Tenerife: Snorkeling Trip in a Turtle Habitat

If you’re dreaming of a day bobbing in crystal-clear waters with sea turtles and a host of marine creatures, this snorkeling tour in Tenerife might just be your perfect match. While I haven’t personally been on this exact trip, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a well-organized, friendly, and truly memorable experience.

What sets this tour apart? Firstly, the expert guides, like Andrea and Maxi, who are praised for their patience and passion for marine life. Then there’s the stunning speedboat ride along Tenerife’s coast, offering spectacular views before plunging into the underwater world. Lastly, family-friendly safety and equipment make this accessible even for beginners or those nervous about snorkeling.

One thing to keep in mind is the chance of not spotting a turtle—nature is unpredictable after all. But with a knowledgeable crew and the chance to see dolphins, rays, and an array of colorful fish, it’s clear this trip offers a high-value experience for anyone eager to explore Tenerife’s marine side.

This adventure suits families, first-timers, and anyone wanting to combine scenic boat rides with easy, guided snorkeling. If you’re after a fun, safe, and reasonably priced way to experience the ocean’s treasures, this tour could be just the ticket.

Good To Know

• Family-friendly and beginner-focused with easy-to-follow safety instructions.
• Includes a scenic speedboat ride along Tenerife’s coast for stunning views.
• Diverse marine life: turtles, rays, dolphins, and vibrant fish are common sightings.
• Small group size (limited to 10 participants) for a more personalized experience.
• Excellent guides who are attentive, patient, and knowledgeable.
• Good value for money at around $53 per person, considering the equipment, guidance, and boat ride included.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tenerife Snorkeling Experience

The Starting Point and Overall Duration

The tour begins at the PADI 5* Travel Sub Dive Center, located conveniently in front of pier 5 at Puerto Colon. From there, you’re treated to a safety briefing that lasts about 30 minutes, during which guides will explain what to expect, how to use the equipment, and safety protocols. This is especially reassuring for beginners or those new to snorkeling. The entire experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, so it’s a manageable half-day activity that fits well into most Tenerife itineraries.

The Speedboat Ride: Coastline Views and Excitement

After the briefing, you’ll hop onto a speedboat for around 15 minutes of exhilarating fun — it’s a lively start to your adventure. As the boat whips along Tenerife’s south coast, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the coastline, which is perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking in the scenery. Multiple reviews mention how enjoyable this part of the trip is, with some even noting dolphin sightings during the ride, adding an extra layer of excitement.

Reaching the Turtle Habitat: What Makes It Special?

The main highlight of this tour is the snorkeling in the Turtle Area, a protected marine zone renowned for its population of sea turtles. The area’s reputation for vibrant marine life makes it one of the top snorkeling spots in the Canary Islands. Guides like Andrea and Maxi are praised for their professionalism and friendliness—they help make even the most nervous snorkelers comfortable. One reviewer noted how Andrea was “super professional and considering,” which speaks to the quality of instruction and reassurance provided.

While turtle sightings are not guaranteed, many reviews mention the hope and likelihood of seeing them, with some lucky guests swimming alongside these gentle creatures. Even if no turtles are present on your day, the calm waters teem with colorful fish, rays, and occasionally dolphins, making the water equally captivating.

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The Snorkeling Itself: What You Can Expect

Once in the water, you’ll have about 50 minutes of guided snorkeling. The guides will point out key species—think vibrant fish, graceful rays, and perhaps even an octopus or two. Many reviewers highlight how well the guides support beginners; one reviewer, Vicki, appreciated how the instructor “helped me so much when I struggled at first,” which can make all the difference.

The equipment provided includes wetsuits (short or long, between 2-5 mm), fins, masks, and snorkels. Note that prescription masks are not available, so you’ll need contacts or to remove your glasses beforehand. Towels are not included, so bringing your own is advisable, along with sunscreen and a towel for after.

Return Boat Ride and Final Moments

After your underwater adventure, you’ll hop back onto the boat for around 15 minutes to return to the base. Many reviews mention how the boat ride itself adds to the fun, with some guests enjoying dolphin sightings or the chance to relax and chat about the underwater sights. The trip concludes back at the Dive Center, where you can buy photos or videos taken by the guides—many guests find these to be fantastic keepsakes, with some paying €30 for the full package.

What’s Included and What to Consider

Included in the price ($53 per person) are the boat ride, safety briefing, multilingual guides, snorkeling equipment, life jackets (on request), full insurance, and water. This makes it a great value considering the professional guidance and safety measures in place.

What’s not included are towels, swimming costumes (though wetsuits are provided), and prescription goggles. You’ll need to bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and remember that touching marine life or animals is prohibited—this is about respecting nature.

Group Size and Accessibility

The tour is designed for small groups, limited to 10 participants, which helps ensure personalized attention. It is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult, making it family-friendly.

Timing and Cancellation Policy

Tours are available at various times, with live guides speaking English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Dutch. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding flexibility if plans change.

Authentic Experiences from Reviewers

Multiple reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides—notably, Andrea, Maxi, Julia, and Naty. They’re praised for making nervous swimmers feel safe and supported, with some guests mentioning how their guides took photos and videos, providing lasting memories.

Seeing dolphins during the boat ride is a common highlight, and some guests mention how even if turtles aren’t spotted, the water teeming with fish and rays makes the experience worthwhile. For example, one reviewer from Ireland said, “Our kids had an absolute blast at this activity” and appreciated how the guides kept the mood light and fun.

Several guests emphasize the safety and patience of the staff, especially for first-timers or nervous swimmers. One reviewer noted, “The team was very professional and helpful, especially with kids and patients,” which speaks to the inclusive atmosphere.

Notable Tips from Reviewers

• Bring a towel and sunscreen to enjoy after the water.
• Contact lenses or no glasses are necessary, as prescription masks are unavailable.
• Booking photos is optional but recommended, especially for capturing those special underwater moments.
• Be prepared for the possibility that sea conditions could affect turtle sightings—it’s part of nature’s unpredictability.
• Children under 15 need to be supervised by an adult, making this perfect for family outings.

The Sum Up

This snorkeling trip in Tenerife offers a well-rounded experience blending scenic boat rides, guided underwater exploration, and the chance to see some of the region’s iconic marine life. The guides’ expertise, safety measures, and small group sizes make it suitable for novices, families, and anyone wanting a relaxed yet exciting aquatic adventure.

While turtle sightings depend on luck, the vibrant underwater world—fish, rays, dolphins—more than compensates. The tour’s price point makes it an excellent value, especially considering the equipment, guidance, and the memorable marine encounters it promises.

If you’re eager for a safe, friendly, and visually stunning introduction to Tenerife’s ocean, this snorkeling trip ticks all the boxes. It’s particularly perfect if you want a straightforward, enjoyable activity that offers plenty of opportunities for photos, fun, and learning.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed to be family-friendly and beginner-focused, with easy instructions and safety guidance provided by experienced guides.

What marine animals might I see?
While turtle sightings are possible but not guaranteed, you can expect to see a variety of fish, rays, and possibly dolphins or whales during the boat ride.

How long do I get to snorkel?
You’ll have approximately 50 minutes in the water, guided by experts who will point out notable marine life.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and contact lenses if needed, as prescription masks are not provided. Towels are not included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

What if I don’t want to snorkel but want to enjoy the ocean views?
You’re welcome to join the boat ride and enjoy the scenery; snorkeling is not compulsory, and the guides will ensure you have a great experience regardless.

This Tenerife snorkeling trip offers a compelling mix of adventure, wildlife encounters, and scenic fun—perfect for adding a splash of excitement to your holiday.

You can check if your dates are available here: