Abades: Tenerife Turtles and Rays Snorkeling Trip

Tenerife’s best snorkeling moments are not only about the animals. They come from floating above black volcanic rock while a guide points out what lives there, then watching for a green turtle or ray in the clear water. I like the small group of up to 10 and the fact that a marine biologist stays in the water with you. I also like that beginners get basic instruction instead of being sent off to figure out the mask and fins alone.

The main catch is simple: the turtles and rays are wild. You may see them, but nobody can promise it. The meeting and launch point can also change with sea conditions, so you need to check the exact location before setting out.

Key points to know before you book

• Green turtles and rays are the main target, but sightings depend on nature, not a fixed schedule.
• Marine biologist Paco guides the outing, with English and Spanish available.
• Beginners are welcome, with snorkeling basics explained, demonstrated, and practiced.
• The launch point depends on the sea, with options around Abades, Alcalá, and Las Galletas.
• The water time lasts 1.5 hours, a manageable length for a first snorkeling trip.
• The $65 price includes equipment and guiding, but not hotel transport.

What the 1.5-hour snorkeling trip is really about

This is a short, focused look at Tenerife below the waterline. You are not signing up for an all-day boat cruise or a broad coastal sightseeing trip. The purpose is to get into the sea, learn how to move comfortably with a mask and snorkel, and search a known marine area for turtles and rays.

The trip is led by a marine biologist, and Paco is the guide named in the available information. That matters here. A guide can help you spot animals that blend into the seabed, explain the volcanic rock around you, and keep the outing organized when a small group spreads out in the water.

You should expect a hands-on session rather than a quick equipment handout. The basic snorkeling skills are explained, shown, and practiced, which is useful if you have never used a mask and snorkel before. It also helps if you have tried snorkeling but still struggle with breathing through the tube or clearing water from your mask.

The total time is 90 minutes. That gives you enough time for an introduction, getting into the water, and searching the site without turning the activity into a tiring half-day commitment. You will want to arrive ready in swimwear, with a towel in reach.

Looking for turtles and rays off Tenerife

The central attraction is a family of green turtles and several kinds of rays said to live in the area visited by the outing. You may swim near them and watch them move across the seabed, but the animals remain free to travel elsewhere.

That promise of uncertainty is worth taking seriously. An ocean wildlife trip is not a zoo visit, and the operator clearly says sightings cannot be guaranteed. If you book only because you must see a turtle, you may be disappointed. If you see the wildlife as a bonus on top of a guided sea outing, the value is easier to judge.

Even without turtles, the volcanic rock gives you something to look at. Tenerife was formed by volcanic activity, and the underwater rock provides a different view of the island than you get from roads, beaches, or mountain viewpoints. The guide can connect the seabed to Tenerife’s marine life and geology, making the swim more than a search for a memorable photograph.

The rays are another reason to keep your eyes on the bottom as well as ahead. They can be easy to miss when you are busy adjusting your mask or watching another person in the group. Staying near the guide and moving calmly gives you a better chance of noticing small changes in the water and seabed.

How the guide helps first-time snorkelers

The strongest part of this outing is the teaching. Paco is described as patient with beginners and willing to explain the process in a way that feels manageable for people with no prior snorkeling experience.

That support changes the whole tone of the trip. A first attempt can be awkward: the mask may feel strange, breathing through the snorkel takes practice, and it is easy to panic if water enters the tube. Having the basics demonstrated and practiced before setting off lets you get comfortable before attention turns to wildlife.

I also like that the guide stays with the group in the water. You are not simply handed equipment and left to wander around on your own. The guide can point out animals and underwater features as you go, while also making the session more educational.

Paco has also taken photographs and videos during the outing. These are useful souvenirs because your hands are occupied while snorkeling, and it is hard to capture a good image while keeping your mask sealed and watching the seabed. The information provided does not promise a specific number of photos or a particular delivery method, so ask how those files are shared.

The tour is offered in English and Spanish. That is helpful for mixed-language groups and for anyone who wants explanations in one of those languages.

Choosing between Abades, Alcalá, and Las Galletas

The sea decides where this activity goes. The possible meeting or departure areas are Abades Beach, Alcalá Beach, and Marina del Sur in Puerto de Las Galletas.

From Las Galletas, the activity departs from a boat. From Abades Beach, it can begin from the coast. Alcalá is also listed as a possible meeting point, but the exact format there is not specified, so you should confirm the day’s arrangement before heading out.

