Tenerife: Kayak and Snorkel with Turtles, Wetsuits Included

Turtles may glide beneath your kayak. This three-hour Tenerife outing combines quiet wildlife watching with a swim and snorkel stop in a bay reached only by water. I like the eco-certified approach, which keeps the kayaks unobtrusive, and the low $35 price, which includes the kayak, short wetsuit, snorkel gear, guide, insurance, and photos. The catch is simple: wild animals set the schedule, so you may see dolphins and turtles, or only fish and fine coastal scenery.

You should also know that this is active, open-water recreation, not a gentle boat ride. You must be able to swim, paddle for much of the outing, and meet the 100-kilogram weight limit per person. Guides such as Carlos, Barbara, Gonza, David, and Daniel are often praised for calm instructions, good humor, and keeping first-time kayakers at ease.

Key points to know before you paddle

• Dolphins and turtles are possible, not guaranteed: The company gives a stated 90 percent chance of seeing marine life, but sightings remain dependent on nature.
• The snorkel stop is in a boat-only bay: You get a break from paddling and a chance to look for fish, turtles, and bull rays below.
• The route begins at Playa de Los Cristianos: Expect coastal views, mountain scenery, and a short visit to Cueva de los Enamorados.
• Comfort matters on the water: Kayaks have supportive seats and backrests, and short wetsuits are included.
• The price covers the useful extras: Photos, accident insurance, kayaks, snorkel equipment, a guide, and wetsuits are included for $35.
• This is for swimmers aged 14 and older: Minors aged 14 to 17 must go with a parent, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or those with certain medical conditions.

Why this Tenerife kayak trip is worth considering

The appeal is the mix. You are not spending three hours only paddling, and you are not sitting on a motorboat waiting for wildlife to appear. You move along the coast in a kayak, pause to watch the sea, visit a coastal cave, then stop in clear water for snorkeling.

That pace gives you several ways to enjoy the morning or afternoon. If the dolphins stay away, you still have the coastline, sea views, kayaking, and underwater life. If a turtle surfaces or a pod of dolphins appears nearby, the experience becomes something special.

The eco-certified setup is important here. Kayaks make little noise compared with powered boats, and the stated aim is to observe marine life without frightening or interrupting it. You are still watching wild animals, not visiting a controlled exhibit, so the right attitude is to accept the sighting as a bonus rather than a promise.

The wildlife possibilities are broad. Tenerife’s waters support five dolphin species, including bottlenose dolphins, and you may also encounter rough-toothed, striped, or common dolphins. Green turtles are the usual possibility, with loggerhead turtles sometimes seen as well. Bull rays may appear along the seabed during the snorkel stop.

The company puts the chance of seeing dolphins or turtles at 90 percent, but I would treat that as a hopeful estimate rather than a guarantee. One outing may produce dolphins, a turtle, and plenty of fish. Another may bring only fish and coastal views. That difference is part of any wild-animal excursion.

Starting at Cristianmar near Los Cristianos

The meeting point is the Xplore Tenerife Kayaking and Biking office in the Cristianmar building. Look for the office on the ground floor, on the left side of the building when you face the sea, and search for Xplore Tenerife on Google Maps before leaving.

That small bit of preparation matters. You do not want to arrive at the waterfront and lose time looking for the correct entrance. The activity finishes at the same place, so you can leave your day bag there as planned once you understand the local arrangements.

Changing rooms and lockers are available. Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, drinking water, sun hat, and flip-flops. Water is not supplied, and neither are swimsuits or towels. The short wetsuit, however, is included, along with the kayak, snorkeling equipment, accident insurance, guide, and photographs.

Once you arrive, allow time to get organized. You will need to change, store belongings, and listen to the safety briefing before walking to the beach. Flip-flops are useful for the short walk, though you should follow the guide’s instructions about what can safely go on the kayak.

The 15-minute safety briefing and short walk

The formal safety briefing lasts about 15 minutes. This is where you should pay close attention, especially if it is your first time in a kayak or your first open-water activity.

