Tenerife: Snorkeling Tour in a Marine Protected Area

The main attraction here is the chance to swim from a beach into a protected marine area where green sea turtles, rays, octopuses, seahorses, and shoals of fish may appear. Raffaella and Ron keep the outing personal, with no more than eight people and two guides watching the group from front and back.

I like the good-quality full wetsuits and complete gear, especially for beginners who may feel less confident in the water. I also like that photos and videos are included, so you can focus on swimming instead of guarding a phone. The main consideration is simple: turtles live in the wild, not on a schedule, and rough weather can change or cancel the session.

Quick reasons to consider this snorkel tour

• Turtle country without a boat: You enter the water directly from Abades beach, a useful choice if boat trips make you seasick.
• A small group of up to eight: Two guides can keep an eye on different parts of the group and offer more personal help.
• 50 minutes in the water: The full activity lasts two hours, with time for a briefing, changing, fitting equipment, and the guided snorkel.
• Beginner-friendly gear: A full wetsuit, mask, snorkel, boots, and adjustable fins are supplied in multiple sizes.
• Wildlife rules matter: You are not allowed to feed or touch animals, and turtle encounters are handled from a respectful distance.
• Free underwater memories: Photos and videos are taken during the outing and sent digitally at no extra charge.

Why Abades is a good place to snorkel

This excursion begins at Abades, on Tenerife’s southeast coast. The marine protected area includes a sheltered bay, rocky reef, small coves, and sea grass. That mix gives you more to look for than a bare sandy bottom.

The average snorkeling depth is about 2.5 meters, with a maximum of 8 meters. You are not being taken far offshore for a technical swim. Instead, the route follows coastal water where fish shelter around rocks and sea grass can attract green sea turtles.

The setting is also a welcome change from the busier resort areas. One family staying near Costa Adeje enjoyed getting away from the main resort strip for a morning beside a quieter section of coast. You should still expect a natural beach setting rather than a polished water park. There is a public shower, but hotel pickup, food, and drink beyond the supplied water are not included.

What the two-hour outing actually involves

Plan on arriving at least 10 minutes early. The meeting point is at Magilu, where you look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt. The provider contacts you by WhatsApp or email the day before to ask for your measurements, so respond promptly and arrive in swimwear if possible.

The first stage is practical. You receive a full wetsuit, mask, snorkel, boots, and adjustable fins. The wetsuit helps with water temperature, which is listed at 19 to 23 degrees Celsius from March through September. It also adds buoyancy, a feature that can make a real difference if you are nervous about staying afloat.

Before entering the water, the guides explain how to use the equipment and what to expect. You also receive instructions on treating marine life properly. Feeding animals is forbidden, and you must not touch turtles or other creatures. The full-face mask is not permitted.

Then you walk into the sea from the beach. There is no boat ride, ladder, or jump from a vessel. That makes this a sensible pick if you dislike boats, get seasick, or simply prefer a gentle start.

The guided portion in the water lasts 50 minutes. That is long enough to see a good range of sea life without turning the morning into an endurance test. The guides lead the group through the bay, point out fish and other creatures, and keep the pace suited to the people present.

The marine life you may see

Green sea turtles are the headline sight, and the area offers a reasonable chance of seeing them. Some outings have included one, two, or even three turtles. But this is not a guaranteed encounter. The turtles move through their natural habitat, and they may be too far away for the group on a particular day.

That honesty is important. A responsible wildlife trip should not chase animals or promise a sighting it cannot control. The guides keep a respectful distance and do not feed the turtles. If you do see one, the moment may be brief, but it is far more meaningful than an artificial encounter arranged for tourists.

There is plenty to see if the turtles stay away. The rocky reef can hold colorful fish, starfish, rays, and octopuses. Sea grass may hide juvenile stingrays and provide shelter for turtles. Seahorses are also mentioned as possible residents, though their size and camouflage make them a lucky find rather than a sure sight.

Conditions affect visibility and sightings. On calm days, the water can be clear enough to see fish moving around the reef and a ray resting under the sand. Wind can make the surface look rough from shore, although conditions may feel easier once you reach the reef. The guides check the sea and may adjust or cancel the outing if wind, waves, or other conditions become unsafe.

The guides are the heart of the experience

Raffaella and Ron receive the strongest praise for their calm, friendly approach. Their job is not only to point out animals. They fit equipment, explain basic techniques, watch the group, and help anyone who loses confidence.

Two guides are useful in the water. One can lead while the other stays toward the back, reducing the chance that a nervous swimmer feels forgotten. This was especially valuable for families with children, older adults, and first-time snorkelers.

The support can be quite hands-on. Participants with water fear, motion sickness, asthma, health concerns, or anxiety have received extra attention during the session. One visitor with an autism-related fear of the water was supported throughout and finished wanting to try again. That does not mean every medical condition is automatically suitable. You should tell the provider about any pre-existing condition before the activity.

The guides speak Spanish, English, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, and German. That range helps when safety instructions need to be understood clearly. Their style is encouraging rather than rushed, with frequent checks to make sure everyone is comfortable.

Is it really suitable for beginners and children?

You do not need previous snorkeling experience, and the guides teach the basic skills before you enter. Several first-time snorkelers were nervous at the start but became comfortable after practice with the mask and breathing technique.

The full wetsuit also helps people who are not strong swimmers because it provides buoyancy. Still, the advertised ease should not be confused with a non-swimmer program. Non-swimmers are listed as unsuitable, and every participant must be able to take part in a sea activity. Children must remain under adult supervision.

