Tenerife: Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Turtles and Dolphins

Exploring Tenerife’s rugged coastline by kayak paired with snorkeling in its clear waters sounds like a dream—yet this is exactly what Shaka Surf Tenerife offers with their popular Kayak & Snorkel Tour. We’ve reviewed plenty of outdoor activities around the Canary Islands, but this one combines adventure, wildlife spotting, and stunning scenery all in just three hours, making it a standout for active travelers.

What makes this experience truly appealing? First, the chance to paddle along coastlines dotted with volcanic cliffs and caves is enough to get any nature lover excited. Second, the opportunity to see dolphins and turtles in their natural environment is a highlight that many reviewers swear by. And third, the professional guidance, along with free photos and videos, means you get memories to treasure long after the trip ends.

A potential consideration? The activity requires a fair bit of physical effort—paddling for over two hours in sometimes choppy waters isn’t for everyone. If you’re not confident in your fitness or have back problems, it’s worth taking that into account.

This tour suits those who love outdoor adventures, are comfortable in the water, and enjoy wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or trying it for the first time, the mix of scenic views and marine fauna makes it a memorable outing.

Key Points

• Authentic wildlife sightings including dolphins, turtles, and a variety of fish.
• Expert guides enhance safety and share knowledge about the local environment.
• Beautiful coastal scenery with volcanic cliffs, caves, and sea caves.
• Free photos and videos capture your adventure for lasting memories.
• Physically demanding activity suitable for active travelers who can paddle for several hours.
• All necessary equipment including wetsuits, paddles, snorkel gear, and life jackets provided.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why You’ll Love This Tenerife Kayak & Snorkel Tour

What sets this tour apart from other water-based activities in Tenerife is the combination of scenic exploration and animal encounters. As you paddle from Los Cristianos, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Tenerife’s dramatic coastline. The journey along the coast reveals iconic volcanic formations and hidden caves that you might otherwise never see.

The tour’s design allows ample time for snorkeling, which is especially rewarding around the caves. Reviewers like Claudia praised the bilingual guides—such as Caroline—who made everyone feel safe and well-informed, enhancing the overall experience. The opportunity to snorkel in areas frequented by turtles and observe various fish species is a real crowd-pleaser.

The guides, such as Davide and Gabriel, are consistently praised for their friendliness and expertise. They are quite attentive, often waiting for slower paddlers or helping those less confident in the water. A standout point from reviews is that many guests felt safe and well looked after, even when the waves picked up or conditions were less than ideal.

What to Expect on the Tour

Starting Point & Preparation

Your adventure begins at the Shaka Surf shop on Los Cristianos seafront. Here, you’ll check in, secure your belongings in lockers, and get briefed on safety and paddling techniques—no prior experience necessary, but some physical fitness helps. The team provides all equipment: wetsuits (3mm for warmth), paddles, snorkel masks, and life jackets.

The Coastal Paddle

The actual kayaking kicks off from Los Cristianos beach, heading out into the Atlantic. Expect an initial safety briefing, followed by a relaxed paddle along the coast, where you’ll see popular spots like Playa de Los Cristianos. The guides, like Caroline, often share interesting facts about the coastline’s volcanic history, adding educational value to the journey.

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Exploring Sea Caves and Cliffs

One of the tour’s main attractions is entering volcanic caves—small, hidden sea caves carved into the cliffs. These spots offer fantastic photo opportunities and a sense of adventure. Reviewers mention how impressive these formations are, especially when lit by the sun filtering through openings.

Snorkeling in Turtle Hotspots

After some kayaking, you’ll stop to snorkel in designated turtle zones. The snorkeling gear is top quality, allowing you to see the seabed and marine life in comfort. Many visitors, like Georgie, highlight the abundance of fish and the possibility of spotting turtles, with her noting, “we saw a big family of dolphins and some turtles while kayaking.” Though sightings depend on the season and luck, the chance of seeing dolphins is between 80% and 90%, according to guides.

Wildlife Encounters

Once back in the water, the search for dolphins begins. Boats often spot pods swimming nearby, with reviewers like Charley mentioning how their guide was attentive and even helped spot dolphins and turtles. The experience is dynamic, with many guests describing moments of awe when marine animals surface close to their kayaks.

Return & Refreshments

The tour wraps up back at the Shaka Surf shop, where you can enjoy free water and a small snack like a cereal bar or bananas. Showers are available for freshening up before heading back to your accommodation.

