Abades: Guided Snorkeling Tour with Photos

Tenerife looks different underwater. This guided snorkeling tour in Abades takes you off the coast of Playa Abades to see schools of fish, coral, and a chance at rarer animals, all with a safety-first guide. I like that the group stays small, and I really like that you get free photos and videos to keep.

One thing to plan for: the big sightings, like turtles, are not guaranteed, especially if you are a weaker swimmer or the day’s conditions are a little off.

Key things I’d watch for before you go

• Small group size (up to 6 participants) so you are not lost in a crowd.
• Pro snorkeling setup plus neoprene suits (long or short) to help you stay comfortable.
• Photos and videos included so you leave with proof, not just memories.
• Turtle and ray chances depend on swim ability and timing, not just luck.
• Andres and Natalie style of coaching is built for nervous people and kids, not just strong swimmers.

First Gear: Meeting at Restaurant Magilu and Getting Suited Up

This tour starts right by the sea in Abades. Your meeting point is the restaurant Magilu, directly in front of the beach, and you can spot the white benches before you reach the water.

Plan to arrive ready. You will meet your guide, then put on your snorkeling equipment and neoprene wet suit right there. In most cases, you can expect both wetsuit coverage choices (long or short), which matters in Tenerife when the water feels cooler than you expect.

The guides (often a team led by Andres and Natalie) are set up to help people who are not confident in open water. They can guide you even if you are not a strong swimmer, and they have experience supporting children and people who feel nervous.

A practical heads-up: you leave your personal stuff in their car. That keeps the beach area simpler, but it also means you should travel light, especially if you are bringing valuables.

2 Hours Off Playa Abades: What Happens Underwater

Once everyone is equipped, you head into the water and start exploring the coast near Playa Abades. The goal is straightforward: follow the guide to areas with good visibility and safe conditions, then spend time looking closely at the fish and reef life.

You can expect lots of colorful fish around the coral reef. The tour description points to a spot with hundreds of fish, and many people also describe the experience as easy to enjoy because the guide helps you spot what is worth watching.

The water here is open ocean, not a closed lagoon. That means conditions can change, and you will still be guided to where it makes sense to swim for the day. Even if you never spot the headline animals, you should get plenty of interesting sea life.

One nice detail is how they manage the pace. If your group includes non swimmers or cautious swimmers, the guide’s job becomes keeping everyone comfortable while still getting you where the best viewing happens.

Also, look down at the bottom. One snorkeler noted volcanic rock formations under the surface in this Atlantic setting, which is exactly where hidden animals like octopus can sometimes be found.

Coral Reef Watching: Fish, Coral, and the Stuff You Can Actually Enjoy

This is not the kind of snorkeling where you spend the whole time fighting for position. You are guided through the water with the focus on what you came for: reef life and fish you can actually see.

If you are there for color, you will likely have a good time. The tour is designed around areas where fish are easy to find, and the guide’s experience helps you know when to slow down and watch rather than just swim around.

If you are a first-timer, the biggest win is that you are not guessing. You are learning where to look, how to move comfortably in fins, and how to keep your breathing steady while the guide points out the smaller details.

If you are worried that you will be bored because you cannot chase animals, do this: focus on patterns. Watch how fish cluster around reef structure, and notice how they react when a bigger animal passes overhead. It changes the whole feel of the trip.

Turtles, Stingrays, and Octopus: Your Chances and How to Improve Them

Here is the honest part. The tour offers a chance to see larger animals, but sightings are not guaranteed.

They share a specific hopeful note: there are six sea turtles living in the area right now. Still, they remind you that this is open ocean, and it might not be possible to spot them every time.

Non swimmers need a reality check. The tour notes that non swimmers cannot see turtles because it is a lot of swimming to reach the best turtle viewing. In plain terms, if turtles are your top goal, be ready to participate fully in the swim portion.

For other animals, your luck improves if you stay calm and follow the guide’s pace. Many people talk about spotting a ray at some point, and octopus sightings can happen when the guide helps you search under stones.

One more useful tip: when the guide suggests a pause, take it. The guides spend time scanning and positioning, not just moving forward. That is often when a hidden creature makes its appearance.

