Tenerife: Turtle & Dolphin Kayak Tour with Snorkel & Wetsuit

Key Points

• Price & Duration: The tour costs include photos and videos and lasts 3 hours.
• Wildlife Encounters: Up to a 90% chance to see dolphins, including five species, and green or loggerhead turtles.
• Activities & Stops: Includes kayaking, snorkeling, and a secluded bay for swimming, with scenic views of Tenerife’s coastline and mountains.
• Guides & Equipment: Led by professional guides in multiple languages, with comfortable kayaks, wetsuits, lockers, and safety gear.
• Small Groups & Eco-Respect: The only eco-certified kayaking company on the island ensures a gentle approach to wildlife.

The Tenerife Turtle & Dolphin Kayak Tour with Snorkel & Wetsuit offers an engaging way to see the island’s marine life up close. This 3-hour experience from Xplore Tenerife departs from Los Cristianos, emphasizing eco-friendly practices and wildlife respect. With small group sizes and professional guides speaking multiple languages, this trip aims to combine adventure, nature observation, and scenic beauty.

Guests gain the chance to encounter dolphins—including up to five species—and sea turtles, mainly green and sometimes loggerhead turtles. The tour is perfect for active travelers who enjoy being on the water, with a high 90% likelihood of marine life sightings, although wildlife cannot be guaranteed. The inclusion of photos and videos is a valued bonus, allowing keepsakes of this marine adventure.

While the tour is vibrant and wildlife-focused, participants must be confident swimmers and meet certain physical requirements—such as a maximum weight of 100 kg—to ensure safety and comfort. The secluded bay stop for snorkeling adds a relaxing element and a chance to observe more marine species, like bull rays gliding below. This tour suits adventure seekers, nature lovers, and families with teens looking for a memorable day on the water.

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Key Points

• Includes photos and videos for lasting memories.
• Wildlife sightings include dolphins, turtles, and colorful fish.
• Physical requirements: Participants must be able to swim; minimum age is 14 years.
• Eco-certified company ensures wildlife is undisturbed.
• Comfortable kayaks with back support and seafront scenic views.
• Stops in remote bays for snorkeling and swimming.

Starting Point and Booking Info

The tour begins at Xplore Tenerife, located at Cristianmar, with the office on the ground floor to the left of the building facing the sea. The exact coordinates are 28.049354553222656, -16.713699340820312. Booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, making it simple to plan ahead or adjust plans if needed.

Participants are advised to bring sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, and flip-flops. The tour does not permit alcohol or drugs onboard for safety reasons. Changing rooms and lockers are available, adding convenience for changing into wetsuits or storing belongings.

The Scenic Route and Key Stops

The tour starts at Xplore Tenerife with a safety briefing before heading on foot to Playa de Los Cristianos. The kayaking segment, lasting about one hour, offers spectacular views of Tenerife’s coastline and mountains while you look out for dolphins and marine life from your comfortable kayak.

The Cueva de los Enamorados forms part of the scenic route, with additional marine observations and picturesque coastal views. This stop lasts approximately 15 minutes, providing excellent photo opportunities. The secluded bay is the highlight for snorkeling and swimming, with around 30 minutes allocated to exploring the underwater world.

After the snorkeling break, the group paddles back to Playa de Los Cristianos for another hour of wildlife watching and scenic vistas before returning to the meeting point. This circular route balances active kayaking with relaxing stops, all designed to maximize wildlife encounters and scenic immersion.

The Marine Wildlife You Might Encounter

The waters surrounding Tenerife are home to five dolphin species, including the bottlenose dolphins, which are easily spotted and often put on impressive shows by jumping high out of the water. Pods of up to 30 dolphins may surround the kayaks, providing close-up viewing opportunities without disturbing the animals.

Sea turtles are also common, mainly green turtles, with the occasional sighting of loggerhead turtles. Although sightings are not guaranteed, the 90% chance of encountering these creatures makes this experience particularly rewarding. Besides dolphins and turtles, snorkelers often see schools of fish and may observe bull rays gliding along the sea bed.

