Tenerife: Snorkeling Tour in a Marine Protected Area

Tenerife’s Abades bay gives you a good chance to see green sea turtles without boarding a boat. You walk from the beach into shallow, clear water, then follow the rocky reef and sea grass with a guide watching the group.

I like the small groups of up to eight and the way Rafaella and Ron give close help to nervous swimmers, children, and older adults. I also like the free underwater photos and videos, which turn a short swim into a souvenir you can keep.

The main consideration is simple: turtles are not guaranteed. They live freely in the bay and may be out of reach on the day. Wind and sea conditions can also change the plan, so this is not a fixed show with guaranteed wildlife sightings.

Five things to know before booking

• The tour starts from Abades beach: There is no boat ride, which helps people who get seasick.
• You spend about 50 minutes in the water: The full activity lasts two hours, including fitting gear, safety instruction, and preparation.
• The group is limited to eight people: Two guides may position themselves at the front and back, keeping the pace manageable.
• The water is usually 19 to 23 C from March through September: A full wetsuit is provided in many sizes.
• Your photos and videos are free: An underwater photographer uses a GoPro and sends the files digitally, often by WhatsApp or email.

What makes Abades a good snorkeling site

Abades sits on Tenerife’s southeast coast, where the protected bay shelters a mix of rocky reef, small coves, and sea grass. That variety matters underwater. Instead of looking at one flat patch of sand, you move past several types of habitat, each suited to different sea life.

The average depth is about 2.5 meters, with a maximum of roughly 8 meters. Much of the outing is therefore suitable for looking down from the surface without needing to swim far below. You may see schools of fish around the rocks, rays resting under sand, starfish, octopuses, and the occasional angel shark.

Green sea turtles are the headline attraction. The sea grass gives them a useful feeding area, and turtles are seen here often enough to make the possibility realistic. Still, they are wild animals. On some outings, you may see one or more turtles close to the group. On others, you may see none. A responsible guide will not chase them or lure them closer.

That point is worth stressing. Feeding animals and touching sea life are not allowed. When a turtle appears, the guides keep a respectful distance rather than turning the encounter into a grab-and-pose photo session. I prefer this approach, even if it means the turtle may disappear before everyone gets a perfect picture.

Arriving at the beach and meeting the guides

You meet the team at Magilu in Abades and look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt. Arrive 10 minutes early, already wearing your swimsuit if possible. Bring only what you need for the activity, since food and hotel transportation are not included.

The provider contacts you by WhatsApp or email the day before to ask for your measurements. Answer promptly and give accurate details. A well-fitting wetsuit is more than a comfort issue here. It helps you stay warm, adds buoyancy, and makes the first few minutes in the water easier for a nervous beginner.

The main guides named for this experience are Rafaella and Ron. They speak several languages, including Spanish, English, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, and German. Other guides may lead a particular departure, but the repeated strength of the instruction is the personal attention. The team checks on people by name, helps with masks and fins, and keeps the group together.

That care matters most before anyone reaches the reef. Several people who were worried about water, confined spaces, or their swimming ability managed the full session after patient help from the guides. One family also received close support for an autistic child who was frightened at first and later wanted to go again.

The safety briefing before entering the water

Before you swim out, the guides explain the route, how to breathe through the snorkel, and how to interact with marine life. They also fit your mask, snorkel, boots, fins, and wetsuit. Full-face masks are not permitted.

If you are new to snorkeling, tell the guides clearly. You do not need previous experience, and the instruction is designed for first-timers. But do not confuse beginner-friendly with suitable for every swimmer. Non-swimmers are not accepted, and minors must remain under adult supervision.

The excursion is described as suitable for all ages, with extra assistance for small children, seniors, and people who are not strong swimmers. At the same time, there are practical limits. People under 30 kilograms or over 140 kilograms are not accepted, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Tell the staff about a pre-existing medical condition before the tour. If you are prone to motion sickness, the provider advises taking medication. There is no boat, which removes one common cause of seasickness, but some people may still feel unwell in the water.

