Abades: Tenerife Turtles and Rays Snorkeling Trip

Exploring Tenerife’s Underwater World: Turtles and Rays Snorkeling Adventure

This Tenerife snorkeling trip offers a chance to see some of the island’s most special marine residents—sea turtles and rays—in their natural habitat. It’s a short, 1.5-hour activity, led by knowledgeable guides, that promises not just a swim but an educational glimpse into the volcanic underwater landscape of the island. While the tour can’t guarantee sightings of these animals—after all, they are free creatures in a vast ocean—it’s designed to maximize your chances with carefully chosen spots and expert supervision.

What I find particularly compelling about this experience are two key aspects. First, the guides’ expertise—a marine biologist accompanies each trip, making the whole activity as informative as it is fun. Second, the small group size, limited to just 10 snorkelers, ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd and can truly enjoy the underwater scenery and wildlife. On the flip side, a consideration for travelers is the lack of hotel pickup and drop-off, meaning you’ll need to coordinate your transportation, which could be an extra step but allows for more flexibility.

Beyond just swimming with turtles and rays, the trip offers a chance to discover Tenerife’s volcanic underwater landscape—a unique feature that adds depth to your experience. The tour also provides all the necessary snorkeling equipment, so you can focus on enjoying the sights. It’s a well-priced outing at around $63 per person, especially considering the personal attention and educational component included. For anyone looking for a meaningful, family-friendly adventure or a memorable highlight of their Tenerife trip, this snorkeling tour hits many marks.

Key points / Takeaways

• Marine Biologist Guides: Expect expert insights about the marine life and environment, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
• Wildlife Encounters: Although sightings aren’t guaranteed, the chance to swim with green turtles and rays makes this trip stand out.
• Stunning Underwater Landscape: Dive into Tenerife’s volcanic formations, which provide a dramatic backdrop for your swim.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Flexible Departure Locations: Depending on sea conditions, the tour departs from Abades Beach, Alcalá Beach, or Marina del Sur.
• No Hotel Transfers: You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point, which offers flexibility but adds an extra step.

Discovering Tenerife’s Marine Secrets

If you’re like most travelers, you probably envision Tenerife as sunny beaches and lively resorts—but beneath the surface lies an underwater landscape that is just as captivating. This snorkeling trip takes you out to spots known for their volcanic formations, which are both beautiful and scientifically fascinating. The underwater scenery alone makes the trip worth it; the formations and the clarity of the water offer a glimpse into a different world.

What makes this tour special is the emphasis on education. The marine biologist guide, often named Paco in reviews, not only points out the marine species but also shares interesting facts about the island’s marine ecosystem and volcanic geology. This detail elevates the experience from a simple swim to a learning adventure. One review highlights how Paco’s beginner-friendly explanations helped even those with no prior snorkeling experience feel comfortable and engaged.

What to Expect on the Snorkeling Trip

Your adventure begins at a designated meeting point, typically in front of the Magilu bar, with the exact departure site depending on the sea conditions. You might head out from Abades Beach, Alcalá Beach, or Marina del Sur—whichever is safest and most suitable on the day. Expect a brief safety briefing and equipment fitting before you jump into the water.

Once in, you’ll explore an area teeming with marine life and volcanic formations. The guides often take special care to position the group where green turtles and rays are known to frequent. Even if you don’t spot them, the chances are high, and the scenic underwater landscape is a reward in itself. The tour lasts about 90 minutes, making it a perfect half-day activity that won’t tire you out, but leaves plenty of time to explore other parts of the island.

A notable tip from a satisfied traveler is to bring your own swimwear and towel, as everything else is provided. The guides are attentive, patient, and eager to answer questions, which helps beginners feel more at ease. Several reviews mention how guide Paco made the experience enjoyable, especially for those with no prior snorkeling experience.

Logistics and Practicalities

While the price of around $63 per person is reasonable considering the personalized nature of the tour, it’s important to note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. If you’re staying locally, you’ll need to plan your transportation to the meeting point, which is straightforward but something to keep in mind.

The tour operates in small groups, limited to 10 participants, which enhances the overall quality—no pushing or jostling here. Duration is 1.5 hours, a perfect window for a relaxed yet immersive experience. The activity is suitable for most ages above 4 years, making it family-friendly, provided children are comfortable in water.

You’ll want to dress in swimwear and bring a towel, and avoid smoking or alcohol in the boat or near the water. The tour is offered in both English and Spanish, accommodating a range of travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a personalized, educational, and fun way to experience Tenerife’s marine environment, this snorkeling trip hits the right notes. It’s especially well-suited for beginners or those who are still a little unsure about snorkeling but want a safe and guided introduction. Families with children over 4 will find it manageable and enjoyable.

Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to swim with turtles and rays, even if sightings aren’t guaranteed. And anyone interested in volcanic geology will enjoy the scenic underwater landscape, which offers a different view of Tenerife’s volcanic origins.

This experience isn’t for those who prefer a large, impersonal tour or who don’t want to organize their transportation. But for those seeking a small-group, eco-conscious adventure that combines education and wildlife observation, it offers real value.

Final Thoughts

This Tenerife snorkeling trip balances expert guidance, scenic underwater spots, and wildlife encounters into a compact, affordable package. The fact that it’s limited to small groups means you’ll get more attention and a more intimate experience. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge, especially if led by a marine biologist like Paco, add a layer of authenticity that makes the outing memorable.

While sightings of turtles and rays can’t be guaranteed, the effort to go in the right spots and the overall experience of exploring Tenerife’s volcanic depths make this trip worthwhile. It’s perfect for beginners, families, or anyone wanting a taste of the island’s marine richness without diving gear or complicated logistics.

In essence, it’s a well-rounded, honest adventure—one that offers the chance to learn, snorkel, and enjoy the natural beauty of Tenerife’s coast. Just remember to bring your sense of curiosity along with your swimsuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this trip?
No, the trip is suitable for beginners. Guides are attentive and explain everything in a friendly, beginner-friendly way, so even first-timers can enjoy it.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear and a towel. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you only need to organize your transportation to the meeting point.

Can I see turtles and rays on this tour?
While the guides do their best to take you to spots where turtles and rays live, sightings aren’t guaranteed because they are free creatures in the ocean. However, the chances are good.

Where does the tour start?
Depending on sea conditions, the departure is from Abades Beach, Alcalá Beach, or Marina del Sur. The meeting point is in front of Magilu bar.

Is transportation provided?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day outing.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for children over 4 years old, provided they are comfortable in water.

What languages are guides available in?
The tour is offered in both English and Spanish.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour depends on sea conditions; if the weather is unsuitable for snorkeling, you might need to reschedule or receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

In summary, this snorkeling trip offers a genuine chance to connect with Tenerife’s marine environment in a friendly, small-group setting. With knowledgeable guides, scenic volcanic underwater formations, and the possibility of swimming alongside turtles and rays, it’s a worthwhile addition to any island itinerary—especially if you’re eager to see a different side of Tenerife beyond its beaches.