Tenerife: Snorkeling Trip in a Turtle Habitat

Tenerife: Snorkeling Trip in a Turtle Habitat offers an accessible and engaging underwater adventure for those looking to explore Tenerife’s marine life. For $53 per person, this 2.5-hour tour departs from the TRAVEL SUB DIVE CENTER in Puerto Colon and takes you along the south coast of Tenerife. The highlight is snorkeling in the Turtle Area, a protected sanctuary where you can observe sea turtles amid vibrant fish and rays. The tour includes a lively speedboat ride, making the journey as enjoyable as the snorkeling itself. This experience is particularly well-suited for beginners, thanks to clear instructions, safety guidance, and short wetsuits provided. While sightings of turtles are not guaranteed, the chances of encountering dolphins, fish, and rays are high, and the friendly guides ensure an enjoyable outing regardless.

We like how the tour balances coastal sightseeing with marine exploration, making it a compelling option for families and first-time snorkelers. The combination of speedboat thrills, marine wildlife encounters, and expert guidance makes this tour stand out. The small group size of up to 10 participants ensures personalized attention, and the availability of multilingual instructors broadens accessibility. A key consideration is that turtle sightings cannot be guaranteed, which is natural given the wild environment, but the overall experience remains engaging and rewarding.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $53 per person for a 2.5-hour snorkeling adventure in Tenerife.
• Starts at the TRAVEL SUB DIVE CENTER in Puerto Colon with a safety briefing before heading out.
• Includes a speedboat ride along Tenerife’s coast, providing spectacular views and fun transit.
• Snorkeling in the Turtle Area offers a chance to see sea turtles, fish, rays, dolphins, and occasionally whales.
• Beginners-friendly, with easy instructions and short wetsuits included.
• Small group experience, limited to 10 participants, ensures attentive guides and safety.

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Starting Point and Meeting Details in Puerto Colon

The tour begins at the TRAVEL SUB DIVE CENTER, located in the ESCUELA NAUTICA building directly in front of Pier 5 in Puerto Colon. Travelers need to enter the building and find the reception. The meeting is straightforward, and staff are available to assist with directions or questions. The activity starts with a 30-minute safety briefing, where guides explain snorkeling techniques and safety rules, especially important for first-timers or nervous participants.

Speedboat Ride Along Tenerife’s Beautiful Coastline

After the briefing, a 15-minute speedboat ride takes visitors along Tenerife’s coast, offering stunning views of the shoreline and the opportunity to experience the thrill of a fast boat. This part of the trip is appreciated by many reviews for adding excitement, making the journey to the snorkeling site memorable. The boat ride also helps transport everyone quickly to the Turtle Area, a marine protected zone rich in marine life.

Snorkeling in Tenerife’s Turtle Habitat

With about 50 minutes of guided snorkeling, the focus is on observing sea turtles in their natural environment. The Turtle Area is renowned for being a sanctuary where these gentle creatures are frequently seen gliding through the water. The guides are experienced and provide helpful tips on how to spot various marine animals such as colorful fish, ray species, and flying fish. Although turtle sightings are not assured, many past trips have seen dolphins and whales, adding to the excitement.

Marine Biodiversity in Tenerife’s Waters

Apart from turtles, the waters around Tenerife host a diverse range of marine species. Expect to see vibrant fish, rays, and possibly dolphins. Several reviews mention dolphin sightings during the boat journey, and some have even seen whales. The crystal-clear waters and knowledgeable guides enhance the chances of encountering these creatures, with the guides sharing insightful commentary about the local marine ecosystem.

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Equipment and Safety Measures Provided

All necessary snorkeling gear—including wetsuits (short or long 2-5 mm), fins, masks, and tubes—are supplied. Life jackets are available upon request, and full insurance is included in the price. Participants should bring swimwear, towels, and sunscreen. The wetsuits help manage the cooler temperatures in the water, especially in winter months, and the staff ensures that all equipment fits properly for safety and comfort.

Accessibility and Group Size

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs. The small group size of 10 ensures individual attention, safety, and an intimate atmosphere. Guides speak several languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Dutch, to accommodate international visitors. This setup fosters a relaxed environment where questions and concerns are easily addressed.

Practical Tips for Participants

Participants are advised to arrive at the meeting point at least a few minutes early. It’s best to wear swimwear underneath clothing, bring a towel, and apply sunscreen before the activity. Since touching marine life or animals is prohibited, travelers should be respectful of the environment. Children under 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult, and babies under 1 year are not suited for this activity.

What Happens in Case of Weather Changes?

In case of sea conditions that prevent the trip from proceeding, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Some reviews highlight that sea weather can impact sightings, but the staff prioritize safety and will reschedule if necessary. Even when turtle sightings are not guaranteed, the tour still offers a fun boat ride and opportunity to see dolphins or other marine species.

Price and Value for Money

At $53, this snorkeling tour provides good value, especially considering all equipment, water, full insurance, and expert guidance are included. The small group size and the quality of instruction are often praised in reviews. Additional services like photo packages are available for purchase, allowing visitors to keep memories of their marine adventure.

Summary of Common Review Highlights

Many past participants comment on the friendly, professional guides who make the experience safe and enjoyable. The speedboat ride often receives praise for its fun factor, while the snorkeling in the clear waters yields frequent sightings of fish, rays, dolphins, and occasionally sea turtles. The guides’ patience and enthusiasm particularly stand out, especially for families with children or nervous swimmers.

Tenerife: Snorkeling Trip in a Turtle Habitat – Who Will Enjoy It Most?

This activity is ideal for families, beginners, and marine life enthusiasts eager to see Tenerife’s aquatic creatures. The price point, short duration, and small group sizes make it a practical choice for those seeking a relaxed, yet exciting, half-day outing. Participants who appreciate marine biodiversity and coastal scenery will find this tour rewarding. Weather-dependent sightings mean flexibility, but the overall experience remains engaging even if no turtles are seen.

Final Thoughts on Tenerife’s Snorkeling Safari

The Tenerife snorkeling tour in the turtle habitat offers a well-organized, family-friendly experience that combines coastal views, marine wildlife encounters, and the thrill of a speedboat ride. The professional guides and small group sizes contribute to a safe and personalized adventure. While turtle sightings are not guaranteed, many other marine species are often seen, and the overall value makes this tour a strong choice for first-time snorkelers or those wanting a quick, fun ocean outing.

The $53 price reflects good value when considering all equipment, guiding, and insurance included, along with the chance to discover Tenerife’s underwater world. For travelers wanting a convenient, enjoyable introduction to snorkeling within a protected marine environment, this trip stands out as a reliable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the snorkeling wetsuits included in the tour?
Yes, wetsuits (short or long 2-5 mm) are provided as part of the package.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult. The activity is suitable for families, with many reviews mentioning kids having a great time.

Can I see turtles during this tour?
Turtle sightings are not guaranteed since they are wild animals, but the Turtle Area is known for frequent sightings and excellent chances to see these creatures.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The tour provides water and snorkeling gear, but prescription goggles are not included.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance if sea conditions are unsafe, ensuring safety is prioritized.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating participants with mobility needs.

How long does the snorkeling last?
Snorkeling time is approximately 50 minutes, with additional time for the boat rides and safety briefings.

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