Tenerife has turtles, and you can swim with them. This snorkeling tour runs from the beach at Abades inside a marine protected area, with full wetsuits and guides like Rafaella and Ron helping you see real marine life up close. It’s the kind of outing that feels natural, not staged—calm water, a short guided swim, and you’re back on shore without a boat ride.

I also really like the free photos and videos. They take underwater shots during your 50-minute session and send the digital files for no extra cost, so you leave with proof (not just memories). The small group size and the extra hands for kids, seniors, and non-strong swimmers make it feel controlled and family-friendly.

One consideration: turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed. The tours follow the animals’ natural habits, so sometimes the green sea turtles are out of range, and you’ll still be seeing plenty of other sea life instead.

Key highlights in plain terms

• Swim from shore in a sheltered Abades bay with calmer water than many Tenerife spots
• 50 minutes of guided snorkeling with clear instruction for first-timers
• Pro gear fit for warmth and buoyancy, including wetsuits, boots, and adjustable fins
• Underwater photographer included with free digital photos and videos afterward
• Respect rules that protect wildlife (no feeding, no touching, turtles at a distance)
• Small groups up to 8, with guides positioned to keep everyone together

Abades makes snorkeling easier than it sounds

Tenerife snorkeling can be hit-or-miss depending on wind and swell. The big reason this tour works for lots of people is that it starts in Abades, in a sheltered bay designed for calm conditions. You’re not trying to fight big waves just to get into the water.

This matters if you’re new to snorkeling or you’re going with family. Less chop means you can focus on the reef instead of your balance. And because the tour is in a marine protected area, you’re not just looking at random coastline—you’re swimming in habitat where fish and other animals are there because conditions stay friendly for them.

How the 2 hours actually play out (gear to reef)

Total time is about 2 hours, but the part you’ll remember is the 50-minute guided snorkeling section. Plan to arrive a bit early and get ready on land so you’re not rushing.

Here’s the practical flow you should expect:

• Meet at the beach area in Abades and find your guide wearing the Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt.
• You’ll get a safety briefing before you go in, including how to interact around marine wildlife.
• You gear up with everything provided: mask, snorkel, adjustable fins, boots, and a full wetsuit.
• Then you head out for a guided swim through the protected waters, staying together and stopping so you can actually look.

Two details I appreciate: the average snorkeling depth stays relatively shallow (around 2.5 meters, max 8 meters), and you don’t need to be a strong swimmer. The guides keep pace with the group, so the experience feels like learning the reef rather than doing an endurance test.

What you’ll see: reef life, sea grass, and possible turtles

The tour focuses on Tenerife’s coastal biodiversity. From the surface, the bay looks like a typical shoreline. Underwater, it’s different—rocky reef formations, hidden coves, and fish that use the structure for shelter.

The tour description points to a few especially cool categories:

• Colorful reef fish moving through rocky areas and coves
• Curious octopuses and other creatures that you might notice only if you slow down
• Camouflaged seahorses (the kind that show up when you’re looking patiently)
• Sea grass zones around the reef, where animals feed and hide
• Green sea turtles that may appear in their natural habitat

From the experience info, turtles are a realistic possibility, but not a promise. That’s not a letdown if you think about it the right way. These animals aren’t a theme-park attraction. The guides follow proper protocols and keep a respectful distance, which is exactly what you want in a protected area.

Also, don’t build your expectations only around turtles. Several snorkelers report seeing other big-ticket wildlife too—things like rays, and even an angel shark. Even if you don’t get the turtle moment, the reef still delivers.

The gear set-up that helps first-timers relax

If you’ve ever been anxious about snorkeling, the equipment choices here do a lot of the work for you. The tour includes full wetsuits in multiple sizes, plus mask, snorkel, boots, and adjustable fins. Those aren’t extras—they’re key to feeling steady.

A full wetsuit helps in two ways:

• Warmth: water temperatures are listed as 19° to 23° (March–September), and even a short time in that range feels different if you’re cold.
• Buoyancy and comfort: it makes floating easier and reduces that panicky feeling of treading water.

You’re also given support for fit and use. Multiple snorkelers mention getting help with gear and confidence in the water. The guides adjust the experience so people can participate safely, even if it’s their first time.

One rule to note: you can’t use a full face mask. If that’s your usual snorkeling preference, plan to use the standard mask provided.

Rafaella and Ron’s style: small-group safety without boredom

This tour runs with a small group (up to 8 participants). That size change isn’t cosmetic—it affects how much attention the guides can give. In the water, you’ll generally have guidance keeping you oriented so you don’t drift off alone.

