Snorkel Abades, then share photos instantly. This 2-hour guided swim off Playa Abades is built for safety first, with a professional guide leading you over a coral-reef style area full of fish, plus the goal of spotting bigger wildlife like turtles, stingrays, and octopus. I also like the small group setup (limited to 6), which keeps the pace calm and the instructions clear.

The second thing I really like is the promise of free photos and videos after the tour, so you come home with more than just a sunburn and a vague memory.

The main drawback to think about is wildlife odds, especially turtles. Even though the guides say there are sea turtles in the area, turtles are not guaranteed, and the tour notes that non swimmers may not be able to reach the spot where turtles are easier to see.

Key highlights you should know

• Limited to 6 participants for hands-on support and better group control in the water
• Photos and videos included so you can share results without worrying about your own camera
• Reef and lots of fish off Playa Abades with volcanic-rock style formations where octopus may hide
• Guides can support weaker swimmers using equipment and added aid, while setting real expectations
• Turtles and stingrays depend on conditions and season, so treat them as a bonus, not a sure thing

Why Snorkel in Abades, Not Just Any Tenerife Beach

Abades is one of those Tenerife options that feels simple on paper, then turns into a very real underwater experience once you’re there. The tour focuses on the coastal waters off Playa Abades, where you can expect a lot of visible fish around the reef area. Think colorful fish you can spot quickly, plus the chance of rarer animals if timing and conditions line up.

What makes this tour practical is that it does not hinge on you being a confident swimmer. The guides explicitly note that they can still guide people who are not strong swimmers, and you’ll be outfitted with proper snorkeling gear and a wetsuit (long or short). That matters, because Tenerife’s Atlantic conditions can be breezy and changeable, and you want a plan that works even if the sea is not perfect.

Also, the guides talk openly about expectations. They mention that there are sea turtles currently living in the area, but they remind you it is open ocean. That is good tour logic. You get excited, but you do not build your whole trip around one animal appearing on cue.

Cost and Value: What $35 Gets You for 2 Hours of Guided Snorkeling

At about $35 per person for a 2-hour experience, the value comes from the mix of things included, not just the price tag. You are paying for:

• A professional guide during the whole snorkeling session
• Snorkeling equipment
• A wet suit (long or short)
• Underwater photos and videos you get for free

That combination is where the value really shows. A lot of snorkeling costs more once you add gear rental and the usual “nice, but I lost my chance at decent photos” problem. Here, the goal is that you leave with shareable underwater images, even if you are not the person holding the camera.

Another value point is the group size. The tour is limited to 6 participants, and the reviews repeatedly emphasize how the guides adjust to the group. When your guide is not managing a crowd, you get steadier instruction, more check-ins, and a smoother experience in the water.

Meeting Magilu, Getting Fitted, and Why the Small-Group Pace Matters

You meet at the restaurant Magilu, directly in front of the beach. You should arrive with swimwear on, and plan on using the provided gear fit process before you go in.

Logistics are straightforward. The tour notes there is plenty of parking, and you leave your personal stuff in the guide’s car. That reduces what you have to manage on the sand, which is a small detail, but it helps everyone stay relaxed before getting wet.

Once you meet your guide, you put on snorkeling equipment and a wetsuit. The guides also note that they are experienced with children and afraid people, and they have more than 20 years of experience. In plain terms, they are used to handling nerves. That comes through in reviews where people mention feeling safe, supported, and given clear guidance.

Group size also changes the vibe. With only up to 6 participants, you can expect the guide to actually watch you as you enter and move underwater. That is especially helpful if you are a weaker swimmer. The tour notes you will still be able to join even if you are not a great swimmer, because the guides work with aids and instruction rather than treating the water as an all-or-nothing test.

The 2-Hour Flow in the Water: Reef Time, Wildlife Checks, and Calm Instruction

This is not a half-day boat trip with complicated moving parts. It is a tight 2 hours that stays focused on getting you into the water and keeping you there long enough to see real life.

Here’s how the session typically works based on the tour description and the way the guides explain things:

1) Meet at Magilu, get fitted

You arrive, meet the guide, and get your wetsuit and snorkeling equipment sorted. You also get instructions before you head in.

2) Enter and head toward the reef area

You go underwater to explore the coral reef area off Playa Abades. The goal is that you can observe fish without constantly searching. The tour description mentions hundreds of colorful fish, and reviews back up that fish are easy to spot.

3) Move slowly through wildlife “check zones”

You are not just drifting randomly. The guide is looking for specific types of animals, and you also get tips on what to look for:

• Turtles and stingrays, depending on season
• Octopus, often hidden under stones and rock areas

4) Wrap up and get your photos

At the end of the session, you come back up, and you should get access to the underwater photos and videos. Multiple reviews highlight that the photos are done well and shared for free after the tour.

One review also mentions multiple snorkeling spots along the coast and “perfect depth” for observing marine life. That aligns with the tour’s beginner-friendly structure: the water plan is built to avoid turning this into an endurance test.

What You Can Really Expect to See: Fish Now, Turtles and Rays As Possible Bonuses

This tour is strongest on fish. Even when wildlife sightings go quiet, the fish and reef environment usually deliver. The tour specifically points out colorful fish and coral reef structure, and reviews frequently say the fish were easy to find.

