Want turtles without the stress? This guided snorkeling in Abades pairs top-notch coaching with free underwater photos and videos. It’s a simple, family-friendly way to see Tenerife’s Atlantic sea life up close.

I really like two things: the calm, organized guidance that helps you feel in control, and the fact that you leave with actual photos and videos (not just good memories). The setup is straightforward: meet at the beach, gear up in a wetsuit, then follow your guide along the reef.

One watch-out: animal sightings aren’t guaranteed. This is open ocean, and even when the guides know the local hotspots, turtles can be elusive. If you’re going mainly for a guaranteed turtle photo, temper expectations and enjoy the fish and reef either way.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Free photos and videos included: you’ll get underwater images you can share right away.
• Small groups (up to 6): you get personal attention and easier pacing.
• Reef time built for viewing: you’re taken to spots with good conditions to spot fish and coral.
• Turtles may be hit-or-miss: they’re in the area, but spotting depends on the day and season.
• Non-swimmers still join: you may not see turtles as easily, but you’ll still see plenty of life.
• Guides from freediving instruction: strong control in the water, especially for nervous swimmers.

Where you meet at Playa Abades (and how the gear part works)

This tour starts right at the beach in Abades, not at some distant office. You meet at the restaurant Magilu, directly in front of the shore. The crew meets near the white benches before you reach the water.

Plan to park nearby. The info also says there are lots of parking spaces, which matters on Tenerife when you don’t want to fight for a spot before you even get wet.

From there, the tour rhythm is simple. You’ll put on snorkeling gear and a wetsuit—either long or short depending on what they’re running that day. You’ll also be told what to do with your stuff: personal items get left in the car. That means less juggling bags while you’re trying to keep your balance and get ready.

Also note the glasses detail. If you rely on glasses to see, you can’t put them under the mask. In practice, that means you’ll either swim without sharp details or you’ll rely on the general guidance of the guide rather than tiny visual checks.

Your 2 hours in the water: the snorkeling flow off the reef

The whole experience is about 2 hours from meet-up to wrap. In that time, you’ll cycle through gear-up, briefing, and snorkeling around the coast near Playa Abades.

Once you’ve got your wetsuit and mask/flippers, you head underwater to explore the reef area. The goal is to see fish you can actually recognize. The reef is described as holding hundreds of colorful fish, plus coral areas where you’ll spot more marine life when conditions are right.

This tour isn’t about racing around. It’s about getting you into a safe rhythm so you can watch. You move with the guide, and the guide controls the pacing based on the group’s comfort level.

Depending on season and chance, you may see larger animals—turtles, stingrays, and octopus (often hidden under stones). You get the best odds by staying relaxed and following instructions, since a sudden scramble from you can spook animals and stress yourself out.

And yes, you’ll be looking out for the “cool stuff.” The info specifically highlights rare species like turtles, stingrays, and octopus. One reason this tour feels special is that the guides don’t just point at the water—they help you position yourself to actually notice what’s there.

Turtles, rays, and octopus: what you’re likely to see

Let’s talk about the biggest question people have: turtles.

The tour info says there are currently 6 sea turtles living around this beach. But it also clearly warns that this is open ocean, so spotting them is never guaranteed. One review also made the point that turtle time at the feeding spot can be limited—often around 20–40 minutes—which helps explain why some days are turtle-heavy and others are mostly fish.

Here’s the practical takeaway: you should go into this expecting excellent fish viewing first, and turtle viewing as a bonus if the day lines up.

Stingrays and octopus are similar. They’re in the mix of what the guides watch for, but the underwater world doesn’t follow schedules. You improve your odds by keeping steady, staying close to the guide, and not kicking up sand or rocks.

If you’re the type who gets disappointed when the “headline animal” doesn’t show, switch your mindset. Think reef quality, fish variety, and that moment when something bigger glides past your mask. That’s the core win.

Non-swimmers can come too, but there’s a trade-off

This tour does welcome non-swimmers. It even says the instructor team—working as diving/freediving instructors—can guide you even if you’re a bad swimmer. That’s a big deal for families and people who want to try snorkeling without feeling like they’re signing up for a swim-test.

But here’s the trade-off they spell out: non-swimmers cannot see turtles because it takes a lot of swimming to reach the places where turtles show up. You’ll still see fish and sea life, and you can still have a great time underwater—but you shouldn’t base your entire plan on a turtle photo if you can’t swim well.

One more reality check: if you can’t swim, you’ll rely more on assistance in the water. Several review comments echoed that guides helped people who were nervous, including people who don’t swim at all. That comfort factor is exactly why this tour is worth considering.

So my advice to you: if you’re a non-swimmer or weak swimmer, go for the fish, reef, and the guided safety. If you’re a strong swimmer, you’ll have more options for reaching where turtles and rays might be.

The guide experience: safety, pacing, and real communication

This is a guided snorkeling tour, and the guide matters here because underwater calm is the whole game. The tour info emphasizes that the team has more than 20 years of experience, including working with children and afraid people—which tells you they’re used to teaching snorkeling without panic.

