Tenerife: Kayak and Snorkel with Turtles, Wetsuits Included

The best part of this Tenerife trip is the chance to look for dolphins and turtles from a quiet kayak, then swap your paddle for a mask in a bay reached only by boat. You are out on the water for about three hours, with mountain and coastline views along the way.

I like two things in particular: the small, unobtrusive feel of kayak-based wildlife watching and the practical inclusions, especially short wetsuits, snorkel gear, and photos. The kayaks also have seats with back support, a welcome detail when you are paddling for a while.

The main caveat is simple: wildlife is wild. The operator gives a 90 percent chance of seeing dolphins or turtles, but sightings are not guaranteed, and the paddling can be tiring. You must be able to swim and weigh no more than 100 kg to take part.

Key points before you book

• Wildlife watching from kayaks: Look for dolphins and turtles without approaching them in a motorized boat.
• A boat-accessible snorkel stop: The route includes a swim and snorkel break in a secluded bay.
• About three hours on the water: Expect a safety briefing, a short walk to the beach, paddling, wildlife watching, and a return to the meeting point.
• Wetsuits and photos are included: Bring your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, and water.
• A guide can shape the day: Carlos, Barbara, Gonza, and David are among the guides named by participants, but assignments can vary.
• Not for everyone: You must be at least 14, able to swim, and within the 100 kg per-person limit.

What the kayak trip is really like

This is an active outing, not a boat ride with a paddle for show. You will help move the kayak along Tenerife’s coast, keep an eye out for marine life, and stop to snorkel. If you want a close look at the sea without joining a larger motorboat excursion, the quiet pace of a kayak is a real appeal.

The operator describes its approach as eco-certified and says the kayaks let you observe animals without frightening or disturbing them. That is a sensible way to think about the wildlife encounter: you are there to watch from a respectful distance, not to chase or touch anything. The animals decide whether they come near.

Tenerife’s waters are home to several dolphin species, including bottlenose dolphins, which are often easier to spot. Rough-toothed, striped, and common dolphins can also be found in the area. Green turtles are seen on many trips, and loggerhead turtles are sometimes encountered. The operator estimates a 90 percent chance of seeing dolphins or turtles, but no one can promise a sighting on a particular day.

That uncertainty is worth accepting before you book. Some outings bring dolphins close to the kayaks, or a turtle into view, while others may turn up fish but no turtles. You still get the coastline, the paddle, and the snorkel stop, so try to judge the trip by the whole outing rather than by a single animal encounter.

Setting out from Los Cristianos

The meeting point is Xplore Tenerife Kayaking and Biking, in the Cristianmar building. Look for the office on the ground floor, to the left of the building when you are facing the sea. The activity ends back at the same place, which makes the start and finish straightforward once you have found the office.

The group begins with a 15-minute safety briefing. Expect instructions on handling the kayak and taking part safely, especially if this is your first time paddling. Guides including Carlos, Barbara, Gonza, David, Daniel, Dani, and Carol have led groups. The names that come up most often are Carlos, Barbara, Gonza, and David, but you should not assume you will be assigned a particular guide.

After the briefing, there is a five-minute walk before you reach Playa de Los Cristianos and the kayaks. Bring flip-flops for this part, and keep your belongings simple. Changing rooms and lockers are available, though you will still need to bring your own swimwear and towel.

Paddling the coast and watching for dolphins

The main kayak portion begins from Playa de Los Cristianos. The route includes a stretch of about an hour along the coast, with time to look out for dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. You will also get views of Tenerife’s coastline and mountains from the water, a different perspective from the beach or road.

The kayaks have comfortable seats and back support, which helps on a trip that involves sustained paddling. Still, you will be using your arms and upper body, and one participant described the outing as physically tiring. If you are new to kayaking, you can still enjoy it, but be realistic about your stamina and ask the guide for help if you need it.

Guides are an important part of the experience. Participants particularly praise Carlos for calm, friendly instruction; Barbara for making newcomers feel welcome; and Gonza and David for clear guidance and help spotting wildlife. One guide, David, was also singled out for taking good photos. That does not guarantee a specific guide or a particular photo, but it gives you a sense of what good guiding can add: clear instructions, a safer-feeling paddle, and someone who knows where to watch.

Keep your expectations measured when dolphins appear. The kayak gives you a quiet vantage point, but this is not a staged performance. Dolphins may swim nearby or leap from the water, but they may also stay away. The same applies to turtles. A close encounter is memorable precisely because it is not scheduled.

