Tenerife: Snorkeling Tour in a Marine Protected Area

If you’ve ever wanted to see Tenerife’s underwater world up close without needing prior experience or specialized equipment, this snorkeling tour might just be the adventure for you. It’s a two-hour journey that promises calm waters, vivid marine life, and plenty of opportunities to spot green sea turtles and colorful fish—all in a safe, family-friendly setting. The tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides, high-quality gear, and responsible wildlife interaction.

One of the standout features is the inclusive approach—you don’t need to be a seasoned swimmer to enjoy it, thanks to the full wetsuits and calm conditions. However, it’s worth noting that the tour is weather-dependent, so rough seas or high winds might cause cancellations or rescheduling. This experience is ideal for families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone looking for a relaxed, nature-focused activity that offers incredible photo opportunities and memorable wildlife sightings.

What we love is the combination of expert guidance and high-quality equipment, which makes the experience accessible and comfortable. The inclusion of free photos and videos is a real bonus, allowing you to relive the marine magic long after you’ve left the water.

A possible consideration is that sightings of turtles cannot be guaranteed, as they are in their natural habitat and might be out of reach during your trip. The diverse ecosystem offers plenty of other marine life to enjoy, making it worthwhile even without the turtles.

If you’re after a relaxing, educational, and visually stunning underwater experience, this tour is a solid choice. It’s particularly well-suited for families, beginners, and those seeking a responsible way to connect with Tenerife’s natural beauty.

Key Points

• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with extra assistance for children and non-swimmers.
• High-quality equipment: Wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, and boots designed for comfort and warmth.
• Expert guides: Multilingual, attentive instructors who prioritize safety and marine conservation.
• Photos & videos: Free professional underwater photos and videos capture your underwater moments.
• Biodiversity: Expect to see colorful fish, rocky reefs, secluded coves, and possibly green sea turtles.
• Weather-dependent: Activities may be affected by wind or sea conditions, so check weather forecasts.

Experience Breakdown

Meeting Point & Start

The adventure begins on the beach in Abades, a generally calm and sheltered bay on Tenerife’s southeast coast. You’ll find the guides at Magilu, easily recognizable in their Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirts. The meeting is straightforward, and the staff is known for their friendly, multilingual approach, speaking English, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, and German.

The Equipment

Upon arrival, you’ll be fitted with full wetsuits in your size, along with masks, snorkels, fins, and boots. Reviewers repeatedly mention the “high-quality gear” that makes all the difference. The wetsuits are designed to keep you warm in waters ranging from 19° to 23°C (March to September), which is perfect for extended snorkeling without freezing or overheating.

The Tour Itself

You’ll spend approximately 50 minutes in the water, exploring rocky reefs, vibrant sea grass beds, and hidden coves. The calm, sheltered bay ensures gentle conditions, ideal for beginners and children. Expect to see a variety of tropical and sub-tropical fish, and some lucky snorkelers have reported encounters with octopuses, seahorses, and juvenile stingrays.

The guides are experienced and attentive, constantly monitoring safety and offering assistance. This helps even nervous swimmers feel comfortable. As one reviewer noted, the guides “helped me overcome my fear,” and another praised how they “stay with you the whole time,” making sure everyone feels secure.

Wildlife Encounters

While sightings of green sea turtles are common, they’re not guaranteed. Many reviews mention seeing turtles, often swimming close enough to be within reach. Guides carefully follow protocols to avoid stressing the animals, maintaining respectful distances, and ensuring minimal disturbance. Other marine life, such as fish, starfish, and even angel sharks, make this a lively underwater safari.

The Photos & Videos

A real highlight is the free digital photos and videos taken by a professional underwater photographer. Reviewers are delighted with the quality and number of images, many noting that they capture moments they might have missed while focusing on swimming. These shots make fantastic souvenirs and help preserve the magic of the day.

