REVIEW · TENERIFE
Tenerife: Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Snacks & Sea Life Safari
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by MANA KAYAK · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Kayak past cliffs, then swim with sea life.
Starting with MANA KAYAK in Los Cristianos, this 3-hour kayak + snorkeling tour rolls along rugged coastline to Cueva de los Enamorados, with wetsuits, guided instruction, and real wildlife spotting chances for turtles and dolphins.
I really like how smoothly they get you ready. You’ll find changing rooms and bathrooms near the shop, and the snack rhythm is built in so you don’t burn through your energy before the water time. In the reviews, guides like Moises, David, and Freddy show up often—and they’re the type who help you scan for animals without making it feel stressful.
One thing to plan for: wildlife is never guaranteed, and the ocean can be bouncy. If you’re prone to motion sickness, expect waves during the route and consider bringing your medication as advised.
In This Review
- Key things that make this tour worth your time
- Los Cristianos kayak and snorkel: what the 3 hours is really like
- Starting at MANA KAYAK: easy gear-up, close to the beach
- The guided basics: you’ll paddle sooner than you think
- Playa Los Cristianos to Cueva de los Enamorados: the scenic paddle segment
- Sea life safari realism: turtles and dolphins, with help from the guides
- The snorkeling break: what you’re actually doing under the water
- Snacks and drinks: the rhythm that keeps it from dragging
- Stop-by-stop pacing: how the itinerary shapes the experience
- Fitness, safety, and who should think twice
- Price and value: what $30 includes and why it adds up
- What to bring (and what not to): the small details that save your day
- Should you book this Tenerife kayak and snorkel tour?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the tour?
- Where do I meet the guide?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- What’s included in the price?
- Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?
- Is it suitable for children?
- Can I bring a pet or drink alcohol?
- What if I don’t see turtles or dolphins?
Key things that make this tour worth your time

- Kayak along Los Cristianos cliffs with a scenic route toward Cueva de los Enamorados
- Snorkel gear plus wetsuit and life jacket included, so you travel lighter
- Guides help you spot turtles and dolphins (you’re not left to guess)
- Snacks and drinks at multiple points: fruit and a granola bar, then more after
- You can choose your comfort level in the water: snorkel, swim, or relax on your kayak
- Not a guaranteed animal show, so it works best for people who love the process, not just the outcome
Los Cristianos kayak and snorkel: what the 3 hours is really like

This is one of those activities that hits two different moods in one go: first you glide over the water with a kayak view of the coast, then you switch gears to snorkel and watch fish up close. The setting is right off Los Cristianos, and the route takes you past dramatic cliffs and toward Cueva de los Enamorados, also known (by many tour operators) as Lovers Cave.
You should also know the vibe: this isn’t a sit-and-watch cruise. It’s active, with real paddling and a bit of effort, even when the guides are making it beginner-friendly. If you can handle that, you’ll likely leave happy and sun-warmed, not just photo-complete.
This tour is priced at about $30 per person, and the value comes from what’s included, not just the fact that it’s “affordable.” You get safety gear, snorkeling equipment, and insurance as part of the package, plus snacks and drinks during the outing.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
Starting at MANA KAYAK: easy gear-up, close to the beach

The meeting point is straightforward: downstairs Reveron Plaza Hotel, outside there’s a surfboard with the name MANA KAYAK. That location matters because you’re not wasting time on long transfers. You’ll suit up quickly and get into the water zone fast.
Once you arrive, you’re set up with what you need before anyone launches the group. You’ll get:
- Wet suit
- Life jacket
- Snorkel mask
Changing rooms and bathrooms are available, which helps a lot if you’re traveling with swimwear already on or you want to do a quick swap. Flip-flops are a good idea here because you’ll be walking around on beach paths and near the water.
One practical detail from reviews: there aren’t lockers, so don’t count on stowing valuables in a cubby. The shop is described as locked, which is useful, but you’ll still want to keep essentials on you (or in a secure bag you manage yourself).
The guided basics: you’ll paddle sooner than you think