The Real Value of This Experience

While the tour isn’t the cheapest activity in Tenerife, the combination of wildlife encounters, scenic views, and professional guidance makes it a good value. Photos and videos are included, which many guests find priceless. The activity’s physical nature adds to its appeal for those looking for an active day out, rather than a passive boat ride.

The reviews consistently praise the guides’ enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to create a safe environment. Gabri, in particular, is mentioned for his patience and attentiveness—going the extra mile to help guests feel comfortable and included. Guests also appreciate how well-organized the whole process is, from booking to returning with memories captured on camera.

In-Depth: The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Shaka Surf Los Cristianos

Your journey begins in a friendly, well-equipped surf shop that offers lockers and changing facilities. This setup is convenient and ensures your belongings are secure before heading out into the ocean.

Safety Briefing & Equipment Distribution

The 20-minute safety briefing is thorough without being tedious, emphasizing safe paddling and snorkeling practices. The equipment provided, especially the wetsuits and snorkel gear, are of good quality, allowing you to focus on enjoying rather than fretting over discomfort.

Kayaking along the Southern Coast

Paddling from Los Cristianos, you’ll cruise past iconic beaches and cliffs. Reviewers mention the impressive volcanic cliffs and the thrill of entering sea caves, often considered the highlight of the trip. The tour is designed to appeal to a broad range of fitness levels, but some reviewers note that paddling for over an hour requires a bit of stamina.

Entering Sea Caves & Spotting Marine Life

The caves are enchanting, with some guests describing the sensation of entering a hidden world. Snorkeling here reveals a lively seabed with colorful fish, and turtles are often seen nearby, adding a magical element to the experience.

Wildlife Watching & Dolphin Search

The boat or kayak group continuously searches for dolphins and turtles. The chance of dolphin sightings is high, and many guests are lucky enough to see pods swimming close to the kayaks. As Georgie puts it, “we saw a big family of dolphins and some turtles,” which is a bucket-list moment for many.

Return & Post-Activity Relaxation

Back on land, the hospitality continues with refreshments and showers, completing a well-rounded adventure. Reviewers appreciated the generous portion of free photos and videos, making it easy to relive the trip or share it with friends.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: 3 hours, with flexible start times based on availability.
• What to Bring: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and a change of clothes. Pack light but don’t forget these essentials.
• Physical Fitness: The activity is physically demanding—paddling over 6 km in sometimes choppy waters—and is best suited for those comfortable in water and active.
• Children & Special Needs: Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or over 220 lbs. The tour is geared towards active participants comfortable in the water.
• Weather & Conditions: Bad weather or sea conditions can lead to cancellations, with full refunds offered if that occurs.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Sign Up?

This kayak and snorkel tour is perfect for adventurous souls who want more than a typical beach day. If you’re eager to combine physical activity with wildlife encounters, this experience will deliver plenty of memorable moments. Nature lovers will enjoy the chance to see dolphins and turtles in their natural habitat, while those interested in geological features will appreciate the volcanic coast and caves.

It’s a worthwhile option for travelers who value professional guides and quality equipment. While it’s not suited for everyone—those with limited mobility or high levels of discomfort in the water might find it challenging—most active travelers will find this a satisfying and fulfilling outing.

If you are craving an authentic, active way to experience Tenerife’s natural beauty, this tour offers a well-organized, engaging, and memorable adventure that combines scenery, wildlife, and the thrill of paddling in the open sea.

FAQ

Is prior kayaking experience required?
No, the tour offers a brief training session and is suitable for beginners, although some physical fitness is recommended for comfort.

What should I wear?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and a change of clothes. All necessary paddling and snorkeling gear is provided.

How likely am I to see dolphins or turtles?
Dolphin sightings are about 80% to 90% likely, depending on the season. Turtles are also frequently spotted, especially in the snorkeling zones.

Can I go alone?
Yes, solo participants are welcome. They will be paired with the guide or another single paddler for safety and companionship.

What if the weather is bad?
In case of bad weather or rough sea conditions, the activity may be canceled, and you will receive a full refund.

Are there age or health restrictions?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or individuals over 220 lbs. The activity requires a good level of mobility and fitness.

Final Words

If you’re looking for a fun, active way to explore Tenerife’s coastline and encounter its marine wildlife, this Kayak & Snorkel Tour is hard to beat. The combination of scenic views, playful dolphins, and graceful turtles makes it an experience worth packing your wetsuit for. Expect professional guides, well-maintained gear, and plenty of photo-worthy moments along the way. It’s a bit of a workout, but the rewards—a glimpse into Tenerife’s vibrant underwater world—are well worth it. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, this adventure promises memorable stories and stunning landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: