Scooter fun snorcel tour in turtle area

The fun here is not just spotting a turtle. You get to move through the water on an underwater scooter, then continue looking for sea life around Abades Beach, a protected natural area in the Canary Islands. The scooter is simple to use, and it can help you move around even if swimming takes effort.

I like two things in particular: the small group limit of three people, which gives you room to get instructions and attention, and the included photos and videos, so you can keep a record of the outing without managing a camera in the water.

One point to weigh carefully: this is still a water-based activity, not a ride where you stay dry. Turtles are not guaranteed, and you need to be comfortable spending at least an hour in the water, including in depths of 2 to 15 meters.

• Scooter time: Expect about 40 minutes using the underwater scooter, after a short briefing and practice.
• Wildlife: The guides look for turtles, rays, fish, octopus and cuttlefish. Sightings vary, and turtles are not assured.
• Small group: The limit is three participants, with an experienced, licensed guide.
• Equipment included: You’ll be supplied with a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins and scooter.
• Photos and video: Images from the outing are provided at drop-off or by WhatsApp.
• Water comfort matters: Children can join from age six, but non-swimmers need to be comfortable in the water and able to manage the time there.

Starting at Abades Beach

The meeting point is in front of Restaurant Magilu at Abades Beach. You’ll meet the guide there, hear how the tour will work, and get a briefing before putting on the equipment. Bring your swimsuit or beachwear and a towel. The wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins and scooter are included.

Abades is described as a protected natural park, so the appeal is not simply a scooter session in open water. You’re heading into a marine area where the guides look for local sea life, while the rules include one important instruction: do not touch marine animals. That is good for the wildlife and makes for a better encounter. Watch, give animals space, and let the guide lead the approach.

The total activity lasts two hours, but not all of that is scooter time. After gearing up and listening to the briefing, you’ll enter the water from the beach and try the scooter. The underwater scooter portion lasts about 40 minutes, and the water outing continues as the group searches for turtles and other marine life.

Getting comfortable on the scooter

Before you set off, the guide explains how to use the equipment and gives you a chance to try the scooter. That introduction matters, especially if this is your first time using one. The activity is presented as easy to learn, but a short explanation does not remove the need to feel at ease in the water.

The scooter gives you a way to move through the water without relying only on your own swimming. One participant who described having limited stamina found it especially useful for holding on and being pulled along. That is a helpful clue for anyone who wants to see more underwater but worries that ordinary snorkelling will be tiring. It is not a reason to ignore the water requirements, though: the tour lasts at least 60 minutes in the water, and the route takes place in water 2 to 15 meters deep.

You may also use the scooter to move lower beneath the surface. A participant noted that it made going deeper easier, but you should still follow the guide’s instructions and stay within your comfort level. The activity is not a substitute for swimming ability in every situation, and it is not recommended for non-swimmers who have poor fitness or find extended time in water difficult.

Looking for turtles, rays and smaller sea life

Turtles are a major draw, but the guide cannot promise a sighting. There is a good chance of seeing them in the area, yet these are wild animals, not a scheduled stop. If a turtle does not appear, the outing still offers time to look for colourful fish and other marine life.

The possible sightings include sting rays, octopus and cuttlefish, as well as fish in many colours. The specific mix depends on what is present during your visit. You may see plenty, or you may have a quieter wildlife outing. That uncertainty is part of choosing a nature-based activity, and it is worth booking for the scooter and the chance to explore, rather than treating a turtle sighting as the only measure of success.

The guide’s role is especially useful here. You are not simply sent off to search on your own: the stated plan is to look for the animals together, with the guide providing information about what you see. The small group size can make it easier to stay close and follow directions without a crowd of swimmers around you.

Keep your hands to yourself around wildlife, even when an animal comes close. The no-touch rule protects the creatures and keeps the encounter respectful. It also gives you a simple way to make the most of the moment: watch, listen to your guide, and leave the animal free to move on.

What the two-hour outing feels like

The tour has a clear rhythm. First comes the meeting and briefing, followed by changing into the provided equipment. Then you enter the water from the beach, get familiar with the scooter and spend about 40 minutes using it. The outing continues beyond that scooter session while the group searches for turtles and other sea life, before returning to shore.

The distinction between scooter time and total tour time is worth noting. If you are comparing this with a short scooter rental, the two-hour activity is more than a 40-minute ride. The remaining time includes preparation, instruction and the continued search in the water. The exact amount of time spent on each part is not specified, so think of the scooter as one part of a guided snorkel outing rather than the entire event.

At the end, you return to the beach. Your photos and videos are provided at drop-off or sent by WhatsApp. That is a practical touch: underwater photography can be awkward when you are focused on keeping your mask in place and following a guide. Having someone else capture images means you can pay attention to the water and the animals.

The guides named in accounts of the activity include Andrés and Natalie. The tour is offered in English, German and Spanish, and an experienced, licensed guide is included. If you have a specific language preference, check that the available departure works for you when choosing a time.

Is $41 good value?

At $41 per person, the price covers a two-hour guided outing, full snorkelling equipment, an underwater scooter, and photos and video. That is a more complete package than paying only for access to a scooter, especially if you want a guide to help you search for wildlife and explain what you are seeing.

The value depends on what you want from the morning or afternoon. If you are mainly interested in a turtle sighting, the lack of a guarantee makes the price harder to judge. But if you would enjoy using the scooter, seeing fish and other marine life, and coming away with photos even if turtles stay out of sight, the package offers several ways to make the time worthwhile.

The group limit also helps justify the cost. With no more than three participants, the guide can keep the outing small and personal. That matters in the water, where clear instructions and a manageable pace are more useful than a large group moving together.

Booking is flexible: you can reserve and pay later, and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is eligible for a full refund. Starting times depend on availability. Those terms help if your plans may shift, though you should still check the time that suits your day before booking.

Who should book this tour?

This is a strong fit for couples, friends and families with children aged six or older who are comfortable in the water and want an active, guided outing. It may also suit someone who has less stamina for ordinary snorkelling, since the scooter can make movement easier. But a scooter does not turn the activity into a dry or low-effort excursion.

Non-swimmers may join only if they are not afraid of water and have the condition to stay in it for around an hour. The tour is not recommended for non-swimmers in poor condition, and people with a cold should not take part. If you are unsure about your ability, be honest with yourself before booking. The water depth ranges from 2 to 15 meters, and the outing involves swimming.

Bring beachwear and a towel. The rest of the core equipment is supplied. Most important, come ready for a real water activity: you will be in the sea, following a guide, and sharing space with wildlife that may or may not appear on cue.

Should you book it?

Book this if the idea of moving through the water on a scooter sounds fun in its own right, and you would enjoy seeing fish and other sea life even if no turtle appears. The small group, included gear and photos make it easy to try without arranging the equipment yourself.

Skip it if you are uncomfortable in open water, cannot manage at least an hour in the sea, or would be disappointed without a turtle sighting. For the right person, the scooter is the main event and the wildlife is a welcome bonus. For everyone else, the water demands are more important than the promise of a memorable photo.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The full activity lasts two hours. The underwater scooter portion is about 40 minutes, while the water outing continues as the group looks for wildlife.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. There is a good chance of seeing turtles in the area, but sightings are not guaranteed. The tour also looks for fish, rays, octopus and cuttlefish.

What equipment is included?

You receive a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins and an underwater scooter. An experienced, licensed guide is included as well.

Can non-swimmers take part?

Non-swimmers can join if they are not afraid of water and are fit enough to manage at least an hour in it. The activity is not recommended for non-swimmers in poor condition.

What is the minimum age?

Children can take part from age six. Children under six are not suitable for the activity.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear and a towel. The snorkelling equipment and wetsuit are provided.

Can I cancel or pay later?

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