Tenerife’s sea turtles feel close on this calm-water snorkel. You go into a marine protected area off Abades for a guided 50-minute tour where you can spot fish, corals, and often green sea turtles.

I especially like the safety-first setup: full wetsuits, boots, fins, and a small group limited to 8, so beginners aren’t thrown in at the deep end. The other big win is the souvenir—an underwater photographer captures photos and video during the outing, and you get them digitally for free.

One consideration: turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed, since the animals swim freely in their natural habitat. Also, wind and sea conditions can affect the schedule, and the tour starts right from the beach (no hotel pickup).

Key Things I’d Circle on Your Tenerife Snorkel Plan

• Small group (max 8) keeps you within easy reach of the guides
• Full wetsuit gear (mask, snorkel, fins, boots) helps comfort in 19–23°C water
• Protected-bay snorkeling means calmer water right off the coast
• Free underwater photos and video sent digitally after the tour
• Green sea turtles possible, but never promised (so you don’t feel pressured)

Snorkeling From Abades in a Protected Bay

This is a Tenerife snorkeling tour designed around one simple idea: make the water feel manageable, even if you’re new. The route runs from the beach in Abades, and the location is a marine protected area with sheltered water. That matters because it changes the whole experience. Less boat time. Less chaos. More time watching what’s actually out there on the reef.

You’re looking at a coastal scene shaped by rocky formations and small coves. The water stays shallow enough on average (about 2.5 meters, max 8 meters) that you can focus on breathing and scanning the reef instead of wrestling your way around. And since this is done straight from shore, it can be a great pick if you tend to get motion sick.

Family-friendly is the theme here, and it shows in the way the tour is run. There’s extra assistance for small children, non-strong swimmers, and seniors, and the guides keep the group together.

What You’ll Actually See in the 50-Minute Water Time

The whole experience is built around a guided swim through a reef-and-seagrass habitat. That mix is where the variety comes from. In your hour-plus on the water (50 minutes guided snorkeling, plus getting set up and practice), your goal is to spot sea life in a way that feels natural, not staged.

Here’s what you should keep an eye out for:

• Green sea turtles: The area includes seagrass where they feed, so turtle encounters are a real possibility, though never a promise.
• Colorful reef fish: Think lots of small and medium fish cruising the rocky edges.
• Corals and reef structure: Even if you’re not an ocean expert, the reef formations help the “where to look” part.
• Octopus and seahorses: The habitat supports creatures like these, and the guides point out signs and camouflage.
• Other surprises: Based on past groups, people have also seen animals like an angel shark, rays, a stingray under sand, and starfish.

A key point: you don’t go in expecting a theme-park checklist. You go in for good conditions, good guidance, and responsible viewing. One of the best parts of this tour style is that it respects the animals. You won’t be invited to feed marine life, touch sea animals, or get close in a way that stresses wildlife.

Gear That Makes Beginners Feel Capable (Not Clunky)

You’re given the full kit, and it’s not the flimsy stuff that makes people quit halfway. You’ll get:

• mask and snorkel
• adjustable fins
• boots
• a full wetsuit in different sizes

The wetsuit does more than keep you warm. It adds buoyancy, which makes it easier to stay comfortable and calm at the surface. For first-timers, that’s often the difference between panicking and enjoying the view.

The water temperature ranges from 19° to 23° for March–September. That’s warm enough for a guided outing, but cool enough that the wetsuit really earns its place, especially if you’re standing in and out of the water.

Two practical gear notes:

• A full-face mask isn’t allowed. Standard masks only.
• If you bring your own camera and you already snorkel before, you can use it (the tour allows cameras with previous snorkeling experience).

Rafaella and Ron’s Approach: Calm, Clear, and Kept Real

This is where the tour earns its high rating. The experience is guided by professionals who focus on safety and practical technique, not just pointing at fish. In many groups, the main guides are Rafaella and Ron, and several tours have included other instructors like Maria or Gabriella. Either way, the guiding style stays consistent: patient coaching, careful checking, and keeping the group comfortable.

I like the structure because it reduces guesswork:

• You get a safety briefing before you get into the water.
• The guides show you how to move in the snorkel setup and how to handle the reef zone calmly.
• They keep an eye on conditions and group pace.

People also note how the guides handle nerves. If you tend to feel anxious in open water, this kind of coached, small-group approach is exactly what you want. And if you’re bringing a child or a senior, it helps that the tour includes extra assistance rather than treating everyone as the same swimmer.

