Turtles, coral, and calm-water snorkeling in Tenerife. This 2-hour trip out of Abades is built around easy conditions, and you get fitted with full wetsuits and adjustable fins before heading into a sheltered protected bay.

What I like most is how the setup reduces the usual snorkeling stress. No boat, and the crew’s gear and guidance help you feel steady even if you are new to this.

Second, I love the small group capped at 8, and the fact that you get free photos and videos taken during the swim. One drawback to plan around: turtle sightings are not guaranteed, and the tour can change if wind or sea conditions turn rough.

Key things you will notice on this snorkeling tour

• Shore-based snorkeling in Abades: you swim from the beach, which is great for sea-sickness risk.
• Full wetsuit comfort that helps buoyancy: wetsuits, boots, mask, snorkel, and adjustable fins are included.
• Small group pace: limited to 8 participants, with extra help for kids, non-strong swimmers, and seniors.
• Marine-protected area rules that matter: no feeding, no touching, and turtles are given respectful distance.
• Underwater photos and videos included: an underwater photographer captures your moments and sends them digitally for free.
• Shallow profile for most of the time: average depth is about 2.5 meters, max 8 meters.

Why Abades is a smart place for snorkeling in Tenerife

Abades, on Tenerife’s southeast coast, is the kind of launch point that makes snorkeling feel approachable. This tour starts from the beach and focuses on a sheltered bay, meaning the water is usually calm enough for families, first-timers, and anyone who gets uneasy in open water.

The route is guided through a marine protected area known for coastal biodiversity. That matters because you are not just snorkeling for scenery, you are visiting a habitat where sea life shows up because the environment is cared for. In practice, I like that the experience is built around a realistic chance of seeing interesting animals, without treating the ocean like a stage.

Gear check: the wetsuit kit that makes beginners feel normal

A big part of the value here is the equipment quality. You get a full wetsuit, mask, snorkel, boots, and adjustable fins, which is a lot more than the bare minimum most snorkeling experiences hand you.

The full wetsuit isn’t just for warmth. It adds buoyancy and comfort, so you can float more naturally while you concentrate on breathing and looking around. Several people in the guide team, including Rafaella and Ron, are praised for being hands-on with fitting and comfort, so you are not left wrestling with straps and flippers.

Also note what is explicitly not allowed: a full face mask. If you are thinking of bringing your own, plan for a standard snorkeling mask setup instead.

How the 2-hour schedule really feels (50 minutes in the water)

This is a straightforward, low-fuss format: the tour lasts 2 hours total, with a 50-minute guided snorkeling session. Before you get in, you receive a safety briefing that covers what to expect and how to interact with marine wildlife.

From there, you move as a group into the water and follow professional instructors through the sheltered reef area. The average depth is about 2.5 meters, with a maximum around 8 meters, which keeps things manageable for many first-time snorkelers as long as they listen and stay with the guide.

After the water time, you are back on the beach. There is a public shower on site, which is a small thing, but it helps when you want to continue your day without feeling sandy and cold.

The part that helps most: extra attention in the water

Small group snorkeling only works if the guides manage the group well, and this one is built for that. Many reviewers call out Rafaella and Ron for staying close, checking in often, and adjusting assistance when someone needs extra help. That is a practical advantage if you have kids, older relatives, or anyone who is anxious once they are floating.

What you might see in the marine protected area (and what you can’t control)

The tour focuses on a marine protected zone with rocky reef formations, hidden coves, and surrounding sea grass. In water like this, you are likely to spot plenty of fish darting in and out of crevices, plus slow-moving animals that treat your presence as background noise.

Here is what the experience is set up to highlight:

• Colorful reef fish in clear coastal water
• Green sea turtles, with a reasonable chance
• Other marine life you might encounter, based on conditions and season

Turtles are the headline, but the tour is honest about one key point: no one can guarantee sightings. Sometimes turtles are out of reach during the snorkel window, even though they are in their natural habitat nearby. The guides follow respectful protocols, keeping distance so the animals do not get stressed.

A lot of the best moments people report go beyond turtles too. Some snorkelers mention seeing rays, an angel shark, octopus, seahorses, starfish, and even a stingray buried under sand. Treat these as possibilities, not promises, but they give you a sense of why the reef ecosystem is worth the time even if turtle luck is missing.

Turtle etiquette and safety: how the guides keep it responsible

This tour makes ethics part of the instructions, not a poster on the beach. You are told clearly that feeding marine life is prohibited, and touching sea animals is also not allowed.

