Six turtles nearby sound almost too good.

This Abades guided snorkeling trip gives you an easy way to see Tenerife’s marine life with a small group setup and free underwater photos after. It’s built around calm coaching in the water, not just a quick swim-and-hope routine.

I really like how the guides (often described as Andre and Natalie) keep things organized and personal, including clear pre-water explanations. You also start with proper snorkeling equipment and a wetsuit (long or short), which matters a lot when the Atlantic can feel cooler than your holiday mood.

One consideration: sightings of turtles and other rarer animals are not guaranteed. The tour itself notes that the area may have turtles, but the open ocean and your swimming ability affect whether you actually spot them, especially for non-swimmers.

Key things I’d zero in on before you book

• Meeting point is simple: the guide meets you at Restaurant Magilu, right in front of the beach
• True small-group feel: limited to 6 participants (sometimes groups are combined)
• Gear and wetsuits are included: you won’t need to hunt down rental equipment first
• Pace is adjusted for real people: non-swimmers and nervous swimmers can still go, with hands-on help
• Photos and videos are included: you get underwater shots to share without extra cost
• Animal sightings have odds: turtles, stingrays, and octopus depend on conditions

Heading to Playa Abades: where the tour starts and why it matters

The tour’s meeting point is right at the beach action, which makes everything feel low-stress. You meet at Restaurant Magilu directly in front of the ocean. The guidance is to look for the white banks before the water so you can spot the group fast.

That “get in, get briefed, get wet” flow is a big deal here. You’re not waiting around for a bus, not doing a complicated transfer, and not stuck guessing where the tour begins. Parking is also mentioned as plentiful, which helps if you’re driving on Tenerife.

Before you go in the water, you’ll be outfitted with professional snorkeling gear and a wetsuit (you’ll wear either a short or long option). This matters because snorkeling in the Canaries can be pleasant, but it can also cool you down if you’re floating longer than you expected.

The 2 hours on the water: what the timing actually feels like

This is a short, focused tour at 2 hours. That short window is part of the value. You’re not committing a whole half-day to a “maybe you’ll see something” plan. Instead, you’re set up to maximize your time where it counts: in the water, at a pace your guide can manage.

A typical rhythm looks like this:

• You meet the guide and get your equipment and wetsuit on.
• You head underwater to explore the area off Playa Abades.
• You follow along as the guide points out wildlife and keeps you together as a group.
• You spend enough time at the good spots to actually look closely, not just pass by.

One nice detail: the guides are described as instructors with years of experience (20+ years). That tends to translate into steadier pacing. In practice, that means you’re more likely to feel safe and less rushed, even if you’re a first-timer.

Also note the group size: it’s limited to 6 participants. Some tours run larger by default, so this “small group” structure is worth your attention if you hate feeling like you’re in a cattle car with flippers.

Entering the water: gear, wetsuits, and the mask reality check

The equipment and wetsuit being included is not just convenience. It’s one of the reasons this tour works well for beginners.

You’ll use snorkeling equipment plus a wetsuit (long or short). The wetsuit helps you stay comfortable long enough to focus on what you’re actually seeing: fish shapes, coral texture, and movement patterns.

Two practical points you should know up front:

• If you wear glasses, you can’t put them under the mask. So plan on contact lenses if you need correction, or just accept that your underwater view will be a bit softer without them.
• You’re expected to bring the basics: sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. Beachwear is fine too, since you can get changed outside the water.

There’s also a “stuff management” detail. The tour notes that you’ll leave personal items in the car. That’s common, but still: don’t bring anything you’ll be heartbroken to misplace.

Coral reef spotting off Playa Abades: fish you can actually enjoy

The main draw is the marine life off the coast of Playa Abades. The plan is to explore the reef with hundreds of colorful fish. That’s the kind of promise that sounds generic until you remember what snorkeling is like without a guide: you spend your time looking for anything interesting at all.

Here, the guides do the work of helping you find the good viewing angles. In reviews, people repeatedly highlight that the reefs are beautiful and the fish are easy to spot when you have someone who knows the area.

You can expect a mix of common reef fish and other ocean characters. Some reviews specifically call out coral reef beauty, plenty of fish, and sightings like stingrays and turtles depending on luck and conditions. One review even mentions seeing squid and barracudas, along with volcanic rock formations underwater. That volcanic-rock detail fits Tenerife’s underwater look: lots of structure for fish to hide around.

The big takeaway for you: this tour is built for looking. Not for speed. So even if you’re not chasing a specific animal, you should still have fun watching schools of fish flow around the rock.

Turtles, stingrays, and octopus: how to think about the odds

Let’s talk about the animals you’re hoping for—because this is where expectations need tuning.

The tour describes the area as a place where turtles are present, and it even notes six sea turtles living in the beach area right now. But then it reminds you that this is open ocean, so you might not spot them every time.

That’s the key. Your results depend on:

• where the animals are that day
• water conditions and visibility
• how much swimming you’re able to do

The tour explicitly warns that non-swimmers cannot see turtles easily. The reason is simple: you need to swim far enough and hold a position long enough to catch sight of them. Reviews back up this pattern. Some people saw turtles. Others didn’t, and when there were no turtle sightings, it wasn’t framed as a failure of the guides. It was the reality of wildlife timing.

Octopus tips are included in the approach. You’re encouraged to look for octopuses hidden underneath stones. That’s the kind of instruction that helps you stop doing random surface staring and start checking the right areas.

For stingrays, you’re told to keep an eye out. Many snorkeling tours promise “maybe,” but here the guidance plus local experience increases your chances—especially because the guide can reposition you when something appears.