Walking in from the beach

The group enters directly from Abades beach. This is one of the most useful details for many people. You avoid a boat transfer, a jump from a boat ladder, and the extra time that comes with reaching an offshore site.

The first section is likely to feel less dramatic than the reef itself. You are getting used to the mask, breathing rhythm, fins, and wetsuit. Resist the urge to rush. Let the guides check your fit and give you time to settle.

Conditions can look different from shore than they do once you are swimming. One outing had large waves near the beach, yet the water beyond the reef was calmer with good visibility. That does not mean every day will be the same. Strong wind, poor weather, or rough seas can lead to a changed or canceled outing.

This is a good reason to keep some flexibility in your Tenerife schedule. Do not place the snorkeling tour immediately before an important flight or another fixed activity. The provider makes the final call based on safety.

Following the reef for 50 minutes

Once the group is comfortable, the guides lead you through the protected area for about 50 minutes. The pace is gentle rather than athletic. You follow the reef, sea grass, and small coves while the guides point out animals and keep an eye on the group.

Rafaella is especially active at spotting fish and explaining what you are seeing. Ron and the other guides help maintain the group and watch for anyone who needs a break. On outings with two guides, one may lead and one may stay behind, which gives nervous swimmers a useful sense of security.

The underwater scenery is not tropical in the postcard sense, but it is varied and full of life. Tenerife’s rocky coast creates cracks and ledges where fish shelter. Sea grass offers a different setting, with the possibility of turtles and rays. The clear water can reveal small creatures that you would miss while swimming quickly.

You might see colorful fish, starfish, rays, octopuses, seahorses, and an angel shark. One group spotted a juvenile stingray buried in the sand. Another saw an octopus, while other outings produced several turtles. Sightings vary, so keep your eyes moving and listen when a guide signals you to look in a particular direction.

The average depth makes this a viewing tour rather than a freediving session. If you are an experienced snorkeler, you may find the route relaxed and easy. That is a benefit for families and mixed-ability groups, but anyone wanting a demanding swim or extended time in deep water may find it too gentle.

Looking for turtles without chasing them

A turtle encounter is most rewarding when the animal controls the meeting. The guides do not feed turtles, touch them, or herd them toward the group. You watch from a respectful distance and let the turtle continue on its way.

That policy means you should set your expectations correctly. The phrase reasonable chance is fair, but it is not a promise. Turtles may be elsewhere in the bay, beyond the snorkeling route, or absent for the entire session.

If you do see one, stay calm and follow the guide’s directions. Sudden kicking and crowding can make the animal swim away. The better approach is to float quietly, leave room, and enjoy the sight even if it lasts only a minute.

The protected status of the area also gives the outing a purpose beyond checking off a turtle sighting. You are seeing a coastal habitat under rules meant to limit harmful contact. Feeding animals might produce a closer photo, but it would change natural behavior. This tour avoids that shortcut.

Equipment, warmth, and comfort in the water

The equipment package includes a mask, snorkel, adjustable fins, boots, and a full wetsuit. The provider describes the gear as high quality and offers wetsuits in all sizes. The boots are useful for a beach entry, while the full suit helps with cooler water and buoyancy.

Water temperatures are listed at 19 to 23 C from March through September. That may feel pleasant to some swimmers and chilly to others, especially after 50 minutes. The wetsuit is not a minor extra. It can make the difference between enjoying the outing and spending the final part thinking about getting warm.

Try the mask seal before entering the water. If it leaks or feels uncomfortable, ask for help at once. The guides are there to adjust equipment, and fixing a small problem on the beach is easier than dealing with it beside the reef.

You may use your own camera if you have previous snorkeling experience. Full-face masks are not allowed, and inexperienced participants should focus on safety rather than managing a camera. The guides already take underwater photos and videos, so you can keep both hands free.

The free photos and videos

An underwater photographer uses a GoPro during the excursion and sends digital photos and videos afterward at no extra charge. The files are commonly delivered by WhatsApp, though email may also be used.

