Tenerife : Snorkeling underwater with freediving Instructor

What makes this Tenerife experience interesting is that it starts like an apnea-style training session, then turns into guided snorkeling over colorful seabed. It is not just swim, see fish, and hope for the best. You get structure, and you get coached.

I really like the ear equalisation practice before you get in, plus the calm warmup that blends yoga, stretching, qigong, and conscious breathing. I also like that it stays a small group setup, with room for real feedback on your fin and mask comfort.

One possible drawback is that it is outdoors on a wooden platform, so rough weather can push things to another time. Also, you must be comfortable swimming, and you will need to take off glasses for the water part.

Key Things You’ll Remember From Radazul

• Breathing drills built for the water, with guidance on relaxation and equalisation
• A safety-first ear plan, so you can focus on the seabed instead of discomfort
• Small-group coaching with a calm, attentive instructor style (Carlos is often mentioned)
• Real snorkeling technique, not just floating, with fins, mask, and snorkel tube instruction
• Watertight photos and video, plus a healthy snack when you’re done

Radazul Beach, Wooden Platforms, and a Safety-First Start

Your session is based at Radazul Beach, with the meeting centered around three wooden platforms in front of the ocean. You will check in and orient there, and you also begin at Av. Colón, 22 as the starting point for the day.

This matters because the “dry” prep happens right on that platform. You are not trying to figure things out while already panicking in the water. The team sets the tone early, then helps you move step by step toward comfortable snorkeling.

The group stays small, limited to 10 participants. That size is a big deal for beginners, because it is easier for the instructor to notice when your mask seal is off, when your breathing is getting too fast, or when your posture is making kicking harder.

Also, yes, you need to know how to swim. The program is not framed as a learn-to-swim lesson. It is better thought of as guided snorkeling plus apnea coaching tools that help you stay relaxed and in control.

The 3-Hour Flow: From Warmup to 1.5 Hours of Guided Snorkeling

The schedule is compact and well-paced, with one long training block, then a focused time in the water.

First you get a class and a safety briefing in Radazul, along with a workshop that lasts about an hour. This is when you learn what to expect, how the group will move, and how to handle ear equalisation so you can dip in confidently.

Then comes the main water time, roughly 1.5 hours. You get a photo stop and then a guided tour that combines snorkeling with marine life viewing and wildlife viewing. The goal is to help you see the seabed clearly while feeling safe and calm.

After that, there is a break period with an aperitif and a picnic-style moment, around 30 minutes. You then head back to Av. Colón, 22.

What I like about this flow is that you do not spend your whole time either “training” or “floating around.” You do the prep so you can actually enjoy the snorkeling, and then you get the snack and reset before you travel back.

Practical tip: the activity is easiest when you do not eat during the hour before you go in. That small choice can make your breathing feel calmer and more natural during the first minutes in the water.

The Breathwork That Makes Snorkeling Feel Easier

This experience stands out because the warmup is not just stretching. You are guided through yoga and stretching, plus qigong-style movement, then breathing and relaxation practices.

You start with conscious breathing and relaxation techniques designed to slow down your mind and body. That matters underwater, because fast breathing can make you tire sooner, feel distracted, or feel less confident when you try to equalise your ears.

Then you get the breathing framework tied to the water part. In plain terms, the instructor helps you learn how to breathe in a way that supports comfort once you are wearing fins, mask, and snorkel tube.

The reviews highlight that those breathing exercises really helped later during snorkeling. People also mention that Carlos runs the preparation in a way that feels calm and welcoming, and that the “warm up” is more than typical snorkeling instruction.

You can think of this as the difference between snorkeling that feels like work versus snorkeling that feels like you are gliding through it. Even when the sea is not perfect, your head stays steadier.

One more key point: the program includes equalisation guidance. You are briefed on how to compensate for your ears so you can dip down safely. If you have ever had ear discomfort underwater, you will appreciate getting a plan before you test it.

Ear Equalisation, Safety Skills, and Why It’s Worth the Prep

A lot of snorkeling experiences ignore the reality that ears are part of the game. Here, they talk about it upfront, and you practice concepts right away.

You will get a brief introduction on how to do the session safely. That includes what to watch for, how to manage discomfort, and how to handle equalisation as you move in the water.

If you have never equalised before, do not treat it like a bravery contest. Treat it like a technique you learn. When you understand the timing and what it should feel like, you stop guessing and start relaxing.

Safety also shows up in the environment setup. The activity is led by an instructor with apnea coaching skills, and the program includes the proper tools, including a wetsuit and a weighted belt used for apnea training elements.

And because the group is limited to 10, your instructor can help you adjust the plan if you are not feeling it that day. That is one reason people come away saying they felt well prepared for their first underwater breath-hold style moments.

Gear Setup: Wetsuit, Fins, Mask Fit, and the Apnea Weight Belt

This is an equipment-included experience, so you do not need to source anything ahead of time. You are provided with sports equipment, fins, mask, snorkel tube, and a wetsuit.

You also get a belt of apnea with weights. That might sound intimidating, but it is part of the training element. It helps the coaching team run the apnea-style preparation correctly, and it also trains you to feel balanced underwater rather than just “float and hope.”

A practical gear note that is easy to miss: you must remove your glasses for the water activity. Contact lenses are allowed in the water. If your prescription is very high, the team can offer advice on where to find special lenses that fit a snorkel mask.

For me, this is one of the most important things to check before you book. If glasses are non-negotiable, ask questions early, because the requirement is stated clearly.

Also, listen when they adjust your mask fit and seating. A good seal matters because it affects how much air you waste and how quickly you feel comfortable. Comfortable gear is what lets you spend energy on breathing and observation, not on fixing leaks.

