Turtles, up close, in Tenerife’s protected waters. This tour is interesting because you get a real boat ride into the Malpais de Rasca area, then a guided snorkel hour where your job is to stay calm and let the ocean come to you. I like the tight focus on safety and respectful behavior, and I like that they handle the gear and even include photos—easy win for your trip. One possible drawback: turtle sightings are a strong maybe, not a promise, and conditions can affect what you see.

I also like the straightforward setup: meet at Marina del Sur, take the speedboat out, snorkel in wetsuit gear, then return to the harbor. You’ll be in the water for long enough to settle in, but not so long that it turns into a marathon. If you’re cold-sensitive or expect perfect visibility at all times, plan to be flexible.

Key Points I’d Use to Decide

• Malpais de Rasca protected area: you’re not just snorkeling off a random spot
• Small, personalized feel: the pace is geared toward the whole group, not fast checklists
• Safety coaching: you get clear instructions before you enter the water
• Turtle sightings are likely, not guaranteed: animals set the schedule
• Gear is included: wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins (plus insurance)
• Free photos: included at the end, with the usual caveat that results depend on the moment

Where You Start: Marina del Sur, Las Galletas Harbour (Dock 5)

You’ll meet at Marina del Sur, Las Galletas Harbour, dock 5. Plan to arrive 20 minutes early, because that’s the time you’ll need to check in, get fitted, and get your head into snorkeling mode.

This matters more than people think. When the schedule is tight, you want your wetsuit and mask sorted before you’re standing around in sea-breeze reality.

The Speedboat Ride Through Malpais de Rasca

The tour runs 2 hours total. You’ll spend about 25 minutes on a speedboat heading out, then 25 minutes back again, with about 1 hour snorkeling in the middle.

That first boat segment is more than “getting there.” You’re traveling through the Natural Protected area Malpais de Rasca, and the idea is to see the coastline and sea terrain from the water before you ever put your face in the mask. If you’re the type who likes the “wow” moment before the main event, this start helps.

In the Water for an Hour: Snorkeling With Sea Turtles

This is the whole reason to book. You’ll snorkel for one hour at the snorkeling location, with the main goal of seeing sea turtles plus other Tenerife marine life.

Here’s the key mindset: you can’t force wildlife. The tour sets you up with a good chance—there’s a high probability of seeing turtles—but turtles are animals in their natural habitat. Your best move is simple: stay calm, keep your distance, and don’t chase.

They also emphasize respectful behavior to avoid impact on the turtles. That isn’t just a feel-good policy. It directly affects your odds of seeing them comfortably—if everyone crowds and splashes, the turtles just won’t hang around.

What You Might See Besides Turtles

Turtles are the headline, but the ocean often has extras. In the feedback from past participants, I saw mentions of rays gliding along the seafloor, plus lots of general marine life activity. So even if turtles are camera-shy that day, there can still be plenty to watch.

The Instructor Role: Coaching You to Snorkel Safely and Respectfully

You’ll be accompanied by an experienced instructor who gives the necessary instructions so you feel safe and comfortable. This matters because snorkeling is easy… until it isn’t. The instructor’s job is to help you find a rhythm, avoid mistakes, and keep the group moving smoothly.

The tour is described as personalized and small group, which usually means you’re not lost in a crowd. You’re more likely to get help when you need it and to stay aligned with the “turtles first” approach.

One practical detail: they’ll contact you the day before the tour to ask for your snorkeling equipment sizes via WhatsApp or email. That’s a good sign for comfort and fit, since mask fit can make or break the whole experience.

Gear and Comfort: Wetsuit, Mask, Snorkel, Fins

Included gear is one of the biggest value points in this experience:

• Wetsuit
• Mask
• Snorkel
• Fins
• Insurance
• Photos

You only need to bring swimwear and a towel. That’s it.

Still, I’ll flag a consideration from feedback: at least one person felt the gear and timing didn’t match their expectations for comfort in cooler conditions. Your best plan is to treat the water temp and wind as real variables. Wear what you’re comfortable in under the wetsuit, and don’t assume every day feels the same.

Photos Included: Great Memory, Real-World Expectations

You’ll get free pictures after the experience. That’s an easy win, especially if you’d rather enjoy the turtles than constantly fuss with a camera underwater.

One more practical note: one participant said the provided photos were mostly from the boat, not underwater. So consider the photos a bonus, not something you can fully bank on as your only underwater set.

If you care about underwater shots, you can always bring your own camera, but the tour doesn’t include video.

Who This Snorkeling Tour Fits Best (and Who It Doesn’t)

This tour is not suitable if you:

• can’t swim
• are a non-swimmer
• are children under 8 years

They’re also clear that you must be able to swim to take part. Snorkeling with turtles is magical, but it’s still an open-water activity.

It’s a great fit for:

• couples and friends who want a guided wildlife experience
• swimmers who want a calmer pace and coaching
• anyone who wants turtles in a protected area instead of just a quick, distant encounter

Price and Value: Is $81 Good for What You Get?

At $81 per person for a 2-hour outing, the value is strongest because the package covers the stuff that normally adds up:

• boat transportation
• instructor guidance
• insurance
• full snorkeling equipment (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins)
• and photos

You’re paying for a controlled experience, not just access to water. For many people, the included gear alone makes the trip feel “worth it,” especially if you don’t want to chase rentals or fit issues on your vacation.

The one “value wobble” to keep in mind is visibility and wildlife behavior. Even with the best setup, you can’t control how clear the water is or whether turtles decide to swim through your viewing lane.

Practical Tips Before You Go (So the Day Feels Easy)

A few things will help you enjoy the tour more:

• Arrive early at dock 5 so you’re not rushed into gear
• Bring swimwear and a towel so you can get dry fast after the hour in the water
• Know your swimming comfort. They require you to swim, and the tour isn’t for beginners who feel unsure in open water
• Go in expecting turtles to be respectful-distance animals. Your best experience comes from calm movement and patience

And yes—your floaty confidence is contagious. If you act nervous, the whole group starts feeling it. If you act steady, the ocean feels less like a test.

Should You Book Tenerife: Snorkel With Turtles?

If you want a guided, respectful snorkeling experience with strong odds of seeing sea turtles in a protected area, this is an easy “yes” to consider. The included gear, boat ride into Malpais de Rasca, and free photos make it feel like a complete package, not a half-day gamble.

Don’t book it if you’re:

• a cautious non-swimmer
• looking for guaranteed visibility or guaranteed turtle sightings
• expecting a long underwater photo shoot with perfect clarity every time

If you can handle variable conditions and you’re ready to swim comfortably, you’ll likely come away with that rare kind of trip memory—quiet water, slow animals, and you just… there.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

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

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 2 hours, including about 25 minutes by speedboat each way and about 1 hour snorkeling.

What’s included in the price?

Included: boat trip, experienced instructor, insurance, wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins, and photos.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. The tour provides the wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins. You just bring swimwear and a towel.

Can I join if I can’t swim?

No. You must be able to swim, and the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Is this tour okay for kids?

It’s not suitable for children under 8 years.

Will I definitely see sea turtles?

There’s a high probability, but sightings can’t be guaranteed since turtles are wild animals in their natural habitat.

What languages are the instructors?

The instructor speaks Spanish and English.

Is video included?

No. Video is not included, but photos are included.

Do I need to reserve equipment sizes in advance?

Yes. The provider will contact you the day before the tour via WhatsApp or email to ask for your snorkeling equipment sizes.

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