Turtles are the main event here. On this Tenerife snorkeling trip, you get an hour in the water in the Natural Protected area Malpais de Rasca, led by an expert instructor and paired with a calm speedboat ride. What I like most is the focus on respectful behavior around wildlife and the fact that you’re not scrambling to find gear or figure out safety—wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins are included. One possible drawback: seeing turtles is likely, not guaranteed, and conditions like visibility and water temperature can affect how much you’ll actually enjoy what’s happening under you.

The best parts are practical and real: you’ll swim for an hour, you’ll get guidance on staying safe and comfortable, and you’ll leave with free photos to remember the moment. Also, the group size is kept small, which helps you stay together and actually feel looked after. The main consideration is that you must be able to swim, and if you’re sensitive to cooler water, you may want to plan for extra warmth.

Key things I’d plan around before you book

• Hour-long snorkeling time in a protected area, not just a quick splash and go
• Small-group setup with a guide focused on safety and on giving turtles space
• Included wetsuit and snorkeling kit (mask, snorkel, fins), sized via a message the day before
• Speedboat ride through Malpais de Rasca so you see the coast from the water first
• Free photos included, but not a video (and underwater shots may vary by conditions)

A two-hour Tenerife plan that puts turtles first

This is one of those tours where the timing makes sense. You spend the majority of your trip doing the thing you came for: about one hour snorkeling, with time on either side for travel by speedboat and getting set up. At $81 per person, it isn’t a budget bargain, but it also isn’t a long, expensive day tour that eats half your trip. For many people, the value comes down to three practical pieces: expert guidance, included gear, and the chance to snorkel with sea turtles in their natural habitat.

If you care about animals, the protected-area angle matters. You’re not just going to any random patch of water—you’re heading into Malpais de Rasca, where the whole format is built around minimizing impact. That shows in how the tour is described: respectful behavior is emphasized so turtles aren’t disturbed.

Marina del Sur: where the tour starts (and why arriving early helps)

The meeting point is Marina del Sur, Las Galletas Harbour, dock 5. The tour asks you to arrive 20 minutes before the start time. That buffer matters more than you might think, especially on snorkeling trips. You’ll need time to get your wetsuit and fins sorted, confirm your equipment fit, and do the basic safety briefing without rushing.

Also, the operator contacts you the day prior by WhatsApp or email to ask for your snorkeling equipment sizes. That’s a good sign for practical comfort. Snorkeling feels instantly better when the mask seals and the fins don’t pinch.

Plan to show up already in swimwear, then bring a towel so you can dry off at the end and warm back up fast.

The speedboat ride into Malpais de Rasca (what it’s really for)

After you meet at the dock, you’ll take a speedboat for about 25 minutes. This isn’t just transit. The ride gives you that first look at the coastline from the sea, and it sets expectations for the rest of the trip. Tenerife’s coast can look very different once you’re offshore, and that change of perspective often makes the day feel more “worth it” even before you hit the water.

In one unhappy review, a guest said the boat time felt very short and the stop area’s visibility was poor. That’s a reminder that sea conditions and the exact timing can change what you experience. You can’t control that part. But you can control how prepared you are for the water itself.

The one-hour snorkeling session: how the experience is paced

At the snorkeling stop, you’ll get one hour in the water. The tour is designed to feel personalized because it’s done with small groups. That matters for two reasons:

1. You’ll get more attention and clearer instructions.
2. You’re less likely to accidentally drift into wildlife space if the guide can keep everyone oriented.

The format is also built around safety. You’re accompanied by an expert free-diving instructor, and you’ll receive instructions so you feel safe and comfortable. They’re not just handing you gear and letting you go. The goal is for you to snorkel confidently and respectfully.

Seeing turtles (and the realistic part you should expect)

Turtles are the headline, and the odds are good. The tour notes there’s a high probability of seeing turtles, but it also clearly says it can’t be guaranteed. That’s exactly how it should be framed—sea turtles are animals doing sea turtle things, not a ticketed photo op.

What you can do to improve your own chances is simple: listen closely to the guide’s positioning cues and stay patient. A turtle might not surface exactly when you want it to, especially if you’re busy chasing the easiest visible spot.

Other marine life

Beyond turtles, you may also spot other sea life. Some guests specifically mention seeing rays gliding along the bottom. Others focus on “many animals” and clear sightings of fauna once they were in position. That’s another reason the guide’s instructions are valuable—you want to be where the best chances are, not where you feel like floating.

Safety and respect: why the guide’s role matters for turtles

If you care about animals, this part is key: the tour explicitly emphasizes respectful behavior so there’s minimal impact on turtles. In practice, that usually means staying calm, moving slowly, and not crowding wildlife.

Guests also describe the guides as attentive—watching the group, pointing out animals, and checking that everyone is enjoying the experience without getting reckless. That “watchful” approach is what turns snorkeling from a frantic scramble into a controlled, satisfying hour.

Gear included: wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins (and feeling comfortable)

The tour provides wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins. For most people, that’s the biggest convenience win. You don’t need to rent gear, and you don’t need to bring heavy kit on your trip.