This is a real part of the tour’s value. You are likely to spend much of the outing watching fish and following the group, not trying to frame selfies. Having someone else handle the camera lets you pay attention to the reef and the instructions.

The photos also capture moments you might not see clearly through a fogging mask. You may receive pictures of the group, the underwater setting, and marine life. The quantity and exact selection can vary, but the service is included rather than sold as an expensive add-on.

If you bring your own camera, use it only if you already know how to snorkel comfortably. A camera is not worth losing control of your breathing or drifting away from the group.

Is $45 a fair price?

At $45 per person, the cost is reasonable for a two-hour outing that includes a 50-minute guided swim, a full set of equipment, multilingual instruction, insurance, water, and free photos and videos.

The value improves if you are a beginner. You are not paying only for access to the bay. You are also paying for fitting help, a safety briefing, a guide in the water, support for nervous swimmers, and someone who knows where to look for marine life.

It is less compelling if you already own snorkeling gear and only want to swim independently from a beach. In that case, the guided service and included photos may not matter as much. The tour earns its price through care and organization, not through a long duration.

The small group is another reason the price works. With a maximum of eight people, the guides can keep track of the group and give individual help. That is especially useful when children, older adults, or first-time snorkelers are sharing the water.

Who should book this Abades snorkeling tour?

I would suggest it to families with children, first-time snorkelers, older adults who want support, and anyone who feels uneasy in open water. The calm bay, shallow average depth, beach entry, and patient instruction make it easier to try snorkeling without committing to a boat trip.

It also suits experienced snorkelers who want a relaxed wildlife outing and good photos. You may find the pace slow, but the guide’s knowledge of the reef can help you notice creatures you would miss alone.

Be cautious if you are a non-swimmer, have limited mobility, or need wheelchair access. Those needs are not supported by the stated restrictions. Anyone with a medical condition should contact the provider before booking, and minors need adult supervision throughout.

Practical details that affect your day

The total duration is two hours, but the time actually spent snorkeling is about 50 minutes. The rest covers arrival, equipment, instruction, and getting in and out of the water. Plan your day around the full two-hour window.

Bring swimwear and arrive in it if you can. Food and hotel pickup are not included. A public shower is available on the beach after the activity.

The tour can be canceled or changed because of poor weather, strong wind, or unsafe sea conditions. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your schedule more flexible.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a well-supported first snorkeling experience in Tenerife, especially if turtles are a hope rather than a promise. The strongest reasons are the small group, attentive multilingual guides, quality equipment, direct beach entry, and free underwater photos.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed turtle encounter or a long, challenging swim. The wildlife is free to move away, and the water conditions can change. But if you value respectful encounters, careful supervision, and a chance to see fish, rays, octopuses, sea grass, and perhaps turtles in a protected bay, $45 is a sound price.

FAQ

Where does the snorkeling tour begin?

The tour starts from Abades beach on Tenerife’s southeast coast. Meet at Magilu and look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts two hours. The guided snorkeling portion lasts about 50 minutes.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. Green sea turtles live in their natural habitat and may be elsewhere in the area or out of reach during your session.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include green sea turtles, colorful fish, octopuses, seahorses, rays, starfish, and angel sharks. The exact sightings depend on conditions and the animals’ movements.

Is previous snorkeling experience required?

No. The guides provide a safety briefing and instruction, and the activity is designed for beginners as well as experienced snorkelers.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You do not need to be a strong swimmer, and extra help is available for small children, seniors, and less confident swimmers. However, non-swimmers are not accepted.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes a mask, snorkel, adjustable fins, boots, and a full wetsuit. Water and insurance are also included.

Can I use a full-face mask?

No. Full-face masks are not allowed on this activity.

Are photos and videos included?

Yes. An underwater photographer takes photos and videos during the outing, and the digital files are sent to you free of charge.

What should I bring?

Bring your swimwear and arrive about 10 minutes before the start time. A public shower is available on the beach after the tour.