My practical advice: decide what success looks like for you before you go.

• If your #1 goal is turtles, go with flexible expectations.
• If your goal is fish + reef + a safe, guided experience, you’ll likely feel satisfied even without turtles.

Safety for nervous swimmers: what makes this tour feel secure

Safety is a core part of the pitch here, and it shows in the details.

The tour states that even people who are “bad swimmers” can still be guided in. That’s a big deal because snorkeling often filters out beginners who fear panicking in open water.

The guides are also described as working a lot with children and afraid people, and they’re said to be prepared with more than 20 years of experience. In reviews, that preparedness shows up as calm instruction, checking in frequently, and hands-on support.

One repeated theme: guides adjust for comfort level. People mention being non-swimmers and still having a good time, with guides being attentive and supportive. One review describes a guide holding their hand and bringing them along, which tells me the tour isn’t built around leaving you to figure things out alone.

Also, the wetsuit and snorkel setup give you practical flotation and stability. Add that to the fact that the tour is relatively short, and you’re less likely to get tired halfway through.

Important nuance: non-swimmers may still enjoy plenty of fish, but they have lower odds for turtles because of swimming requirements. If you want the turtle experience, tell the guide where you’re at, so they can set expectations early and keep you safe.

Underwater photos and videos: why this inclusion feels like good value

Free photos and videos are included, and that’s not a small add-on. Underwater photography is expensive if you pay for it separately. Here, you get the results built into the tour.

That means you can focus on snorkeling instead of worrying about your phone case, your angles, or missing the moment because you’re fiddling with gear.

In reviews, people praise the pictures and the fact that they’re shared for free afterward. Several also describe underwater views as amazing.

If you’re going with family, this is even more valuable. Kids and first-timers often want proof they actually did the thing. Photos also help you remember the fish and shapes you might not have recognized in real time.

One note: your underwater mask fit and comfort matter for photos. If you’re adjusting your setup constantly, your view will bounce around. So follow the guide’s mask and snorkel checks before you start swimming.

What to wear and bring: your packing list that actually works

Keep it simple and practical. The tour’s own “what to bring” list is short and correct:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Beachwear

A few common-sense add-ons (not listed, but logically helpful): consider reef-safe sunscreen planning. But stick to what you know works for you.

If you’re cold-sensitive, bring a mindset for Atlantic temperatures. The wetsuit helps, and the tour can use long or short options, but you should still expect the water to feel cooler than the beach air.

Also, remember the personal item rule: you’ll leave belongings in the car. So bring only what you truly need.

There’s another comfort detail people mention indirectly: there isn’t a dedicated changing room/toilet on the spot, but a nearby café can help. If you need full facilities, plan on using nearby services before you meet.

Price and value: $35 for 2 hours, gear, and a memory pack

At $35 per person for about 2 hours, the value is strongest when you compare what you’re getting:

• Guided snorkeling with an experienced instructor
• Snorkeling equipment
• A wetsuit (long or short)
• Underwater photos
• Underwater videos

If you’ve snorkeled elsewhere without included media, you know how quickly costs add up. Even if you don’t care about photos, paying for gear and a guide is usually the expensive part. Here, the “extra” content is included too.

The small group size also supports the price. A capped group of 6 is the kind of thing that often improves your time in the water, because you spend less time waiting while the guide wrangles everyone.

Is $35 worth it if you don’t see turtles? Based on the reviews, you’ll still get fish and reef time. And because the guide helps you spot wildlife, you’re not stuck with generic floating.

Who this tour is best for (and who should pass)

This is a family-friendly kind of tour, especially if you’re traveling with kids old enough to handle the water time. It’s described as suitable for the whole family, and reviews include people bringing children around the 6–9 age range with success.

But it’s not for everyone:

• Not suitable for children under 5
• Not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments
• Not suitable for people with a cold
• Pregnant women can do snorkeling (so that’s a green light for pregnancy, assuming you’re comfortable in water)

If you’re a non-swimmer, you still may enjoy the tour, especially the fish. Just be realistic about turtle odds, because you may not be able to swim far enough to spot them.

If you hate crowds, you’ll probably like this. The mini-group vibe shows up in reviews as a reason people felt comfortable and safe. The one caveat: sometimes groups can be combined, so if you’re very sensitive to numbers, ask what the day’s group setup looks like.

Should you book Abades guided snorkeling? My straight answer

Book it if you want a guided, beginner-friendly snorkeling session with included wetsuits and a strong chance of seeing lots of fish—plus free underwater photos and videos. The overall structure feels built for comfort: clear prep, supportive coaching, and a pace that helps you stay calm.

Consider booking a different plan if turtles are the only thing you care about. The tour does mention turtles in the area, but the open ocean and swimming ability affect spotting. Also think twice if you need wheelchair accessibility or you’re dealing with a cold.

FAQ

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Abades snorkeling tour?

You meet at Restaurant Magilu, directly in front of the beach. Look for the white banks before the ocean, where the guide will be there.

How long is the guided snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

What’s included in the price?

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

What languages do the instructors speak?

The guide can speak German, Spanish, and English.

What should I bring with me?

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

Can non-swimmers join this tour?

Non-swimmers can still participate. However, the tour notes that non-swimmers cannot see turtles as easily, since it requires more swimming to spot them.

Can people snorkel if they are pregnant?

Yes. Pregnant women can do snorkeling on this tour.

Can I wear glasses under the snorkeling mask?

If you wear glasses to see, you can’t put them under the mask.

What ages and health conditions are not suitable?

It’s not suitable for children under 5 and not suitable for people with a cold.

Is it accessible for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

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