Tenerife: Snorkeling Tour in a Marine Protected Area

Sea life starts a few steps from shore. This small-group snorkeling trip from Abades takes you into a sheltered marine protected area, where rocky reefs, seagrass, coves, and clear water create a good home for fish and turtles. I especially like the beach entry, since you do not need to board a boat, and the careful help from guides Raffaella and Ron has made this outing comfortable for first-timers, children, older adults, and nervous swimmers. The free underwater photos and videos are another real plus.

The main consideration is simple: turtles are not guaranteed. They live freely in the bay and may be elsewhere when your group arrives. Wind and sea conditions can also change the plan, and this is not suitable for non-swimmers, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or anyone over 140 kilograms.

What makes this Abades snorkeling trip worth considering

• A calm, shore-based setting: Enter the water directly from Abades beach, without a boat ride or boat-related motion sickness.
• A compact group: The maximum group size is eight, with instructors helping at the front and back when conditions or group needs require it.
• More than turtles: Fish, octopuses, rays, angel sharks, stingrays, starfish, seahorses, corals, and other sea life may appear along the reef and seagrass.
• Warm, full-body equipment: A wetsuit, mask, snorkel, boots, and adjustable fins are supplied in a range of sizes.
• A strong choice for beginners: You receive a safety briefing and in-water instruction, with extra support for children, seniors, and less confident swimmers.
• Free digital memories: An underwater photographer takes photos and videos and sends them to you at no extra cost, usually through WhatsApp or email after the outing.

Arriving at Abades beach and meeting the guides

The tour leaves from the beach at Abades, on Tenerife’s southeast coast. You meet at Magilu and look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt. Arrive 10 minutes early, already wearing your swimsuit if possible. Bring only what you need for the activity, since food and hotel transfers are not included.

The total activity lasts about two hours, but the guided snorkeling portion lasts 50 minutes. The remaining time allows for arrival, measurements, changing, equipment fitting, the safety talk, and getting into the water without a rush. The provider contacts you by WhatsApp or email the day before to ask for your measurements, which helps the staff prepare the right wetsuit and footwear.

Abades is useful for this kind of outing because the bay is sheltered and the snorkeling begins from land. That makes the experience less complicated than a boat excursion. You can focus on getting comfortable with the mask, breathing through the snorkel, and watching the water instead of worrying about a long ride offshore.

There is a public shower on the beach. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point. Starting times vary, and you should check availability when booking.

The safety briefing makes the first minutes easier

Before entering the sea, the guides explain what to expect, how to use the equipment, and how to behave around marine life. That short briefing matters, especially if you are trying snorkeling for the first time or feel uneasy about putting your face in the water.

The guides speak Spanish, English, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, and German. Raffaella and Ron receive especially strong praise for their patient, upbeat approach, and for checking on people throughout the activity. Several families and first-time participants have needed extra reassurance, and the guides have stayed close, adjusted the pace, and helped people finish the session comfortably.

The equipment includes a full wetsuit, mask, snorkel, boots, and adjustable fins. The wetsuit helps keep you warm in water temperatures of about 19 to 23 degrees Celsius from March through September. It also adds buoyancy, which can make floating easier, but a wetsuit can feel snug and awkward to put on. One older participant found the suit difficult to manage, so allow time for the fitting and ask for help rather than struggling alone.

Full-face masks are not allowed. You use a standard mask and snorkel, with instruction on breathing and clearing the equipment if needed. If you have a medical condition, tell the provider before the tour. Anyone prone to motion sickness is advised to take suitable medication, even though this outing does not involve a boat.

Entering the water from shore

The group enters directly from Abades beach. This is one of the most practical strengths of the trip. You avoid a boat ladder, a rocking vessel, and the extra time spent reaching a snorkeling site.

The water is generally calm in the sheltered bay, but conditions can still vary. Wind, strong waves, or rough seas may force a change or cancellation. One outing took place on a windy day, yet the guides selected the safest part of the bay and kept the group together. Another participant noted that the waves looked larger from shore than they felt near the reef. Still, you should not assume every day will be equally gentle.

