Tenerife: Snorkeling Trip in a Turtle Habitat

Planning a trip to Tenerife and looking for a way to combine adventure, wildlife encounters, and stunning scenery? This snorkeling trip in Tenerife’s turtle habitat offers just that. With a balance of fun, safety, and expert guidance, it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a memorable marine experience.

We’re especially fond of the speedboat ride along Tenerife’s coast—it’s a great way to start the journey with adrenaline and unbeatable views. The chance to swim with sea turtles in their natural environment really makes this tour stand out. However, potential guests should note that sea turtle sightings are not guaranteed, which is a common reality with wild animals. This tour suits families, beginners, and anyone curious about Tenerife’s marine life who appreciates a well-organized, friendly atmosphere.

Key Points

• Authentic Marine Encounters: Swim alongside gentle sea turtles and see other wildlife like rays and colorful fish.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable instructors ensure safety, provide insights, and support first-timers.
• Family-Friendly & Accessible: Suitable for beginners and children over 15, with safety gear and clear instructions.
• Great Value: At around $53 for 2.5 hours, it offers active fun, scenic views, and wildlife spotting—often with chances to see dolphins and whales.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a comfortable environment.
• Potential for Wildlife Sightings: Though not guaranteed, many have seen dolphins, flying fish, and even whales on their trips.

Introduction: What’s This Snorkeling Tour All About?

This snorkeling adventure in Tenerife promises a mixture of scenic speedboat rides, shallow waters teeming with marine life, and the chance to observe sea turtles in their habitat. The tour is described as family-friendly, making it accessible even for those new to snorkeling. The focus is on natural encounters rather than artificial attractions, which means your experience is rooted in the wildlife that inhabits Tenerife’s waters.

One thing we really like about this trip is the expert guidance and support offered throughout. Many reviewers highlight how the staff, especially guides like Andrea and Maxi, go the extra mile to reassure nervous participants and make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. The small group size (limited to 10) allows for more personal attention, which is especially helpful for beginners or families with children.

The only real consideration is that sea turtle sightings are not guaranteed—this is nature, after all. But with many travelers reporting dolphins, flying fish, and colorful fish, the experience still feels worthwhile. This tour is perfect for those who want an authentic marine adventure without diving experience, especially if they love wildlife or simply want breathtaking ocean views.

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting Point and Safety Briefing

Your journey kicks off at the PADI 5* Travel Sub Dive Center in Tenerife, where you’ll receive a detailed safety briefing. The staff are multilingual, making it easy for international visitors to ask questions and get clear instructions. The briefing, which lasts about 30 minutes, covers what to do in the water, how to use your equipment, and safety precautions.

Speedboat Ride Along Tenerife’s Coast

The most exhilarating part? The 15-minute speedboat ride to the snorkeling site. Many reviews mention how much fun this part is, with the boat zipping along the coast and offering fantastic views of Tenerife’s rugged coastline. Some travelers even caught glimpses of dolphins or flying fish during this ride, adding to the excitement.

Snorkeling in the Turtle Habitat

Once on site, you’ll have around 50 minutes to snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. The Turtle Area is a sanctuary, and while sightings of turtles aren’t 100% guaranteed, many have reported close encounters with these gentle creatures. Guides like Andrea are praised for their patience and expert advice, helping those new to snorkeling get comfortable. They also point out marine residents like rays, vibrant fish, and occasionally, dolphins that might be nearby.

Return and Reflection

After your underwater adventure, another short speedboat ride takes you back to the base. Many reviews mention how helpful and friendly the staff are, with some even offering to take photos or videos during the snorkel—an added value for capturing memories.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the Price

• Boat transfer to the snorkeling site
• Multilingual instructor guidance
• 50-minute guided snorkeling session
• Quality snorkeling equipment (wetsuits, fins, masks, tubes)
• Life jackets upon request
• Full insurance
• Water to stay hydrated

What to Bring

• Swimwear and towel
• Sunscreen (important for protection)
• Optional: swimming costumes (if preferred over wetsuits)
• Prescription goggles (not provided)

Not Included

• Towels and personal swimming costumes (though wetsuits are provided)
• Photos and videos can be purchased afterward—many travelers highly recommend this for capturing their marine moments.

The Experience in Detail

The Start at the Dive Center

Arriving at the Travel Sub Dive Centre feels welcoming, with staff eager to assist and set the tone for a safe adventure. The safety briefing is thorough but straightforward, easing nerves and clarifying what to expect. Many reviews emphasize the professionalism of guides like Max, Julia, and Andrea, who are described as helpful, patient, and passionate.

