Forget fin kicks and try power gear

An underwater scooter at Abades Beach makes snorkeling feel easier, especially for less-fit swimmers, and it puts you right in turtle country. The possible downside: turtle sightings are never guaranteed, and you’ll spend real time in deeper water (2–15 meters).

You meet in front of restaurant Magilu at Abades Beach, a protected natural area. After a short chat, guides fit you with a wetsuit and full gear, then steer your first scooter tries—often with instructors like Natalie and Andres explaining everything clearly so you can focus on the water, not the technique.

Key things to know before you go

• Protected Abades Beach setup: a natural area under protection with calm structure for learning
• Underwater scooter for everyone: easy “pull yourself along” style movement with handles you can hold
• Turtle search, not a promise: good odds, but nature decides
• Real sea-life mix: turtles, rays, octopus, sepia, sting rays, plus tons of colorful fish
• Photo and video at the end: you get your shots via handoff or WhatsApp
• Small group (up to 3): more attention and quicker coaching

Abades Beach + an underwater scooter: why this snorkel feels different

Most snorkeling tours ask you to work hard with your legs. This one flips the script. You still snorkel with mask and fins, but the underwater scooter does the heavy lifting. Think less “endless kick” and more “relax, hold on, and glide.”

That’s a big deal in the Canary Islands, where you might be tempted to skip anything that feels too physical. Here, the scooter helps you cover more water comfortably, which makes the experience more fun for couples, friends, and families—especially if you’re not confident swimming long distances. And the setting matters too: Abades Beach is in a natural park under protection, so you’re exploring in an area that’s taken care of.

The second big reason I like this concept is the mix of goals. Yes, you’re chasing turtles. But even when they don’t show up, you’re still moving through a lot of marine life—bright fish schools, rays, and other creatures the guides actively look for.

Meeting point and timing: how the 2 hours actually unfold

You’ll start at Abades Beach, meeting in front of restaurant Magilu. From there, the flow is simple: brief talk, gear up, get in the water, learn the scooter, then head out on the sea-life search.

The overall duration is 2 hours. Inside that, plan on a minimum of 60 minutes in the water. That water time is not random drifting, either—it’s in deeper water, listed as between 2 and 15 meters. In other words, this isn’t a quick paddle near the shore. If you’re the type who needs constant warm-up time in shallow areas, this one may feel more intense.

Also note the scooter portion is about 40 minutes. That’s enough time to get comfortable, practice your control, and get those underwater photos and videos that people usually go home wanting.

Gear up at the beach: wetsuit, mask, fins, and the scooter coaching

Right at the start, you’ll put on the essentials: wetsuit, mask, tube (snorkel), and fins. Then comes the part many people worry about—the scooter.

Here’s what makes it feel manageable: the tour includes an instructor who guides you through setup and use before you roam further. You’ll typically get time for scooter try-outs right away, which helps you figure out how to hold on and move in a calm way. The goal is to keep it stress-free, so you can focus on what’s around you.

You should also know what you’re not allowed to do. Touching marine life is not permitted. It’s a good rule for animals and for your own safety. You’ll get much better photos anyway when you don’t chase or grab.

What to bring is basic: a towel and beachwear. They handle the snorkeling gear and the underwater scooter for you.

The 40-minute scooter session: easier movement, better views, great photos

The heart of the experience is the underwater scooter time. You’ll start by getting comfortable underwater, then the guides help you line up for viewing and photography.

Two things make this scooter session worth it:

1. It reduces effort. Even if your legs get tired, you can still keep exploring by holding on and gliding. One participant with limited conditioning specifically praised how the scooter let them move without struggling.

1. It gives you steadier angles. With less frantic fin motion, it’s easier to keep your mask steady and your camera-ready pose. The guides also help set you up for photos and videos early in the tour, not just at the end.

During this part, you’ll usually see the first wave of wildlife—colorful fish and the start of the “search” feeling. And yes, there’s an added bonus: even if turtles don’t appear, many people end up enjoying the scooter swimming itself.

Turtle and ray country: what you’re likely to see

After the scooter try-out and photos, the adventure continues with a focused search for sea turtles in the Turtle area. This is the part you’re probably most excited about.

Here’s the honest bit: finding turtles isn’t guaranteed, but the tour is built around a real chance to see them. The guides scout in this protected region where turtles live. When you’re lucky, you might get a quick close encounter that’s hard to recreate on your own.

If you don’t see turtles, you’re not stuck with nothing. You’re still in a wildlife-rich zone. Expect to look for:

• millions of colorful fish
• octopus and sepia
• sting rays
• plus other sea life the guides spot while you glide

One guest even noted the water was very visible, which makes a huge difference for how much you feel like you’re “inside” the scene. Visibility can vary by day, but this tour is designed so you spend your time where marine life tends to show.