And yes, sometimes you will come home with fewer big animals than you hoped for. That does not mean the trip failed. It means the ocean did what the ocean does, and you still got a guided reef experience.

Free Underwater Photos and Video: The Best Souvenir Is Usually the Easiest

This tour includes underwater photos and videos. That is a big deal because snorkeling is one of those activities where you normally miss the best moments unless someone is filming.

From the tour details, the photos and videos are provided, and the reviews back up that they are a real part of the value. Expect the guides to handle the camera work while you focus on staying comfortable and watching what is around you.

What I like about this setup is that it removes friction. You are not fumbling with waterproof gear, worrying about a phone strap, or praying your GoPro captures the right angle.

The result is you leave with shareable content for friends and family, without needing extra purchases or gear rental.

Who This Snorkeling Trip Works For (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is built for families and mixed abilities, but it is not right for everyone.

It is generally a good fit if you want a guided snorkeling experience and you like the idea of small group attention. Many people also report feeling safe and supported, including those who were out of shape or nervous about the ocean.

It can also work for kids, but not too young. The trip is not suitable for children under 5 years old. It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Pregnancy is handled carefully. The information says pregnant women can do snorkeling, which is useful if that is on your trip-planning checklist. Still, you should use your own judgment and any medical guidance you have.

One more practical fit note: people with a cold are not suitable. That is common-sense safety, and it helps protect both you and the guide team.

If you wear glasses for vision, plan ahead. The tour notes that if you have glasses to see, you can’t put them under the mask. You will need to rely on the mask fit and your usual vision setup.

Price and Value: Why $35 Can Make Sense in Tenerife

At $35 per person for a 2-hour guided snorkeling tour, the value comes from what is bundled in. You are getting equipment, a wet suit, a guide, and photos plus videos.

Most snorkel costs add up fast once you factor in guide time, gear, and the kind of photographic souvenir you would otherwise pay extra for. Here, the photo and video inclusion is doing a lot of heavy lifting for value.

Also, small group size matters. With a maximum of 6 participants, the guide can help you adjust, correct mask position, and keep an eye on safety without feeling rushed. That is exactly the kind of cost that usually drives up the price on other tours.

So yes, it is not a free beach activity. But it is priced like a practical outing, not a luxury production, and it includes the parts that typically cost extra.

Timing, Comfort, and What to Bring for a Smooth Session

The duration is about 2 hours, and you can check availability for starting times. The tour is simple in structure, but that makes what you bring more important.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and beachwear. You will be in and out of the water, and Tenerife sun can be strong, even when you think you are just doing a quick activity.

You will wear a wet suit. That helps with comfort and makes it easier for nervous first-timers. It also means you should pack a towel you actually want to use afterward.

Parking is available, which helps if you are driving. The meeting point is easy to find, and the restaurant Magilu gives you a clear reference point in a busy coast area.

One comfort detail from real experience: there may not be a dedicated changing room or toilet on-site, and a nearby cafe can help in a pinch. If that matters to you, plan to arrive with that in mind.

Should You Book Abades Guided Snorkeling with Photos?

Book it if you want a guided, family-friendly snorkeling experience with a small group, and you care about getting real underwater photos without extra effort. I also think it is a strong choice for nervous swimmers, because the guides are set up to coach and support people who do not feel totally at ease.

Consider your swimming ability carefully if you want turtles. The tour is clear that weaker swimmers may not reach the best turtle viewing. You can still see lots of fish and sea life, but your odds at the big animals drop if you are not comfortable swimming.

If your priority is the best possible animal sightings no matter what, you might find your expectations need a little flexibility, since ocean conditions and animal movement are outside anyone’s control.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is the restaurant Magilu, directly in front of the beach, where you can see white benches before the ocean.

How long is the snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included are the snorkeling tour, guide, snorkeling equipment, wet suit (long or short), and photos and videos.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is this a small group tour?

Yes. The group is limited to 6 participants.

What languages are the guides/instructors?

The tour is offered in German, Spanish, and English.

Can non swimmers go on the tour?

Non swimmers can go. The tour notes that non swimmers will not be able to see turtles because it requires more swimming, but they can see fish and sea life.

Can pregnant women snorkel?

Pregnant women can do snorkeling, according to the tour information.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and beachwear.

Is it refundable if plans change?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.