You will need to understand how to handle the paddle, how to keep the kayak stable, and what to do when the group stops for wildlife or snorkeling. Calm, clear instruction is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Carlos is often singled out for being friendly and reassuring, while Barbara and David are praised for making new paddlers feel comfortable.

After the briefing, you walk for about five minutes to Playa de Los Cristianos. The short transfer keeps the activity simple and avoids a long bus ride. It also means you begin close to the water instead of spending part of the three-hour period in transit.

The kayaks have comfortable seats and back support, a welcome detail because the paddling section lasts about two hours in total. Still, you should not confuse support with complete ease. Paddling is physical, and one person noted that the activity can be tiring. If you have back problems, this outing is not suitable.

Playa de Los Cristianos: the main coastal paddle

The first main section from Playa de Los Cristianos lasts about an hour. You paddle along the coast with the guide leading the group and watching for marine life.

The kayak gives you a low viewpoint close to the water. That is the heart of the outing. You may spot dolphins from your seat, watch them jump, or see them moving through the water without the engine noise of a powered vessel. Pods of as many as 30 dolphins are possible, though the group may also encounter one animal or none at all.

Bottlenose dolphins are among the easier species to identify, while rough-toothed, striped, and common dolphins may also be present in the Atlantic waters around Tenerife. You do not need to know the difference between species to enjoy the sighting, but the guides can add useful context in several languages.

The views are another reason to pay attention between wildlife checks. From the sea, Los Cristianos and the coast look different than they do from land, with Tenerife’s mountains forming the backdrop. The exact quality of the view depends on light and conditions, but the outing consistently gives you a fresh angle on the island.

The group pauses to look rather than chasing animals. That is good practice for both safety and conservation. Keep your hands inside the kayak when wildlife is close, follow the guide’s directions, and resist the urge to paddle after a dolphin or turtle.

Cueva de los Enamorados and the return along the coast

The route includes about 15 minutes at Cueva de los Enamorados. This is a short coastal stop, not a long land excursion, so think of it as a scenic feature within the paddle.

The cave adds variety to the route and gives the group a chance to take in the shoreline from the water. You may look for marine life nearby while the guide explains what you are seeing. The stop is brief, so do not expect a lengthy cave tour or a large amount of time on shore.

After this point, the group returns toward Playa de Los Cristianos for another hour of kayaking, marine-life watching, and views. This second paddle can feel different from the first because you now understand the kayak and have settled into the rhythm.

It is also another chance for sightings. Dolphins may appear at either part of the route, and turtles can sometimes be seen close to the surface or around the kayak. Guides such as Gonza and Daniel receive strong praise for spotting animals, giving clear instructions, and keeping the mood light without losing control of the group.

The repeated coastal route has one small drawback. If you expected a constantly changing tour, the return section may feel familiar. On the other hand, it allows more time on the water, and wildlife rarely follows a tidy sightseeing schedule.

The secluded bay and snorkeling break

The snorkeling stop is one of the best features for the price. The group pauses in a bay accessible only by boat, giving you a chance to leave the kayak and swim in clear water away from the ordinary beach crowd.

Snorkeling adds a second way to see the area. From the kayak, you scan the surface and horizon. In the water, you look down through the clear sea for fish and other marine life. Turtles or bull rays may pass along the seabed beneath you, though again, no encounter is guaranteed.

Several experiences include sightings of lots of fish even when turtles were absent. That makes the snorkel stop worthwhile on its own, especially if you enjoy looking for smaller marine life rather than focusing only on large animals.

The short wetsuit is included, which helps with comfort in the water and saves you from bringing or renting one separately. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. Bring your own towel and water, and remember that your swimsuit is not included.

You must be able to swim to take part. This is not a place where you can simply remain in the kayak while everyone else enters the water if the guide considers you unable to participate safely. The company can decide not to run the activity if conditions make it unsafe.

Photos, guides, and the value of the $35 price

At $35 per person, this is unusually strong value if you want several activities in one short outing. The price includes the kayak, snorkeling equipment, short wetsuit, guide, accident insurance, and pictures. You are paying for time on the water rather than a package filled with transport or meals you may not need.