For turtle encounters, the protocol is respectful distance. The guides aim to observe without causing stress, and you are expected to follow their lead rather than chase for a closer look. That approach is important because you are sharing the water with animals that do not exist for our photos.

Safety is also repeatedly mentioned in the reviews. Many people say they felt secure even when conditions were windy or when they were nervous at first. What I appreciate is the practical coaching style described by multiple snorkelers, including first-timers who needed confidence-building support once they were actually in the water.

Price and value: is $45 per person a good deal?

At about $45 per person, this is not an expensive half-day activity, especially when you line up what is included. You are paying for:

• High-quality gear: full wetsuit, mask, snorkel, boots, adjustable fins
• A professional guided session through a marine protected area
• Multilingual instruction (Spanish, English, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, German)
• Insurance and water
• Extra assistance for small children, non-strong swimmers, and seniors
• Free photos and videos taken during the excursion

The free underwater media is a big part of the value. Multiple people mention receiving photos and videos digitally afterward, often through WhatsApp, without extra charges. That turns the day into a souvenir you do not have to plan for ahead of time.

Another quiet value win: you swim from the beach instead of doing a boat trip. If you or someone in your group is prone to motion sickness, that can make the experience feel simpler and more comfortable.

Practical tips so your snorkeling feels easy

A few things will make your day smoother.

Bring and wear the right stuff

Bring swimwear. It is also advisable to arrive already wearing it. If you are snorkeling between March and September, plan for water temperatures around 19 to 23 degrees Celsius, which can feel chilly if you run cold.

You should arrive about 10 minutes before the excursion starts. This is not just courtesy, it gives the team time to handle measurements and fit everyone properly.

Plan for the equipment and the camera rules

There is no full face mask allowed. If you plan to use your own camera, you can only do so if you have previous snorkeling experience, which makes sense because holding a camera can mess with balance and buoyancy.

If you get motion sickness

The tour specifically advises people with motion sickness to use medication. Even though this is shore-based, anxiety and cold water can still trigger nausea for some people, so take that note seriously.

Know the limits ahead of time

This tour is for all ages, but it is not for everyone. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It also lists non-swimmers as not suitable, plus weight limits: people over 309 lbs (140 kg) and people under 66 lbs (30 kg) are not included.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, you should inform the provider prior to the tour. That is the right move, and it helps the guides prepare for your needs.

Who this Tenerife snorkeling tour is best for

This is one of the better choices for mixed groups. The combination of small group size, full wetsuit gear, shallow depths, and hands-on guidance makes it a good fit for:

• Families with kids who can follow instructions
• First-time snorkelers who are nervous once they hit the water
• Older adults who want a guided, structured experience
• People who want to avoid boat travel and keep things simple

If you are looking for deep technical diving, this is not that. But for enjoying Tenerife’s coastal marine life close to shore, it is a practical, friendly length of time.

Should you book this Tenerife snorkeling tour from Abades?

If your goal is a safe, shore-based snorkeling outing with real instruction and ethical marine rules, this is an easy “yes” for many people. The small group cap, the gear quality, and the free photos and videos turn a short swim into a memorable souvenir day.

I would only think twice if turtle sightings are the only reason you are booking. Since turtles are in the area but not guaranteed during every session, you should be just as excited to see fish, reef life, and the protected habitat itself. Also consider wind and sea conditions, since the tour may be changed or canceled if conditions are not suitable.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling time?

The full tour lasts 2 hours, with a 50-minute guided snorkeling session in the water.

What snorkeling gear is included?

You get a mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and a full wetsuit, plus high-quality gear. Water is also included.

Is this tour beginner-friendly?

It is designed for all ages, and you do not need previous snorkeling experience to join. However, the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and the guides provide extra assistance for non-strong swimmers.

Can I guarantee seeing sea turtles?

No. There is a reasonable chance of spotting green sea turtles, but sightings cannot be guaranteed because they swim in their natural habitat.

Where do I meet the guide in Abades?

You should come to Magilu and look for a guide wearing a Snorkel Tenerife Excursions shirt. The tour starts from the beach, and you are asked to arrive 10 minutes before it begins.

What should I bring, and are there mask rules?

Bring swimwear, and arrive wearing it if possible. Full face masks are not allowed, and the guides will handle the rest of the setup during the briefing and fitting.

FAQ

Is cancellation free?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the tour starts from the beach.

What languages do the guides speak?

The tour includes live guides in Spanish, English, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, and German.