Tenerife from the water changes everything. This 2-hour eco tour pairs a calm boat ride past Montaña Amarilla and Las Maravillas Bay with the chance to swim or snorkel right from the deck, then adds a walk in the Rasca Reserve. I like the small-group feel (max 8 people) and the easy pacing, with real time to relax and take in the coast, not a race to the next photo spot. One consideration: the route and timing depend on sea conditions, and the experience requires good weather.

You’ll leave from Puerta de las Galletas (Marina del Sur) and head toward the Yellow Mountain area or other nearby points, passing the Rasca Lighthouse along the way. Onboard, the focus is on comfort and safety, with guides sharing what you’re seeing—especially around biodiversity and local maritime life. Then, after the boat portion, you shift gears to a 50-minute walk in the reserve for lighthouse views and bays with sightlines toward Teide and La Gomera.

If you hate water activities, this may not be your best match. There’s snorkeling equipment included and time for bathing, but you’ll still spend part of the day on a boat—so seasickness-prone folks should plan carefully.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small group (up to 8) keeps the pace relaxed and questions easy to ask.
• Snorkeling gear included plus time on the deck for swims.
• Montaña Amarilla + Rasca Lighthouse route gives you volcanic scenery and seabird sightings from the water.
• Rasca Reserve walk (50 minutes) includes lighthouse time and bay viewpoints toward Teide and La Gomera.
• Modern boat with onboard comfort and a safety-first approach.
• Turtle spotting is possible—I’d keep your eyes open when wildlife shows up.

Getting oriented: Puerta de las Galletas and what you’ll see right away

You meet at Paseo Espigón las Galletas, 1, Arona (right by Puerta de las Galletas / Marina del Sur). I like this start because you’re already positioned for south Tenerife’s coastline—less time driving, more time with sea views.

From the dock, the boat ride quickly sets the tone: you’re not tucked into a tight, city-style itinerary. Instead, the route moves with the coastline and with the sea conditions. The plan is to travel toward Montaña Amarilla and the Rasca Lighthouse, and the exact side of the route can shift depending on what the water allows that day.

Stop 1: Montaña Amarilla and Las Maravillas Bay (the swim and snorkel window)

This is your main “on-the-water” segment, about 50 minutes. You sail from the port toward Las Maravillas Bay, where the goal is to enjoy the calm of coves and look for local fauna from the boat. If you’re into wildlife watching, this part is your warm-up—watching the coastline slide by is pleasant, but the real payoff is what you might spot along the way.

Then you head toward Montaña Amarilla. The big theme here is volcanic geology—so you’re seeing the island’s shape from an angle you just don’t get on land. As you move along the route, you’ll also pass the Rasca Lighthouse, and seabirds can appear during sailing. It’s a nice reminder that this area is both scenic and functional, with maritime activity shaping the coast.

After that, you get time onboard to take in underwater life from the deck. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and you’ll have free time to swim or snorkel with guides available if you have questions. That “ask a guide in the moment” part matters. Even if you’ve snorkeled before, having someone point out what’s worth looking at can quickly turn a casual dip into a memorable one.

A small practical note: since the tour depends on sea conditions, the water experience can feel different day to day. If the sea is calmer, you’ll likely feel more comfortable doing your full snorkeling time. If it’s choppier, expect the guides to keep things safe and controlled, and use the time to enjoy the views even if you keep it to a swim.

Stop 2: The Rasca Reserve walk and Rasca Lighthouse views

Once the boat portion ends, you shift to the Rasca Reserve for about 50 minutes of walking. This part is a nice contrast: less time on the boat, more time on a coastal path with viewpoints.

You’ll visit the Rasca Lighthouse and different bays inside the reserve. The viewpoints are a key reason to do this tour. From these bays, you can see toward Teide and La Gomera, which makes the whole trip feel bigger than just one cove. It’s also a good stretch break after time at sea—50 minutes is long enough to enjoy the views without feeling like you’re on a hike that steals your energy.

Because you’re in a reserve, the pace is part of the experience. Expect the guides to talk about nature and biodiversity in context, not as generic facts. The aim is to help you connect what you see underwater from the deck with what you see above the water along the coast.

Possible drawback: you’re doing a walk as well as a swim/snorkel. If you want a tour that’s 100% boat with minimal walking, this one still includes that reserve walk. Most people can participate, but plan for light activity.

Stop 3: Back to Marina del Sur (wrap-up time)

After the reserve time, you return to the base port. This segment is short—about 20 minutes. Think of it as the “cool-down” portion, when you can settle after snorkeling, get your bearings again, and watch the coastline slide back into place.

Even when the ride back is quick, it helps you close the loop: you already saw the lighthouse and volcanic coastline from the sea, and now you’ve seen the same general area from the reserve viewpoint.

Why this eco tour feels genuinely different (and not rushed)

The best version of this tour is the one that feels calm. The structure supports that: a total duration of about 2 hours, with distinct segments—sailing, reserve walk, then back to port. That pacing matters because Tenerife’s coast is beautiful, but it can also feel like a lot if you try to pack too many stops into one afternoon.