The meeting instruction is to meet in front of Magilu bar. Since the launch point can change with the condition of the sea, do not assume that the location shown when you first look at the activity will remain the final one. Check the current details, especially if you are arranging your own taxi or planning to walk from nearby accommodation.

This flexibility is practical rather than glamorous. Tenerife’s coastal water can vary, and choosing a safer or more suitable entry point is better than forcing a plan at one beach. The tradeoff is that you need to pay attention to the final meeting instructions.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You are responsible for getting to the meeting point, which makes this easier for people already staying near the south coast or using their own transport. It adds planning for anyone based elsewhere on Tenerife.

What the volcanic seabed adds to the outing

The underwater rock is not just background scenery. It gives the guide a natural setting for explaining how Tenerife’s coast shapes marine life. Crevices, darker rock, and changing seabed textures can make the swim feel more like a small underwater exploration than a simple open-water lesson.

You will not be walking through a museum with fixed displays. Conditions, visibility, and animal activity can change. That makes the experience less predictable, but it also keeps you alert to what is in front of you.

The guide’s comments about the island and the sea add useful context. Instead of looking at a ray and moving on, you can learn something about the animal and its surroundings. The same applies to the volcanic formations below you. The educational side is especially valuable for first-time snorkelers who want to understand what they are seeing.

I would not book this as a substitute for a full marine biology tour. The session is only 1.5 hours, and the focus remains on getting comfortable in the water and searching for wildlife. But within that time, the guide-led format gives the outing more substance than swimming alone.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, the cost is reasonable if you need equipment, instruction, and an organized search for marine life. The fee includes snorkeling equipment and a marine biologist guide, so you are not paying only for access to the water.

The small group also affects the value. A maximum of 10 people gives the guide a better chance to watch the group, answer questions, and point out wildlife. It is not a private tour, but it should feel more personal than a large boat outing.

The price makes less sense if you already own snorkeling gear and only want a quick swim from the beach. In that case, you are mainly paying for the guide, local knowledge, safety support, and the chance to reach a known turtle and ray area.

The photos and videos may add value, particularly if you want a record of the outing. Still, ask for details about them before you count them as part of the price, since the included information does not state exactly what is provided.

Flexible booking also helps. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. That is useful when your Tenerife plans depend on weather and sea conditions.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this for adults and older children who are comfortable getting into the sea, plus complete beginners who want close guidance. The age limit is clear: children under 4 are not suitable for the activity.

It is a good fit if you want a short outing that combines wildlife, local information, and basic instruction. You do not need to be an expert snorkeler. The support from Paco and the small group format should help you get started without feeling rushed.

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed animal encounter, dislike changing plans, or want hotel transport included. It is also not the right choice if you prefer to stay dry. The attraction is the time spent in the water, not simply viewing the coast from a boat.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Smoking is not allowed, and alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle. The supplied information does not list other required items, so keep your preparation simple and confirm any final instructions before departure.

A practical verdict on the experience

I like this trip because it treats snorkeling as something you learn, not something you are expected to know already. The guide support, small group, and marine life focus give it a clear purpose, while the volcanic seabed adds a genuine Tenerife connection.

The wildlife promise needs a sensible reading. You might swim with turtles and rays, but you might not. The trip still has value through the instruction, guided search, underwater rock, and explanations about the sea.

At $65, I would book it if you want a compact, guided introduction to Tenerife’s coast and do not have your own gear. Check the final departure point, allow for the possibility of no turtle sighting, and choose it for the full snorkeling session rather than for one guaranteed photograph.

FAQ

How long does the snorkeling trip last?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The price is $65 per person.

Are turtles and rays guaranteed?

No. The animals are wild, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. The guide makes every effort to visit the area where green turtles and different types of rays are known to live.

What animals might I see?

The main animals are green turtles and different types of rays.

Is the trip suitable for beginners?

Yes. The guide explains, demonstrates, and practices basic snorkeling skills with the group. The experience is also suitable for people with no previous snorkeling experience.

Who leads the snorkeling trip?

The activity includes a marine biologist guide. Paco is the named guide associated with the experience.

Which languages are available?

The live guide is available in English and Spanish.

Where does the activity depart from?

Depending on sea conditions, it may depart from Abades Beach, Alcalá Beach, or Marina del Sur at Puerto de Las Galletas. At Las Galletas, the activity departs from a boat. At Abades, it may begin from the coast.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.