Sea turtles feel close, without the stress. This snorkeling tour in a marine protected area is built for real life: a short, guided swim in calm water from the shore, with full wetsuits and quality gear that help you feel comfortable fast. One thing to keep in mind: sea turtle sightings are very possible, but they’re not guaranteed since they’re in their natural habitat.

What makes it work is the way guides Rafaella and Ron run the session. You get a safety briefing before you enter, clear rules for interacting with wildlife, and a pace that keeps the group together in a small setup limited to 8 people.

And yes, there’s a fun souvenir side to it too. The guides take underwater photos and videos during the outing and send them to you digitally for free, so you can focus on the reef instead of fiddling with your camera.

Key things that stand out in this Tenerife snorkeling tour

• Snorkel straight from the beach in Abades for calmer water and less hassle than a boat trip
• 50-minute guided snorkeling through a marine protected area with reefs, coves, and seagrass
• Full wetsuit + boots + adjustable fins to stay warm, buoyant, and stable
• Small group (max 8) with multilingual guidance so beginners don’t get left behind
• Free underwater photos and videos taken for you during the swim
• Wildlife-first rules like no feeding and no touching, with respectful turtle distance

Meet at Magilu, then get suited up for Abades

You start at Magilu, where you look for the guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt. Aim to arrive about 10 minutes early so you can get organized without rushing.

The snorkeling itself begins from the beach in Abades, and the whole format is simple: suit up, get a safety briefing, then head into the water. The tour asks you to come in swimwear already, which saves you time once you’re at the beach. If you’re traveling with kids or you’re short on patience (I get it), this small detail makes the whole start feel smoother.

One practical thing I like: they’ll contact you by WhatsApp or email the day prior to ask for your measurements. That’s a clue that the wetsuits are meant to fit you, not just be thrown on. Also, there’s a public shower on the beach, which helps you rinse off salt and sand before you head back to lunch or your afternoon plans.

50 minutes on the reef: calm bay snorkeling with real depth limits

The snorkel portion is about 50 minutes of guided time in one of Tenerife’s marine protected areas along the southeast coast. You’re not out there chasing open-water drama. The bay is described as sheltered, with calm water that’s meant to work for all ages.

Depth is kept in a beginner-friendly range: the average depth is 2.5 meters, with a maximum of 8 meters. That matters because it makes the session easier to manage, especially if you’re new to snorkeling or just don’t love the feeling of being far from the bottom.

The area is also more than one straight line of reef. Expect rocky formations and hidden coves, plus seagrass nearby. Seagrass can be a big reason turtles and lots of fish hang around—so you get a better chance of seeing marine life without the water turning into a “where do I swim” guessing game.

As with any outdoor activity, conditions can change. The tour may shift or cancel if there’s poor weather, strong wind, or adverse sea conditions. That’s not a red flag—it’s just real ocean math. Your best bet is to have a little flexibility in your Tenerife schedule.

Turtles, octopus, seahorses, and the fish you’ll actually notice

This tour’s headline is the chance to see green sea turtles, especially because the bay includes seagrass around the reefs. That said, you should treat turtle sightings like a bonus. The guides don’t promise them, and they’re honest about why: turtles swim freely and may be out of reach during your time in the water.

Beyond turtles, the protected area is set up for spotting smaller “you didn’t know this was here” life. You’re likely to look for:

• colorful fish that hang around the rocky reef
• octopuses (the guide protocol suggests you’ll be watching, not chasing)
• camouflaged seahorses

You might also see other creatures depending on the day and conditions. In accounts tied to this tour, people have reported sightings like stingrays and an angel shark, plus plenty of rays and starfish. The point isn’t to inventory every species—it’s that the site has enough variety that the water doesn’t feel repetitive after the first few minutes.

And because this is a marine protected area, the experience leans toward observation. It’s not about forcing animals closer for a photo. That respectful approach is one of the most consistently praised parts of the whole outing.

Full wetsuits, mask fit, and staying comfortable in 19–23°C water

One of the strongest reasons people keep recommending this tour is the equipment. You get a full set: mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and a wetsuit. The wetsuit is important here. Water temperature is listed as 19° to 23° (March–September), which can feel chilly if you run cold or you’ve been in the shade.

The guides also emphasize wetsuits as more than warmth. They’re designed to keep you buoyant, which helps with stability when you’re learning to float and control your breathing. You feel safer faster, and you waste less energy.

A couple equipment notes to know up front:

• Full face masks aren’t allowed.
• If you have issues with motion sickness, the tour advises that you use medication.

Also, people with pre-existing medical conditions are asked to inform the team prior to the tour. That’s a smart ask, and it helps the guides plan how to keep you safe.

If you want your own camera: the tour says it’s allowed only if you have previous snorkel experience. That’s really about confidence and control in the water—holding gear while you’re still learning can get awkward.

Rafaella and Ron: multilingual, attentive, and safety-first

This is a small group tour, capped at 8 participants, and it’s run by multilingual instructors in Spanish, English, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, and German. For families and mixed-skill groups, that language coverage is more than convenient—it helps everyone understand instructions the first time.

Rafaella and Ron (the most commonly named guides) are repeatedly described as organized and friendly. The practical part is how they handle nerves and first-timers: you don’t just get tossed in. You get technique coaching before you start the snorkeling, plus support while you’re in the water.

You’ll also see how they keep the group together. Some accounts mention guides positioned at the front and back, which makes it easier for slower swimmers (or just nervous swimmers) to stay oriented. For anyone anxious about feeling lost underwater, that structure matters.

The tour also includes extra assistance for small children, non-strong swimmers, and seniors. That’s a clue that they expect a range of comfort levels and they plan around it—not around the idea that everyone starts as a confident swimmer.