Water depth, swimming comfort, and who this tour fits

This is where you should be a little picky before booking, because the tour has clear limits.

Minimum swimmer comfort

Non swimmers can join if they are not afraid of the water and have the condition to hold on for about one hour in the water. That’s not “I can stand in ankle-deep water.” That’s “I can stay comfortable while moving in deeper areas.”

Deeper water reality check

The tour states you swim in deep water between 2 and 15 meters. That means you need to feel okay with your snorkel breathing and being out in the open rather than tucked near the shore.

Not recommended if you’re not feeling well

It’s also listed as not suitable if you have a cold. If your breathing feels off, this isn’t the time to test your lungs.

Age range

Children can join from 6 years old. They’ll still be in the water with the group’s pace and the deeper-water setup, so read that age minimum as a real minimum—not a guarantee they’ll enjoy it.

Small group size and guide language: the coaching you’ll actually use

This tour runs as a small group limited to 3 participants. That matters more than people think. With fewer bodies in the water, guides can correct posture, help with scooter handling, and keep everyone together during the turtle and sea-life search.

Language options include English, German, and Spanish. That’s helpful because snorkeling is one of those activities where small instructions make the difference between “easy fun” and “confusing fun.”

And based on the experiences shared, guides such as Andres and Natalie focus on clear explanation and hands-on support right in the water—so you spend less time guessing and more time looking.

What you get at the end: photos and video by handoff or WhatsApp

Most snorkel memories fade fast if you don’t capture them right away. This tour includes photos and videos, and you receive them directly at the end either by drop-off or via WhatsApp.

That’s a practical touch. You don’t need to wait days for an online upload, and you don’t need to wrestle with your own underwater camera mid-adventure. It also means you can enjoy the wildlife instead of trying to manage gear underwater.

A tip for best results: don’t assume the guides will capture everything automatically. Follow their positioning cues during the early scooter session—that’s when you’ll likely get your strongest shots.

Price and value: is $41 worth it?

At about $41 per person for 2 hours, this is positioned as an affordable, gear-included activity rather than a premium diving-style day. The value comes from three things you don’t have to arrange yourself:

• full snorkeling equipment plus the underwater scooter
• an experienced licensed guide
• photo and video included in the package

If you’ve ever priced renting equipment and then paying for a guided snorkeling spot, you’ll see the math gets less friendly fast. Here, you’re paying for the whole setup and the on-water instruction, plus the scooter time that makes the experience easier and more accessible.

The one “value question” is your likelihood of seeing turtles. Since it’s not guaranteed, you’re really paying for the scooter snorkel experience plus a strong search effort. If you go expecting turtles like a show, you’ll be disappointed. If you go expecting excellent sea-life watching with a fun scooter ride, it’s easy to feel like you got your money’s worth.

Practical tips to enjoy it more (and stress less)

A few small choices can make a big difference:

• Bring a towel and wear beachwear you’re comfortable in for a wetsuit.
• If you’re not a strong swimmer, be honest with yourself about the one-hour water time requirement. Hold-on comfort is key.
• Don’t plan to “wing it” with your breathing. Follow the guide instructions right away during the initial coaching.
• Leave the urge to touch marine life. You’ll see more by watching calmly and keeping distance.
• If you’re cold-prone, think about your condition before booking. The tour is not suitable if you have a cold.

Should you book the scooter snorkel in the turtle area?

I’d recommend booking if you want a snorkeling experience that feels fun and accessible rather than physically demanding. The underwater scooter is the main reason this works, and the small group size makes it easier to get the coaching you need. It’s also a solid pick if you care about photos and want your underwater memories delivered quickly.

I’d skip it (or choose a different type of activity) if you’re worried about deeper water, can’t comfortably stay in the water for about an hour, or you’re currently sick. And if turtles are the only reason you’d care, remember: turtles are possible, not guaranteed.

If that sounds like your comfort zone, this is a memorable way to spend a couple of hours in the Canary Islands—gliding, watching, and coming back with photos you’ll actually want to share.

FAQ

What is the duration of the scooter snorkel tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours in total.

Where do we meet for the activity?

You meet in front of restaurant Magilu at Abades Beach.

What equipment is included?

You get full snorkeling equipment plus an underwater scooter. Photos and videos are also included, and the tour is led by an experienced, licensed guide.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

Non swimmers can join if they are not afraid of the water and can hold on for about one hour in the water. If you have bad conditions for swimming, the tour is not recommended.

Is seeing turtles guaranteed?

No. Turtle sightings are not guaranteed, though there is a good chance to see them.

How deep is the water during the tour?

The tour is in deep water between 2 and 15 meters.

How old do children need to be?

Children can join from age 6.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring a towel and beachwear. Touching marine life is not allowed.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.