Reviewed · COSTA ADEJE TOURS
Tenerife Turtle and Snorkel Tour from Costa Adeje
Turtle spotting starts the moment you hit the water. This Costa Adeje tour mixes a boat ride with guided snorkeling in sea-turtle waters, all in about half a day. You’ll be aiming for wild canary turtles, plus you might also spot rays, dolphins, and lots of fish.
What I like most is how the tour keeps the gear simple. You get the snorkeling kit (mask, tube, fins) and you do not need to bring it yourself. I also like the fact that the groups are kept small, with a maximum of 10 people, and you can choose a departure time that fits your schedule.
One thing to consider up front: this is not suitable for non-swimmers. A few unhappy experiences also point to rough water, delays, and safety concerns, so it pays to go in knowing you may get choppy conditions and you must be comfortable in open water.
Key highlights to watch for

- Guided snorkeling for sea turtles in areas known for canary turtles, at depths roughly between 2 and 8 meters
- Small group size (up to 10 travelers), which usually makes it easier to stay together
- Gear provided, including snorkeling equipment, with some guests also noting wetsuits or warm gear depending on conditions
- Wildlife variety beyond turtles, with reports of dolphins, octopus, sting rays, and plenty of fish
- Turtle sightings are not guaranteed, even when the spot is right and the guides are working hard
- Safety and sea conditions matter, and you should be a confident swimmer and ready for open-water snorkeling
Costa Adeje boat-to-cove snorkeling, with turtles as the main plot
This tour is built for one clear goal: get you out to the snorkel spots off southern Tenerife where sea turtles are commonly seen. If you’re in Costa Adeje and you want more than just standing around a beach, this is a great “in the water” option that does not require training or heavy scuba-style equipment.
The setting is a big part of why people book it. Southern Tenerife tends to give you milder conditions and clearer water more often than many other places on the island. The tour’s plan matches that reality by focusing on short travel time by boat and then concentrated time in the water where you can actually search for marine life.
That said, you should also understand the trade-off. Wildlife tourism is never a promise. Even when the destination is correct and the guide knows where to look, turtles can move, water can get a bit rough, and visibility can vary. Your best strategy is to treat turtle viewing as the bonus, and enjoy the fish, rays, and the actual snorkeling as the main event.
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What you do on the water: the basic flow of the trip

Even though departures can vary, the rhythm is pretty consistent.
You meet at the PADI 5 Travel Sub Dive Center Tenerife in Costa Adeje, at Calle Colón, s/n, Escuela Nautica, 38660 Costa Adeje. From there, you head out by boat with your guides, typically with a short ride to the snorkel area.
Once you’re there, you’ll get guidance for snorkeling and then spend time in the water looking around. Depths are described as roughly 2 to 8 meters, which matters because it keeps the snorkeling experience accessible for people who are comfortable swimming but are not trying to go deep.
Some outings are described as taking you to coves near Palm Mar. Others feel more like a stop at a known turtle area with an expert guide steering the group to what looks promising that day. The common thread is that you’re not just dropped off randomly. Guides are with you during the snorkel phase and help with practical tips, including fit and technique.
The snorkeling part: gear fit, staying together, and actually seeing things

This is where the tour can feel either amazing or frustrating, depending on your comfort level and the day’s conditions.
You’re provided with snorkeling equipment: fins, a mask, and a tube. That is a real value point because buying or renting gear can quickly add up. On top of that, some people report that they also got wetsuits or warm coats, which can make a huge difference if the sea breeze is cooler than you expected.
Before you jump in, take 30 seconds to make sure your kit works for you. One negative experience reported a mask that would not seal and fins that came undone. That can happen if something is the wrong size or not tightened well. I’d personally check that your mask sits comfortably and your fin straps hold firmly, and then do a quick test before everyone lines up to leave.
Guidance also shows up in the details. A guest named Sebastian gave a clear, practical snorkeling instruction, and even stayed attentive while others were getting comfortable. Another guest named Zala is praised for making the day with excellent attention and a calm, capable approach. If you’re a nervous first-timer, this kind of coaching is exactly what you want.
And if you’re not a strong swimmer, stop and think. The tour explicitly says it is not suitable for non-swimmers. You can also get sea sick if the water is choppy, and a couple of experiences mention rough conditions. So this is not just a confidence question. It’s a comfort question for your stomach too.
Turtle odds: what to expect, and how to set the right mindset

Turtles are the headline. But the honest expectation is that sightings can be hit or miss.
There are plenty of positive turtle stories: people report seeing turtles close up, sometimes within minutes of landing at the snorkel site. One experience mentions swimming alongside a friendly turtle. Another guest describes seeing three turtles, and a Japanese guest reports a turtle hitting them on the arm area after they entered the water.
On the flip side, several trips report no turtles at all. Some mention busy coves, long waits, or snorkeling time that felt too short to get a good chance. Others say visibility was not as clear as expected. That lines up with real ocean behavior. Even when the area is right, turtles do not show up on a schedule.
So how should you play it? If you want guaranteed turtles, this is probably not the right tour type. If you want a fun snorkeling outing where turtles are a meaningful possibility, this fits well. Even when turtles do not show, people still describe good fish life, rays, and other marine animals as the payoff.
More clear-water swims and turtle encounters
The boat ride and timing: where value can swing

