Swimming with turtles is a vacation highlight.

This Tenerife snorkeling tour is built around a marine protected area off the southeast coast, with a 50-minute guided swim through calm, reefy water. You start right from the beach in Abades, so there’s no boat ride to deal with, and guides like Rafaella and Ron focus on making beginners feel safe while still delivering real underwater sightings. If you want a family-friendly “see it up close” experience without it turning into a gimmick, this one hits.

What I really like is the setup: you get full wetsuits plus mask, snorkel, fins, and boots sized for you, which makes the water time feel controlled instead of cold or clumsy. I also like the human side—small group rules (max 8), multilingual coaching, and hands-on help mean you aren’t just pointed toward the water and left to figure it out. The only thing to consider is that turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed, and the tour may shift if wind or sea conditions are rough.

Key points to know before you go

• Beach entry from Abades means calm water and usually less seasickness stress
• Small group (up to 8) keeps the pace comfortable and the attention personal
• High-quality gear with full wetsuits helps with warmth and buoyancy for first-timers
• Wildlife-friendly rules (no feeding, no touching) keep encounters respectful
• Photos and videos are included and sent digitally for free after the tour
• Green turtles are possible, not promised—you’re snorkeling for the whole ecosystem

Entering Tenerife’s marine protected area from Abades

This tour makes a smart choice: it runs in a marine protected area, not a random stretch of coastline. That matters because the whole point is healthier habitat—more reef structure, more fish activity, and the chance to see green sea turtles grazing in their natural space.

Abades is also practical. The snorkel happens in a sheltered bay with calm waters, which helps if you’re anxious about getting in. You don’t need advanced skills to enjoy the reef—your instructors guide your movement and help you build comfort fast.

Meeting point at Magilu and how the 2 hours play out

The tour meets at Magilu. Look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt. The timing is simple: aim to arrive about 10 minutes early, and bring swimwear since you’re advised to come dressed.

The total duration is listed as 2 hours, but the action is the 50-minute guided snorkeling portion. That structure usually works well: you get time for gear and briefing up front, then you spend the bulk of your time where it counts—moving through the reef zone with support close by.

Gear check: full wetsuits, proper fit, and no guesswork

One of the biggest value points here is the gear package. You’re provided mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and a full wetsuit in all sizes, plus instructors who help make sure everything fits.

Why that matters: a good wetsuit isn’t just about warmth. The wetsuit and buoyancy help you float more easily, which reduces panic for people who are new or uneasy in open water. Several guides’ instructions and extra help are also built in for small children, non-strong swimmers, and seniors—so you’re not dealing with the equipment challenge alone.

Two practical rules you should note:

• You’re not allowed a full-face mask
• Water depth averages around 2.5 meters, with a max of 8 meters, so you’re not dropping into deep water

The safety briefing: what you’ll learn before you hit the reef

Before you snorkel, you get a briefing so you know what to expect and how to interact with marine life. This isn’t just “put your head in the water and hope.” The tour emphasizes safety and wildlife respect in a way that tends to reduce that first-timer jitters.

You’ll also get clear interaction guidelines:

• Feeding marine life is prohibited
• Touching sea animals is prohibited
• With turtles, instructors keep proper distance and avoid stressing the animals

That last part is key. Even if you’re excited to see turtles, the best encounters come from restraint. The goal is to observe without chasing, crowding, or poking—so the reef stays enjoyable for everyone.

Your 50-minute snorkeling route: reefs, coves, and sea grass

You spend about 50 minutes snorkeling with a guide through the protected bay. The water is described as clear, with reef formations and hidden coves that create homes for lots of sea life.

Expect this kind of underwater “route” feel:

• Rocky reef areas where fish gather
• Quiet pockets near coves where you might find surprises
• Sea grass around the reef, which is one reason green turtles show up here

From the way the tour is explained, you’re not just drifting in one spot. Guides help you move through sections where sightings are more likely, while also keeping the group together.

What you might see: fish, turtles, octopus, and a surprise factor

This isn’t a scripted show. Wildlife varies with conditions, but the tour is designed around a real mix of species.

Here’s what’s specifically mentioned as possible:

• Sea turtles (green turtles are the focus)
• Colorful reef fish across tropical and sub-tropical waters
• Things like octopuses and camouflaged seahorses
• Other marine creatures in the bay’s habitat

It’s also worth knowing that you can’t assume turtles will be close by. The tour explicitly says turtle sightings can happen, but they can be out of reach, since turtles swim in their natural habitat.

So I recommend going in with the right mindset: treat turtles as a bonus. The real win is the whole protected ecosystem—fish behavior, reef textures, and the small “wait, did you see that?” moments.

