Los Cristianos: Kayak and Snorkel with Turtles and Photos

Black volcanic cliffs, sea caves, turtles, dolphins, and a few hours on the Atlantic: this Los Cristianos kayak tour packs a lot into three hours. You paddle from the beach, stop to snorkel near the caves, then head back along the coast looking for wildlife.

I like the free photos and videos, since guides such as Gabriel, Caroline, and Liam take pictures during the outing. I also like the practical setup: lockers, changing rooms, showers, wetsuits, snacks, and water are all included. The catch is simple: this is a real workout, not a gentle float, and rough water can cancel the snorkeling or make paddling hard.

Key points to know before booking

• Black volcanic coast: Paddle from Los Cristianos toward dark cliffs, coastal caves, and clear Atlantic water.
• Wildlife search: Turtles and dolphins are often seen, but neither is guaranteed. Fish, stingrays, crabs, and other sea life may also appear.
• About 6 to 7 kilometers: You will paddle for much of the three-hour outing, so basic fitness and stamina matter.
• Double kayaks only: Each kayak holds two adults, or two adults and one child. Solo participants may share with a guide or another single participant.
• All equipment included: You receive a kayak, paddle, life jacket, 3-millimeter wetsuit, snorkel gear, and a water bag.
• Useful extras: Shaka Surf has lockers, changing rooms, showers, water, cookies, bananas, or a cereal bar after the trip.

From Los Cristianos beach to the volcanic cliffs

The tour begins at Shaka Surf in the Cristianmar Building, shop number 11, on the Los Cristianos beach promenade. Show your voucher at the center, use the changing room, and place valuables in a locker before heading down to the beach.

The staff provide the gear and explain how to handle the kayak before you launch. The safety briefing takes about 20 minutes. Pay attention here, especially if you have never paddled a sea kayak. You need to know how to steer, how to work with your partner, and how to keep your balance when the water moves beneath you.

The kayaks are designed for two adults, with soft seats and life jackets. A child can join if the total arrangement stays within the stated limit of two adults and one child. A single participant may paddle with a guide or another solo participant. One person with kayaking experience was allowed to use a single kayak, but that should not be treated as the standard arrangement.

The launch from Los Cristianos beach is part of the fun, but it can also be the awkward bit. Getting into a kayak through shallow surf takes care. Once you are afloat, the coast opens up and the town begins to fall behind.

Why the volcanic coast is the star

Southern Tenerife is known for its dark volcanic rock, and the coast looks very different from a sandy beach outing. You pass black cliffs and rough rock formations shaped by the Atlantic. The guides point out places along the shore and explain the animals and coastal setting as you paddle.

The route includes a sea cave, one of the most memorable parts of the trip. Entering a small cave by kayak gives you a close look at the rock rather than a distant view from a boat. Conditions decide how far inside you can go, though. Strong wind, swell, or tide can change the route.

This is also where you should keep your expectations sensible. The coast is scenic even if the wildlife stays out of sight, but the trip is marketed around turtles and dolphins. The chance of seeing them is described as high, usually 80 to 90 percent depending on the season, yet several outings have missed one or both. The sea is not a wildlife exhibit with a timetable.

Kayaking for much of the three hours

The published schedule allows about 1.5 hours of kayaking before snorkeling and another 30 minutes afterward. In practice, you should prepare for roughly 6 to 7 kilometers of paddling and, for some groups, close to 2.5 to 3 hours of active work in the kayaks.

That matters more than the three-hour duration suggests. You are not sitting in a motorboat while the crew searches for animals. You paddle under your own power, often in pairs, and your pace affects the whole group.

The guides handle slower paddlers with patience. Gabriel, also called Gabi in some outings, is singled out for helping solo participants and returning to assist when conditions became difficult. Caroline is praised for helping nervous beginners and making people feel safe in the water. Liam is also noted for sharing information and staying helpful throughout the trip.

Still, good guiding does not remove the physical effort. If you have kayaking experience, you will likely find the rhythm easier. If this is your first time, expect tired arms and bring a sensible attitude toward the pace. Sunscreen matters even when you are surrounded by water, and a hat helps during the open-water stretches.

Snorkeling beside the caves

At the snorkeling stop, the guide provides a mask and tube, plus a 3-millimeter wetsuit. The water can feel cold, so wearing the suit is wise even if you usually swim without one.

You snorkel around the rocky area near the caves, looking for fish and turtles. The seabed and rock formations give you more to see than the kayak ride alone. Some outings have produced close turtle sightings, schools of fish, stingrays, and even a Portuguese man o’ war. Other outings have had fish but no turtles.

The snorkeling stop is listed as about 20 minutes. That is enough time to look around, but it is not a long reef session. Sea conditions can shorten or cancel it. Choppy water makes it harder to see below the surface and less comfortable for anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to book, but you should tell the guide if you feel nervous. One participant who could not swim felt reassured by Caroline’s calm help. That kind of support is valuable, but you still need to meet the activity’s health and safety requirements.

Looking for turtles, dolphins, and red crabs

The wildlife search continues after snorkeling, as you paddle along the coast. Turtles may swim near the kayaks, and dolphins can sometimes be seen traveling in family groups. The open water gives you a better chance of spotting movement at a distance, though dolphins may appear briefly and then vanish.