The biggest difference-maker is the human factor. Rafaella and Ron are described as friendly, organized, and patient, and they use encouragement rather than pressure. That’s a big deal if you’re someone who gets nervous once you’re actually in the water.

What I think really works for families is the balance between fun and safety:

• They give instructions that make the water feel manageable.
• They keep an eye on the group and help when needed.
• They also manage conditions so the swim stays comfortable.

If you have kids, seniors, or anyone who’s not a confident swimmer, this is the kind of guided setup that makes it possible to try without turning it into a stressful workout.

Photos and videos: real souvenirs, not just memories

This is one of the easiest ways to judge value. Many snorkeling tours charge extra for photos. Here, photos and videos are included from an underwater photographer, delivered digitally for free.

Expect that you’ll get pictures that include:

• group moments in the water
• close views of the reef area as you snorkel
• wildlife encounters when they happen during your session

A small bonus: because they’re taking underwater footage, you don’t need to worry about holding your own camera perfectly. If you’re an experienced snorkeler using your own camera, the info says it’s allowed with previous snorkel experience.

If you want to remember Tenerife’s underwater world, this “take-home proof” turns the tour into more than a one-hour memory.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This experience is marketed for all ages, and you don’t need prior snorkeling experience. It’s designed for people who want a safe outdoor activity with professional guidance.

It’s a good match if you:

• want snorkeling in a protected area with calmer conditions
• are traveling as a family (including teens and kids)
• need help and structure if you’re nervous or not a strong swimmer
• value included gear and included photos/videos

It’s not suitable for some people:

• Wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments
• Non-swimmers (the info says it’s not suitable for non-swimmers)
• People over 309 lbs (140 kg)
• People under 66 lbs (30 kg)
• Anyone who can’t follow safety and wildlife rules

Also, if you’ve had motion sickness before, this info recommends medication. The tour doesn’t involve a boat, which helps for sea sickness—but the water and entry can still affect some people, so plan ahead.

Price and value: $45 feels fair for what’s included

At $45 per person for about 2 hours, this tour stacks up well when you look at what’s included. You get:

• full snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, boots, wetsuit)
• an insured, guided experience with professional instruction
• a 50-minute snorkeling session
• free underwater photos and videos
• water provided, plus multilingual instructors

A lot of tours make you pay extra for gear, insurance, or photos. Here, the pricing is built around the essentials you actually need to enjoy the day. If you add up those typical “extras” in your head, the value becomes clearer fast.

Weather reality: when you should flex your plans

Even when the bay is sheltered, conditions matter. The tour may change or be canceled due to poor weather, strong wind, or adverse sea conditions. That’s normal in ocean activities, and it’s worth keeping flexibility in mind.

So, if you’re booking this as a one-shot must-do, I’d treat it like a smart “best-available” plan rather than a fixed appointment you’ll be heartbroken to lose. If the day works, it’s excellent. If it doesn’t, it’s the sea—not the organizer—that’s driving the outcome.

Should you book this Tenerife snorkeling tour?

I’d book it if you want a guided snorkeling experience from Abades that feels safe, family-friendly, and equipment-focused. The small group size, the full wetsuits, and the fact that you get free underwater photos/videos make it a practical choice, not just a fun gamble.

I’d think twice only if:

• you require guaranteed turtle sightings (this isn’t that kind of tour), or
• you fall into the listed non-suitable categories, or
• you’re coming at a time when you might be cold and you know wetsuits don’t work for you.

If your goal is to see Tenerife’s reef life in a protected bay—plus the chance of turtles without pushing wildlife—this tour is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling time?

The tour includes a 50-minute guided snorkeling session, with a total experience time of about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The snorkeling starts from the beach in Abades. The meeting point is at Magilu, where you should look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt.

What’s included in the price?

You get mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and a wetsuit, plus a guided snorkeling session, multilingual instructors, free photos and videos, extra assistance for small children/non-strong swimmers/seniors, insurance, and water.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No. The tour is described as suitable for all ages, and it says you don’t need previous snorkeling experience. The setup includes extra help for non-strong swimmers.

Can I guarantee seeing sea turtles?

No. The info says there is a reasonable chance of spotting green sea turtles, but sightings can’t be guaranteed, since turtles are in their natural habitat.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear. It’s also advised to arrive wearing it.

Is there a mask rule?

Yes. The tour says the use of a full face mask is not allowed.

What languages are the guides?

The tour is offered with live guidance in Spanish, English, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, and German.

What depth will we be in?

The average depth is about 2.5 meters, with a maximum of 8 meters.

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