The outing can work well for families. Children aged eight and nine have enjoyed it, as have teenagers aged 12 and 13. Small children, seniors, and less confident swimmers can receive extra assistance, but the water remains an open-water environment. If someone in your party panics in water, tell the guides before the session rather than waiting until you are already offshore.

People with mobility impairments and wheelchair users cannot be accommodated. There is also a weight limit of 140 kilograms and a minimum weight of 30 kilograms. These restrictions are worth checking before you pay.

Equipment, comfort, and small practical details

The supplied kit includes a mask, snorkel, boots, fins, and a full wetsuit. The equipment comes in different sizes, including large feet, and the provider asks for measurements in advance to improve the fit.

A good fit matters more than flashy equipment. A leaking mask can ruin the outing, while fins that are too loose can make a simple swim tiring. The staff help with fitting and adjustments, which is particularly useful if you have never used snorkeling gear.

Bring swimwear and arrive wearing it if practical. You will use the public beach facilities, including a shower. Food is not provided, so plan your own snack or meal around the activity. Water is included.

If you have motion sickness, the lack of a boat removes one common problem, but the provider still advises medication for people prone to it. Bring your own camera only if you already have snorkeling experience. A camera can distract a beginner from mask breathing and group instructions.

Photos and videos are more than a small extra

An underwater photographer takes photos and videos during the outing and sends the digital files free by WhatsApp or email, usually the following day. This is a useful part of the package because underwater photography is awkward when you are learning to breathe through a snorkel.

You can keep your attention on the reef, the fish, and your position in the group. The images also give families something to share afterward. The photos are not a reason to expect a professional portrait session, but the inclusion adds real value at this price.

If you already have a GoPro and previous snorkeling experience, you may use your own camera. Follow the guides’ instructions and do not let filming pull you toward an animal or away from the group.

Is $45 a fair price?

At $45 per person, this is good value if you want a guided wildlife outing rather than simply renting a mask at the beach. The price includes a 50-minute guided session, a complete equipment package, insurance, water, multilingual instruction, and underwater photos and videos.

The value is strongest for first-timers. You do not need to buy or pack gear, learn the route, judge the safest part of the bay, or work out where marine life is likely to be found. You also receive help before and during the swim.

The calculation is less clear if you are an experienced snorkeler with your own equipment and only want independent time in the water. This is a guided group activity, not a private reef safari. The maximum group size is eight, but the exact number on your date can vary.

The 50-minute water period is also worth noting. The total duration is two hours because equipment fitting, the briefing, and changing take time. If you want several hours in the water, this will feel short. If you prefer a focused, well-supported outing, the length is sensible.

What can go wrong?

The biggest uncertainty is wildlife. You may see turtles, but you may not. A turtle can be out of reach, and conditions can reduce visibility. Go for the protected bay, the reef, and the range of smaller creatures first. Treat a turtle as a bonus.

Weather is the second variable. Strong wind, poor sea conditions, or rough water can lead to a change or cancellation. That is frustrating if you have built your day around the outing, but it is the correct safety call.

Wetsuits can also feel snug and awkward when you first put them on. One older participant found the suit difficult to wear, although this was a personal challenge rather than a general equipment problem. Give yourself time to dress and ask for help with the fit.

Finally, this is not suitable for everyone. Non-swimmers, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, and anyone above 140 kilograms should not book without confirming suitability. People with medical conditions should contact the provider first.

Who should book this Abades snorkeling trip?

I would choose this excursion for families, couples, and first-time snorkelers who want clear guidance without committing to scuba training. It also suits anyone who prefers a beach entry, dislikes boats, or wants a small group with language support.

It is a particularly good match if you are nervous. The guides have shown patience with water fear, anxiety, motion sickness, older participants, and children who need extra reassurance. That level of care is a major part of what you are paying for.

Experienced snorkelers can still enjoy the marine life and the chance of turtles, rays, octopuses, and unusual fish. Just keep your expectations realistic. You are joining a beginner-friendly group, so the pace may be gentler than you would choose alone.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling tour?

The full activity lasts two hours. The guided snorkeling portion in the water lasts 50 minutes, with the remaining time used for the safety briefing, equipment fitting, preparation, and changing.

Where does the tour start?

The excursion starts from Abades beach in Tenerife’s southeast. Meet at Magilu and look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. There is a reasonable chance of seeing green sea turtles, but they live in the wild and may be too far away for the group. The protected area also contains fish, rays, octopuses, seahorses, starfish, and other marine life.

What equipment is included?

The provider supplies a full wetsuit, mask, snorkel, boots, and adjustable fins. Water, insurance, multilingual instruction, and free photos and videos are also included.

Can beginners join?

Yes, previous snorkeling experience is not required. The guides provide a safety briefing and assistance in the water. Non-swimmers are listed as unsuitable, and minors must remain under adult supervision.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and arrive wearing it if possible. You may also want to bring a towel and personal necessities for the beach, although only swimwear is specifically required. A full-face mask is not allowed.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a friendly, carefully supervised introduction to Tenerife’s underwater life, especially if you are new to snorkeling or uneasy in the sea. The small group, full gear, beach entry, wildlife rules, and free photos make $45 a solid price.

Skip it if you need guaranteed turtles, several hours of independent snorkeling, or an activity suitable for a non-swimmer or wheelchair user. For everyone else, Abades offers a sensible mix of nature, support, and genuine sea time, with the right expectation: the turtles are wild, but the guides are ready.