One more practical rule: minors must be under adult supervision during the tour. If you’re bringing kids, make sure you’ve got your supervision setup squared away before you meet at Magilu.

Wildlife rules that keep the experience ethical (and still fun)

This outing is built on simple wildlife guidelines:

• Feeding marine life is prohibited
• Touching sea animals is prohibited

And turtles get a special mention. When encountering turtles, the protocol is to use a respectful distance and avoid causing stress. That’s why the tour stays focused on observation rather than “animal interaction.”

This matters because it changes the vibe. If you’re not worried about people grabbing or pressuring wildlife, you can actually spend your attention on what’s in front of you: the reef textures, the fish movement, the occasional shadow passing in the water.

Also, the tour is honest about turtle chances. Sometimes turtles may be out of reach during your snorkel window. Even then, the site still has enough to justify the trip—fish, reefs, and other marine life can keep the water interesting.

Free underwater photos and videos: your best souvenir made easy

Here’s a big value add: an underwater photographer takes photos and videos during the excursion, and the company sends them to you digitally for free. People describe getting them via WhatsApp after the tour, sometimes the next day.

This is practical. If you’ve ever tried to snorkel while filming, you already know the frustration: you either get shaky footage or you stop looking at the animals. With the guides handling the shooting, you can do the fun part—enjoy the moment and maybe pose when it’s safe and comfortable.

If you want your own camera, remember the restriction: only allowed if you have previous snorkel experience. So for many first-timers, you’ll be happiest letting the guides take care of the hard part.

Either way, you’re walking away with something more lasting than sunburn and memory. Photos also help you spot details later—like a fish pattern you didn’t catch the first time.

Price and value: why $45 for 2 hours can work well

At $45 per person for a 2-hour outing, the main question is: what’s included besides the water time? Here, quite a bit is bundled.

Included items:

• full snorkeling gear: mask, snorkel, fins, boots, wetsuit
• multilingual guides
• 50-minute guided snorkeling
• free photos and videos
• insurance
• water
• extra assistance for kids, non-strong swimmers, and seniors

What’s not included:

• food
• hotel pickup and drop-off

I like that they include the gear and instruction. That’s where many snorkeling costs quietly stack up. Here, you don’t need to worry about renting wetsuit-quality gear elsewhere or hunting down a last-minute mask. Also, since the snorkeling is from the shore in Abades, you’re not paying for a boat experience you might not even enjoy.

The smartest budget move is simple: eat before or after (since food isn’t included), and keep your expectations realistic on turtle sightings. If a turtle shows up, great. If not, you’re still snorkeling a protected reef with a guided plan and solid equipment.

Who this Tenerife snorkeling tour fits best (and who should skip)

This is one of those activities that works for more people than you’d expect on paper. The tour states it’s for all ages, and it also says you don’t need to be a good swimmer or have previous snorkeling experience.

But there are clear boundaries:

• Not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• Not suitable for non-swimmers
• Weight limits: over 309 lbs (140 kg) not suitable and under 66 lbs (30 kg) not suitable

So the sweet spot is: you can swim enough to stay calm with support, and you’re okay with a guided pace in shallow-to-moderate depth. If you’re a timid or non-strong swimmer, the tour’s “extra assistance” category is a strong sign the guides can help you keep control.

It’s also a good choice if you get sea sick. Multiple accounts highlight that you don’t need to get on a boat—you swim from the beach. If motion sickness is a known issue for you, take the tour’s advice seriously and consider medication, and let the guides know right away.

If you want accessibility, maximum comfort, or guaranteed animal sightings, this may not be the right fit.

Quick checklist before you meet at Magilu

Bring:

• Swimwear (and wear it when you arrive, if you can)

Plan for:

• A safety briefing before entering the water
• A snorkel session at average 2.5 meters depth, max 8 meters
• A water temperature in the 19–23°C range during March–September

Remember:

• No feeding or touching marine life
• No full face mask
• If you have medical issues or get motion sick, tell the provider ahead of time
• If you want to use your own camera, you’ll need previous snorkel experience

There’s also a public shower on the beach, so rinsing off is easy when you’re done.

Should you book this snorkeling tour in Tenerife?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward Tenerife marine experience with real support: shore entry in Abades, a small group, quality full wetsuits, and an ethical approach to marine life. The free photo and video souvenir is a genuine perk, not an afterthought.

I would think twice if you need full accessibility, you can’t swim at all, you’re uncomfortable in chilly water (especially outside the warmer months), or you’re the type who needs a guaranteed turtle encounter. This tour plays fair with nature, and that honesty is part of what makes it worth your time.

If you’re visiting Tenerife with kids, parents, or a mixed-skill group, this is exactly the kind of activity that can bring everyone along without turning it into chaos.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Magilu and look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt. The snorkeling itself starts from the beach in Abades.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer or know how to snorkel already?

You do not need previous snorkeling experience, and the sheltered bay is designed for calm water. Extra assistance is included for non-strong swimmers and seniors, but the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What snorkeling gear is included?

The tour includes a mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and a wetsuit (in multiple sizes). A full face mask is not allowed.

How long will I be snorkeling, and how deep is the water?

You get a 50-minute guided snorkeling session. The average depth is 2.5 meters, with a maximum depth of 8 meters.

Are sea turtles guaranteed?

No. There’s a reasonable chance of spotting green sea turtles, but the tour can’t guarantee sightings because turtles move freely in their natural habitat.

Are photos and videos included?

Yes. An underwater photographer takes photos and videos during the excursion, and you receive them digitally for free.

Is food included?

No. Water is included, but food is not included in the price.

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