End of Tour & Return

After the snorkel, you’ll return to the meeting point, where shower facilities are available if you want to rinse off. The entire activity lasts about 2 hours, with flexibility for additional assistance for small children, seniors, or those who are less confident swimmers.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

The price point of around $40 per person covers almost everything—gear, professional guidance, photos, videos, and insurance. Considering the quality of the equipment and the caring attention from guides, it’s a budget-friendly way to experience Tenerife’s underwater world. For families or groups, the inclusive approach and small group size (limited to 8 participants) ensure personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Professional guidance: guides Raffaella and Ron are frequently singled out for their warmth, competence, and respect for marine life.
• High-quality gear: comfort and warmth translate into longer, more enjoyable snorkeling sessions.
• Wildlife respect: strict guidelines protect the animals, making this a responsible activity.
• Authentic natural experience: the sheltered bay and rocky reefs provide genuine encounters, not artificial or crowded tourist spots.

Possible Limitations

Weather can influence the experience, with wind and waves potentially causing cancellations or reduced visibility. Since sightings of turtles aren’t guaranteed, some travelers might be disappointed if they don’t see one, but many agree that the marine environment itself is still breathtaking.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This snorkeling trip works well for families with children, beginners, and anyone wanting a laid-back nature experience. You don’t need prior experience, and the full wetsuits make it accessible to most. It’s also an excellent activity for travelers who want professional photos to remember their trip, all at an affordable price.

Those with medical conditions or mobility issues should note that the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 140 kg. Also, people with motion sickness might want to consider medication, as some waves may be present depending on weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a good swimmer?
No, the activity is designed to be beginner-friendly, and the wetsuits help with buoyancy. Extra assistance is available for non-swimmers and children.

Are the guides multilingual?
Yes, guides speak Spanish, English, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, and German, ensuring clear communication for diverse groups.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers gear (mask, snorkel, fins, boots, wetsuit), a guided 50-minute snorkeling tour, free photos and videos, insurance, and water.

Can I bring my own camera?
If you have previous snorkeling experience, you’re allowed to bring your own camera for photos. The guides also take professional shots with a GoPro.

What should I bring?
Just wear your swimwear, and bring sun protection and a towel if you like. You might also want to bring your own camera if experienced.

Is there any food or drink included?
No, food is not included, but water is provided.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours may be canceled or rescheduled due to poor weather, high winds, or rough seas. The provider will contact you a day prior to confirm.

How long is the activity?
From start to finish, it lasts about 2 hours with the actual snorkeling lasting 50 minutes.

Are there age restrictions?
While suitable for all ages, children should be supervised by an adult at all times. The activity isn’t recommended for those over 140 kg or under 30 kg.

Where do I meet the guides?
At Magilu beach in Abades. Look for staff wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt.

Final Thoughts

For anyone seeking a relaxed, well-organized introduction to Tenerife’s underwater world, this snorkeling tour ticks many boxes. The combination of expert guides, high-quality equipment, and the chance to see turtles and vibrant marine life makes it both engaging and meaningful. It’s a fantastic option for families, solo travelers, or groups eager for an authentic nature encounter without the fuss.

You’ll leave with beautiful photos, new underwater memories, and a deeper appreciation for the island’s marine environment—all at a reasonable price. The focus on responsible wildlife viewing and safety ensures that everyone has a good experience, regardless of their swimming ability or prior experience.

If you’re in Tenerife and want to explore its aquatic side without diving deep into complex courses or pricey excursions, this tour offers a perfect blend of fun, education, and conservation.

Summary

This snorkeling experience in Tenerife offers a safe, friendly, and visually stunning taste of the ocean’s wonders. It’s especially suited for families, beginners, and those who want a responsible, professional-guided activity. With great gear, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to spot turtles and colorful fish, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Tenerife itinerary—just prepare for weather variability and lower chances of guaranteed turtle sightings, but remember, the marine life alone makes it worth the trip.