Tenerife: Snorkel with Turtles

Snorkelling with sea turtles in Tenerife is one of those bucket-list moments many travelers dream about. This tour, offered by Ocean Friends Buceo and Freediving, promises a mix of exhilarating marine encounters and scenic boat rides through the protected Malpais de Rasca area. While we haven’t done it ourselves, a detailed look at the reviews, itinerary, and features suggests it offers genuine value — especially for those eager to see turtles, fish, and rays in their natural habitat.

What we really like about this experience is how personalized and well-organized it seems. Small groups, expert guides, and the inclusion of photos make it a thoughtful choice for travelers wanting a memorable yet comfortable adventure. On the flip side, potential visitors should be aware that seeing turtles isn’t guaranteed, as they’re wild animals with their own schedules. This tour is best suited for curious snorkelers, travelers seeking marine wildlife encounters, and those who appreciate a guided, small-group setting.

Key Points

• Small Group Size: Ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Expert Guidance: Free-diving instructor provides thorough instructions to boost confidence, especially for beginners.
• Marine Wildlife: Chance to see turtles, rays, and various fish in their natural environment, though sightings can’t be guaranteed.
• Beautiful Scenery: The boat ride through Malpais de Rasca offers stunning views of Tenerife’s coastline.
• Photos Included: Free pictures help you preserve the memories without additional cost.
• Value for Money: At $78, the experience offers a blend of adventure, education, and scenery that many find worth the price.

A Closer Look at the Tenerife Snorkelling Tour

Overview and What Makes It Special

This 2-hour tour provides a solid introduction to Tenerife’s underwater life, with a focus on swimming with sea turtles. Starting from Marina del Sur in Las Galletas Harbour, the journey begins with a scenic boat ride through the Natural Protected Area of Malpais de Rasca. This stretch of coastline is known for its dramatic volcanic landscape and calm waters, making it an ideal setting for snorkelling.

One of the standout features of this tour is the emphasis on respectful wildlife interaction. Small groups and guided supervision ensure that the turtles and other marine creatures are not disturbed, which is increasingly important for eco-conscious travelers.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Starting Point: The adventure kicks off at the Marina del Sur, where you’ll meet your guides and get fitted with snorkeling gear. The local provider sends out communication a day before to confirm sizes, which adds a layer of preparation and reassurance.
• Boat Ride (25 minutes): You’ll hop aboard a speedy boat, enjoying a scenic ride through the protected waters. The boat ride itself is a highlight, offering sweeping views of Tenerife’s coastline and volcanic terrain.
• Snorkelling Session (1 hour): Once at the designated spot, the real magic begins. You’ll be guided by an experienced instructor who explains safety procedures and snorkelling tips. This is especially valuable for beginners or those less confident in the water.
• Wildlife Encounters: The primary goal is to see sea turtles, but many also spot rays, barracudas, and various fish species. Not everyone gets to see turtles, but reviews indicate that many participants do, with some even seeing stingrays and other marine animals.
• Return Journey: After an hour in the water, you’ll board the boat again for the 25-minute ride back to the starting point, ending at the same marina.

What You’ll Experience and Why It Matters

Swim with Sea Turtles and Marine Life
The chance to interact with turtles in their natural habitat is the highlight. As Esther mentioned, she was lucky enough to see two turtles, along with a stingray and fish — experiences that can be difficult to find elsewhere. But the guides emphasize that seeing turtles is not guaranteed, which keeps expectations realistic.

Scenic Boat Ride
The boat ride through the protected area is more than just transportation; it’s a scenic journey that offers a glimpse of Tenerife’s volcanic coastline from a different perspective. The landscape’s rugged beauty from the water adds a layer of awe to the experience.

Guidance and Safety
Having a knowledgeable instructor guiding the snorkelers makes a big difference. Reviewers appreciated the clear instructions and the friendly approach of guides like Angeles and Elio. This is especially valuable for those new to snorkelling or nervous in the water. Elio, in particular, was praised for making everyone feel welcomed and safe.