The Guided Tour Over Tenerife’s Seabed: Marine Life and Wildlife Viewing

Once you are in the water, the focus shifts from training to observation. For about an hour, you explore the seabed with guidance, and the itinerary includes marine life viewing and wildlife viewing.

You also get a photo stop, which is helpful because it lets you orient yourself visually before continuing on. In the water, you will see colorful fish and other sea life around Radazul, including sightings like rays mentioned by guests.

What makes this “guided tour” valuable is that you are not trying to scan randomly with a snorkel tube while figuring out your breathing. The instructor leads the pacing, helps you stay calm, and keeps you in the best areas for viewing.

Also, you get coached snorkeling technique. That is another difference between this and casual snorkeling. Your finning, head angle, and how you move together with the group all affect what you see and how comfortable you feel.

One small drawback to consider: the water portion depends on conditions, and you are outdoors the whole time. If there is rain, strong wind, or rough waves, the schedule might be rescheduled. That is not a dealbreaker, but it is a real planning factor for Tenerife.

Photos and Snacks: Getting Value After You’re Out of the Water

If you care about memories, you’ll like that photos and videos are taken during the session. They use photography and video water devices to capture you, and the snack is part of the package when you come out.

The healthy snack matters more than it sounds. After breathing practice and time in the water, you do not want to jump straight into a long gap until your next meal. Guests also mention an easy recovery snack experience after snorkeling.

Then there is the break time with aperitif and picnic-style local snacks. This is a nice transition from “in the water mode” to “back to land” mode, especially because you are not just changing locations, you are changing your breathing rhythm again.

As a bonus, having photos and video helps you remember the experience accurately. Snorkeling is a bit surreal in the moment, and it is easy to forget how everything looked once you dry off.

Price, Group Size, and What You Get for $52

At about $52 per person for roughly 3 hours, this is reasonably priced for an instructor-led session that includes gear, training, and media.

Here’s why I think the value is real: you are not paying just for water time. You are paying for preparation that includes yoga, stretching, qigong, breathing and equalisation coaching, plus safety briefing and guidance in the water. On top of that, you get fins, mask, snorkel tube, wetsuit, and even the weighted belt used for apnea training elements.

Most snorkeling-only tours cost a similar amount, but they often skip the structured breathing and ear work. This one tries to give you tools, so you feel more confident and relaxed while snorkeling, not just better at floating.

Small-group capacity also adds value. With up to 10 participants, you are less likely to get “left alone with a snorkel.” You get real feedback, and that matters for first-timers.

If you are on a budget and you want more than standard snorkeling, this is the kind of experience that can feel worth the money because it teaches you how to enjoy the water safely.

Who Should Book This Tenerife Session, and Who Should Skip It

This is a good match if you:

• Can swim and want guided snorkeling with coaching
• Want breathing techniques that help you relax underwater
• Like learning skills, not just sightseeing
• Prefer small groups for more personal instruction

It is also a great option if you have done snorkeling before but your ears always complain, or you want a calmer way to manage discomfort.

You should skip it if:

• You are a non-swimmer
• You are visually impaired
• You are traveling with children under 6 years

Weather is another filter. Since the prep and activity are outdoors, you might need to reschedule if rain, strong wind, or wild ocean waves show up.

And if you rely on glasses, plan carefully. The rule is to remove glasses for the water part, and contact lenses are an option.

Language and Coaching Style: Carlos, Sandra, and Calm Instruction

The instructor team works in English, French, and Spanish. That matters because breathing and equalisation coaching is hard to learn when instructions are vague.

Carlos is specifically mentioned in multiple accounts as a welcoming, calm coach who explains things well. That calm style is not a small detail. When you are working on breathing and relaxing, a rushed voice can create tension you do not need.

Sandra shows up as a communication contact in one account, which suggests you may get support from the team before you meet up at Radazul. That pre-clarity can help you arrive feeling ready, especially if it is your first time with this kind of apnea-style preparation.

Should You Book This Tenerife Snorkeling With an Apnea Coach?

I would recommend booking if you want a guided snorkeling session that teaches you breathing and ear equalisation skills, and if you enjoy learning something practical alongside the scenery.

It is especially worth it for first-timers who want to feel safe, for people who want more than basic snorkeling technique, and for anyone who likes structured prep that helps you stay relaxed once you hit the water.

Skip it if you are not comfortable swimming, if glasses are a must-have without alternatives, or if you are traveling with a young child under 6. Also be ready for weather variability since it is outdoors.

If you want snorkeling in Tenerife that feels organized, coached, and genuinely calming, this Radazul session is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the snorkeling session in Tenerife?

You meet at Radazul Beach. You should look for one of the three wooden platforms in front of the ocean. The day also starts at Av. Colón, 22.

How long is the snorkeling time in the water?

The full experience is about 3 hours. In the itinerary, the guided snorkeling and viewing portion is about 1.5 hours, with additional workshop and preparation time before that.

What equipment is included?

The activity includes sports equipment, fins, mask, snorkel tube, wetsuit, and a belt of apnea with weights. Photos and videos are taken during the session, and you also get a snack when you get out of the water.

Do I need to know how to swim, and what about glasses?

Yes, you must know how to swim. You need to remove your glasses for the water activity, and contact lenses can be used. If your prescription is very high, the team can provide advice on where to find special lenses that fit in the snorkel mask.

Who is this activity not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 6 years, non-swimmers, and visually impaired people.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The activity is outdoors on a wooden platform, so weather can affect it. If there is rain, strong wind, or wild ocean waves, the session might need to be rescheduled.