Tenerife: Snorkel with Turtles

Sea turtles, up close, in Tenerife. This small-group snorkeling trip gets you into the protected waters of Malpais de Rasca, with a guide who keeps things safe and respectful.

What I like most is seeing turtles in their natural routine and having an expert instructor handle the how-to so you can focus on the water, not the technique.

I also really enjoy the boat portion, because you get a real sense of the coastline and seafloor before you even put your face in the water. One consideration: turtle sightings are very likely, but they cannot be guaranteed, and water conditions can affect visibility day to day.

Why This Turtle Snorkel Feels Different Than a Quick Swim

You’re not just dropped into the ocean and told good luck. The activity is built around a Natural Protected area boat ride, then a guided snorkeling window where the group follows rules to avoid stressing wildlife. The result is calmer, more intentional, and honestly easier to enjoy.

Another plus is the gear setup. Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins are included, and the provider contacts you ahead of time to collect your sizes so you’re not stuck doing last-minute guessing. Still, you’ll want a plan for the water being cool and for visibility not always matching your expectations on every day.

Quick Key Points Before You Go

• Protected-area boat ride through Malpais de Rasca, with time to take in the seascape from the water
• Small-group snorkeling with an instructor who prioritizes safe, respectful behavior around turtles
• Gear included (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins) plus insurance, so you travel lighter
• Turtle sightings are likely but not guaranteed, since you’re watching wild animals
• Free photos included to help you remember the day (video is not included)

From Marina del Sur to Malpais de Rasca: the Speedboat Start That Sets the Tone

Your morning or afternoon starts at Marina del Sur, Las Galletas Harbour, dock 5. The tour is scheduled for a total of 2 hours, and it runs on a tight rhythm: a speedboat ride out, about an hour in the water, then speedboat back.

That first 25 minutes on the boat matters more than you might think. You’re heading toward the Natural Protected area of Malpais de Rasca, and the ride gives you a quick preview of what the area looks like from the sea. It also puts everyone in the right headspace before the water time starts, especially if you’re a little nervous about snorkel set-up.

Practical tip: arrive early. The instructions ask you to be there 20 minutes before the start. If you’re late, you cut into the time you need to get fitted, listen to the safety talk, and feel settled.

The Snorkeling Session: How the Gear and Coaching Work Together

Once you’re at the snorkeling area, you get about 1 hour in the water. Before anyone jumps in, the instructor gives you the basics you need to feel safe and comfortable. This is a key part of why the tour works so well for many people, even if you have limited snorkeling experience.

Here’s what’s included so you can keep it simple:

• wetsuit
• mask and snorkel
• fins

You bring swimwear and a towel. That’s it. No hunting for rental shops, no wondering if the mask will fit your face. The provider also reaches out the day before to collect your equipment sizes by WhatsApp or email, so you’re not showing up and doing a chaotic re-fit.

Also note the requirement that you must be able to swim. This is not for people who want to float around with zero confidence in open water. If you’re unsure, consider a different activity and build your comfort gradually first.

What You Can Expect to See Underwater (And What You Can’t Control)

The headline here is clear: sea turtles. The tour is designed to maximize your chances in their natural habitat, and there’s a high probability of seeing them. But since this is real ocean and real animals, sightings are never promised.

You might also see other marine life, and some participants have reported rays gliding over the seabed. That’s the kind of moment that makes snorkel days feel bigger than they are. A few close encounters can change your whole relationship with the ocean, from something you watch to something you actively share space with.

Here’s the practical part: don’t expect the day to look exactly like someone else’s photos. Water conditions can affect visibility, and turtle sightings can depend on their behavior. If you go in thinking you control everything, you’ll be disappointed. If you go in ready to be flexible, you’ll be much happier.

Malpais de Rasca From the Water: Why the Setting Adds Value

Malpais de Rasca is a Natural Protected area, and the tour uses that carefully. The guide encourages respectful behavior to avoid impacting the turtles. That means you’re not chasing animals, crowding them, or thrashing around like you’re in a theme park ride.

This matters for two reasons:

1. You’re more likely to see turtles when you’re calm and not turning the water into a storm.
2. You’re doing the activity in a way that protects the place you came to enjoy.

Also, the protected setting adds something you don’t get on open-water swims. The area is meant to be cared for, and it changes the tone of the experience. You feel like you’re visiting a living habitat, not just hanging out in the sea.

