Tenerife: Kayak Safari and Sea Turtle Snorkeling

This review dives into the wonderfully immersive experience of Tenerife’s Kayak Safari and Sea Turtle Snorkeling tour, offered by ADVENTOURE KAYAK. While we haven’t personally paddled through these waters, numerous travelers rave about the vibrant marine life, stunning scenery, and the personable guides that make this activity a standout in the Canary Islands.

What makes this tour so appealing? First, the chance to see sea turtles and dolphins in their natural environment is genuinely unforgettable. Second, the spectacular coastal scenery and sea caves give your adventure a visual payoff that’s hard to match. Lastly, the emphasis on sustainable wildlife viewing means you’re supporting respectful nature encounters.

That said, the tour does require a modicum of physical activity — so if you’re not comfortable with kayaking or prone to seasickness, it’s worth considering. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, want a close-up look at marine life, and don’t mind getting a little active on their holiday.

Good To Know

• Wildlife encounters: Spot turtles, dolphins, and even sharks in their natural habitat.
• Stunning scenery: Kayak along cliffs, sea caves, and pristine coastlines.
• All-inclusive value: Gear, guide, insurance, and even a group photo are covered for $35.
• Experience level: Suitable for most, with helpful guides ensuring safety and comfort.
• Authentic adventure: Visit spots only accessible by sea, with a focus on eco-friendly viewing.
• Flexible options: Choose between shared or private tours, with various meeting points.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Authentic Marine Adventure in Tenerife

This tour promises more than just paddling around — it’s an actual chance to observe marine creatures close up in their natural surroundings. The experience is based out of Los Cristianos, a colorful fishing village in southern Tenerife, which offers a charming starting point for a day of exploration.

The three-hour duration makes it manageable for most, yet packed with enough activity and sightseeing to leave a lasting memory. The tour’s emphasis on sustainable wildlife viewing means you’ll be watching animals like turtles and dolphins with minimal disturbance, a point that many reviewers appreciate. Guides like José, Fernando, and Irina are often praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness, which significantly enhances the experience.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off either from Av. Juan Alfonso Batista, 10 or Playa de Los Cristianos. After a quick safety briefing and preparation, you’ll set off with your guide on a RTM kayak, equipped with a waterproof box, life jacket, and snorkeling gear.

The first stop usually involves paddling toward the cliffs of Guaza, a protected nature reserve where the scenery is captivating and biodiversity is high. Here, you’ll get a chance to see marine life, relax, and snap photos of the dramatic coastline.

Next, the journey features a visit to a sea cave, an exciting highlight. Many reviews mention how the cave teems with marine life, making it a perfect spot for underwater exploration if you choose to snorkel. The cave’s unique formation adds an element of adventure and discovery.

Following this, you’ll take a break at a scenic viewpoint for photos, swimming, and snorkeling — often the highlight for many. With the help of your guide, you’ll slip into the clear waters to spot turtles and tropical fish, or simply enjoy floating above the vibrant underwater world.

The “secret stop” is another favorite among travelers. It involves dolphin watching, kayaking, and marine wildlife spotting. The chance to see dolphins jumping near kayaks, as one reviewer described, definitely elevates the experience.

Finally, the tour heads toward Montaña de Guaza, where snorkeling and dolphin watching continue. The scenic views along the way are spectacular, and the calm waters make for comfortable paddling and snorkeling.

The return to Los Cristianos is usually accompanied by stories of sightings, and many travelers say they felt like true explorers in this marine paradise.

What You Can Expect at Each Stop

• Cliffs of Guaza: Breathtaking views, an abundance of bird and marine life, and photo opportunities.
• Sea cave: A natural marvel, teeming with underwater life; an excellent snorkeling spot only accessible by sea.
• Scenic viewpoint: For taking photos and relaxing, often with a chance to cool off in the water.
• Secret stop: Dolphins frequently appear, often swimming close enough to kayak for spectacular photos.
• Montaña de Guaza: A mix of scenic beauty and marine viewing, with the possibility of seeing more turtles or dolphins.

What Travelers Are Saying

Based on over 2,800 reviews, this tour maintains an impressive 4.5-star rating, with many praising the knowledgeable guides like Irina, Jose, and Gera for their patience and enthusiasm.