Speedboat Excursion: Views and Vibes

The boat ride is often a highlight. The speedboat slices through the water with a splash, giving you panoramic views of Tenerife’s coast. The adrenaline rush is balanced with the calming beauty of the ocean. Some travelers mention seeing dolphins or flying fish during the ride, making it more than just transportation—it’s part of the adventure.

Snorkeling Time: Marine Encounters

Your main activity is in a marine protected area, which means the marine life is thriving. Many guests report seeing an array of colorful fish, rays, and occasionally, sea turtles. For those who worry about navigating in open water, the guides provide easy-to-follow instructions and keep close by to ensure safety.

One reviewer, Charlotte, shared, “Staff was really supportive, loads of little fishys and we got to see dolphins as well!” Others mention how guides like Andrea make the experience reassuring and easy, especially for nervous swimmers.

Photos and Memories

Many guests find the photo service a worthwhile add-on, capturing the underwater moments that are hard to replicate later. Though it costs extra, the quality and immediacy of the photos tend to impress. Several reviewers mention how the staff eagerly takes pictures, often sharing them on the same day.

The Wildlife You Might Encounter

While sea turtles are the star, many travelers report seeing dolphins, flying fish, stingrays, and a variety of vibrant reef fish. Several reviews mention dolphins swimming close to the boat or sightings of whales, though these are not guaranteed. The tour’s knowledgeable guides are always on the lookout and happy to point out any wildlife spotted during the boat ride or snorkeling.

The Reality of Wildlife Encounters

It’s important to remember that wild animals are unpredictable. Many reviews confirm that sea turtles are not always visible, but the experience remains rewarding because of the beautiful underwater environment and the chance to see other marine creatures.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This snorkeling trip is ideal for families, beginners, and maritime enthusiasts. It’s perfect if you want to try snorkeling in a controlled, supportive environment with friendly guides. Children over 15 are welcome, making it a good family activity, especially if everyone is comfortable swimming or willing to learn.

Those seeking a scenic boat ride combined with wildlife viewing will find this trip offers both. It’s also a good choice for travelers who want a value-for-money experience that includes equipment, insurance, and expert guidance, all packed into a compact 2.5-hour window.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re after a fun, safe, and authentic marine experience in Tenerife, this snorkeling trip ticks many boxes. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the multilingual guides do their best to make everyone feel at ease, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned snorkeler.

The scenic speedboat ride and the chance to see sea turtles and dolphins make it a memorable outing, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends. The price point of around $53 offers good value, considering the included equipment, insurance, and guide support.

It’s worth noting that wildlife sightings depend on nature, so patience and a bit of luck are part of the experience. Many previous guests have left with fantastic photos, stories of dolphins, and a new appreciation for Tenerife’s marine life.

In short, this tour is best suited for those who want a relaxed, guided introduction to snorkeling with the chance to encounter some of the ocean’s most beloved creatures, all while enjoying the stunning coastlines of Tenerife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see sea turtles on this tour?
While many guests have the opportunity to see sea turtles, sightings are not guaranteed because they’re wild animals. The guides do their best to spot them, but nature is unpredictable.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s designed to be family-friendly and beginner-friendly. The guides provide easy-to-understand instructions and safety guidance, making it accessible for first-timers.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Wetsuits are provided, but if you prefer, you can bring your own swimming costumes. Prescription snorkeling goggles are not included.

How long is the snorkeling session?
You’ll have approximately 50 minutes to snorkel in the designated marine area, which many find ample to see marine life and enjoy the experience.

What is the group size?
The experience is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed environment.

Can children participate?
Children over 15 can join, but younger kids should be accompanied by a paying adult. It’s also important that children are comfortable swimming or willing to try.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with the provider beforehand to ensure your specific needs are accommodated.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear?
No, all necessary equipment including wetsuits, fins, masks, and tubes are provided. Optional prescription goggles are not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If the weather makes snorkeling unsafe, the trip may be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons.

The Sum Up

This Tenerife snorkeling tour offers a fantastic balance of scenic boat rides, wildlife encounters, and beginner-friendly snorkeling. Many reviewers praise the guides’ expertise and patience, which makes even the most nervous feel comfortable. The opportunity to see dolphins, flying fish, and occasionally sea turtles adds a magical touch, even if sightings are not always guaranteed.

For travelers seeking a value-packed, authentic marine experience with small-group intimacy, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s especially well-suited for families, first-time snorkelers, or anyone wanting to combine fun with the beauty of Tenerife’s coastline.

If you’re ready to explore the vibrant underwater world, this tour provides a safe, engaging, and memorable way to do it. Just remember to pack your sunscreen, bring your sense of adventure, and keep your fingers crossed for a turtle or two!