Tenerife: Snorkeling Tour in a Marine Protected Area

Tenerife turtles, from the beach. This 2-hour snorkel tour is built around one of the island’s marine protected areas, with a sheltered bay and a guided session designed for real beginners. I like that you’re in the water for 50 minutes and you get photos and videos afterward, so the whole trip feels like more than just a quick splash.

I love the small group of up to 8. It makes coaching feel personal, and you can keep up with the pace without feeling rushed. I also love that you’re provided a full wetsuit and snorkeling kit, so you spend less time figuring things out and more time watching fish hover and dart over the reef.

One thing to keep expectations realistic: turtle sightings can’t be guaranteed. They’re in their natural habitat, and the guides follow respectful distances, so sometimes the best plan is to enjoy the reef life even if the turtles are out of range.

Key things I’d highlight before you go

• Marine protected area, calm sheltered bay for easier snorkeling right from the beach
• Full gear included (full wetsuit, mask, snorkel, boots, adjustable fins) for comfort and warmth
• Up to 8 people, guided the whole time with extra help for small children and non-strong swimmers
• Underwater photographer included, with free photos and videos sent to you digitally
• Ethical wildlife rules: no feeding, no touching, and special turtle protocols to avoid stress
• Two-guide setup that helps beginners feel watched, even in open water

Tenerife snorkeling from Abades, in a protected bay

This is the kind of Tenerife outing that feels simple on paper, then turns into a strong memory in real life. You’re not doing a big boat day. You’re starting right at the beach in Abades, heading into a marine protected area known for coastal biodiversity, and spending nearly an hour working your way along rocky reef formations and sheltered coves.

The protected setting matters more than you might think. A reef plus calmer water usually equals clearer sightlines and a more relaxed snorkel rhythm. That is especially helpful if you’re not an experienced swimmer, or if you’re bringing kids or adults who just want something safe and scenic.

And yes, the turtles are the headline. But the bigger draw is what you see between turtle moments: lots of fish, sea creatures camouflaged in the seagrass and around the rocky edges, and a reef you can actually take your time with.

Meeting at Magilu and getting geared up quickly

Logistics are part of how smoothly this tour feels. You meet at Magilu, and you look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt. The operator asks you to arrive about 10 minutes early, which helps because the group needs a bit of time to get fitted and oriented before anyone heads into the water.

Plan to arrive wearing your swimwear. That small detail saves you the “waiting around while everyone changes” feeling. There is also a public shower on the beach, so once you’re done, you can clean up fast and move on with your day.

Gear is included end to end: mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and a full wetsuit. The wetsuit is not just for warmth. It also provides buoyancy, which can make a beginner’s first minutes feel much less stressful.

Safety briefing, wetsuits, and how beginners keep their footing

The tour starts with a safety briefing so you know what to expect before you ever put your face in the water. The guides explain how to interact with wildlife, what not to do, and how to snorkel without fighting your gear.

This is a big part of why the reviews are so consistently positive: people mention feeling supported, especially when they were nervous. If you’re an anxious beginner, the practical help is what matters. You get reminders, you get equipment assistance, and you don’t feel like you’re being left to figure it out alone.

The tour is built around a simple reality: you might be new, and you might feel awkward at first. With a wetsuit and proper fins, you can build comfort fast. Many people in the feedback talk about feeling confident after a short adjustment period, and that matches the tour’s approach of “practice early, then enjoy.”

A few rules you should know upfront because they affect what you’ll see and how close you can get:

• Feeding marine life is prohibited
• Touching sea animals is prohibited
• Turtle encounters follow respectful distance protocols to avoid stress

Also note this specific gear rule: they don’t allow full face masks. If you show up with one, you may not be able to use it.

The 50-minute snorkeling loop: reef, seagrass, and turtle protocol

The “in-water” time is a 50-minute guided snorkeling tour, and the whole experience is planned around that protected bay. Expect an average depth of about 2.5 meters, with a max around 8 meters. That depth range is usually comfortable for beginners because you’re not stuck in deep water, and you can keep your bearings.