Here is how I would translate the wildlife claims into real planning:

Sea turtles

The guides say they have seen six sea turtles feeding in the area at the moment, but they also stress that it is open ocean and you might not spot them. One additional note from the tour information is important: non swimmers can not see turtles because it is a lot to swim to reach where turtle sightings are more likely.

So if your main dream is a turtle close-up, you should be honest with yourself about your swimming comfort. If you are not confident, you can still have an excellent snorkeling experience, just adjust expectations.

Stingrays and other surprises

Turtles are the headline, but stingrays show up often enough to be worth hoping for. Reviews mention seeing a ray and a turtle, and the tour highlights stingrays among the target species. Because conditions vary, treat this as a bonus, not a promise.

Octopus

Octopus are usually the “look under the rocks” story. The tour description explains they may be hidden underneath stones. If the water and visibility are right, slowing down near the rock edges makes your eyes work better. Reviews also mention squid, which tells me the guide is likely paying attention to multiple kinds of hidden or bottom-dwelling life.

Photos and Videos Included: How to Get the Best Results Underwater

Free photos and videos are a big reason this tour is a smart value. Underwater photography is hard, especially if you are learning. Here, you are not relying on your own skills or equipment.

That said, you can still help the outcome. The tour includes a practical detail: if you use glasses, you cannot put them under the mask. So plan for either contact lenses or a mask that fits without glasses. If you are unsure, ask when you arrive.

I also think it helps to relax your face and posture. When you are tense, you tend to move your head and hands too much, and that can make photos harder for anyone working with the camera system. A calm body makes you easier to guide, and easier to photograph.

What you get matters, too. Reviews mention high quality pictures, and one person called out that the images were super and the underwater views were amazing. Even when a turtle does not appear, the fish and reef visuals often still make for satisfying photos.

Who This Tour Suits Best in Tenerife (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is family-friendly in spirit, but the fine print is clear about who it is not for.

Great fit

• Families with kids 5 and up

The tour description says it is amazing for the whole family, and reviews mention a 7-year-old doing well and a couple of children, ages 6 and 9, having a blast.

• People who want safety plus guidance

Multiple reviews mention feeling safe and supported, including people who cannot swim well at all.

• First-time snorkelers

The whole setup is about instruction and a manageable pace, with equipment provided and a guide watching your form.

Should think twice

• Children under 5

Not suitable per the tour notes.

• Anyone with mobility impairments or wheelchair users

Not suitable per the tour notes.

• People with a cold

Not suitable per the tour notes.

Special case: pregnant travelers

The tour info says pregnant women can do snorkeling. That is encouraging if you are pregnant and want an ocean experience, but you should still be honest about comfort and follow the guide’s advice on pace and breathing.

Practical Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew Before You Go

These are the small things that can make or break a “first time in open water” experience.

Pack like a snorkel, not a beach day

Bring:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Beachwear

You will get wet, you will be outside, and you’ll want to dry off comfortably after.

Don’t assume there’s a toilet changing setup

One practical note from a review: there is no changing room or toilet with this activity, though a nearby cafe can help. If you have kids, or you need a quick bathroom stop, plan for it before you start the tour or use the area nearby.

Keep expectations realistic about turtles

Even with good luck, turtles are not guaranteed. Also, non swimmers may not see turtles because it involves more swimming. If you are learning, focus on fish first, and treat turtle sightings as a bonus.

If you’re nervous, tell the guide early

The tour info emphasizes experience with afraid people. Reviews also back up the calm, supportive attitude. If you are anxious about the ocean, say so during the intro. The guide can then adjust your instructions and pace.

Should You Book Abades Guided Snorkeling With Photos?

If your ideal Tenerife day is simple, hands-on, and photo-friendly, I think this is an easy yes. At $35 for a 2-hour guided snorkeling session with equipment, wetsuit, and free underwater photos and videos, the value is strong. The small group size matters here, because you get real guidance rather than just being handed gear and pointed toward the water.

Book it especially if:

• You want a guided snorkeling experience that works even if you are not a confident swimmer
• You care about photos more than you care about being the one holding a camera
• You are traveling with kids age 5+ and want a safe, structured activity

Skip or change your plan if:

• Your top goal is guaranteed turtle sightings, regardless of swimming ability. The tour explicitly sets expectations that turtles may be hard to reach for non swimmers and sightings are not guaranteed.
• You need accessibility features like wheelchair access or you are dealing with illness like a cold.

If you go in with the right mindset, the fish and reef time alone should be worth it, and the wildlife sightings are icing on a very well-run snorkeling day.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the restaurant Magilu, directly in front of the beach.

How long is the guided snorkeling tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

It is priced at about $35 per person.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the snorkeling tour, guide, snorkeling equipment, a wetsuit (long or short), and underwater photos and videos.

Are photos and videos provided for free?

Yes, photos and videos are included.

Can non swimmers join?

Non swimmers can join and will still see fish and sea life, but the tour notes that non swimmers cannot see turtles because it is a lot to swim to see them.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and beachwear.

Are there any health or suitability limits?

The tour is not suitable for children under 5, people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and people with a cold. It also notes that pregnant women can do snorkeling.