A trip off Tenerife where turtles and rays might just swim past. That’s the hook, but what makes it better is how hands-on the guide stays, even if you’re new to snorkeling. I like that you get real instruction in the water and a small group so you’re not stuck figuring it out solo; the one thing to keep in mind is there’s no guarantee you’ll spot turtles or rays every time.

This is a quick, focused 1.5-hour experience built around Tenerife’s coastal waters and a volcanic underwater setting. Expect the ocean to be the boss of the schedule: depending on sea conditions, you’ll start from Marina del Sur (Puerto de Las Galletas), Abades Beach, or Alcalá Beach. A guide (often called Paco by guests) leads you for an educational swim with snorkeling gear included.

Key things I’d bet on (before you book)

• Small group up to 10 people keeps the vibe calm and personal.
• Marine biologist guide turns sightings into actual learning.
• Beginner-friendly snorkeling help includes basics taught and practiced.
• Green turtles and different rays are the main targets, but sightings are luck-based.
• Underwater volcanic scenery gives you something to enjoy even if animals are fewer.
• Photos and videos are taken during the trip for a souvenir, per guest feedback.

A 1.5-hour Tenerife snorkel for turtles and rays

This Abades Tenerife snorkeling trip is short on paper—just 1.5 hours—but it’s designed for a specific goal: put you in the right water, with the right person watching your technique, at the right time. You’re not signing up for a half-day production with long stops and complicated routes. Instead, it’s about making your time count in the water.

The price—about $65 per person—also makes sense if you value guidance. You’re not only getting gear; you’re getting a marine biologist guide who’s with you throughout. For first-timers, that changes everything, because snorkeling can feel awkward fast if you’ve never handled a mask and fins before.

Where you start: Magilu bar, then water access by sea conditions

Your day begins at the meeting point: in front of Magilu bar. Then the start point for the water is flexible, based on what the ocean is doing.

Depending on conditions, you’ll depart from:

• Marina del Sur – Puerto de Las Galletas (from the boat)
• Abades Beach (from the coast)
• Alcalá Beach (from the coast)

Why this matters: getting in safely and comfortably is the whole game for snorkeling. If conditions are rough, starting from the best-access spot helps you spend more time actually swimming and less time waiting.

One practical note: there’s no hotel pickup and drop-off included. You’ll want to plan a simple, reliable way to reach the meeting area and then the departure point.

What the guide really does once you’re in the water

This is not a sit-on-a-boat-and-hope tour. You’re always in the water with a guide, and the focus is both safety and learning. The guide’s job is to help you move like a snorkeler, not like a clumsy head above the snorkel line.

Guests specifically praised guides for staying close and being attentive the whole way. If you’re new, that matters. One guest described the experience as beginner-friendly, with explanations that actually matched what you were doing at that moment. Another highlighted that even without turtles, you still get plenty to look at because the guide points out what’s around you—animals and the underwater setting.

And yes, guides sometimes take photos and videos during the trip. If you care about a souvenir that’s more than a blurry selfie, that’s a real plus.

The underwater volcanic setting: something to see even without a turtle

Tenerife’s coastal waters are known for their underwater “structure,” and this trip is aimed at a place with volcanic underwater features. That’s important because it means you’re not only looking for animals. You’re also scanning the rock shapes, the contours, and the way marine life uses the area.

Even if you don’t see turtles or rays right away, the guide helps you notice what’s there. In the same way you can enjoy a hike even if you don’t see a rare bird, you can still have a great snorkeling session if the wildlife timing isn’t perfect.

This is also why a short trip can still feel satisfying. You’re not bouncing around all day hoping something happens. You’re working one area with a guide who helps you spot details quickly.

What it’s like swimming with turtles and rays (and what to expect)

The goal is clear: swim near a family of green turtles and different types of rays. You get the chance to get to know them more closely—meaning you’re not just viewing from the boat. You’re in the water where they might glide near you.

But here’s the truth you should plan around: the operator notes you can’t 100% assure animal sightings. The ocean is big. The animals are free. Sometimes you get a turtle close enough to remember forever. Sometimes you get more rays or more “signs of life” than actual close passes.

The upside is that the trip is designed so you still benefit even in the less-perfect scenario. The guide stays with you, explains what you should look for, and connects the sightings to Tenerife’s marine life. That education makes the experience feel complete rather than random.

Snorkeling basics you’ll be glad you learned

If you’re worried you’re going to mess it up, this tour is built to reduce that stress. Guest feedback highlighted that basics of snorkeling weren’t just mentioned—they were shown and practiced. That’s a big deal because most first-time snorkeling problems aren’t dramatic. They’re simple: breathing with the snorkel, keeping the mask clear, and staying comfortable enough to look around.

I like tours like this because the goal shifts quickly. Instead of panicking about floating, you start scanning. Instead of fighting your gear, you start watching behavior. You’ll likely get the kind of coaching that helps you spend your energy where it counts: observing marine life.

Bring a towel and swimwear, and wear what you can easily rinse. You’ll be in and out of the water area, and comfort matters after.

Price and value: is $65 worth it?

For $65, the deal is the combination:

• Small group (max 10), so attention stays high
• Marine biologist guide in the water
• Snorkeling equipment included
• A targeted chance to see turtles and rays near Tenerife’s coast

Here’s how I’d judge value. If you’re an experienced snorkeler who already knows how to mask-clear and fin efficiently, the price is mostly paying for the access to the right water and the animal-experience factor. If you’re new, the value becomes stronger because you’re buying coaching and confidence, not just “a chance.”

Also, the trip is only 1.5 hours. You’re not paying for a long day out. It’s a concentrated experience, and that’s often the kind of activity that fits real vacation pacing.

Which traveler should book this (and which should skip)

This trip is a great fit if:

• You want a guided snorkeling experience, not a solo swim
• You’re okay with animal sightings being luck-based
• You value education as much as the moment of seeing wildlife
• You want a small-group feel with close guidance

It’s specifically noted as not suitable for children under 4. If you’re traveling with very young kids, you’ll want to choose a different water experience.

If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, plan for the possibility you might not get the turtle you pictured. The guide helps you enjoy the underwater setting either way, but the headline animals are still animals.

Practical notes that make the difference

A few rules and reality checks will help your session go smoothly.

• What to bring: swimwear and a towel.
• What’s included: marine biologist guide and snorkeling equipment.
• What’s not included: hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Not allowed: smoking and alcoholic drinks in the vehicle.

If you get motion on boats, consider how you feel on short water departures. This trip can run from different locations depending on sea conditions, which can slightly change the “feel” of the start. The good news: you’re not committing to a long, winding transfer time.

Should you book Abades Tenerife Turtles and Rays snorkeling?

I’d book it if you want guided snorkeling that feels safe, educational, and close-up—without spending your whole day at sea. The small group, the guide staying with you, and beginner-friendly coaching are the reasons this works so well.

I would think twice only if you’re strongly against the idea that you might not see turtles and rays on the day. If you can accept that nature sets the outcome, you’ll get a meaningful underwater experience in Tenerife’s coastal waters, with a guide who helps you notice more than you’d spot on your own.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling trip?

It lasts about 1.5 hours.

Where do I meet the group?

Meet in front of Magilu bar. Then the tour departs from a nearby water access point depending on sea conditions.

Where will the tour depart from on the day?

Depending on the state of the sea, it departs from Marina del Sur – Puerto de Las Galletas (from the boat) or from the coast at Abades Beach or Alcalá Beach.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a marine biologist guide and snorkeling equipment.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is it suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 4 years old.