins, turtles, and schools of fish. While sightings aren’t guaranteed—nature is unpredictable—the guides do their best to maximize your chances.

Do I need any special equipment or clothing?
All necessary gear is provided, including wetsuits, masks, and life jackets. You’ll want to wear beachwear, bring a towel, and apply biodegradable sunscreen. A reusable water bottle is encouraged.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It requires a fair bit of paddling, so some basic fitness helps. Reviewers with average fitness levels managed fine, but it’s worth considering if you have health issues.

Can I bring my own snacks or drinks?
Snacks and water are provided, but you’re also encouraged to bring your own reusable bottle, aligning with eco-friendly practices.

What if the weather is bad?
The activity depends on weather conditions. If conditions aren’t suitable, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, with full refunds available if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

The Tenerife Kayak Sea Safari offers a well-rounded, lively experience that combines outdoor activity with wildlife encounters and scenic beauty. It’s particularly suited for those who love being on the water and appreciate knowledgeable guides—many of whom are praised for their friendliness, patience, and good humor.

For a modest price, you get a slice of the ocean’s wonders, with the chance to see dolphins and turtles in their natural habitat—an experience that’s hard to beat. The inclusion of snacks, photos, and eco-conscious practices makes it feel thoughtfully curated and value-packed.

If you’re after a flexible, engaging, and genuinely memorable adventure in Tenerife, this trip ticks most boxes. It’s perfect for active families, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a different perspective of the island’s stunning coastline.

In summary, this tour balances fun, education, and natural beauty. It’s a great way to connect with Tenerife’s marine life, enjoy spectacular views, and create lasting memories—all while staying within a reasonable budget. Just remember to bring your energy, a sense of adventure, and a reusable bottle to keep things eco-friendly.