The Cueva de los Enamorados stop

The route includes a 15-minute section at Cueva de los Enamorados, or Cave of the Lovers. You continue kayaking and watching for wildlife, with coastal scenery along the way. The name adds a little local character to the route, but the supplied details do not promise a cave tour or time spent on land, so think of this as a kayaking stop along the coastal outing.

Afterward, the group heads back toward Playa de Los Cristianos. The route gives you another chance to scan the water and enjoy the views, but it also means you will paddle for a substantial part of the three-hour experience. If you are hoping for a mostly passive excursion, this is the wrong format. If you like being part of the movement, that effort is part of the fun.

Snorkeling in a bay reached by boat

The snorkel stop is one of the outing’s best reasons to book. The group pauses in a bay accessible only by boat, where you can swim and look for fish and other marine life. Because the route takes you away from the usual beach access, it gives the excursion a more tucked-away feel without requiring a long hike or a separate boat booking.

Snorkel equipment is included, as are short wetsuits. You still need to bring your swimwear, and you should bring a towel and water for afterward. The wetsuit is a useful extra, but the word short matters: it is not a full-length suit.

Turtles and bull rays may appear beneath you, but treat that as a possibility, not a promise. Fish sightings are also a likely part of the snorkel break, while the exact marine life will depend on conditions and what is nearby. You are required to know how to swim, and the operator can decide not to run the activity if conditions make it unsafe.

What the $35 price gets you

At $35 per person, this is good value if you want an active half-day outing rather than a simple kayak rental. The price includes the kayak, snorkel equipment, a guide, accident insurance, photos, and a short wetsuit. You get both a coastal paddle and time in the water, so the outing combines two activities without needing to arrange gear separately.

The price is especially appealing for first-time kayakers, since instruction and a guide are part of the package. The guide can help with safety and route-finding, while photos give you a way to keep a record without needing to handle your phone on the water. If you do bring a phone, one participant used a waterproof case but noted that carrying it is your responsibility. That is a useful reminder: do not bring anything you would be upset to lose or damage.

Water, swimsuits, and towels are not included. Bring your own drinking water, sun protection, and a towel, and factor those items into your plans. The stated price is $35 per person, but check availability when booking for the current rate and start times.

Who should book this outing

This trip suits you if you enjoy being active outdoors, want to see Tenerife from the sea, and are happy to share the water with wildlife on its terms. It also works well if you are new to kayaking but comfortable swimming, since the outing includes a safety briefing and guides who help beginners.

It is not suitable for children under 14, pregnant women, non-swimmers, people with back problems, people over 100 kg, or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Anyone aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent. The weight limit is listed as 100 kg per person and relates to kayak stability, so do not book if you exceed it.

You should also think about the physical side. The kayak section lasts for much of the outing, and some people find it tiring. Comfortable seats and back support help, but they do not remove the need to paddle. If you have concerns about your health or ability, check with the operator before booking.

Practical details to sort out

The activity lasts three hours, and starting times depend on availability. The guide may speak Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, or French. The group meets at Xplore Tenerife Kayaking and Biking in the Cristianmar building and returns there at the end.

Pack a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, water, and flip-flops. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is offered.

One small planning point: do not arrive expecting the tour to provide every beach item. The operator supplies the technical gear, but you provide the basics for changing, sun protection, and hydration. With those sorted, you can focus on the route rather than wishing you had brought a towel.

Should you book the Tenerife kayak and snorkel trip?

I would book this if you want an affordable, active way to experience Tenerife’s coast and you are comfortable with the fact that wildlife sightings are never certain. The combination of paddling, a secluded snorkel stop, included equipment, and a guide makes the $35 price strong value.

Book it for the sea time and the chance to see dolphins or turtles, not because you expect a guaranteed close encounter. If you are a non-swimmer, have one of the listed health restrictions, exceed the weight limit, or would rather avoid sustained paddling, choose another activity. For everyone else, bring water and sun protection, listen carefully during the briefing, and let the wildlife set the pace.

FAQ

How long is the kayak and snorkel trip?

The activity lasts three hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends 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.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. You must be able to swim to take part.

What is the minimum age?

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

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The limit is 100 kg per person for kayak stability. People over that limit cannot take part.

Are wetsuits and snorkel equipment included?

Yes. Short wetsuits and snorkeling equipment are included, along with the kayak, guide, photos, and accident insurance.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, water, sunscreen, a sun hat, and flip-flops. Water, swimwear, and towels are not provided.

Are dolphin and turtle sightings guaranteed?

No. The operator estimates a 90 percent chance of encountering dolphins or turtles, but sightings of wild animals cannot be guaranteed.

What languages can the guide speak?

Guides may speak Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, or French.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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