Photos and Memories
Included in the price are free photos and videos, which many reviewers found to be a nice bonus. These allow you to relive the moment without worrying about bringing your own waterproof camera or phone.

The Practicalities: What to Know Before You Book

Duration and Timing

The activity lasts about 2 hours, with multiple starting times available — you’ll need to check for current availability. It’s a compact tour, making it suitable for those with limited time but still wanting a quality experience.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Small groups are the norm, often around five participants plus guides. This creates a friendly, personalized vibe that many travelers appreciate. According to reviews, the guides like Angeles and Elio are attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience.

Cost and Value

At $78 per person, this tour offers a good balance of price and experience. It includes the boat trip, snorkeling gear, insurance, and photos. For marine wildlife enthusiasts, this is a fair deal—especially considering the professional guidance and scenic boat ride.

Age and Skill Requirements

This activity isn’t suitable for children under 8 years old or non-swimmers. Basic swimming ability is necessary, but prior snorkelling experience isn’t mandatory. Many reviews mention that guides made beginners feel comfortable, which is reassuring if you’re new to the water.

What to Bring

Just your swimwear and a towel — the rest of the gear is provided. Arriving 20 minutes early ensures you’re ready to go and that the group can start on time.

Important Considerations

While the chance of seeing turtles is high, it’s not guaranteed. Weather conditions, water visibility, and the animals’ natural behavior influence sightings. The guides will do their best to find marine life, but patience is key.

Authentic Experiences and Real Feedback

From real reviews, what stands out is the knowledgeable guidance and the stunning scenery. Sonja highlighted how the communication and organization made the trip smooth, and even as a beginner, she felt safe thanks to the guides. Jeanett appreciated the small group size, which fostered a welcoming environment and increased chances of wildlife sightings.

While some didn’t see turtles, they still found the experience “fantastic” and worth doing. This honesty makes it clear that this tour offers more than just the potential to see turtles — it’s a well-run, scenic adventure that educates and entertains.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re a marine life lover or someone eager to swim with turtles, this tour offers a chance to tick that box. The small group size and expert guidance make it particularly appealing for first-timers or those wanting a more intimate experience. The scenic boat ride and included photos add excellent value, making it a memorable keepsake.

The tour’s price is reasonable considering the quality of the experience, and the flexible booking policy allows for peace of mind. Remember, seeing turtles isn’t guaranteed, but the chances are good, and the journey alone — with its scenic views and marine encounters — makes it worthwhile.

Keep in mind that it’s not suitable for very young children or non-swimmers, so consider your comfort level in the water. If you want a relaxed, friendly, and wildlife-focused snorkelling experience in Tenerife, this tour hits many sweet spots.

FAQ

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
No, prior experience isn’t necessary, but guides will give you instructions to help you feel safe and comfortable.

What should I bring?
Just swimwear and a towel. The tour provides wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins.

Is it possible to see turtles?
There’s a high probability, but sightings aren’t guaranteed since turtles are in their natural environment and may choose not to surface during your visit.

How long does the snorkelling last?
The actual snorkelling time is about one hour, with the entire activity lasting around two hours including boat rides and preparation.

What is the group size?
Small groups, typically around five people, which enhances personalization and comfort.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for children under 8 or non-swimmers. Basic swimming ability is required.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour eco-friendly?
The activity emphasizes respectful behavior towards wildlife and their habitat, helping preserve the natural environment.

How does the booking process work?
You can reserve now and pay later, with confirmation sent a day before the tour to finalize details and equipment sizes.

To sum it up, this Tenerife snorkelling tour presents a fantastic opportunity to see marine wildlife in a scenic setting, guided by friendly, knowledgeable experts. It’s a great pick for travelers who value authentic, small-group experiences with the bonus of free photos. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the organization, scenery, and overall atmosphere make it well worth considering for your Tenerife itinerary.