The average depth is about 2.5 meters, with a maximum of 8 meters. That range gives you a shallow starting area and access to somewhat deeper water near the reef. It also explains why this is friendly to beginners, while still offering enough space for experienced snorkelers to watch marine life below.

The activity is described as suitable for all ages, with extra assistance for small children, seniors, and non-strong swimmers. However, non-swimmers are specifically listed as unsuitable. You do not need to be an excellent swimmer, but you must be able to take part in an open-water activity and follow the guides’ instructions. Minors must remain under adult supervision.

Following the reef for 50 minutes

Once everyone is comfortable, the guides lead the group through the marine protected area. The route passes rocky reef formations, small coves, and seagrass around the bay. These different habitats matter because they attract different creatures.

Near the rocks, you might find schools of colorful fish, starfish, octopuses, and other small animals. The guides point out creatures that are easy to miss, including camouflaged seahorses and an octopus tucked into the reef. Rays and stingrays may rest on or under the sand, while angel sharks have also been spotted in the area.

The seagrass is particularly important because green sea turtles may feed and rest there. Turtle sightings have been frequent enough to be a genuine possibility, and some groups have seen one, two, or even three. Other groups have seen plenty of fish and rays but no turtles. That uncertainty is part of any responsible wildlife outing, not a flaw in the tour.

I like the fact that the guides do not feed the animals or encourage you to touch them. When turtles appear, the group keeps a respectful distance and avoids chasing or crowding them. You get a better kind of encounter this way: the animal remains wild, and the experience does not turn into a staged photo stop.

The guides generally keep the group together and work at a pace that suits the people in the water. With two guides present, one can lead while another stays toward the rear. That arrangement is reassuring for families, nervous swimmers, and anyone who needs a little more time with the equipment.

What you might see beneath the surface

The marine life is the main reason to book this excursion, but it is best to set your expectations around variety rather than one particular animal. The bay has produced sightings of:

• Green sea turtles
• Colorful reef fish
• Octopuses
• Seahorses
• Rays and stingrays
• Angel sharks
• Starfish
• Coral and rocky reef life
• Fish sheltering in seagrass and sandy areas

Water clarity can be very good, particularly when wind and waves cooperate. Several outings produced clear views of fish and reef formations. On rougher days, visibility may be less consistent, and the guides may adjust where they take you.

This is not a coral reef destination in the tropical-island sense. The description refers to rocky reefs, corals, and tropical and subtropical fish, but the character of the site is a protected coastal bay in the Canary Islands. The appeal comes from seeing a range of animals in a compact area, with guides who know where to look.

The 50 minutes in the water usually passes quickly. You spend part of the time learning, moving between habitats, and pausing when the guides spot something worth seeing. If you are an experienced snorkeler, the pace may feel gentle rather than athletic. That is deliberate: the group needs to stay together, and the outing is built around safe observation, not speed or distance.

The photos and videos are a welcome extra

An underwater photographer takes photos and videos during the excursion. The digital files are sent to you free of charge, often the following day through WhatsApp. This is unusually good value at a price of $45 per person, since many water activities charge separately for photos.

The camera work also lets you enjoy the outing without constantly managing your own device. The guides can photograph both people and marine life, giving you a record of the group, the reef, and any memorable sightings. The photos and videos have been praised as a particularly nice part of the package.

If you have previous snorkeling experience, you may use your own camera. The restrictions are sensible: do not use a full-face mask, and do not feed or touch animals. If you are new to snorkeling, I would leave the camera behind and concentrate on learning the breathing rhythm and watching the reef.

Why the small group matters

A maximum of eight participants gives this tour a personal feel. The guides can check mask fit, adjust fins, help with the wetsuit, and notice when someone is anxious or tired. That would be harder in a large group moving through the bay.

The small-group format has been particularly useful for families. Children as young as eight and nine have enjoyed the outing with adult supervision, and teenagers have taken part successfully. The guides have also helped older participants, including an 82-year-old grandmother, and stayed close to people coping with anxiety, asthma, or other concerns.