Why the turtle rules make the experience feel better

Plenty of tours promise turtles. Fewer explain how they handle the animals once they’re in view. Here, the rules are practical: no feeding, no touching, and turtle protocols that prioritize distance and low stress.

This approach does two things for you:

1. It helps keep the experience calm, so you’re not wrestling the group or crowding a single spot.
2. It makes the reef feel like a place you’re visiting, not a set you’re consuming.

And yes, you may leave without turtles. The tour is still built around enough reef life that it doesn’t turn into a disappointment factory.

Photos and videos are included, not an upsell

One of the strongest “why this is worth it” perks is the included underwater photography. An underwater photographer takes photos and videos during the excursion, and you’ll receive the digital files for free.

That’s a big deal for snorkeling, because underwater shots are hard to recreate later with your phone. It also saves you from the stress of trying to capture everything yourself while trying to relax and snorkel.

If you have experience and want to use your own camera, the rules say it’s allowed. If you’re new, I’d still treat your own camera as secondary. Your main job is learning the snorkel rhythm, staying with the guide, and watching what’s around you.

Price and value: $45 for gear, coaching, and media

At $45 per person for a 2-hour experience with 50 minutes in the water, it’s the kind of price that works because it bundles the essentials.

You get:

• Professional instruction
• High-quality snorkeling gear (including full wetsuit)
• Insurance
• Water
• Photos and videos sent digitally for free

When snorkeling costs are separated—gear rental, guide fees, and media add-ons—the final total can climb fast. Here, the math stays simple. You’re paying for a guided experience that reduces your learning curve and adds a souvenir you can actually use.

Who this snorkeling tour fits best in Tenerife

This tour is designed for all ages, and the info says you don’t need to be a good swimmer or have previous snorkeling experience. That’s also backed by the emphasis on calm water, wetsuit buoyancy, and extra assistance when needed.

It’s a great fit if you:

• Want a family-friendly water activity without boats or complicated logistics
• Feel nervous about snorkeling but want a structured introduction
• Prefer small group attention rather than being one of 20 floating like a cork

You should think twice (or skip) if you’re:

• Using a wheelchair or have mobility impairments
• A true non-swimmer (the tour also lists non-swimmers as not suitable)
• Over 309 lbs (140 kg)
• Under 66 lbs (30 kg)
• Traveling with medical concerns that aren’t cleared with the operator in advance

Also, minors must be under adult supervision during the tour.

Timing, conditions, and what to pack besides swimwear

The tour runs in March–September with water temperature listed between 19° and 23°. That’s exactly the kind of range where a full wetsuit helps a lot, even on a warm day.

Conditions matter. The tour notes it might change or cancel due to poor weather, strong wind, or adverse sea conditions. That’s normal for coastal snorkeling, but it’s good to plan your Tenerife schedule with a little flexibility.

What to bring is straightforward:

• Swimwear

A couple of “don’t ignore this” notes from the tour info:

• If you get motion sickness, the operator advises using medication
• If you have pre-existing medical conditions, inform them prior to the tour
• The water depth is not extreme, but it’s still water work—so take the safety briefing seriously

Final call: should you book this Tenerife snorkeling tour?

If you want a guided snorkeling experience in Tenerife’s southeast with calm bay conditions, quality gear, and included photos/videos, this is an easy yes. The best part isn’t just turtles—it’s that the tour is built around a protected reef ecosystem with responsible wildlife handling.

Book it especially if you’re traveling with kids, someone who’s nervous about snorkeling, or you simply want the underwater experience without the hassle of renting gear or managing a boat ride.

Skip it if you fall into the listed “not suitable” categories, or if you know you can’t handle even shallow, guided water. And if turtles are your one obsession, go with realistic expectations—your best memories will likely come from the reef life you notice along the way.

FAQ

Where is the tour meeting point?

Please come to Magilu and look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt.

How long is the snorkeling portion?

The guided snorkeling tour is 50 minutes, with the overall experience lasting about 2 hours.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer or have snorkeled before?

The activity is described as suitable for all ages and says you don’t need to be a good swimmer or have previous snorkeling experience. The tour also notes extra assistance for non-strong swimmers, but it is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Are sea turtles guaranteed?

No. There’s a reasonable chance of spotting green sea turtles, but turtle sightings can’t be guaranteed because they swim in their natural habitat.

What snorkeling equipment is included?

You’ll be provided with a mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and a full wetsuit, plus high-quality gear.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring swimwear. It’s advisable to arrive wearing your swimsuit.

What languages are the instructors?

The tour offers live guides in Spanish, English, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, and German.

Can I use my own camera?

If you have previous snorkel experience, the use of your own camera is allowed.

What masks are not allowed?

You’re not allowed to use a full-face mask.

What water temperature should I expect?

For March–September, the water temperature is listed as 19° to 23°.