How the Tour Flows From Beach to Reef to Souvenir

The timeline is simple, which is a compliment in vacation time. You’ll arrive, suit up, get briefed, then go snorkeling in the sheltered bay.

Here’s what you can expect in order:

1. Arrive early: The guidance is to get there about 10 minutes before the start.
2. Meet your guide at the beach: Look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt at Magilu.
3. Safety briefing and gear check: This is where you learn what’s expected and how to interact responsibly with marine life.
4. 50 minutes guided snorkeling: You follow instructions and swim with the group through the reef area. The goal is calm observation and good technique.
5. Return to shore: The tour ends back at the beach.

One smart perk: you don’t lose time to getting on and off a boat. That makes the whole thing feel more like a focused activity.

And then there’s the souvenir. An underwater photographer (often using a GoPro) takes photos and video during the snorkeling. You’ll receive the digital files for free (sent after the tour via WhatsApp has been a common mention).

Price and Value: Why $45 Can Make Sense Here

At $45 per person, you’re paying for more than just access to water. You’re paying for the equipment, the guided experience, the small-group attention, and the photo/video package.

Here’s how the value stacks up:

• Equipment is included: wetsuits, mask, snorkel, fins, boots. That’s a big cost you’d otherwise add on your own.
• Instruction is included: especially for first-timers, guided time reduces wasted effort and boosts safety.
• Underwater media is included: not a small add-on, but a real part of the experience you can share at home.
• Boat-free snorkeling: if you’re prone to sea sickness, skipping a boat can be a hidden value.

So if you want a low-stress way to see Tenerife’s marine life without renting gear or figuring out conditions on your own, this is priced like a practical vacation win.

When You Might Want to Rethink It

This tour is built for a broad range of people, but it’s not for everyone. Based on the rules:

• It isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.
• It isn’t suitable for non-swimmers.
• Weight limits apply: people over 309 lbs (140 kg) should not join.
• Minimum weight also applies: people under 66 lbs (30 kg) should not join.
• If you have pre-existing medical conditions, tell the provider beforehand.

Also consider these “real life” factors:

• Turtles are possible, not guaranteed. If your main goal is guaranteed turtle spotting, you may feel disappointed.
• The itinerary can change or be canceled due to poor weather, strong wind, or adverse sea conditions.
• If you get motion sickness easily, the tour advises using medication ahead of time.

Practical Tips to Get the Best Out of Your Snorkel Day

A few small choices make the whole outing smoother:

• Wear your swimwear on arrival if you can. You’ll waste less time.
• Bring only what you need: a swimsuit is the key item listed.
• Don’t stress about being a snorkel expert. This tour is set up for all ages and doesn’t require prior snorkeling.
• Expect the day to be about the water and the reef. There’s no food included, so plan around that.

And if you’re hoping for turtle sightings, treat it like wildlife viewing, not a target. The best way to increase your odds is calm observation and following your guide’s directions.

Should You Book This Tenerife Snorkeling Tour?

Book it if you want:

• a calm-water, shore-based snorkeling experience from Abades
• a small group where you’re looked after
• full wetsuit gear so you feel steady and comfortable
• a responsible wildlife approach with photos and video included for free

Consider another option if:

• you need full accessibility support for mobility needs
• you’re a non-swimmer
• you want guaranteed turtle sightings (because the animals are wild)

Overall, this is one of the more thoughtful ways to do snorkeling in Tenerife: organized, family-friendly, and designed to help you enjoy the reef without turning it into a stressful science project.

FAQ

Where is the snorkeling tour meeting point?

You meet at Magilu. Look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt.

How long is the snorkeling time in the water?

The guided snorkeling tour is 50 minutes, and the full experience lasts about 2 hours.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No prior snorkeling experience is required, and the protected bay is described as calm. However, the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and extra assistance is available for non-strong swimmers.

What snorkeling gear is included?

The tour includes mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and a full wetsuit, plus professional guidance and water.

Are green sea turtles guaranteed?

No. Green sea turtles are a reasonable possibility, but sightings can’t be guaranteed because they swim in their natural habitat.

How deep is the water and how warm is it?

The average depth is about 2.5 meters with a maximum of 8 meters. Water temperature is listed as 19° to 23° for March to September.

Are photos and videos included?

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

Can I use a full-face mask?

No. The tour does not allow the use of a full-face mask.

What if my plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.