What you’re looking at comes down to three habitats:

1. Rocky reef formations, where fish hang out and pass close by
2. Hidden coves, which often concentrate marine life in sheltered areas
3. Seagrass around the reef, where you may spot green sea turtles

The tour’s turtle messaging is honest for a reason. They say there is a reasonable chance of spotting green sea turtles, but they cannot guarantee it. That’s not a trick. It means the guides will not chase turtles or push you into stressful approaches.

You might see turtles at a distance, or you might swim right through a section where the water is alive with fish and other creatures, but the turtles are elsewhere. Either way, the protected marine area is still worth the visit because the reef life is the main show.

Depending on the day and conditions, you may also encounter other marine creatures. The feedback includes sightings like octopus and seahorses described as camouflaged, plus larger “wow” sightings such as rays and even an angel shark in at least some sessions. You should treat those as possible, not guaranteed, but the variety is part of the appeal.

The guides matter: Rafaella and Ron, patient coaching, and keeping the group together

A snorkeling tour lives or dies based on the guides. Here, you get a real team and they work like a unit.

The most common pattern in the feedback is that Rafaella and Ron are friendly, organized, and attentive in the water. People repeatedly mention that they explained things clearly, helped with equipment, and kept checking that everyone was okay. Many snorkelers also note that there are two guides managing the group, one at the front and one at the back, which helps beginners not feel like they’ve fallen behind.

You’ll also notice how often safety gets paired with encouragement. If you’ve ever feared panic in water, it helps to know that the guides can adapt to your pace. In the feedback, people mention being helped through nerves, health issues, and even motion sickness. That doesn’t mean the tour removes all risk. It means the guides take your comfort seriously and adjust how they support you.

Language support is another practical win. You can get instruction in Spanish, English, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, or German, which matters if you freeze when you’re asked to follow a quick set of underwater cues.

And if wildlife ethics are a priority for you, this is where you’ll appreciate the protocols. The guides focus on observation, not interaction. You’re there to watch sea turtles and fish in their habitat, not to “collect” them for a photo op.

Equipment quality and what it feels like in the water

The tour provides high-quality equipment and multiple fit points matter for comfort: full wetsuits in different sizes, proper mask and snorkel setup, and adjustable fins. That gear package is a big reason people feel safe even when they’re inexperienced.

Here’s how it changes the experience for you:

• The full wetsuit helps with comfort in water that’s cool by Tenerife standards.
• Buoyancy makes it easier to float and control your breathing.
• Boots and fins help you move without scrambling for footing over rocks.

Water temperature is listed as 19°C to 23°C during March to September. Even at the warm end, wetsuits make a difference. If you go in expecting “just snorkeling,” you’ll probably be happier if you dress appropriately and accept that you’ll feel cool at first until your body settles.

Also, the tour does start from the beach, which is often easier on people prone to sea sickness compared to getting on a boat. That matters because the plan keeps you mostly anchored to one location and controlled conditions.

Photos and videos are included, and they actually help

One of the best value parts here is that the tour includes an underwater photographer. Photos and videos are taken during the excursion, and they are sent to you digitally for free.

In the feedback, people specifically mention getting videos and photos through WhatsApp and receiving them the next day in at least some cases. There’s also mention of guides using a GoPro, which is a smart way to capture group moments without everyone trying to operate a camera under stress.

If you want to use your own camera, it’s allowed only if you have previous snorkel experience. Otherwise, the safer play is to let the included photo team handle it.

What I like about this souvenir setup is that it reduces friction. You don’t need to worry about dropping gear, changing settings, or trying to film while you figure out how to snorkel.

Weather, wind, and sea conditions: what can change

Snorkeling in the Canaries is usually good, but the operator is upfront that conditions matter. The excursion might change or even be canceled due to poor weather, strong wind, or adverse sea conditions. That is common for coastal snorkeling, but it also affects your mindset.