This tour is sold as about 3 hours total. That is the right length for a half-day plan, but it also means timing matters.
Most people like the overall flow: the crew gets you kitted up, you travel to the site, you snorkel, and you return to the starting point. Some guests also describe dolphins seen on the way back, which adds a bonus wildlife moment even if the turtle part takes longer or turns out quiet.
However, a few negative experiences mention late departure and shorter-than-expected time in the water. That can change how much wildlife you realistically get to see. If your schedule is tight, build in a buffer for departure delays.
Also, there’s mention in the feedback of rules about what you can bring onboard. Some guests were not allowed to take bags and personal phones into the water area. Others were told to keep only sunscreen and basic items with them. That’s not unusual for boats and safety, but it does mean you should plan for how you’ll keep your phone safe. If you want photos, ask in advance what’s allowed and how people handle camera moments.
Safety and comfort: what you should check before you commit

Safety is a mixed picture in the feedback, and you should treat that seriously.
Some people describe the crew as professional and reassuring, with careful safety demonstrations and an overall feeling of security. Others report choppy water, comments about storms, and concerns about safety measures like life vests. One very alarming account describes feeling left behind in the water and a lack of timely attention.
I cannot tell you which day is like which. What I can say is that you should not pretend safety issues do not exist just because the tour sounds fun on paper. If you go, do two things:
1) Be honest about your swimming ability. The tour requirement is clear for a reason.
2) At the start, listen to the safety talk and confirm what safety gear is provided, especially if conditions look rough.
If you’re sea sick easily, bring that up. Even well-run snorkel trips can feel rough if the sea is moving and you’re in open water.
Price and value: does $57.67 make sense?

At $57.67 per person for about 3 hours, you’re not paying for a long excursion. You’re paying for the boat access, guided snorkeling, snorkeling equipment, and insurance. Transfers are not included, so that is the first hidden cost to account for if you rely on taxis or bus connections.
Then add what you save by not renting gear. You do not need to bring fins, mask, or snorkel tube. If the day includes wetsuits or warm gear, that is another cost you avoid.
Where value can drop is when the conditions make snorkeling less enjoyable, when the group spends more time waiting, or when turtle sightings do not happen. Still, even turtle-free trips can be worthwhile if you enjoy snorkeling fish and you are comfortable in open water.
My bottom line: it’s good value if you are going for the snorkeling experience and wildlife odds, not for a guaranteed turtle encounter. If you are expecting world-class clarity every time, you may feel underwhelmed.
Who this tour is best for

This tour makes the most sense if you:
- Are a confident swimmer who can handle open water snorkeling without panicking
- Want guided support and simple, provided equipment
- Like the idea of wildlife hunting, where dolphins or rays might be part of the bonus package
- Are okay with variability, meaning some days you’ll see turtles, and some days you won’t
It is not a match if you:
- Cannot swim on your own
- Get easily sea sick when the water is choppy
- Need guaranteed turtle sightings as a must-have
Tips to make your day smoother
These are small things, but they can change your experience a lot:
- Go in prepared with a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. You’ll want sunscreen since you’ll be out on the water.
- If you wear facial hair or have trouble with mask fit, bring extra attention to how your mask seals. A bad seal can ruin comfort fast.
- Ask what’s allowed onboard in terms of bags and phones, and how people handle photos safely.
- Listen closely at the start, especially if you’re new to snorkeling. The best guides focus on technique first, then the fun follows.
- If the sea looks rough, be realistic. It’s not just a comfort issue, it affects how long you can comfortably snorkel.
So, should you book Tenerife Turtle and Snorkel from Costa Adeje?
If you’re comfortable swimming, you want a guided snorkeling outing, and you understand that turtle sightings are a bonus rather than a guarantee, I think this is a solid buy for southern Tenerife. The best versions of this trip are the ones where turtles show up quickly, the crew keeps things organized, and you get enough time in the water to look around calmly.
Before you book, take safety seriously. Be honest about your swimming ability, and pay attention to what’s provided and what the guide explains. If you want a perfectly calm, luxury-feeling outing with zero risk of delays, this may not fit. But if you want a lively wildlife-focused day where dolphins, rays, and fish are likely even when turtle luck is off, this tour can deliver.
FAQ
How long is the Tenerife Turtle and Snorkel tour?
It runs for about 3 hours.
What does the tour cost per person?
The price is listed as $57.67 per person.
Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?
No. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, including fins, mask, and snorkel tube.
Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and you must be able to swim on your own to participate.
Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet at the PADI 5 Travel Sub Dive Center Tenerife, Calle Colón, s/n, Escuela Nautica, 38660 Costa Adeje.
How big are the groups?
This tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.
What happens if the weather is bad or I cancel?
The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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