Language support is also clear: the instructor can work in German, Spanish, and English. That helps a lot when you’re trying to understand safety cues, breathing reminders, and hand signals in the water.

Names you might hear in practice include Natalie and Andre (or Andres, depending on spelling). Multiple notes describe friendly, thorough explanations and hands-on support. One standout theme: guides adjust the pace to the group’s abilities, rather than forcing everyone to keep up.

Small-group format helps, too. The tour limits participation to 6 people, so you’re not lost in a crowd. And they also mention that sometimes groups can be combined. That doesn’t sound constant, but if you’re booking for maximum personal attention, know it’s possible you’ll snorkel with a slightly larger set than the ideal.

Equipment, wetsuits, and leaving your stuff behind

Everything you need is included. That means snorkeling gear, a guide, wetsuit (long or short), plus photos and videos. From a value perspective, this matters because renting gear on Tenerife can add up fast—especially if you want decent fit for masks and flippers.

Wetsuit choice also matters. Even in the Canaries, water can feel cool. A wetsuit gives you warmth and also makes breathing feel easier, since you’re not fighting cold.

They also tell you that personal items stay in their car. It’s not a big drama, but it’s worth preparing. Bring only what you need to the meet-up point: swimwear under your clothes, a towel, and a sun hat.

One practical note from real on-the-ground experience: don’t count on a dedicated on-site changing room or toilet. If you need that, you may have to use a nearby cafe. So if you hate last-minute logistics, plan a quick bathroom stop before you arrive.

Price and value: is $35 really fair here?

At $35 per person for a 2-hour guided snorkeling tour, the value is mostly in what’s bundled.

You get:

• guided instruction and safety pacing
• snorkeling equipment
• wetsuit
• underwater photos and videos

That photo/video piece is a big deal. Many snorkeling tours either charge extra for media or give you nothing. Here, the media is included, and the feedback emphasizes the quality and that people received it for free after the tour.

The only clear thing not included is hotel pickup/drop-off. So you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point. The good news: parking sounds easy, so self-scheduling is workable.

My bottom line: this is a good deal if you want guided snorkeling plus media. If you already have your own gear, and you hate guided groups, it might feel less special. But if you want an easier, safer first snorkeling experience, the price looks fair.

What to bring (and what to think about before you go)

Here’s the simple packing list from the info:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Beachwear

A few other practical reminders based on how the tour operates:

• If you wear glasses, they can’t go under the mask, so plan for reduced vision underwater.
• If you’re nervous, tell the guide. The tour specifically suggests they’re prepared for nervous swimmers and children, and they can guide you even if you’re not confident.
• Pregnant people can do snorkeling. That said, you should still be comfortable with being in the water and following guidance closely.
• People with a cold are not suitable. So if you’re sick, skip it. Snorkeling is still physical effort and you don’t want to push it.

And one more reality check: they keep saying there’s nothing dangerous in the water. That’s reassuring, but don’t treat it as an excuse to ignore safety. Follow the guide’s pacing and keep your position.

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

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• want a first-timer-friendly snorkeling experience
• travel with kids (as long as they’re at least 5 years old)
• have limited swimming confidence and want extra support
• care about leaving with photos and videos
• prefer small-group attention

It’s not a fit if you:

• are under 5 years old
• use a wheelchair or have mobility impairments
• have a cold
• want guaranteed turtle sightings

If you’re mainly chasing one specific animal—turtle on command—this won’t meet that standard. But if you’re happy to watch fish, coral areas, and whatever the day offers, it’s a great match.

Should you book Abades Guided Snorkeling with Photos?

I’d book this tour if you want snorkeling in Tenerife that feels controlled, beginner-friendly, and genuinely worth your time—not just “gear on, hope for the best.”

It’s especially smart if:

• you’re traveling with family and want a guide-led experience
• you want the underwater media included
• you’d rather be taught and supported than figure it out alone

Skip it if:

• your only acceptable outcome is a turtle (some days won’t deliver)
• you have mobility needs that this format can’t support
• you’re currently sick with a cold

If you go in with the right expectations—fish first, turtles as a bonus—you’ll likely leave smiling with photos in your phone (and a calmer brain in the water).

FAQ

Where do we meet for the snorkeling tour?

You meet at the restaurant Magilu, directly in front of the beach. The meeting area is by the white benches before you reach the ocean.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How long is the tour?

The snorkeling experience lasts about 2 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Your tour includes the snorkeling tour, guide, snorkeling equipment, a wetsuit (long or short), and underwater photos and videos.

Can non-swimmers join?

Yes, the instructors say they can guide you even if you’re a bad swimmer. The tour info also notes that non-swimmers may not be able to see turtles, but they can still see fish and other sea life.

What should I bring?

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

Is this suitable for young children?

It is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

If you want, tell me your group ages and swimming comfort level, and I’ll help you decide if this is the right fit for your day in Tenerife.