Tenerife: Guided kayak tour with snorkeling in a marine reserve

An In-Depth Look at Tenerife’s Guided Kayak and Snorkeling Adventure

This popular activity in Tenerife offers a 3-hour guided kayaking experience with snorkeling opportunities in a marine reserve. For around $40 per person, you’ll paddle along coastlines and hidden coves, with a chance to see dolphins, turtles, and other marine life in their natural home. The tour is suitable for most skill levels, from beginners to seasoned paddlers, thanks to stable kayaks and detailed safety instructions. Most travelers tend to book about 15 days in advance, underscoring its popularity, and the group sizes stay relatively intimate with a cap of 20 participants.

What immediately stands out about this tour is its focus on nature and authentic discovery. I love how the tours are designed with both safety and comfort in mind, with waterproof bags and snorkel gear included—plus, the promise of professional photos to remember your trip. The guides, notably friendly and engaging as noted in reviews, help keep the experience lively yet relaxed. One reviewer even mentioned spotting dolphins and turtles, which adds a magical element to what is already an active and scenic day.

However, it’s worth considering that the tour is about 3 hours long, which might be a bit quick for those wanting to linger longer in the water or explore at a more leisurely pace. Also, since the snorkeling stop is in a bay accessible only by boat, you’ll want to arrange for any additional transportation if you’re staying far from the meeting point in Palm-Mar.

Key Points

• Stunning Coastal Views: You’ll paddle past Tenerife’s rugged cliffs and hidden coves, perfect for photography and quiet reflection.
• Wildlife Encounters: Many reviewers have been thrilled to see dolphins and turtles, making the snorkeling break truly rewarding.
• Beginner Friendly: The kayaks are stable and designed for comfort, and the guides are excellent at teaching paddling techniques.
• All-Inclusive Gear: Snorkel masks, waterproof bags, life jackets, and insurance are included, removing the hassle of extra rentals or worries.
• Professional Photos: Capture the highlights of your trip without any extra effort—available for purchase afterward.
• Value for Money: At just over $40, this tour provides a comprehensive experience that combines adventure, nature, and marine discovery.

What to Expect: Day-by-Day Breakdown

Meeting Up at Palm-Mar

The tour starts at Easy Kayak Tenerife’s base, located conveniently in Palm-Mar. This small, friendly meeting point means you’ll likely meet guides like “fun guy” Stefan or others who are dedicated to making your experience memorable. From there, it’s a quick safety briefing—think of it as a friendly orientation rather than a formal lecture—and then you’re ready to hit the water.

Paddling Along Tenerife’s Coastline

Once paddling, you’ll quickly realize how calm and stable these kayaks are, which makes the journey accessible even if you’re new to kayaking. The scenery is breathtaking—towering cliffs, hidden coves, and peaceful inlets that are usually impossible to access by land. During the first hour, you’ll enjoy the tranquility of the sea, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the rugged landscape.

Snorkeling in a Secluded Bay

After about an hour on the water, the boat will take you to a special bay accessible only by sea, where your snorkeling break begins. Here, you can don your snorkel mask and dive into clear waters brimming with marine life. Several reviewers, like Cristina, have expressed excitement about seeing dolphins and turtles, which substantially enhances the experience. Thanks to waterproof bags, you won’t need to worry about your belongings while floating or exploring underwater.

Coming Back and Refreshments

After the snorkeling, you’ll return to your kayak, completing an active but relaxed three hours of exploration. Back at the starting point, water and snacks are available—perfect for rehydrating and sharing stories. Optional professional photos are then offered, capturing your best moments, which provides a nice keepsake to remember your adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This activity is ideal for travelers who want a hands-on, active experience that’s safe, fun, and scenic without requiring prior paddling experience. Families with kids over 6, couples, or solo travelers looking for a mix of lightweight adventure and wildlife encounters will find it particularly appealing. Even those concerned about physical fitness can participate, as the kayaks are designed for stability, and the guide staff are attentive.

It’s also great for wildlife lovers. If you’re eager to see marine creatures like dolphins, turtles, or even seabirds, this trip offers multiple chances to spot them in their natural environment. On top of that, it’s a splendid way to enjoy Tenerife’s rugged coastline in a way that feels intimate and authentic—away from busy beaches and tourist-heavy spots.

How Good Is the Value?

At $40.12, this tour offers competitive value considering everything included: kayaks, snorkeling gear, waterproof bags, insurance, guided instruction, and professional photos. The small group size enhances the experience, making it more personal and engaging. The reviews praise the guides for their friendliness and enthusiasm, which adds to the feeling of quality and safety.

The snorkeling stop, especially in a secluded bay only accessible by boat, is a highlight, providing marine encounters that many travelers find unforgettable. And at just three hours, it’s a manageable half-day activity, leaving plenty of time to explore other parts of Tenerife.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book well in advance, especially in peak season, since the tour is popular and often fully booked 15 days ahead.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to avoid feeling rushed and to get fitted with your gear comfortably.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen and bring sunglasses or a hat for sun protection while paddling.
• Bring a water bottle—refreshments are provided, but it’s good to stay hydrated.
• Children over 6 are usually allowed; check with the provider if you have younger kids.
• Allow for a moment to enjoy the scenery—tucking your camera or phone into waterproof bags ensures you don’t miss a shot.

The Sum Up: Who Should Sign Up?

If you’re craving a fun, scenic, and wildlife-rich excursion that introduces you to Tenerife’s coast without the fuss of larger tour boats or strenuous hikes, this guided kayak and snorkeling trip hits the sweet spot. It offers a perfect balance of active discovery and relaxation, with a friendly and knowledgeable team guiding the way.

Travelers who love spotting dolphins or turtles, capturing stunning images, and enjoying the sea in a safe, comfortable environment will be thrilled. It’s also an excellent choice for families, couples, or solo explorers wanting a genuine taste of Tenerife’s marine life with minimal complexity. While it’s not a full-day adventure, the quality of scenery, wildlife encounters, and inclusiveness makes it a worthwhile investment in your holiday.

For those seeking a memorable, engaging way to connect with the sea and nature’s beauty in Tenerife, this kayak tour stands out as a practical, affordable, and highly enjoyable option.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, covering paddling along the coast and a snorkeling break in a secluded bay.

Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, the kayaks are designed for stability, and guides provide detailed safety and paddling instructions, making it accessible to beginners.

What equipment is included?
Snorkel masks, waterproof bags for personal items, and life jackets are provided, along with insurance and a professional guide.

Can I see marine animals?
Many travelers report sightings of dolphins and turtles, especially during the snorkeling segment, which is a highlight of the tour.

Where does the tour start and end?
The activity begins and ends at Easy Kayak Tenerife in Palm-Mar, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

Embark on this memorable adventure, paddle through Tenerife’s enchanting coast, and discover the thrill of seeing its marine life up close—all with a friendly guide and a safety-first approach.