REVIEW · SNORKELING
Eco Tour in the South of Tenerife with Snorkeling and Bathing Included
Book on Viator →Operated by OCEAN FRIENDS Buceo y Apnea-Freediving · Bookable on Viator
Salt air and volcanic coves make this short. This 2-hour eco boat tour links Rasca Reserve, Montaña Amarilla, and Rasca’s iconic lighthouse with swim and snorkeling breaks. You’ll also get guided context on biodiversity and maritime history as you travel the coast by boat.
What I like most is the small group feel (up to 8 travelers) and how much time you actually spend in the water and along the reserve. The snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour builds in unhurried moments on deck so you can relax instead of racing from stop to stop.
One thing to consider: the route can shift based on sea conditions, meaning you may head toward the Yellow Mountain or other nearby “wonders” depending on what the water allows. And since the total time is just about two hours, the Rasca reserve walk is more of a focused highlight than a long hike.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- From Puerta de las Galletas, it’s all about the coast view
- Montaña Amarilla and Las Maravillas Bay: where the water time happens
- Rasca Reserve and Rasca Lighthouse: Teide and La Gomera show up on the walk
- How the itinerary stays “eco” in practice
- Group size and pace: calm cruising, not a cattle call
- Price and included extras: what $114.52 covers
- Practical tips so you get the most out of your water time
- Should you book this Eco Tour in southern Tenerife?
- FAQ
- How long is the eco tour?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- What’s included in the price?
- Do I get snorkeling equipment?
- What stops are included during the tour?
- Is this a small group tour?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- Is there free cancellation?
- Are service animals allowed?
Key things to know before you go

- Small group on a modern boat: Maximum 8 travelers keeps the vibe calm and easy.
- Snorkeling is built in: Snorkeling gear comes with the tour, plus time for a swim.
- Two Rasca-area experiences: You see Rasca from the boat, then you walk Rasca Reserve and bays.
- Volcanic geology from the sea: Montaña Amarilla and the coast are explained as you sail past.
- Lighthouse viewing time both ways: Rasca Lighthouse appears on the boat route and again during the walk.
- Time on deck matters: You get relaxed free time, not just a quick photo stop.
From Puerta de las Galletas, it’s all about the coast view
You start at Paseo Espigón Las Galletas, 1, right by Puerta de las Galletas (Marina del Sur) in Arona. The whole point is simple: you’re not just seeing southern Tenerife from the road. You’re seeing it from the water, where coves, rock formations, and the lighthouse sit in a totally different relationship to the horizon.
The departure is timed for a compact outing—about two hours total, including the boat segments and the Rasca reserve walk. Because the tour depends on conditions, the route may adjust. That’s usually a good sign with an eco tour: the operator is thinking about comfort and safety, not forcing you into an unsafe rhythm.
There’s also a “you’ll feel taken care of” setup. The boat is described as modern, and there are onboard facilities focused on comfort and safety. For many people, that matters as much as the scenery, especially if you’re traveling with kids or you simply don’t want to stand around handling logistics.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Tenerife
Montaña Amarilla and Las Maravillas Bay: where the water time happens

The first stop is around 50 minutes, centered on Montaña Amarilla and the surrounding area. You leave the port and head toward Las Maravillas Bay, where you’re positioned to enjoy fauna and the quiet atmosphere from the water. This is the part of the tour that feels most like a “time to be in the sea” experience.
Then the boat turns toward the imposing Yellow Mountain (Montaña Amarilla). What makes it more than a pretty shape is that the guides connect it to the area’s volcanic geology. You also pass the Rasca Lighthouse along the way, and the tour includes the chance to spot seabirds—one of those small bonuses that makes the horizon feel alive.
A key moment here is access to the underwater world. The tour plan includes time to look at underwater life from the deck, and then you get free time to swim or snorkel. Snorkeling gear is included, and guides are available while you’re in the water. That’s a helpful detail if you want a simple introduction without feeling like you’re on your own.
What you should watch for: water conditions. If it’s calm, you’ll likely enjoy the snorkeling break more. If there’s movement, expect the deck and the shoreline views to be the focus, and treat snorkeling time as flexible.
Rasca Reserve and Rasca Lighthouse: Teide and La Gomera show up on the walk

