Tenerife: Snorkeling to look for Turtles and Rays

If you’re dreaming of a marine adventure in Tenerife, this snorkeling tour offers a chance to see turtles, rays, and dolphins in their natural habitat. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the experience promises a fun, family-friendly way to explore the vibrant underwater world.

One aspect we really appreciate is how the tour includes all necessary equipment—from wetsuits to snorkels—which means you can focus on enjoying yourself without worrying about gear. However, some travelers note that the sea can be quite cold, especially without layering up properly, so packing a long wetsuit is a smart move.

This experience is best suited for those who are comfortable in the water, eager to see local marine life, and want a relaxed, guided outing. It’s ideal for families with children over 8, couples, or solo travelers looking to add some underwater magic to their Tenerife visit.

Key Points

• All equipment provided, including wetsuits, making it easy to just enjoy the snorkeling.
• Marine sightings are not guaranteed but chances include turtles, rays, and dolphins.
• Fast boat transfer from Los Cristianos adds an exciting start to the tour.
• Guides are knowledgeable, enhancing the experience with interesting facts.
• Family-friendly and suitable for a wide age range, from 8 to 80.
• Duration of 2.5 hours makes it a manageable activity even on busy travel days.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

The tour begins at the Aqua-Marina Dive Center in Playa de las Americas, where you’ll check in and get fitted with your snorkel gear, including a long wetsuit to help combat the cool Atlantic waters. During registration, the guides offer instruction, which is especially helpful if you’re new to snorkeling or want a quick refresher.

From there, a short transfer takes you to Los Cristianos harbor, where the real adventure kicks off. The boat ride itself is a highlight—a fast, exhilarating trip that gets you to the snorkeling spot near Palm Mar quickly and comfortably. Many reviewers mention the crew’s friendly attitude and how smooth the ride is, making for a relaxed start.

Once at the bay, you’ll spend around 45 minutes in the water. Here’s where the magic of the underwater world unfolds. Expect to see turtles gliding gracefully, rays cruising near the seabed, and a variety of fish schooling around. While sightings of dolphins or specific species can’t be guaranteed, some travelers have been lucky enough to spot them, and guides often share interesting facts about the marine life seen.

The guides, such as the staff at Aqua-Marina, are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. They’re happy to give instruction or tips, which is helpful for those unsure about snorkeling or trying it for the first time. After your time in the water, you’ll return to the boat, then head back to the harbor and the dive center—satisfied, refreshed, and hopefully with some memorable sightings.

The Equipment and Comfort: What You’re Getting

One of the major benefits of this tour is the inclusion of all necessary snorkeling gear—mask, snorkel, fins, and a long wetsuit. Several reviews emphasize that the wetsuits are essential since the Atlantic waters in Tenerife can be chilly, especially outside the summer months.

A reviewer from Else in the Netherlands mentioned, “All equipment is provided, including a wetsuit, which is great because the sea is quite cold.” This points out how important it is to be prepared, especially if you’re sensitive to cooler waters.

The instruction provided can be tailored to your comfort level, whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a complete beginner. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, often answering questions about marine species and snorkeling techniques.

The Marine Life: What You Might See

While the experience is largely dependent on luck, the chance to observe turtles and rays makes this tour particularly appealing. Reviewers report seeing a turtle, although not everyone gets close enough to swim alongside it. One traveler noted, “We did see a turtle, but it was in open water, so we couldn’t swim with it.”

Dolphins are also a possibility, though sightings are not guaranteed. The waters around Tenerife are home to local schooling fish, and some lucky guests have spotted dolphins during their trip, adding a special touch to the outing.

The guides often share insights about the marine environment, which enriches the experience even if the animals don’t make an appearance every time. Many reviewers appreciated the knowledge of the guides—they know where to look and what to tell you about the species encountered.

Duration, Logistics, and Practical Points

The total duration of 2.5 hours makes this a very manageable activity, especially if you’re tight on time but still want a memorable marine experience. The tour includes a fast boat transfer, which means less waiting and more snorkeling time.

The meeting point is conveniently located at the Aqua-Marina Dive Center on Paseo Verode in Playa de las Americas. No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so you’ll need to arrive independently.

Participants are advised to bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. It’s also good to note that touching marine life is forbidden, helping to protect the environment. The tour is suitable for ages 8 to 80, making it accessible for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a light adventure.

The tour operates in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Italian, ensuring that most travelers can enjoy the commentary and instructions.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At around $53 per person, this snorkeling trip offers good value, especially considering the included gear, instruction, and boat transfer. The personal touch from guides and the chance to see marine animals in the wild add to the experience’s worth.

While wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, the chance to see turtles, rays, and dolphins makes the price more justifiable than many purely scenic boat rides. Plus, the family-friendly nature and small group feel mean you’re not just a number but part of a shared adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This snorkeling tour is perfect for families with kids over 8, couples seeking a gentle aquatic adventure, or solo travelers looking to explore Tenerife’s underwater life. If you’re comfortable in the water and enjoy seeing marine animals, you’ll likely find this experience fulfilling.

Those sensitive to cold should consider the importance of the wetsuit, especially outside the warmer months. It’s also a good option if you want a guided, educational experience with knowledgeable staff who can enhance your understanding of local marine species.

Final Thoughts

This Tenerife snorkeling adventure offers a relaxed, guided way to see some of the island’s most captivating marine life. The inclusion of all gear and professional guides makes it accessible and easy to enjoy, even if you’re new to snorkeling.

While sightings of turtles and dolphins are not guaranteed, the chance to observe rays, schooling fish, and perhaps a turtle or two makes it worthwhile. The boat ride adds an element of excitement, and the small group setting ensures personalized attention.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, value-packed marine experience that combines ease, education, and the thrill of the ocean, this tour is worth considering during your Tenerife visit.

FAQ

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?
Not necessarily. You should be comfortable in the water, but the guides provide instructions and the wetsuits help keep you warm and buoyant.

Are the equipment and wetsuits suitable for everyone?
Yes, all gear, including long wetsuits, are provided, which is especially helpful because the sea can be quite cold.

Can I see dolphins on this tour?
Dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed. Some travelers have reported seeing them, but it depends on the day and conditions.

What is the best time of year to go snorkeling in Tenerife?
While the tour runs year-round, the sea is warmer in summer. In cooler months, the wetsuits become more important for comfort.

How long do I spend in the water?
You’ll have about 45 minutes snorkeling in the designated bay, which is enough to explore and enjoy the marine environment.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, children should be at least 8 years old to participate.

Is transportation included?
No, the tour starts at the dive center, and you’ll need to make your way there independently.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera if you want to capture the underwater sights.

What if I get seasick?
Seasickness can happen; if you’re prone, consider taking precautions before the trip. The boat ride is relatively short but can be bumpy depending on conditions.

What if I don’t see any marine animals?
While sightings are popular, they are not guaranteed. The guides do their best to find marine life, but nature can be unpredictable. Enjoy the experience regardless!

This snorkeling tour in Tenerife offers a balanced mix of adventure, education, and relaxation, making it a solid choice for those wanting a taste of the island’s underwater beauty without overcommitting or needing prior experience.