That does not remove the need to assess your own fitness. One participant had an asthma attack in the water and received prompt help from the guides, but a medical condition should always be disclosed before departure. The staff can assist, but this remains an open-water activity.

Is $45 good value for two hours?

At $45, I consider this a strong package if you want a guided introduction rather than simply hiring gear. You receive high-quality equipment, instruction, insurance, water, a 50-minute guided session, multilingual support, and free photos and videos.

The value is even clearer for first-timers. Renting a mask and fins alone would not provide the same safety briefing, animal-spotting help, or personal support. Families also avoid buying separate equipment for every person, and the wetsuits come in a range of sizes, including larger feet and body sizes.

The price is less compelling if you are an experienced snorkeler who only wants unrestricted time in the water. The route is guided, the group stays together, and the total session is not a full-day marine expedition. You are paying for care, instruction, equipment, and access to a protected bay, not a long-distance adventure.

There is also no food or hotel transportation included. Plan your own way to Abades and bring your swimsuit. The free media files help tip the value back in the tour’s favor.

Who should book, and who should think twice?

I would recommend this for:

• First-time snorkelers who want patient instruction
• Families with children under adult supervision
• Older adults who can manage a beach entry
• Nervous swimmers who are not non-swimmers
• Experienced snorkelers who enjoy wildlife spotting at an easy pace
• Anyone who prefers a shore entry to a boat trip
• Visitors who want a quieter coastal activity away from busy resort areas

Think twice if you cannot swim at all, have significant mobility limitations, use a wheelchair, weigh over 140 kilograms, or weigh under 30 kilograms. The tour starts on the beach, so you must be able to manage the entry and take part in the water.

You should also avoid booking around a single goal of seeing turtles. The chance is reasonable, but no one can promise when wild animals will appear. If you can appreciate fish, rays, reef formations, octopuses, and seagrass as well, you are much more likely to enjoy the outing.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. Weather remains the deciding factor on the day, since strong wind or poor sea conditions can lead to changes.

Should you book this snorkeling tour?

Yes, if you want a friendly, well-supported introduction to Tenerife’s underwater life. The Abades location, beach entry, eight-person limit, solid equipment, and careful wildlife rules make it a sensible choice for families and beginners.

Book it for the guides and the quality of the support, not only for the turtles. Raffaella, Ron, and their fellow instructors have built the experience around patience, safety, and respectful observation. At $45, the included equipment and free underwater photos make the price fair, especially if this is your first time snorkeling.

If you are a non-swimmer, have mobility limitations, or want a long, independent session, choose another activity. For everyone else, bring your swimsuit, arrive early, keep your expectations flexible, and let the bay provide the surprises.

FAQ

How long does the snorkeling experience last?

The full activity lasts about two hours. The guided snorkeling portion in the water lasts 50 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts from Abades beach in Tenerife’s southeast. Meet at Magilu and look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?

No. Previous experience is not required, and instructors provide a safety briefing and guidance. You do need to be able to take part in an open-water activity, since non-swimmers are listed as unsuitable.

Are sea turtles guaranteed?

No. There is a reasonable chance of seeing green sea turtles, but they live in their natural habitat and may be out of reach during your session.

What equipment is included?

The tour provides a mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and a full wetsuit. The equipment is described as high quality and comes in different sizes.

Can I wear a full-face snorkeling mask?

No. Full-face masks are not allowed during the activity.

How deep is the water?

The average depth is about 2.5 meters, and the maximum depth is 8 meters.

What water temperatures should I expect?

From March through September, the water temperature is listed as 19 to 23 degrees Celsius. A full wetsuit is provided.

Are photos and videos included?

Yes. An underwater photographer takes photos and videos during the excursion and sends them to you digitally at no extra cost.

What languages do the guides speak?

Guides may provide the tour in Spanish, English, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, or German.

Can children join the tour?

Children can join with adult supervision. The activity includes extra assistance for small children, but minors must remain under adult supervision throughout the tour.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity may be changed or canceled because of poor weather, strong wind, or unfavorable sea conditions. You should arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.