Before you launch, guides give a safety briefing and teach the basic kayaking and snorkeling steps. This is the part that turns the experience from “I hope I don’t mess this up” into “I’ve got this.”
In reviews, first-timers repeatedly mention that steering is manageable, and that the instruction is clear. Expect a short period of practice and reminders about staying together and using your body safely in the kayak. Life jacket on, wetsuit on, mask ready—then off you go.
Also, the guides don’t just talk tech. They share facts about the area and wildlife, and they point out what to look for. That matters because Tenerife’s sea life is wild. Your chances improve when you know what you’re scanning for and how to react when something appears.
Playa Los Cristianos to Cueva de los Enamorados: the scenic paddle segment

Your main water time starts from Playa Los Cristianos, right near the center. From there, you paddle along the cliffs—this is where you get the “front row” feeling. You’re not viewing from a distance; you’re moving through the coastal space.
There’s a planned pause and photo stop around Cueva de los Enamorados. The goal here isn’t deep exploration. It’s a quick scenic break, with time to pass by and capture the dramatic cliffline and cave area from the water route.
The upside of this itinerary design is pacing. You get:
- A steady paddle out
- A scenic moment near Lovers Cave
- Time to stay alert for marine life during the journey
The possible drawback is that the route is exposed. If the water is choppy, paddling can feel more physical than you expected, even if you’re comfortable in the kayak.
Sea life safari realism: turtles and dolphins, with help from the guides

Here’s the honest part: turtles and dolphins are part of the promise, but wildlife is unpredictable. You’re not buying certainty. You’re buying time in the habitat and the added edge of a guide who knows how to look and where to focus.
In reviews, guides like Moises, Moses, David, Max, and Freddy are mentioned for actively helping people spot animals. That means you’re more likely to notice movement early—especially when dolphins appear close enough to be exciting but still far enough to require patience and calm.
If you spot sea life, don’t expect a guarantee of repeat sightings. Some groups get multiple dolphin passes. Others get fewer, maybe just one dolphin appearance plus a turtle or two, or fish and crabs during snorkeling time.
My advice: treat the “sea life safari” as a bonus to the water experience you’re already enjoying. The cliffs, the paddling, and the snorkeling are still the core. That mindset makes the tour more satisfying whether your sightings are modest or great.
The snorkeling break: what you’re actually doing under the water

Snorkeling here is built in with a designated pause during the kayaking portion. You’re given a snorkel mask, and you’ll be in a wetsuit, which helps with comfort in the water.
Your group gets options depending on comfort:
- Snorkel and swim with the gear
- Or stay seated/relaxed on your kayak if you don’t want to go under
That’s a smart balance for mixed groups. It also means the tour can feel inclusive even if some people are less confident swimmers.
What you’ll see varies, but reviews mention fish and crabs during snorkeling, plus ocean life spotted from the kayak. If you love snorkeling, this part is likely the highlight. If you don’t, you can still enjoy the scenery while others swim.
One comfort tip: check sunscreen coverage carefully before you get in. One review specifically calls out burning on the front of legs and arms—so don’t just do a quick swipe. Go heavier on areas that will catch sun while you’re paddling.
Snacks and drinks: the rhythm that keeps it from dragging

I like that snacks are not tacked on at the end. You get fruit and a granola bar as part of the included snack, plus water.
Later, when you return to the meeting point, there are more drinks and snacks. In reviews, some groups also mention extra treats like cake, cereal bar, and juice. It seems to vary a bit by day or group, but the consistent pattern is: you’re fueled during the tour, not hungry after.
There’s also a nice small bonus noted in reviews: guides can take pictures and share them on Instagram without extra charge. If photo memories matter to you, this is a plus.
Stop-by-stop pacing: how the itinerary shapes the experience