Still, comfort can vary. One critical review said the equipment didn’t feel adequate for the duration and local water temperature, and the guest felt cold—especially compared to the time spent in the water. That doesn’t mean everyone will be cold, but it does point to a real risk: snorkeling in cool conditions can be uncomfortable even with a wetsuit.

A practical takeaway from the reviews: one guest said they were allowed to wear their own wetsuit. If you know you run cold, it’s worth asking in advance whether you can bring your own and use it.

What to bring beyond the provided kit is simple:

• Swimwear
• Towel

And if you’re the kind of person who hates chilly water, consider packing layers you can throw on immediately after you get out.

Photos: free memories, but understand what’s included

You get free pictures at the end. That’s a nice touch because it removes the pressure of trying to capture perfect moments while wearing fins and keeping your face in the water.

But here’s the honest part: one guest reported receiving pictures from the boat and noted that underwater photos weren’t included in what they received. The tour does say photos are included, but it doesn’t mention video, and it’s clear that video is not included.

My advice: treat the free photos as a helpful bonus, not the only memory you’ll rely on. If you care about underwater shots, bring your own camera solution—some guests do, like a GoPro, and that can help fill the gaps.

Price and value: is $81 a fair deal?

At $81 per person for 2 hours, you’re paying for four things: a speedboat trip, included snorkeling gear and a wetsuit, professional instruction, and the chance to snorkel around turtles in a protected area.

The value comes when those pieces work together:

• If you’re new to snorkeling, the included gear and instruction remove friction.
• If you’re comfortable snorkeling but want better odds of seeing turtles, the small group and guided positioning matter.
• If you hate planning logistics, having sizes requested the day prior and showing up at a clear dock reduces stress.

Where value can feel less impressive is when conditions don’t cooperate—poor visibility or chilly water can cut down on what you see, even with good guidance. That one negative review described near-zero visibility at the snorkeling spot and difficulty seeing fish or turtles, which naturally hurts the experience. You can’t control that part, but you can choose a day when conditions are likely to be better and show up ready for the water temperature.

When this tour is a great match (and when it’s not)

This activity is not suitable for:

• Children under 8
• Non-swimmers

The requirement is also clear: you must be able to swim. Previous snorkeling experience is helpful, but it’s not mandatory. So if you can swim confidently and you’re willing to follow instructions, you’re in the right category.

Who should book this

I’d book it if you:

• Want an animal-focused ocean experience without a full-day commitment
• Like the idea of small-group attention and safety coaching
• Prefer guided snorkeling over figuring everything out yourself
• Are excited by the chance of turtles, and you’re okay with wildlife being wildlife

Who should skip or reconsider

You might skip if:

• You don’t swim well yet
• You’re traveling with kids under 8
• You get very uncomfortable in cool water and you haven’t found a wetsuit comfort solution

Weather, visibility, and why your expectations should be flexible

Snorkeling is weather-dependent. Even when a tour is well run, visibility and water temperature can change the quality of what you see. That’s not a criticism—it’s just ocean reality.

The reviews reflect both sides:

• Many guests describe clear, calm water and exciting close turtle sightings.
• One guest described the water visibility as basically unusable and said they couldn’t see marine life, making the trip feel like poor value.

So set your expectations like this: you’re booking an experience designed to find turtles and other marine life, but your enjoyment depends partly on sea conditions on the day you go.

A simple way to improve your odds: follow the guide’s instructions carefully, stay calm, and give the hour a real chance rather than judging immediately when conditions look a bit rough.

Should you book Tenerife: Snorkel with Turtles?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a short, well-structured snorkeling outing with included gear, expert guidance, and the real possibility of sea turtles in a protected area. The small-group format and respectful approach are exactly the kind of details that tend to make wildlife snorkeling feel better for both you and the animals.

I’d hesitate only if you’re a weak swimmer, you’re bringing a child under 8, or you know you feel cold quickly in water even with a wetsuit. In that case, ask about comfort options and consider bringing your own wetsuit if that’s allowed for you.

If your biggest goal is turtles plus safety plus simplicity, this tour fits the bill nicely.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife snorkeling tour with turtles?

It lasts 2 hours total, with about 25 minutes by speedboat each way and 1 hour snorkeling.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Marina del Sur, Las Galletas Harbour, dock 5. The tour asks you to arrive 20 minutes before the activity starts.

What’s included, and what should I bring?

The tour includes the boat trip, an experienced instructor, insurance, and snorkeling gear: wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins, plus photos. Bring swimwear and a towel.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?

Previous snorkeling experience is helpful, but it’s not mandatory. You do need to be able to swim.

Is it suitable for kids or non-swimmers?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 8, and it’s not suitable for non-swimmers.

Can I guarantee I’ll see sea turtles?

There’s a high probability of seeing turtles, but sightings can’t be guaranteed since they are animals in their natural habitat.

Can I cancel and also pay later?

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

What languages will the instructor speak?

The instructor provides guidance in Spanish and English.