The included photos are a practical bonus. David is praised for taking good pictures, and the photos mean you do not have to spend the whole outing trying to operate a phone near salt water. You can bring a phone in a waterproof case, but that remains your responsibility if it is lost.

The guides shape the experience. Carlos is frequently described as calm, friendly, and a good teacher. Barbara is praised for being cheerful, helpful, and reassuring. Gonza receives strong marks for clear English, ocean experience, and a fun manner. Daniel is noted for keeping people safe while sharing information about the animals and coast.

Dani and Carol have also led groups with detailed but playful instructions, including a group of 10 people. That suggests the activity can work with a small group setting where the guide can keep an eye on paddlers, though the exact group size may vary.

The low price does not remove the physical demands. You paddle for roughly two hours, get in and out of a kayak, and swim in open water. Value is highest for someone who wants active time outdoors and lowest for someone hoping for a passive wildlife cruise.

Who should book this activity?

I would recommend it to confident swimmers, first-time kayakers who want patient guidance, couples, friends, and older teenagers aged 14 or above. The supportive seats, included wetsuits, and clear instruction make it approachable for beginners, while the coastal route and wildlife keep it interesting for people with more experience.

It is especially well suited to anyone who wants a small-scale alternative to a powered wildlife boat. The kayak is quiet and close to the surface, and the eco-certified approach fits people who care about keeping their distance from animals.

You should think twice if you dislike physical activity or are uncomfortable in open water. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, people with back problems, people over 100 kilograms, or people with pre-existing medical conditions. Children under 14 cannot take part, and anyone aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent.

The activity also depends on weather and sea conditions. The operator may decide it is unsafe to run, and you should accept that safety call. Bring sun protection even on a cooler day because you are exposed on the water for a long stretch.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Book a start time that fits your energy level and the rest of your day. The full activity takes three hours, but you should allow a little extra time around arrival, changing, and getting settled.

Apply sunscreen before you reach the beach and bring water with you. The sea reflects sunlight, and paddling can make you feel warmer than expected. A hat is useful before and after the water portion, though you should secure anything that could blow away.

Do not carry valuables into the kayak unless they are properly protected. The company provides lockers, and the safest approach is to use them. If you bring a phone for photos, use a reliable waterproof case and understand that the risk remains yours.

Listen carefully during the briefing even if you have kayaked before. The guide needs the group to move together, stop safely, and respect marine life. Good paddling technique also saves energy, which matters during the return section.

Finally, set your wildlife expectations correctly. A turtle swimming right up to a kayak or a mother and baby dolphin can happen, but it is not the standard you should demand from nature. Fish, scenery, the cave, and the simple pleasure of moving along Tenerife’s coast are enough to make the outing worthwhile.

Should you book the Tenerife kayak and snorkel tour?

Book it if you want an affordable, active three-hour trip with a real chance of seeing dolphins and turtles without using a noisy powered boat. The combination of kayak, secluded-bay snorkeling, wetsuit, equipment, guide, insurance, and photos makes $35 excellent value.

Skip it if you cannot swim, have a listed medical restriction, or want guaranteed animal sightings. For everyone else, this is a well-priced way to see Tenerife from the sea, with strong guides and enough variety to remain worthwhile even when the turtles keep their distance.

FAQ

Where does the kayaking and snorkeling activity start?

It starts at Xplore Tenerife Kayaking and Biking in the Cristianmar building. The office is on the ground floor to the left when you face the sea. You can search for Xplore Tenerife on Google Maps.

Where does the activity end?

The excursion ends back at the same meeting point at Xplore Tenerife Kayaking and Biking.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Are wetsuits and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Kayaks, snorkeling equipment, short wetsuits, accident insurance, a guide, and pictures are included.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. You must be able to swim to take part. The operator may refuse participation if it considers the activity unsafe.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 14. Minors aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, drinking water, a sun hat, and flip-flops. Swimsuits, towels, and water are not included.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.