Guides provide interesting facts about the wildlife, emphasizing eco-responsibility and ensuring that the animals are not frightened or disturbed during your encounter. This respectful approach allows for authentic wildlife viewing while protecting the natural environment.

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Comfort and Safety Features on the Kayaks

The tour features kayaks with comfortable seats and back support, making paddling easier and more enjoyable, especially for those who might be less experienced. The inclusion of wetsuits helps keep participants warm in the cooler waters and is included in the price, along with photos and videos captured during the trip.

Safety is a priority, with guides providing clear instructions and overseeing the activity in several languages, including Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, and French. All participants must be able to swim, and group sizes are kept small to ensure individual attention and safety.

Changing rooms and lockers are available at the meeting point, providing a convenient way to change into wetsuits or store belongings safely.

The Experience of Wildlife Viewing

This tour focuses on responsible wildlife observation, with guides carefully navigating to avoid disturbing dolphins and turtles. The dolphins are often observed playing and jumping near the kayaks, creating memorable moments. The secluded bay offers calm waters perfect for snorkeling, where marine life can be seen beneath the surface.

Participants often appreciate the informative narration from guides, who share fun facts and interesting details about the marine species. The photos and videos included help capture the joyful moments and spectacular scenery—a highlight for many.

The small group setting ensures a relaxed atmosphere and personalized attention, making this experience more intimate and engaging than larger tours. The overall tone emphasizes eco-respect, safety, and enjoyment, making it well-suited for adventure and wildlife enthusiasts.

The Guides and Their Impact

Based on numerous positive reviews, guides such as Max, Coco, William, Jessica, Mario, Bea, and Luna are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and patience. Guides actively help spot animals, share fun facts, and capture photos and videos that participants can cherish afterward.

Many reviews highlight guides’ professionalism and caring attitude, which contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment of the tour. The guides’ multilingual skills also make the experience accessible to a diverse group of travelers.

Their respectful approach toward marine life and commitment to safety help create a relaxed yet informative environment, encouraging confidence and curiosity among participants.

Suitability for Different Groups

This tour is designed for adventurers aged 14 and above who are confident swimmers. It is not suitable for children under 14, pregnant women, or people with back problems or pre-existing medical conditions. Participants should be under 100 kg due to kayak stability considerations.

While most people will find this activity accessible, those who dislike water or are uncomfortable in open water may prefer other types of tours. The physical activity involved—paddling in the kayaks—requires a reasonable level of fitness, but the scenic vistas and wildlife sightings make the effort worthwhile.

The tour’s environmentally conscious approach and small group size make it particularly appealing for travelers seeking a responsible, engaging, and personalized experience.

Final Thoughts: A Wildlife-Focused Kayak Adventure in Tenerife

The Tenerife Turtle & Dolphin Kayak Tour offers a balanced mix of active exploration, wildlife observation, and scenic beauty. Its small group size and professional guides create a friendly, safe environment, while the inclusion of photos and videos adds value for participants wanting lasting memories.

This tour is especially suitable for nature lovers, wildlife fans, and active travelers who enjoy being on the water. The high likelihood of dolphin and turtle sightings, combined with comfortable equipment and scenic stops, makes this experience a worthwhile addition to any Tenerife itinerary.

While you should be prepared for physical activity and meet the age and swimming requirements, the overall experience remains accessible and rewarding. For those wanting to see marine life in its natural habitat without disturbing it, this eco-certified kayak tour is a compelling choice that brings you close to Tenerife’s vibrant underwater world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, participation requires the ability to swim, as it is a swimming-dependent activity.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants should bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, and flip-flops for comfort and safety.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, the minimum age is 14 years, and minors over 14 must be accompanied by a parent.

Can I expect to see dolphins and turtles?
While sightings are not guaranteed, there is a 90% chance of encountering dolphins and sea turtles during the trip.

How long is the snorkeling stop?
The snorkeling and swimming break lasts approximately 30 minutes in a secluded bay accessible only by boat.

Is the tour eco-friendly?
Yes, the trip is operated by the only eco-certified kayaking company on Tenerife, ensuring respectful wildlife interactions.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby