Tenerife: Kayak & Snorkeling Tour – Small Groups

Tenerife: Kayak & Snorkeling Tour – Small Groups Review

If you’re looking to explore Tenerife’s coast in a way that marries adventure with serenity, then the Kayak & Snorkeling Tour in Los Cristianos might be just what you need. This trip offers a mix of paddling along volcanic cliffs, spotting marine creatures like dolphins and turtles, and taking a refreshing dip in the Atlantic’s pristine waters—all within a friendly, small-group setting.

What we really love about this experience is how personalized and intimate it feels. With a maximum of just 4 kayaks per tour, you’re not packed into a crowd, which means more space to enjoy the scenery and a better chance of spotting wildlife. Plus, the guides—like Justas—are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, making the trip not only fun but also informative.

One thing to consider is that this tour is designed for those who are comfortable in the water and physically able to paddle for about an hour at a stretch. If you’re not a confident swimmer or have back issues, this might not be the best fit. However, for most active travelers looking for a balanced mix of land and sea, this tour hits the sweet spot.

It’s especially suited for curious travelers eager to see marine life up close, those who enjoy a relaxed, guided experience, or anyone wanting a memorable outdoor activity that’s both scenic and adventurous.

Key Points

• Small Group Size: Limited to 7 participants, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides like Justas make the trip enjoyable and informative.
• Wildlife Viewing: Potential sightings of dolphins, green turtles, and tropical fish add excitement.
• All Equipment Provided: Paddles, life jackets, snorkel masks, and tubes are included, so no hidden costs.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.
• Photo Service: Professional photos of your adventure are taken, allowing you to focus on the fun.

The Experience in Detail

Starting at the SeaThru-Kayaks Tenerife center in Los Cristianos, the tour kicks off with a simple check-in process. Here, you can change into appropriate gear—think swimwear or comfortable clothing—and leave your valuables safely in their office, which is a thoughtful touch. The access to toilet facilities is helpful after changing and before heading out.

Once everyone is geared up, there’s about a 5-minute walk down to the beach, where the real fun begins. The guides, well-versed in safety and local marine info, give a quick briefing to make sure everyone feels confident and knows what to expect. The safety instructions are clear, and the guides are happy to answer questions, putting novices at ease.

Paddling along the volcanic cliffs of Montana Guaza provides an exhilarating mix of scenery and wildlife. The cliffs are dramatic, with jagged edges that make the coastline feel untouched and wild. As you paddle, there’s a good chance of seeing marine life, such as dolphins and green turtles, especially near the fish farms. Reviewers like Hanna shared how close they got to dolphins and turtles, describing it as a “really good chance to see the ocean world.”

The highlight is the snorkeling stop, where all the gear is provided, and guides give a quick tutorial. The clear Atlantic waters reveal an underwater world full of vibrant tropical fish—parrot fish, trumpet fish, schools of barracudas, and more. The underwater volcanic rock formations create a fascinating backdrop for your swim. Keiran mentioned that their guide, Juju, made the experience extra enjoyable, adding a personal touch that elevates the trip.

After some time in the water, it’s back onto the kayaks to paddle toward a nearby beach. The slow, relaxed paddling allows for plenty of opportunities to soak in the scenery and maybe spot some more marine life or seabirds. The tour wraps up back at Los Cristianos beach, passing by fresh water showers on the way—perfect for rinsing off the salt and sand.

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

The full itinerary is well-structured to maximize your time on the water and in the ocean. The tour lasts around 3 hours, with starting times that you should check in advance.

Stop 1: Meet at SeaThru-Kayaks Tenerife, your starting point near Los Cristianos.
Stop 2: A short safety briefing—an essential part that ensures everyone feels comfortable.
Stop 3: About 30 minutes of kayaking along the coast, taking in volcanic cliffs and the ocean breeze.
Stop 4: Marine life viewing, where sightings of dolphins and turtles are common.
Stop 5: 30 minutes of snorkeling, exploring the underwater volcanic world teeming with colorful fish.
Stop 6: Another kayaking session back toward the beach, finishing up the exploration.
Stop 7: Return to the starting point, passing by refreshing showers to rinse off.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour price covers all necessary equipment—paddles, life jackets, snorkel masks, and tubes—as well as the guide and the actual activity. This makes it a very transparent experience value-wise, especially given the small group size and the wildlife opportunities.

However, travelers need to bring their own water, sun protection like biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear. Sunglasses, sun hats, flip-flops, and a water bottle are also recommended for comfort and safety. The guides emphasize avoiding alcohol and drugs, which is wise when engaging in water activities.

The Real Value of This Tour

When you consider the cost, the inclusion of all equipment, the chance to see dolphins and turtles from close quarters, and the professional guidance, this tour offers excellent value. It’s not just about paddling around; it’s about creating memorable moments with nature and learning about the local marine ecosystem. The added bonus of photography allows you to cherish these moments without worrying about capturing them yourself.

The reviews highlight how guides like Juju and Justas contribute significantly to the experience. Hanna mentions how Juju made everything enjoyable, while Aude appreciated Justas’s patience and friendly attitude. Their knowledge and enthusiasm really boost the trip’s overall quality.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy moderate physical activity and are comfortable in the water. It’s suitable for beginners, thanks to the safety briefing and the straightforward kayaking, but you should be reasonably fit. People prone to seasickness or with back problems might want to reconsider, as paddling and the boat’s motion could be uncomfortable.

It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a small, intimate adventure. Nature lovers eager to see marine animals like dolphins and turtles will find this particularly rewarding. If you’re after a relaxed, guided experience with plenty of opportunities to learn and observe, this tour ticks all those boxes.

To sum it up, the Tenerife Kayak & Snorkeling Tour offers a beautifully balanced mix of active exploration, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty—all within a friendly, small-group environment. The guides’ enthusiasm, the chance to see dolphins and turtles, and the crystal-clear waters make it a standout activity for those wanting to connect with the ocean.

While it’s not suitable for everyone—particularly those with certain health conditions or low swimming ability—it’s an excellent choice for active travelers looking for an authentic, memorable Tenerife experience. The included photography service, the knowledgeable guides, and the stunning coastline make this tour a highly worthwhile option that offers more than just a day on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The activity runs for approximately 3 hours, with specific starting times you should check in advance.

Do I need previous kayaking or snorkeling experience?
No, the tour is suitable for beginners, and guides provide safety instructions and equipment tutorials to ensure everyone feels confident.

What should I bring?
Bring water, sun protection (biodegradable sunscreen, sun hat), sunglasses, flip-flops, and beachwear.

Are photos included?
Yes, the guides will take photos during your adventure, so you can focus on enjoying the moment.

Is the tour suitable for children or older adults?
The activity is best suited for those who are reasonably fit and comfortable in the water. It’s not recommended for people over 95 years or with low fitness levels.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or choose to reserve now and pay later.

What marine animals might I see?
Dolphins, green turtles, and various tropical fish are common sightings, especially near the fish farms.

Is gear provided?
All necessary equipment—paddles, life jackets, snorkel masks and tubes—is included in the price.

What if I’m not a confident swimmer?
While the tour is suitable for most, non-swimmers should assess their comfort level, as the activity involves paddling and snorkeling in open water.

In the end, this Tenerife kayak and snorkeling experience is a wonderful way to discover the island’s marine and volcanic beauty in a friendly, small-group setting. Whether you’re snorkeling to admire the underwater world or paddling along cliffs with a chance of dolphin sightings, it offers a balanced, engaging day that’s hard to beat.