One reviewer, Stephen from the UK, mentioned how Jose’s expertise made the trip memorable, citing sightings of dolphins, turtles, and even a shark. Others appreciated the helpfulness of guides like Fernando and Irina for making nervous first-timers comfortable, especially during kayaking.

Many mention the value for money — at only $35, it delivers a full experience packed with wildlife, scenic views, and snorkeling. The inclusive gear, insurance, and a group photo add to the sense of a well-organized activity.

A recurring theme is how close encounters with dolphins and turtles feel surreal. Several reviewers noted dolphins leaping near kayaks, and one called it a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. Snorkeling is often described as beautiful and vibrant, with clear waters and abundant fish.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Guide Experience

Guides like Joseph, Irina, and Gera receive high marks for their knowledge, friendliness, and safety-conscious approach. Many mention how guides check in frequently, making the experience feel personalized and secure. Some reviewers, especially those less experienced, appreciated the helpfulness and patience shown by the guides, which made this adventure accessible even for beginners.

The Scenic and Wildlife Highlights

The sea caves and cliffs are often described as stunning, with some reviewers mentioning how the views alone are worth the trip. Seeing marine animals in their natural habitat is the highlight for most, with some lucky enough to spot sea turtles, dolphins, and even sharks.

Water conditions vary; some days the water is calmer, making paddling easier, while rougher days might require a bit more effort. Several reviews acknowledge that seasickness can be an issue for sensitive travelers, so bringing motion sickness tablets might be wise.

Practical Details and Value

The price point of $35 is quite reasonable considering what’s included: professional guide service, snorkeling equipment, waterproof box, life jackets, and photos. For the kind of wildlife encounters and scenic beauty, this is a solid deal.

The duration of 3 to 3.5 hours allows enough time to explore without it feeling rushed. You’ll be in a group, but the small-group vibe or private option caters to different preferences. The tour starts early morning or in the late afternoon, depending on availability, and arriving 15 minutes early is essential to ensure timely departure.

Transport is straightforward — you should plan to arrive in advance for free parking or use nearby paid parking options. The activity is suitable for most, but not recommended for pregnant women, non-swimmers, those with mobility issues, or people prone to seasickness.

What to Bring

• Sunscreen and hat to protect from the sun
• Swimsuit to wear during water stops
• Water and snacks for energy (although food isn’t included)
• Towel and sandals for after snorkeling
• Sunglasses for eye protection

Plastic bags aren’t allowed, so leave any unnecessary plastic at home.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re craving a close-up wildlife experience, enjoy active outdoor adventures, and want to explore Tenerife’s coast from the water, this tour offers excellent value. It’s ideal for families, solo travelers, or couples who aren’t afraid of a bit of paddling, and are eager to spot sea turtles and dolphins in their natural environment.

While it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility constraints, most other fitness levels can comfortably enjoy the trip. The guides’ professionalism and the chance to witness marine animals in the wild make this a memorable highlight of any Tenerife itinerary.

In short, this kayaking safari combines adventure, wildlife, and scenic beauty into one accessible package — perfect for those who want a genuine, fun, and eco-friendly ocean experience.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, guides like Fernando and Irina are attentive and helpful, making it accessible even for first-timers. Basic safety instructions are provided at the start.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts around 3 to 3.5 hours, including safety briefings, paddling, snorkeling, and stops.

What wildlife might I see?
Most likely, you’ll see sea turtles, dolphins, and possibly sharks. Turtles and dolphins are common sightings according to reviews.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection (sunscreen, hat), swimwear, water, snacks, towel, and sandals. Arrive in your swimsuit and arrive 15 minutes early.

Are photos included?
A group photo at the start is included. Additional photos and videos are not included but can be purchased or saved via waterproof gear.

What if the weather cancels the tour?
Your booking is flexible — cancellations due to bad weather are fully refunded if notified in time.

Overall, this tour offers an engaging blend of wildlife encounters, scenic views, and active fun, all at an accessible price. It’s perfect for those eager to combine adventure with ecological awareness while enjoying Tenerife’s stunning coastal environment.

You can check if your dates are available here: