Tenerife: Snorkeling Trip in a Turtle Habitat

Planning a trip to Tenerife and want to explore its underwater treasures without diving into complex equipment or strenuous activity? This snorkeling tour in the turtle habitat offers a fantastic blend of scenic boat rides, marine wildlife encounters, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned snorkeler, you’ll find plenty to love here.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guides make a serious difference—they’re passionate, knowledgeable, and attentive. Second, the stunning coastal views on the speedboat ride are a real highlight, perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery. Third, the chance to see sea turtles, dolphins, rays, and a vibrant array of fish adds a memorable touch. The only thing to consider? While sightings of turtles and dolphins are common, they’re wild animals, so seeing them isn’t guaranteed.

This tour is ideal for families, beginners, and anyone looking for a relaxed but adventurous day out on the water. If you’re after a safe, engaging, and reasonably priced experience, it’s hard to beat.

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Key Points

Family-friendly experience suitable for all ages, with easy instructions and safety guidance.
Expert multilingual instructors provide support and insights throughout the trip.
Boat ride along Tenerife’s coast offers breathtaking views and an adrenaline boost.
Marine wildlife encounters include sea turtles, rays, colorful fish, and possibly dolphins.
Water, wetsuits, and snorkeling gear included, making it convenient and straightforward.
Price of $48 for a memorable half-day adventure offers great value considering the boat ride, guides, and equipment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Tenerife’s Underwater World

This snorkeling trip is expertly designed to showcase the best of Tenerife’s marine environment, all while keeping the experience accessible for everyone. Starting with a speedboat ride along the coast, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Tenerife’s shoreline, with chances to snap photos of the rugged cliffs and vibrant harbors. The boat itself is a lively way to get your adrenaline going, with reviews mentioning how fun and energetic the ride can be—some even report sightings of flying fish during the trip.

Once you arrive at the Turtle Area, the real magic begins. This site is a sanctuary for sea turtles, and the guided snorkeling session lasts approximately 50 minutes. The guides, such as Andrea and Julia, are praised for their patience and detailed instructions, especially helpful if you’re nervous or new to snorkeling. As one review notes, “they do the job for the passion and it shows,” emphasizing how dedicated the team is to making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable.

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Snorkeling in the Turtle Habitat

The main highlight: swimming alongside gentle sea turtles in their natural environment. The reviews consistently mention the excitement of getting up close with these creatures—some travelers have been lucky enough to see five turtles during their trip. Even if turtles don’t appear every time, the experience of being in their habitat among rays and schools of fish is often described as awe-inspiring.

For those who prefer not to snorkel, the tour still offers fantastic ocean views and marine wildlife spotting from the boat, making it enjoyable for non-swimmers or family members who just want to relax and take in the scenery. A few reviews mention how guides are attentive to children and nervous participants, creating a relaxed atmosphere without pressure.

The Marine Life and Other Sightings

Besides turtles, expect to see dolphins, rays, and a rainbow of tropical fish. Several reviewers shared stories of dolphins swimming nearby or even dolphins popping up during the boat ride—something that adds a sprinkle of extra magic. Others were thrilled to spot flying fish or observe a ray gliding gracefully past.

While sightings are not guaranteed—since these are wild animals—many travelers feel they had a “lot of luck” and appreciated the guides’ efforts to maximize viewing opportunities. The guides are known for their helpful tips on where and when to look for these creatures, which can significantly increase your chances of a wildlife encounter.

The Experience Details

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Itinerary and What to Expect

Your day begins at the Travel Sub Dive Centre, located conveniently in front of pier 5 at Puerto Colon. The staff are welcoming, and you’ll be given a briefing on safety and what to expect during the tour. The group size is kept small—typically up to 10 people—ensuring personalized attention.

After gear fitting and a quick safety refresher, you’ll board the speedboat and set sail along Tenerife’s coast. The boat ride itself lasts around 15-20 minutes, during which you can enjoy the sea breeze, take photos, and scan the water for signs of marine life.

Upon reaching the snorkeling site, you’ll receive a briefing on how to use the equipment, best practices for marine conservation (no touching animals!), and what species you might see. The snorkeling session lasts around 50 minutes, during which guides like Andrea or Max stay close, offering tips and support.

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Equipment and Safety

All snorkeling equipment—wetsuits (short or long, 2-5 mm), fins, masks, and snorkels—is included. Life jackets are available upon request, and wetsuits are provided, making it easier to stay warm in Tenerife’s sometimes chilly waters. Reviewers mention the high quality of gear and the helpfulness of staff in fitting everyone comfortably.

Safety is a top priority. Guides are multilingual and well-trained, constantly monitoring participants’ comfort levels. For example, one reviewer noted how Naty was “super patient” and made her feel at ease, even when she was initially nervous. This supportive approach is vital, especially for children or first-timers.

Duration and Price

The total tour lasts about 2-3 hours, providing enough time for the boat ride, snorkeling, and some leisure on deck. At $48 per person, the experience offers excellent value considering the boat ride, professional guides, equipment, full insurance, and small group sizes.

Authentic Encounters from Travelers

Reviewers consistently highlight the expertise and friendly attitude of the guides. One mentions, “our guide Maxi was great, took loads of pictures and videos, and gave great snorkeling tips,” emphasizing how guides go above and beyond.

Many travelers mention the quality of the marine wildlife sightings, even if turtles are not always seen. “We saw dolphins and flying fish,” says one reviewer, while another notes, “even though we didn’t see any turtles, it was really nice.” Several rave about how well-organized and safe the experience felt, especially for kids or nervous swimmers.

The small group size is often praised as it ensures personalized attention, making everyone feel included and supported. The staff’s patience and passion shine through, as many reviews mention guides like Julia or Andrea as being particularly helpful.

Practical Tips from Reviews

Bring swimwear, towel, and sunscreen—gear and water are provided, but you’ll want your essentials for after the activity.
Children under 15 need to be accompanied by a paying adult, but even young kids have fun, with one reviewer mentioning how her 8-year-old took to snorkeling faster than expected.
No guarantee of turtle sightings, but even a close encounter with dolphins or rays makes the trip worthwhile.
Photos and videos are available for purchase afterward, allowing you to relive the experience.

The Value and Who It’s Best For

This snorkeling trip offers a fantastic balance of adventure and relaxation, especially considering the price point of $48. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines scenic boat rides, marine wildlife, and supportive guides—all in a compact half-day outing. The inclusion of equipment, insurance, and multilingual guides makes it accessible and stress-free.

For families, the calm waters and patient instructors are reassuring. Beginners will appreciate the easy-to-follow instructions and the supportive environment. Travelers seeking a nature-focused experience with opportunities to see sea turtles and dolphins up close will find this trip rewarding. Meanwhile, those interested in photography can take advantage of guides’ tips and available photos.

However, if you’re set on seeing turtles specifically, remember they’re wild animals, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Still, the overall experience of exploring Tenerife’s marine environment—regardless of specific sightings—is valuable and unforgettable.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?

Boat ride, snorkeling gear (wetsuits, fins, masks, snorkels), safety briefing, multilingual guides, insurance, and water.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, children under 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult, and many reviews mention how helpful guides are with kids, making it a family-friendly option.

Can I snorkel if I don’t know how?

Absolutely. The guides provide easy-to-follow instructions, and the tour is designed to be beginner-friendly, with supportive staff to help you feel comfortable.

What marine animals might I see?

Turtles, rays, colorful fish, dolphins, flying fish, and possibly whales, though sightings depend on nature and cannot be guaranteed.

Are wetsuits provided?

Yes, wetsuits (short or long, 2-5mm) are included, along with fins, masks, and tubes.

Do I need to bring anything?

Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera if you want photos (additional costs may apply).

What is the meeting point?

At the Travel Sub Dive Centre in front of pier 5, Puerto Colon, in the building ESCUELA NAUTICA.

How long does the trip last?

Approximately 2 to 3 hours, including boat ride, snorkeling, and relaxing time ashore.

What should I do if I want to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there an option to pay later?

Yes, reservations are flexible; you can book now and pay later, securing your spot without immediate payment.

Wrapping It Up

This Tenerife snorkeling tour stands out for its friendly guides, stunning coastal scenery, and the chance to observe marine wildlife in their natural environment. Whether you’re traveling with family, a group of friends, or solo, it offers a relaxed yet exciting way to connect with Tenerife’s ocean life.

The value for money is impressive, with gear, insurance, and support all included. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience, and the guides’ enthusiasm makes all the difference. While sightings of turtles and dolphins are not guaranteed, most travelers leave with incredible stories and photos of their aquatic encounters.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, easy, and affordable marine adventure that combines scenic boat rides with the thrill of snorkeling among sea turtles and other marine creatures, this trip is definitely worth considering.