Tenerife: Snorkeling Tour in a Marine Protected Area

Snorkeling Tenerife’s southeast coast sounds touristy until you see the setup. This tour is built around a marine protected area off Abades, where you can swim right from shore and look for green sea turtles and reef life without the usual big-boat circus.

What I like most is how small and hands-on it feels, with a group capped at 8. And I love that you get free photos and videos from the guides using an underwater camera during the snorkel, with digital delivery after.

One thing to keep your expectations realistic: turtle sightings are not guaranteed, since they swim where they want in their natural habitat.

Snorkel Tenerife: the highlights that matter

• Small group, calm pace: max 8 people, with two-guides-in-the-water support in many cases
• Quality full wetsuits: included, with gear fitted in all sizes and boots for traction
• Shore entry in a sheltered bay: good for beginners and people who get sea sick
• Respect-first wildlife rules: no feeding, no touching, and turtle protocols with respectful distance
• Free underwater photos and videos: guides take them during the tour and send them to you digitally

Why Abades marine protected water is such a good idea

Abades sits on Tenerife’s southeast side, and this tour uses that advantage. The snorkel happens in a protected area with a sheltered bay, which means the conditions you feel at the beach are often calmer than you’d expect. You’re not fighting open-ocean swells. You’re working with a reef zone that’s designed to be a habitat, not a playground.

I also like the depth profile. The average depth is about 2.5 meters, with a max around 8 meters. That matters because it keeps the experience more comfortable for nervous first-timers. You can float, breathe, and focus on what’s in front of you instead of thinking about survival math.

And yes, turtles are the headline. But the best part is you’re looking at the whole underwater neighborhood: fish that hang around the rocky reef, seagrass areas where turtles cruise, and small critters like octopus and seahorses that show up when you slow down.

The 2-hour flow, from beach meet to final photos

Here’s how your time typically runs, and why the order matters.

First, you meet on the beach area in Abades at Magilu. You’re told to look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt. Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early so you can get sorted without stress.

Next comes the gear part. The tour includes mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and a full wetsuit. They also fit you for comfort, which is a big deal for colder water and for keeping you buoyant without feeling bulky. The wetsuit is there for warmth, not style.

Before you go in, you’ll get a safety briefing. They go over what to expect and how to interact with marine life. This is also where they cover the basics for snorkeling technique for people who are new.

Then you head into the water. The guided snorkeling is 50 minutes in the protected bay. Your route is built around reef formations, rocky areas, and hidden coves. Those spots are where you tend to get the most fish activity because the reef gives them shelter.

During the swim, the guides help keep you oriented. You’re not just dropped into the water and told good luck. People in the water are encouraged to stick close, and extra assistance is offered for small children, non-strong swimmers, and seniors, so the group stays manageable.

After the snorkeling time ends, you go back to shore. There’s a public shower on the beach, which is a nice practical touch when you’re trying to keep your plans moving for the rest of the day.

Finally, the souvenir. An underwater photographer takes photos and videos during the excursion, and you receive them digitally for free.

Gear that makes beginners comfortable (and not cold)

Snorkeling gear can be an afterthought on tours. Here it’s one of the main reasons people rate the experience so highly.

You get a mask, snorkel, adjustable fins, and boots, plus a full wetsuit. The wetsuit is especially important because the water temperature is listed as 19 to 23°C during March to September. That’s not tropical bathwater. With a full wetsuit, you stay warmer and you can focus on breathing and watching wildlife instead of shivering.

They also mention they do not allow a full-face mask. So if you have one, leave it for diving elsewhere and use the provided snorkeling mask.

Another small but meaningful detail: the equipment is meant to be well-fitted and comfortable in all sizes. If you’ve ever tried borrowed fins that felt like clown shoes, you know why this matters.

Also, they provide extra assistance depending on your needs. In the reviews, you can feel that the guides pay attention to who’s anxious or less confident once they’re in the water. That’s not just kindness. It’s good safety management.

Wildlife you can look for, and how the guides handle it

This tour’s wildlife focus is built around a marine protected area, which changes the vibe. It’s not about chasing animals. It’s about watching what lives there.

You might see:

• Colorful reef fish moving in and out of rocky corners
• Corals and reef growth along the formations
• Octopus and other smaller creatures that hide until you look carefully
• Seahorses described as camouflaged, which means you’ll need patience, not speed
• Green sea turtles cruising in and around the seagrass areas

And yes, turtles show up often enough that many people go home saying they saw them. But the provider is clear that you cannot guarantee sightings. A turtle might be out of reach during your swim time. Still, it’s often worth it because the reef life around you is active and varied even when turtles are off doing turtle things.

The way the guides protect animals also shows up in how they run the tour. Feeding marine life is prohibited, and touching sea animals is not allowed. When turtles are encountered, they follow respectful protocols and use respectful distances to avoid causing stress.