Let’s translate the route into “how it feels”:
- Start at MANA KAYAK: gear-up with changing rooms, bathrooms, and fruit to get you started
- Short walk to Playa Los Cristianos: you’re close, so this doesn’t eat your time
- 1 hour on the water near Los Cristianos: paddling with wildlife watching and sightseeing
- Cueva de los Enamorados (15-minute photo stop): scenic pause that keeps the day moving
- 45 minutes back along the coast: another window to spot sea life while you paddle
- Back on foot to the shop: snacks and drinks finish the experience
Why this pacing works: it gives you more than one chance to see animals. Even if you miss something on the way out, there’s time during the return segment. And the snack stops mean the group doesn’t collapse halfway through.
Fitness, safety, and who should think twice

This tour needs a good physical condition. The ocean is not a kiddie pool, and you’ll do real paddling for a couple of hours total time in motion.
You should also know the restrictions:
- You must weigh less than 120 kg
- Not permitted for pregnant or disabled people
- Not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, respiratory issues, or epilepsy
- Not suitable for children under 7 years
- Not suitable for people over 70 years
- If you have diabetes, asthma, or epilepsy, bring your medication
- If you get motion sickness, it’s recommended to take medication about 1 hour before the tour
In reviews, one person flat-out advises skipping if you’re prone to sea illness, since the route is wave-heavy at times. That’s not scare talk—it’s practical.
If you’re healthy but not super fit, you can still have fun. Multiple reviews note that first-timers did fine with the guidance. Still, plan to work your arms and core.
Price and value: what $30 includes and why it adds up
At around $30 per person for a 3-hour guided outing, the value is in the included gear and safety structure.
You get:
- Wet suit
- Life jacket
- Snorkel mask
- Certified guides
- Briefing
- Insurance
- Snacks (fruit and granola bar)
You’re also getting guided instruction, not just equipment rental. That’s a big deal in a sport like kayaking where technique and safety matter—especially near cliffs and around open water.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll handle your own way to the meeting point. But since the start is close to Los Cristianos (right by Reveron Plaza), that’s often easier than you’d expect.
Overall: for the combination of gear + guide + water time + snacks, it’s a fair deal.
What to bring (and what not to): the small details that save your day
Pack like you’re doing a beach day with workout energy.
Bring:
- Towel
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Flip-flops
- Beachwear
Not allowed:
- Pets
- Alcohol and drugs
- Glass objects
Sunscreen deserves extra attention. One review mentions a bad burn despite being on the water, which suggests you should apply well and re-check exposed areas. Also, wear clothing that dries fast.
If you’re unsure about snorkeling comfort, remember you can choose to snorkel or relax on the kayak. That flexibility matters if you want the sea life experience without forcing your body into something it doesn’t like.
Should you book this Tenerife kayak and snorkel tour?
Book it if you want an active, guided water experience around Los Cristianos that combines cliff scenery, kayaking instruction, and a real snorkeling break. It’s also a solid pick if you’re traveling with different comfort levels because the tour supports snorkelers and non-snorkelers.
Consider skipping (or at least thinking hard first) if you:
- Get seasick easily
- Have heart, respiratory, epilepsy, or back issues
- Need a fully non-physical outing
- Want guaranteed turtles and dolphins (no tour can promise that)
If you’re the type who enjoys nature even when sightings are fewer than expected, you’ll probably love this. And if you’re lucky with dolphins or turtles, you’ll get a memory that feels very “up close” rather than checklist tourism.
FAQ
What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours, though the exact timing and itinerary can change with weather conditions.
Where do I meet the guide?
You meet at MANA KAYAK, downstairs at Reveron Plaza Hotel. Look for a surfboard outside with the name MANA KAYAK.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
What’s included in the price?
Included items are wet suit, life jacket, snorkel mask, certified guides, a briefing, snacks (fruit and a granola bar), and insurance.
Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?
No. The snorkel mask is provided. You’ll still want to bring your towel and beachwear, plus biodegradable sunscreen and flip-flops.
Is it suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 7 years. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I bring a pet or drink alcohol?
Pets aren’t allowed. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed either.
What if I don’t see turtles or dolphins?
Wildlife is unpredictable, so its presence can’t be guaranteed. You’ll still do kayaking and snorkeling, and the guides will look for sea life during the route.

























