Tenerife: Snorkeling Tour in a Marine Protected Area

Key Points

• Affordable and family-friendly at $40 per person for a 2-hour guided snorkeling adventure
• Starts from Abades beach, with small groups limited to 8 participants
• Explore Tenerife’s protected waters, home to sea turtles, colorful corals, and diverse fish
• High-quality equipment, including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, boots, and fins, provided for comfort and safety
• Photos and videos are captured by guides and shared free of charge
• Suitable for all ages and skill levels, with extra support for children, non-swimmers, and seniors

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Tenerife’s Marine Protected Area: A Safe and Calm Snorkeling Spot

This snorkeling tour in Tenerife departs from Abades beach, located on the southeast coast of the island. The activity takes place within a sheltered bay, featuring calm waters ideal for beginners and families. The marine protected area boasts rocky reef formations and hidden coves, creating a vibrant habitat for fish, octopuses, and seahorses. The bay’s tranquil sea grass beds offer the chance to spot green sea turtles in their natural environment.

The calm conditions and gentle depths—averaging 2.5 meters with a maximum of 8 meters—ensure that even less experienced swimmers and those with little snorkeling background can enjoy the experience comfortably. The area’s protected status supports a respectful approach to marine life, with guides adhering to ethical guidelines like not feeding or touching animals and maintaining respectful distances from turtles.

Meet at Magilu and What to Expect at Check-in

Tour starts at Magilu, where guides wearing Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirts greet participants. Before entering the water, a safety briefing is provided, explaining how to interact with marine wildlife responsibly and what to do during the tour. This full safety orientation helps ensure everyone feels confident and prepared.

The guided tour lasts approximately 50 minutes, during which an experienced instructor leads and supports the group. The activity is designed to accommodate small groups of up to 8 people, allowing for personalized attention and safety. The guides speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, and German, ensuring clear communication.

High-Quality Snorkeling Equipment for Comfort and Safety

The gear provided includes full wetsuits, masks, snorkels, boots, and fins. These are high-quality and well-fitted to match each participant’s size, helping to keep you warm and buoyant while exploring the underwater world. The wetsuits are especially useful as the water temperature varies between 19°C and 23°C depending on the season, providing a comfortable experience regardless of the weather.

Participants are encouraged to wear swimwear underneath and arrive 10 minutes early to prepare for the departure. For those who prefer, own cameras with previous snorkel experience are permitted, especially since the guides take professional-quality photos and videos during the tour.

Encountering Marine Life: Turtles, Fish, and More

While sightings of green sea turtles are not guaranteed—since they swim freely in their habitat—the likelihood of spotting them is reasonable, and many participants share images of turtles captured during the trip. Besides turtles, the waters are full of colorful fish, including tropical and subtropical species, along with octopuses and seahorses hiding among the reefs.

Participants often see juvenile stingrays and other marine animals, thanks to the area’s rocky reefs and sheltered coves. The guides emphasize responsible interaction, maintaining distance when seeing turtles and avoiding touching or feeding marine animals to protect the environment.

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Professional Guides and Multilingual Support

The guides, including figures like Raffaella and Ron, are known for their warm and professional approach. They are praised for their ability to make beginners feel safe and their respectful attitude towards marine life. They address participants personally, ensuring everyone understands safety procedures and interacts ethically with the ocean habitat.

The guides also capture high-quality photos and videos during the dive, which they share with participants free of charge afterward. This thoughtful service allows everyone to relive their snorkeling adventures without the hassle of taking pictures themselves.

Equipment and Assistance for All Participants

The high-quality gear is designed to suit all sizes, including options for children, seniors, and non-swimmers. Extra assistance is available for small children, less confident swimmers, and seniors, making this activity accessible and safe for a broad range of participants.