One reason people love this tour is that it feels ethical without being boring. The guides help you spot things without grabbing attention away from the ecosystem.

Photos and videos: the souvenir you actually use

I like that this tour gives you a practical memory, not just a few blurry shots.

An underwater photographer takes photos and videos during the snorkeling excursion, and you receive them digitally for free. Reviews mention delivery through WhatsApp, and the quality is repeatedly praised. Because the camera is handled by the guide team, you can focus on snorkeling and observing, instead of fumbling with a phone in wet hands.

You also have an option if you have prior snorkeling experience: the use of your own camera is allowed. So you can bring a GoPro if that’s your style, but you don’t need to.

This is a small-value multiplier. If you snorkel once, you’ll remember it. If you get good images, you’ll share it and keep it. That’s what you get here.

Price and value: why $45 can feel fair

At $45 per person for a total 2-hour experience, you should ask, what are you actually paying for?

You’re not just paying for time in the water. The price covers:

• A 50-minute guided snorkeling tour
• Full wetsuit and snorkeling equipment
• Multilingual instructors
• Insurance
• Water
• And the big one, free photos and videos

For many visitors, renting gear is the hidden cost that makes snorkeling tours feel expensive fast. Here, the gear is included, and reviews consistently say it’s high quality and fits well.

Also, the small group size helps. Max 8 people means the guides can actually look after everyone, especially when you’re dealing with beginners, kids, seniors, and anxious first-timers.

So is it cheap? No. But it often lands in the “fair deal” zone because you get equipment, guidance, and a souvenir package bundled in.

Who this tour fits best, and who should rethink it

This is one of the rare snorkeling tours that is stated as suitable for all ages, and you don’t need previous experience. The sheltered bay helps, and the guides provide extra support.

It’s a great fit if:

• You’re a beginner or you’re nervous about snorkeling
• You want a family-friendly outdoor activity
• You get sea sick and want to avoid a boat setup, since the snorkel starts from the beach
• You care about safety and responsible marine interaction
• You want a photo set without paying extra

It may not be the right fit if:

• You have mobility impairments or use a wheelchair
• You’re a non-swimmer
• Your weight is outside the limits listed (over 140 kg or under 30 kg)
• You have medical conditions that need special handling, unless you inform the provider in advance

They also advise people with motion sickness to use medication. And they suggest people arrive prepared, especially wearing your swimsuit.

Practical tips so you enjoy the full 50 minutes

A few details can make the difference between a fun snorkel and a “why did I do this” moment.

1) Wear your swimsuit

They advise arriving already wearing swimwear. It saves time and helps you settle faster.

2) Expect cooler water than you want

Even in warmer months, water is listed as 19 to 23°C during March to September. The wetsuit helps, but you still want to dress smart.

3) Give yourself time to get comfortable

Arrive about 10 minutes early. Gear fitting and briefing go smoother when you’re not rushing.

4) Respect the rules without needing to be told twice

Feeding and touching sea animals are not allowed. When you see a turtle, keep a respectful distance. The guides will coach you in the moment.

5) Motion sickness and medical conditions

If you know you’re prone to motion sickness, they recommend medication. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, inform them before the tour.

6) Don’t bring a full-face mask

Full-face masks are not allowed. Use the provided mask.

And one more sanity check: the tour might change or cancel due to poor weather, strong wind, or adverse sea conditions. If you’re traveling in a windy week, flexibility helps.

Should you book this snorkeling tour in Tenerife?

I’d book this if you want an experience that feels safe, structured, and actually marine-focused. The combination of a sheltered bay, strong beginner support, quality wetsuits, and free underwater photos makes it good value at $45. The guides, including Raffaella and Ron, come through clearly in reviews as friendly, organized, and attentive to real safety needs.

I would not count on a turtle sighting. If seeing turtles is your only mission, treat it as a bonus, not a promise. Even without turtles, you’re still swimming over reef life in a protected area.

If you’re open to water conditions changing and you want a respectful, beginner-friendly snorkeling outing from the beach, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling time?

The guided snorkeling portion is 50 minutes. The total tour duration is 2 hours.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or non-swimmers?

The experience is described as suitable for all ages and says you do not need previous snorkeling experience. However, it is listed as not suitable for non-swimmers.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Magilu in Abades. Look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Included gear is mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and a full wetsuit.

What is the water temperature?

The water temperature is listed as 19 to 23°C (for March to September).

Can I guarantee seeing turtles?

No. The provider notes there is a reasonable chance of spotting green sea turtles, but sightings cannot be guaranteed because they are in their natural habitat.

How deep is the snorkeling area?

The average depth is about 2.5 meters, with a maximum of 8 meters.

Is a full-face mask allowed?

No. The tour states you are not allowed to use a full-face mask.

What rules apply around the marine life?

Feeding marine life is prohibited, and there are rules that you should not touch sea animals. When encountering turtles, guides follow respectful distances and avoid causing stress.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear. They also advise arriving wearing it.