After the swim-and-sail stretch, the tour shifts to Rasca with another ~50 minutes. This is where you trade boat time for a walk through the Rasca reserve and up to the emblematic Rasca Lighthouse area.
From the reserve, you get dramatic bay viewpoints and wide sightlines. The tour specifically calls out views of Teide and La Gomera from the bays, which is exactly the kind of “why this area is famous” payoff that you often miss if you only do city viewpoints.
The itinerary keeps this part structured: you’re not wandering endlessly. You’re walking through the reserve with the lighthouse context, then you’re given the time to take in the bays from the right angles. If you like photos, this is the stop where you’ll want to slow down and look around, not just snap and move.
A practical consideration: you’re still working inside a two-hour overall schedule. So treat it like a highlights walk—comfortable, scenic, and meaningful—rather than a long trek.
How the itinerary stays “eco” in practice
The tour is positioned as an eco experience, and you can feel that in how it’s organized: less rushing, more connection to the place you’re moving through. From the start, the guides explain biodiversity and maritime history as you pass key points along the coast, including the Rasca Lighthouse and the reserve.
There’s also a “listen and look” rhythm. Instead of being chained to a strict script, you get guided context while sailing, then you get time to relax—on deck, in the water, and during the reserve walk. That combination helps you actually notice what’s there: the seabirds, the coves, the volcanic forms, and the way the coastline folds into itself.
And because the snorkeling equipment is included, you’re not scrambling mid-trip for rentals or extra costs. For a short tour, that kind of bundling matters. You get more of the experience and less time dealing with add-ons.
Group size and pace: calm cruising, not a cattle call

With a maximum of 8 travelers, this tour is naturally easier to enjoy than the big-bus style excursions. Smaller groups usually mean better communication, more relaxed stops, and fewer bottlenecks when you want to move around the deck.
The pace is also built for people who want variety without overcommitment. The total duration is about two hours, which makes it a strong option if your Tenerife days are already full. You get boat scenery, underwater time, and a lighthouse-and-bays walk in one compact package.
This is also a good family format. The tour description includes safety and comfort on a modern boat, and the itinerary provides guided assistance during snorkeling. If you’re traveling with kids, the ability to choose between relaxing on deck and taking a swim is a real advantage.
If you’re an experienced swimmer, you’ll still enjoy the structured snorkeling time, especially with guides on hand. If you’re not a confident swimmer, you can focus on the boat viewing and reserve walk, since the itinerary includes onboard time for relaxing and simply appreciating the coastline.
Price and included extras: what $114.52 covers

At $114.52 per person, you’re paying for a lot of the stuff that often costs extra on shorter tours. Here’s what’s included in the plan:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Fuel surcharge
- Soda/pop and water plus a snack
That matters because snorkeling equipment rentals can add up quickly, and fuel surcharges are common on boat tours. The beverage and snack are a nice “no-stress” touch too, especially since your outing is only about two hours and you might not want to plan a separate bite before or after.
When I think about value here, I look at three things:
- Time: two hours is short, but it’s packed with both sea access and a reserve walk.
- Support: guides are there during the water time, and small group size helps communication.
- Convenience: equipment and basic refreshments are built in.
The only part that could affect value is if conditions limit the exact route (Yellow Mountain vs. other nearby areas). But even then, the itinerary still centers on Rasca Reserve and lighthouse viewpoints, so you’re not walking away with a completely different tour concept.
Practical tips so you get the most out of your water time

Because the tour includes swimming and snorkeling, plan your day around being water-ready. If you can, wear swimwear under your clothes so you don’t waste time changing. Bring sunscreen and a hat, since you’ll likely spend time on deck outside.
Also bring a small towel or something similar if you have one—water time is part of the point here. Flip-flops or easy slip-on sandals can help for the reserve walk.
A few logistics details that can make your day smoother:
- The tour starts at Puerta de las Galletas (Marina del Sur) and ends back there.
- You’ll receive a confirmation at booking time and a mobile ticket.
- It’s near public transportation, so you’re not locked into only using a taxi.
- Service animals are allowed, which is good to know if that applies to your group.
Finally, keep your expectations flexible. The experience requires good weather, and sea conditions may shift where you sail first. That’s not a flaw—it’s how they keep the tour safe and comfortable.
Should you book this Eco Tour in southern Tenerife?
I’d book it if you want a short Tenerife outing that mixes boat views, snorkeling time, and Rasca’s lighthouse-and-bays scenery without a full-day commitment. The small group size (up to 8) is a big plus, and the included snorkeling gear removes a common hassle.
You should also feel good about it if you like nature with context. The guides are set up to explain biodiversity and maritime history, and the itinerary is designed so you’re not just passing by landmarks—you’re spending time near them.
Skip it or think twice if your main goal is a long hike or you’re set on a very specific route every time. The tour can adjust based on sea conditions, and the overall duration is compact, so you won’t get hours of walking.
If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re snorkeling confidently. I can help you decide if this timing and format fits your style.
FAQ
How long is the eco tour?
The total experience is about 2 hours, including visits and the Rasca reserve walk.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Paseo Espigón Las Galletas, 1 (Puerta de las Galletas / Marina del Sur) in Arona, and it ends back at the same meeting point.
What’s included in the price?
The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, fuel surcharge, and soda/pop plus water and a snack.
Do I get snorkeling equipment?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment use is included.
What stops are included during the tour?
The tour includes Montaña Amarilla (with time for snorkeling/swimming), Rasca (including Rasca Lighthouse and reserve bays), and a return to Marina del Sur.
Is this a small group tour?
Yes. The maximum group size is 8 travelers.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is there free cancellation?
Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are allowed.


