If you’re on a tight schedule, keep a little flexibility. If the sea is rough, the guides may adjust the route within the bay or choose safer sections.

Another practical note: if you have motion sickness, the tour advises using medication. That’s not unusual, but it’s worth taking seriously. Even without a boat, your body can still react to waves if the shoreline conditions are choppy.

People with pre-existing medical conditions are asked to inform the provider prior to the tour. If asthma, vertigo, or other conditions are part of your life, it’s better to mention it early so the guides can respond appropriately.

Price and value at $45 per person

At $45 per person for a 2-hour outing, this is not the cheapest snorkel you’ll find, but it is strong value when you total up what’s included.

You get:

• a 50-minute guided snorkeling session
• full snorkeling gear (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, boots)
• multilingual instructors
• insurance included
• water provided
• photos and videos taken for free

A lot of tours nickel-and-dime equipment, photo packages, or safety support. Here, the package is built to keep you in the water safely and keep the day fun, not complicated.

One more “value” factor is the small-group size, limited to 8 participants. That tends to mean more attention per person, which is exactly what a beginner needs.

So the real question is: are you the type who will enjoy a calmer, guided reef swim more than a big adventure day? If yes, this price makes sense quickly.

Who this tour fits best, and who should skip it

This tour is designed for a wide age range, and it’s described as suitable for all ages with extra help for small children, non-strong swimmers, and seniors. But there are clear “not suitable for” rules.

It is not suitable for:

• wheelchair users
• people with mobility impairments
• non-swimmers
• people over 309 lbs (140 kg)
• people under 66 lbs (30 kg)

So even though you don’t need previous snorkeling experience, you do need to be safe in the water. If you’re unsure, think about your comfort level doing basic swimming and staying afloat.

Who will love it most:

• families wanting a guided, beach-based snorkeling experience
• first-timers who want instruction and reassurance, not a stressful “go it alone” situation
• anyone who cares about responsible wildlife viewing, including turtle protocols
• people who get seasick and prefer not to be on a boat

Who might reconsider:

• anyone who needs step-free access or has mobility limitations
• anyone wanting a guaranteed turtle “hit,” because sightings can’t be promised
• anyone who can’t handle cool water temperatures (because wetsuits are part of the experience)

Should you book this Tenerife snorkeling tour?

If you want a beginner-friendly, beach-start snorkeling tour in a marine protected area, this is one of the better ways to spend a couple of hours in Tenerife. I’d book if you like guided structure, ethical wildlife rules, and the comfort of having top-to-bottom gear provided, plus photos so you don’t come home with just blurry memories.

I would hesitate only if you know you cannot meet the minimum swimming requirements, need wheelchair accessibility, or you’re traveling with someone who is very sensitive to water conditions. And if turtles are the whole reason you’re coming, just remember the honest rule: you might see them, but the reef life comes first.

FAQ

Do I need to be a strong swimmer for this Tenerife snorkeling tour?

The tour is set up for beginners and includes extra assistance for non-strong swimmers, but it is not suitable for non-swimmers. If you can comfortably float and handle shallow water, you should be a good match.

How long is the snorkeling, and how long is the whole tour?

You’ll have a 50-minute guided snorkeling session, and the total tour duration is 2 hours.

Where do I meet and how do I find the guide?

Meet at Magilu and look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt. The start is from the beach in Abades.

Is it guaranteed that we will see sea turtles?

No. There is a reasonable chance of spotting green sea turtles, but sightings cannot be guaranteed because they swim in their natural habitat. The guides also follow respectful distances and turtle protocols.

What gear is included, and what should I bring?

The tour includes mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and a full wetsuit, plus water. You should bring swimwear and it’s recommended that you arrive already wearing it.

Can I use a full face mask or bring my own camera?

Full face masks are not allowed. If you have previous snorkel experience, you can use your own camera.