The equipment is maintained in excellent condition, and guides continuously monitor safety, especially when navigating windy conditions or waves, which are rare but possible. The additional support and personalized attention make this a relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Photos and Videos: Free Keepsakes of Your Underwater Adventure

One of the most appreciated aspects of this tour is the free photos and videos taken by guides using underwater cameras, including GoPros. After the trip, these beautifully captured memories are shared via WhatsApp or email. Many reviews highlight how these professional images serve as treasured souvenirs, showcasing sea turtles, colorful fish, and group moments.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own cameras if they have prior snorkeling experience and wish to take personal photos. The guides’ media coverage offers a fantastic way to remember the trip and share the experience with friends and family.

Weather Conditions and Seasonality

The activity is subject to weather conditions, including poor weather, strong winds, or adverse sea conditions. The activity provider may cancel or reschedule if conditions are unsafe. The water temperature varies seasonally, typically between 19°C and 23°C from March to September, which is comfortably warm with the wetsuits provided.

Guides will contact participants a day prior via WhatsApp or email to confirm measurements and discuss conditions. It’s advised to arrive wearing your swimsuit and be prepared for a flexible schedule based on weather and sea conditions.

Accessibility and Physical Requirements

This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or non-swimmers. It also limits participation for individuals over 309 lbs (140 kg) or under 66 lbs (30 kg). Safety and comfort are priorities, and the activity includes extra assistance for those who need it.

Snorkeling requires basic swimming ability and comfort in the water, but the provided wetsuits and supportive guides make participation accessible for most people. Motion sickness medications are recommended for sensitive participants, especially in windy conditions.

Logistics: Meeting Point and Group Size

The meeting point is Magilu, where guides in Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirts welcome guests. The activity begins on the beach and ends back at the same location. Hotel transfers are not included, so participants need to arrive on their own.

The small group size, limited to 8 participants, ensures a personalized experience. This setup allows guides to focus on individual safety and enjoyment, making it ideal for those who prefer a more intimate tour.

Cost and Value for Money

At $40 per person, this snorkeling tour offers exceptional value, especially considering the high-quality gear, professional guides, and free photos and videos. The 2-hour duration provides enough time to explore the marine environment thoroughly without fatigue.

Reviews consistently praise the great value for the quality of the experience, the friendly support from guides, and the chance to see turtles and vibrant marine life in a controlled, respectful setting.

Who Would Love This Tour

This activity is perfect for families, first-time snorkelers, and those seeking a relaxed, educational experience. The calm waters and supportive guides make it suitable for all ages, including children, seniors, and non-swimmers with assistance.

Participants who appreciate ethical wildlife viewing and professional instruction will find this tour highly satisfying. The free media and beautiful underwater scenes add extra value, making it a memorable keepsake.

Final Thoughts on the Tenerife Snorkeling Tour

This $40 guided snorkeling trip in Tenerife stands out for its friendly guides, quality equipment, and the chance to see sea turtles and colorful marine life. The small group size and personalized support ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.

While sightings of turtles cannot be guaranteed, the protected waters and diverse ecosystem make this a worthwhile outing. The free photos and videos are a delightful bonus, allowing everyone to treasure the moments for years to come.

This tour excels in safety, professionalism, and ethical wildlife watching, making it a highly recommended choice for visitors to Tenerife who want to enjoy the underwater beauty in a relaxed, respectful environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the snorkeling tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour provides extra assistance for small children, and the calm waters are ideal for young participants.

Can I bring my own camera?
Yes, previous snorkel experience with personal cameras is allowed, especially since guides capture professional photos and videos during the tour.

What should I wear?
Participants are advised to arrive wearing their swimsuit and bring towels and sunscreen. Wetsuits are provided and help with water temperature.

Is the activity safe for non-swimmers?
The tour is designed to be accessible for non-swimmers with support from guides and buoyant wetsuits, but full swimming ability is recommended.

What if the weather is bad?
The activity may be canceled or rescheduled due to poor weather or sea conditions. Participants will be contacted a day in advance.

How long does the tour last?
The guided snorkeling lasts approximately 50 minutes, within a total activity time of 2 hours including check-in and safety briefing.

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