Timing That Works: Why 2 Hours Is a Sweet Spot for Most People

The tour is 2 hours total. That includes:

• about 25 minutes by speedboat to the snorkeling area
• about 1 hour snorkeling
• about 25 minutes by speedboat back

For me, the main win is that it’s long enough to feel like a real snorkeling day, but short enough to avoid turning it into a draining slog. If you’re on Tenerife for a week and you want a memorable ocean activity without spending half your day traveling or waiting, this timing fits nicely.

One more timing-related note: because it’s structured tightly, you’ll want to be ready when the group is. If you’re slow with changing, fitting fins, or getting your snorkel sorted, you’ll feel it. Keep your towel and swimwear easy to grab, and you’ll glide through the transition.

Photos Included: What They Cover and How to Get More Memory

You get free pictures at the end. That’s a real value add because snorkeling photography underwater is tricky. Even when you have a camera, you’re competing with bubbles, movement, and limited visibility.

However, not all photo coverage is the same. One participant noted the photos were focused on moments from the boat rather than underwater shots. That can happen depending on conditions and what the photographer can capture.

If you want extra insurance for photos, bring a waterproof phone case or your own action camera. The tour is already set up with professional gear basics, so adding your own memory tools is an easy upgrade if photography matters a lot to you.

Price and Value: Is $81 for 2 Hours Worth It?

At $81 per person, you’re paying for more than a basic swim session. You’re getting:

• a speedboat ride
• an experienced instructor
• insurance
• full snorkel equipment
• a wetsuit
• free photos

For many people, the equipment and instructor guidance are the real value. You avoid rental hassle, and you get a safety-minded briefing. You also get the protected-area setup, which can meaningfully change the quality of what you see.

The one place you should think about value is conditions. If the water is colder than expected or visibility is reduced, the experience may feel less magical than you hoped. That said, the price includes the basics that reduce friction, so even on a less perfect visibility day, you’re still likely to enjoy the moment and the wildlife focus.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This activity is not suitable for children under 8 and it’s also not for non-swimmers. That’s because the snorkeling time is real water time, with required comfort in the ocean.

It’s a great match for:

• adults and older kids with swim confidence
• people who want guided safety plus wildlife viewing
• travelers who prefer small-group experiences over crowded chaos

It might not be ideal if:

• you hate cold water and don’t handle it well, even with a wetsuit
• you need crystal-clear visibility to enjoy the underwater world
• you expect turtle encounters to be guaranteed, like a scheduled show

Small Tips That Make the Day Easier

These are simple, but they matter.

• Bring a towel and dry layer for the ride back. Boat decks and saltwater spray can leave you cold quickly.
• Wear swimwear under what you’re traveling in, so you can get changed fast.
• If you have your own wetsuit, ask about whether you can use it. At least one participant reported they were able to wear their own wetsuit.
• Keep expectations flexible. With wild animals, your job is to be calm and observant, not to force outcomes.

Should You Book This Tenerife Turtle Snorkeling Tour?

If you want a guided, small-group snorkeling experience focused on turtles and responsible behavior, I think this one is worth your time. The combination of instructor guidance, included equipment, protected-area boat ride, and free photos makes it feel like a complete package rather than a last-minute swim.

Book it if:

• you can swim and you’re comfortable in open water
• you want a turtle-focused wildlife experience in Tenerife
• you like the idea of a guided approach that emphasizes respect

Consider skipping or choosing a different plan if:

• you need guaranteed turtle sightings
• you’re very sensitive to cold or uncertain water conditions
• you’re expecting underwater visibility to be perfect every minute

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the snorkeling tour?

You meet at Marina del Sur, Las Galletas Harbour, dock 5.

How long is the experience?

The total duration is 2 hours, including speedboat time and about 1 hour of snorkeling.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the boat trip, an experienced instructor, insurance, wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins, plus free photos.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?

No, previous snorkeling experience is helpful but not mandatory. You will get instructions from the instructor.

Are sea turtles guaranteed?

No. There is a high probability of seeing turtles, but sightings cannot be guaranteed because they are wild animals.

What should I bring and what are the age limits?

Bring swimwear and a towel. The activity is not suitable for children under 8 and it requires that you can swim.