You may also see fish, red crabs, or a stingray. The guides keep scanning the water and point out animals when they appear. Their comments add useful context, especially when you are trying to tell a turtle from a dark patch beneath the surface.

Keep your camera expectations modest. The guides use aquatic cameras and send the photos and videos to all participants for free. Staying near the guide generally gives you a better chance of appearing in more pictures. Bring a GoPro only if you already have one and can secure it properly, since the main photography is handled by the staff.

There is a real tradeoff here. A dolphin sighting close to the kayak can be thrilling, and several outings have had dolphins nearby. But you should book this as an active coastal trip with a wildlife search, not as a guaranteed turtle encounter.

What happens after you return

The group paddles back to Los Cristianos beach and returns to the Shaka Surf center. You can use the showers, change clothes, and collect your belongings from the lockers.

Water and a small snack are provided. This may be cookies, a cereal bar, or bananas. It is not a meal, but it is welcome after several kilometers of paddling.

The center’s changing facilities make the activity easier to fit into a beach day. You do not need to carry valuables on the water, and you can leave in dry clothes instead of walking around town in a wet swimsuit. Bring a towel and a complete change of clothes, since the wetsuit and kayak will not leave you dry.

Price, fitness, and overall value

At $34 per person, this is a strong value if you want an active outing rather than a passive sightseeing cruise. The price covers the kayak, paddle, life jacket, wetsuit, snorkel equipment, water bag, guide, photos and videos, lockers, showers, water, and a snack.

The included photography adds real value. Many water activities charge extra for images, while here the photos and videos are sent to everyone at no additional cost. The equipment and facilities also mean you do not need to rent separate gear for the morning.

The main question is not the price. It is your energy level. You need to be comfortable with repeated paddling, sitting in a kayak for a long stretch, and possibly handling wind or waves. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people over 220 pounds or 100 kilograms, or anyone with a pre-existing medical condition that makes the outing unsafe.

Bad weather, strong wind, or poor sea conditions can lead to cancellation and a full refund. That is frustrating if you planned your day around it, but it is the right call for an open-water activity.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this for active couples, friends, families with an eligible child, and solo visitors who are happy to share a kayak. It works especially well if you want scenery, wildlife, snorkeling, and a little adventure in one booking.

It also suits a solo participant better than many water tours. You may be paired with a guide or another single participant, and the staff make an effort to keep solo paddlers involved. If you are nervous, mention it early so the guide can place you where you feel secure.

I would think twice if you want a relaxed boat ride, dislike getting wet, or have limited upper-body stamina. The guides are supportive, but they cannot paddle the entire route for you. Rough water can also make the trip much harder than it looks from the beach.

The tour runs with English, Spanish, and Italian-speaking guides. Guide names vary, but Gabriel, Caroline, Karolien, and Liam have all led outings. Their role matters here because they manage the group, watch the water, help with technique, and explain what you see.

Simple preparation that makes a difference

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and dry clothes. Apply sunscreen before you launch, then take care with reapplying as the water and wetsuit can wash it away.

Wear the wetsuit supplied by the center, especially if you feel the cold. Keep valuables in the locker rather than trying to protect them in the kayak. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Eat something beforehand, but do not arrive overfull. You will be paddling soon after the briefing. Give yourself enough time to find Shaka Surf on the Los Cristianos promenade, then listen closely during the beach instruction.

The activity is weather dependent. If conditions are poor, the operator can cancel and refund the booking. If the sea looks calm at launch, that does not guarantee a smooth return, so conserve your strength during the first section.

Should you book the Los Cristianos kayak tour?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, active look at Tenerife’s south coast and like the idea of combining kayaking, snorkeling, sea caves, and wildlife. The free photos, showers, lockers, equipment, snacks, and friendly guides make the $34 price especially attractive.

Skip it if your priority is a guaranteed turtle or dolphin sighting, or if you want a low-effort excursion. You may see turtles and dolphins, but you may also see only fish and coastal rock. The best reason to book is the whole package: a volcanic shore, time on the Atlantic, a proper paddle, and a chance encounter with wild animals.

FAQ

Where does the kayaking tour start?

It starts at Shaka Surf in the Cristianmar Building, shop number 11, on the Los Cristianos beach promenade.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts about three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What languages are available?

The live guides speak English, Spanish, and Italian.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes a snorkel mask, tube, and a 3-millimeter wetsuit.

Do I have to bring my own kayak equipment?

No. Kayaks, paddles, soft seats, life jackets, and a water bag are provided.

Can I use a single kayak?

The standard setup uses double kayaks for stability and safety. A solo participant may go with a guide or another solo participant. Single kayaks may be available for someone with kayaking experience, but this is not the normal arrangement.

Are turtles and dolphins guaranteed?

No. They are commonly seen, but sightings depend on the season and sea conditions. You may also see fish, crabs, stingrays, or other sea life.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. The center provides lockers, changing rooms, and showers.

Can the tour be cancelled because of the weather?

Yes. Strong wind, bad weather, or unsafe sea conditions can cancel the outing. In that case, the booking cost is refunded in full. You can also cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.