Tenerife: Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Turtles and Dolphins

Exploring Tenerife’s Coastline: An Honest Look at the Kayak & Snorkel Tour

This kayaking and snorkeling adventure near Los Cristianos promises a chance to explore Tenerife’s stunning volcanic coastline, swim with turtles, and spot dolphins. Based on hundreds of glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s clear this is a well-organized, active experience that combines natural beauty with wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, this tour offers a compelling blend of scenery, wildlife, and fun.

What I love most about this experience is the knowledgeable guides, like Caroline and Gabriël, who not only keep safety a top priority but also share fascinating insights about the local marine life and volcanic landscape. Their enthusiasm makes the outing feel personal and engaging. I also appreciate the free photos and videos that capture your highlights — a real bonus for remembering the trip long after your towel has dried.

A notable consideration is the physical effort required. As many reviews point out, paddling in the ocean for a couple of hours can be challenging — especially if you’re not used to kayaking or have back issues. The tour is best suited for those reasonably fit or willing to embrace a bit of a workout, but the effort is rewarded with incredible views and wildlife sightings.

This experience seems like a fantastic value for anyone craving authentic aquatic adventures in Tenerife. It’s not just sightseeing — it’s active, educational, and offers a genuine chance to connect with the island’s marine environment.

Key points / Takeaways

• Wildlife Encounters: Most participants see dolphins and turtles, with reports of dolphins swimming close by and turtles gliding beside kayaks, especially in season.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Caroline and Gabriël are consistently praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and attentiveness, making the trip both safe and enjoyable.
• Stunning Coastal Scenery: The volcanic cliffs, sea caves, and black volcanic rock formations create a dramatic backdrop for kayaking and snorkeling.
• Free Photos & Videos: Participants appreciate the professional shots sent after the trip, capturing their marine encounters perfectly.
• Physical Activity Level: Expect a bit of a workout — paddling for 2–3 hours in open water requires some stamina, but it’s part of the adventure.
• Weather Considerations: Bad weather or rough seas can lead to cancellations, so flexibility is key if sea conditions turn unfavorable.

Discovering Tenerife’s Volcanic Coastlines: A Complete Guide

Starting Point and Accessibility

The adventure kicks off at the Shaka Surf Tenerife center, comfortably located on the Los Cristianos seafront. The meeting point, in the Cristianmar Building, is easy to find — simply look for the Shaka shop on the promenade. Once checked in, you’ll have access to changing rooms and lockers, which makes preparations straightforward. It’s a sensible setup, especially after a swim or kayak session — you’ll appreciate hot or cold showers afterward, along with complimentary water and snacks.

This tour is offered in multiple languages including English, Spanish, and Italian, which helps ensure clear communication and safety instructions. If you’re staying near Los Cristianos, transportation isn’t a major concern, and the location’s centrality makes it convenient. You’ll want to arrive with a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes; all paddles, life jackets, wetsuits, and snorkel gear are provided.

The Itinerary: From Calm Waters to Wild Encounters

The tour’s plan revolves around a well-crafted sequence of stops designed to maximize wildlife sightings and scenic views. After a safety briefing of about 20 minutes, your guides will get you familiar with the kayaking and snorkeling gear. Expect to spend around 1.5 hours paddling along the coast, where you’ll pass notable sights like Playa de los Cristianos and the impressive volcanic cliffs.

The highlight is the visit to the sea cave, entered via the kayak, offering a glimpse into Tenerife’s volcanic history. This part is often praised for its dramatic beauty and the thrill of entering a hidden natural chamber. Afterward, the snorkeling segment takes place in an area known for turtles and fish. Many reviews mention encountering large families of dolphins (season-dependent), and snorkelers often see a variety of fish, with some lucky participants witnessing turtles swimming right alongside.

Following snorkeling, you’ll hop back into the kayaks for a final paddle along the coast, ending roughly 3 hours after it all begins. Back at the meeting point, you’ll be offered a small snack and the chance to reflect on your aquatic adventure.

The Guides: Your Personal Wildlife Enthusiasts

Throughout the reviews, guides like Caroline, Gabriël, Sara, and Liam stand out not just for their professionalism but for their genuine enthusiasm. They’re attentive, patient, and eager to share their knowledge about the underwater world and the coastal landscape. Many participants mention how guides like Caroline explained everything in both English and Spanish, making the experience accessible and educational.

Gabriël, in particular, is lauded for his friendliness, patience, and ability to spot wildlife. One review notes how he handled a challenging situation with tides and weight issues, demonstrating excellent professionalism. These guides often take photos and videos with aquatic cameras, ensuring you leave with memories of your close encounters with dolphins, turtles, and the vivid fish.

Equipment and Safety: What You Need to Know

All necessary gear — paddles, wetsuits, snorkel masks, and life jackets — are provided. The wetsuits are 3 millimeters thick, suitable for the ocean’s cool waters, and the guides tailor the equipment to your size and experience. If you’re concerned about safety, rest assured that the tour strictly limits groups to double kayaks (max 2 adults and 1 child), and experienced guides keep a close watch.

While the physical demands are moderate for most, some reviews suggest that paddling in the ocean for about 2.5 to 3 hours can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to being on the water. The tour’s success depends heavily on weather conditions; strong wind or rough seas might lead to cancellations, which are fully refundable if notified 24 hours in advance.

Wildlife and Scenic Highlights: What You’ll Remember

The thrill of seeing dolphins swimming under your kayak or turtles gliding past during snorkeling makes this trip stand out. Many reviewers emphasize how close these animals come, often swimming just feet away, thanks to the guides’ skill in spotting wildlife in the water.

The volcanic cliffs and sea caves are equally unforgettable. The dark, imposing rock formations juxtaposed with the bright blue Atlantic create a landscape that photographs simply cannot do justice. Some reviewers mention the caves’ size and mystery, adding an extra element of adventure.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits active travelers who enjoy being outdoors and are comfortable in open water. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a mix of adventure, wildlife, and scenic beauty. People who aren’t afraid of a bit of physical effort will find it especially rewarding. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, those with back problems, or anyone over 220 lbs (100 kg), as paddling in waves might be challenging.

The tour’s focus on wildlife means sightings, while common, are never guaranteed; however, the high success rate (80-90%) makes it worthwhile. Also, the inclusion of free photos adds value, especially given the chance to capture dolphins and turtles up close.

Pricing and Overall Value

At around 3 hours, with all equipment and professional guidance included, the tour offers great value for money. You’re getting an active, guided experience designed to maximize wildlife viewing and scenic exploration. The small snack and shower access post-activity enhance the overall experience, making it feel well-rounded.

Final Tips for Your Adventure

• Book in advance, especially in peak season, to secure your spot.
• Arrive early and prepared — swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel are essentials.
• Keep an open mind and be ready for a workout; the effort is part of the fun.
• Take advantage of the photos and videos — many reviewers say they cherish these keepsakes.
• Don’t forget, weather can change quickly; be flexible if the sea conditions aren’t perfect.

The Sum Up: Is This Kayak & Snorkel Tour Worth It?

If you’re after an active, wildlife-rich outing that gives you a genuine feel for Tenerife’s volcanic coast, this tour is hard to beat. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge, combined with the chance to see dolphins and turtles up close, make for a memorable trip. It’s best suited for those who are reasonably fit and enjoy being in the water, with the understanding that ocean paddling requires effort.

The scenic landscapes, caves, and marine animals make this a rewarding experience that balances adventure with education. The inclusion of free photos, hot showers, and snacks adds to the overall value. While it’s not a relaxed sightseeing cruise, it’s an authentic, hands-on way to connect with Tenerife’s marine environment and enjoy a memorable day outdoors.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 3 hours, including safety briefing, kayaking, snorkeling, and a bit of downtime at the end.

What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and a change of clothes. The tour provides all necessary equipment like wetsuits, paddles, masks, and life jackets.

Is it suitable for beginners?
Guides offer a brief training session, and the tour is designed for a range of skill levels. However, paddling for 2–3 hours in the ocean does require some physical effort and stamina.

Can I see dolphins and turtles?
Most participants do see dolphins and turtles, with success rates between 80–90%. Wildlife sightings depend on the season and luck.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If seas are rough or weather unfavorable, the tour can be canceled with a full refund, provided you notify at least 24 hours in advance.

Are there age or health restrictions?
Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, over 220 lbs (100 kg), or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes, many families find it enjoyable, especially with prepared guides and safety measures. Kids need to be comfortable in water and paddling.

Can I buy snacks during the tour?
Yes, there is a snack machine at the meeting point with drinks and snacks available for purchase.

This Tenerife kayak and snorkel tour offers an energetic, scenic way to enjoy the island’s marine life and volcanic coast. For those ready to paddle and explore, it’s a memorable, wildlife-filled adventure worth considering.