The small group size (maximum 8 travelers) is a big part of the vibe. You’re less likely to feel like you’re herded from point to point, and you get more personal attention. I especially like that the tour positions guides as helpers, not just background commentary.

There’s also an educational element built in. The guides share knowledge about biodiversity and history, with emphasis on what you’re seeing from the water. Even if you don’t memorize facts, the stories give your eyes something to do.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $114.52 per person for about 2 hours, this is not the cheapest thing you can book in Tenerife. But for what you get, it can be good value—especially if you factor in the included snorkeling gear and the access to this stretch of coastline from the sea.

Here’s what’s included:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Fuel surcharge
• A soft drink or water plus a snack

A boat tour can easily become expensive once you start adding gear rentals, separate entrance fees, and the cost of a guide. Here, the tour lists admission tickets for the stops as free, which is a helpful signal that you won’t be surprised by extra charges tied to the main sites.

The other value angle is experience density. In two hours, you get:

• sailing with wildlife opportunities
• a chance to swim/snorkel
• a walk in the Rasca reserve
• lighthouse time

That mix is hard to recreate with a DIY plan unless you already know how to handle boats and snorkeling logistics.

Who should book this (and who might skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• a short outing with real scenery
• a mix of sea and coastal walking
• snorkeling without stress (gear included, guides on hand)
• a calmer pace and small group feel

It also works well for families. One reason I’m interested in recommending it is that the experience naturally builds excitement: kids tend to light up at the idea of swimming in coves, and seeing a turtle is the kind of moment nobody forgets. When the sea cooperates, this tour can feel like a highlight of a Tenerife trip.

Skip it if:

• you strongly prefer land-only sightseeing
• you’re very sensitive to boat motion
• you dislike having both swimming/snorkeling time and a walk

Boat comfort and practical stuff to know before you go

The tour is run by a provider called Ocean Friends, and the experience is described as using a modern boat with onboard facilities. What that usually means for you in practice: you’re not stuck in a bare-bones vessel. You also get a safety-first approach, which helps if you’re new to snorkeling.

The tour also allows service animals and is marked as near public transportation. It’s listed as suitable for most people, which lines up with the fact that the walking segment is time-based (50 minutes) rather than described as a long, technical trek.

Bring the usual coastal essentials:

• swimwear you can handle changing into quickly
• a towel (or at least a plan for drying off)
• sunscreen and a hat
• water shoes if you prefer more secure footing for any rocky access
• a light layer for the ride back in case the breeze picks up

Also, since snorkeling is part of the plan, you’ll get the most out of the tour if you’re comfortable floating and breathing steadily. If you’re cautious, treat it as a calm intro. You can still enjoy the deck views even if you keep snorkeling time shorter.

How to maximize your snorkeling and deck time

You don’t need to be a pro. The setup is designed for accessible snorkeling from the deck, with guides nearby.

My practical tips:

• Choose a moment when you can see clearly from the water surface. If visibility is better, you’ll get more from it.
• Take your time watching before you change into snorkel mode. You’ll spot movement and understand where to focus.
• Ask a guide one direct question when they’re available. Something simple like what they’re seeing or where the best viewing usually is can quickly improve your time.
• Keep an eye on the group flow. Snorkeling time is part of the stop, and staying aware helps everyone enjoy the experience safely.

And yes—wildlife can show up. A turtle sighting is in the “worth hoping for” category here, so don’t assume you’ll only see scenery.

A note on sea conditions: why your route can shift

This tour explicitly adjusts based on sea conditions. That means you might sail toward Montaña Amarilla and continue toward the Rasca Lighthouse as planned, but the exact route details—like which nearby areas are emphasized—can vary.

That’s not a downside if you go with the mindset of an eco boat outing rather than a rigid checklist. In many coastal tours, sea conditions are what keep things safe. The best approach is to be flexible and enjoy the day you get.

Should you book this eco tour in south Tenerife?

If your idea of a great Tenerife day is part boat ride, part ocean play, and part coastal viewpoint with lighthouse energy, this is an easy recommendation. The small group size, included snorkeling gear, and the Rasca Reserve walk create variety without turning the day into a sprint.

Book it if you:

• want a short, high-value outing (about 2 hours)
• like the idea of swimming/snorkeling from a deck
• want scenic views with the option of wildlife spotting

Consider another option if you:

• want long time in one place on land
• don’t want to be on a boat
• are very prone to motion sickness

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

You meet at Paseo Espigón las Galletas, 1, 38631 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the eco tour?

The duration is about 2 hours total.

What do I get for snorkeling and bathing?

The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment. You also get free time to take a swim or go snorkeling during the boat portion.

What are the main sights on the route?

You’ll sail around Las Maravillas Bay, head toward Montaña Amarilla, pass the Rasca Lighthouse, and visit the Rasca Reserve with lighthouse and bay viewpoints.

Is the group small?

Yes. The maximum group size is 8 people.

Is there a snack or drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes a soda/pop (soft drink) or water, plus a snack.

Are there separate admission tickets for the stops?

The stops list admission ticket as free.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

Is it suitable for most people?

The activity is marked as suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed.