Tenerife’s volcanic coast gets real close on a kayak. This 3-hour Shaka Surf Tenerife trip pairs double kayaks with snorkel gear for sea-cave swims and turtle spotting, with guides keeping things upbeat while they show you what’s out there.

I love how the route mixes real wildlife time with scenery: black volcanic cliffs, small hidden caves, then a paddle along the coast looking for dolphins and red crabs.

One thing to consider: you’ll be paddling steadily for most of the outing, and animals are never 100% guaranteed, even though the tour notes a high likelihood in season (often 80–90%).

Key points that matter before you go

• Sea cave snorkeling right from the coast, using professional mask-and-snorkel equipment and wetsuits
• Free photos and videos shot with aquatic cameras so you can focus on the moment
• Volcanic coastline route with black cliffs and hidden pockets rather than just open-water cruising
• Wildlife odds are good, with turtles and dolphins possible depending on season and conditions
• Guides actively manage the group, taking extra time with slower paddlers and keeping safety tight
• You get showers, lockers, and snacks back at Shaka Surf Los Cristianos after you rinse off

Los Cristianos meet-up: lockers, wetsuits, showers, and a quick warm start

Your tour starts at Shaka Surf Tenerife in Los Cristianos, at the Shaka Surf shop on the promenade (look for the shop and show your voucher). Before you head out, you’ll check in and get access to changing space with lockers so you can stash your stuff safely. This is the kind of setup that makes a beach activity feel smooth instead of chaotic.

You’ll also get what you need to stay comfortable in the water: a 3-millimeter wetsuit, a life jacket, plus snorkel mask and tube. In practice, that means you can enjoy the snorkeling without spending your trip trying to rent gear or worrying you’re underdressed.

After the tour, you’re offered a small snack (cookies and water are mentioned) and you can use hot or cold showers. Even if the day runs a bit wet, you’ll still end up feeling human when you stroll back along the promenade.

The kayak portion: safety briefing, 2-person kayaks, and real paddle time

The flow goes like this: after you arrive, you’ll get a beach safety briefing (about 20 minutes) before anyone launches. Then it’s into the Atlantic from the Los Cristianos shoreline, and the water typically looks clearer and more blue as you move through this stretch of coast.

The tour runs on double kayaks only for stability. Each double kayak is approved for up to 2 adults and 1 child. If you’re traveling solo, you may be placed with your guide or another single participant. That matters because the whole experience depends on keeping the kayak balanced and moving as a team.

Paddling-wise, plan for sustained effort. The outing is described as physically demanding, and the kayaking segments total enough time that you’ll want some stamina. One practical tip: stay close to your guide if you want the best chance at photos, because they’re taking shots as the group moves.

If the sea gets too rough or wind spikes, the operator can cancel due to adverse conditions. That’s a bummer, but it’s also a sign they’re prioritizing safety over forcing it.

Stop by stop: from Los Cristianos beach to volcanic cliffs

Stop 1: Shaka surf Los Cristianos. Check in, get gear, and do the quick prep. This is where you’ll feel whether the tour is organized or improvising. From what people report, it tends to run tight and smooth, with guides staying focused on both safety and fun.

Stop 2: Playa de Los Cristianos (safety briefing). This is the part that makes the rest easier. You’ll learn what to do, how to handle the kayak, and what to expect in the water. If you’re a first-timer, this briefing is the difference between feeling stressed and feeling ready.

Stop 3: Kayaking along the coast with dolphin watching and wildlife viewing (about 1.5 hours). This is your main cruising time plus the wildlife search. The route aims for volcanic scenery—colossal black-toned cliffs—and brings you close enough to see how dramatic this coastline is. During this segment, you’re also on the lookout for dolphins and other sea life living along the coast.

Stop 4: Snorkeling around caves (about 20 minutes). After the kayak time, you switch gears into snorkeling near the caves and cliff areas you’ve been approaching.

Stop 5: A shorter kayak stretch back (about 30 minutes). Think of it as the final push, when everyone’s usually feeling either happily tired or ready to jump out and rinse off. Then you’re back to Shaka Surf for the post-tour food and showers.

Sea cave snorkeling: turtles, fish, and the best kind of wow factor

The snorkeling portion is one of the main reasons to book. You’ll snorkel in the ocean around small volcanic caves, which is where you have a realistic chance of seeing sea life close to you.

The tour is specifically aimed at turtles, and the description notes it’s one of the most breathtaking parts of the kayaking trip. You’ll also see different types of fish in the area around the caves. A few sightings worth knowing about: people have mentioned everything from turtles and sting rays to other interesting creatures like a Portuguese man o’ war in the broader coastal experience. (Not every animal shows up every day, but it gives you an idea of the variety in these waters.)

Practical thought for you: snorkeling here is short—about 20 minutes. That sounds brief, but it’s timed to fit the kayaking schedule and sea conditions. The upside is you don’t end up exhausted and cold before the best views happen. The wetsuit helps a lot.

Also, keep your mask and breathing steady. If you start panicking, you’ll waste oxygen and miss the moment. The guides’ whole job here is to keep you feeling safe enough to enjoy the seabed and the wildlife.

Dolphin searching: how to think about the 80–90% note

You’ll paddle looking for dolphins after the cave approach—often described as families of dolphins moving near the coast. The tour states the chance to see this kind of animal depends on season but is usually between 80% and 90%. That’s a strong probability, but it’s still a probability, not a promise.

Here’s a useful way to plan emotionally: treat dolphins as a bonus that can make the day feel extra cinematic, while still knowing you’ll get value even if they’re not around. Even on days without dolphin sightings, people still describe the snorkeling and turtle time as the highlight because it’s the most interactive part.

In other words, don’t book just for one animal. Book for the overall format: kayak access to dramatic volcanic coast + a controlled snorkeling window + a guided hunt for wildlife.

Guides in charge: what the best ones do with you

This is one of those tours where the guide quality really shows. People consistently talk about guides being kind, professional, and fun, and they often mention specific names like Gabriël (often called Gabi), Caroline, and Karolien. If you get one of the more energetic guides, expect extra checking-in during the paddle and clear coaching before you start snorkeling.

Good guides also manage group pace. If some participants lag behind, the guide’s job isn’t to ignore them—it’s to keep the tour safe and still enjoyable for everyone. That shows up in how the group is handled during the active parts: you’re not just released into the ocean.

Language is also supported: live guides in Spanish, Italian, and English. If you’re trying to follow animal explanations and local context, having your guide in a language you understand helps a lot.

If you like photos, the guide’s system matters. The tour uses aquatic cameras for free photos and videos, and people report getting the best shots when they stay near the guide during movement.

What to bring (and what to skip) for an easy morning

The tour gives you a lot of the water gear, so your list stays simple. Bring:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• A change of clothes (helpful for the ride back)

The tour also notes not to bring alcohol and drugs.

If you have a waterproof camera or GoPro-style camera, you might want it. People often suggest bringing one because the guide is shooting too, but having your own view can be nice. Still, don’t overpack—your focus should be on paddling and snorkeling, not hauling gear.

Who this tour fits best (and who should pass)

This outing is best for active travelers who don’t mind ocean paddling. If you’ve got limited stamina, it may feel like work rather than fun. The tour is also described as not suitable for people with:

• Back problems
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Pregnancy
• People over 220 lbs (100 kg)

That doesn’t mean you need extreme fitness. It does mean you should be honest about your body’s ability to handle steady paddling and a bit of effort in the water, even with wetsuit and life jacket support.

If you’re a first-time kayaker, it can still work—training is provided before you launch. The key is to take the briefing seriously and listen when the guide sets expectations for keeping your kayak stable.

Price and value: why $34 usually feels fair

At $34 per person for about three hours, this tour packs in several things that would cost extra if you did them separately. You’re not just paying for a kayak rental—you’re also getting:

• Kayak with paddles and soft seats
• Life jackets
• 3mm wetsuit
• Snorkel mask and tube
• Photos and videos shot with aquatic cameras (sent to participants for free)
• A small snack plus water
• Showers and lockers afterward

The value angle is simple: your cost covers the full water day plus the documentation. That’s why it tends to feel like a bargain for people who don’t want to gamble with DIY snorkeling logistics.

The one variable is wildlife. You may not see turtles or dolphins every single time, and the tour itself says sightings depend on season and conditions. But even when animals are less cooperative, you still get volcanic-coast kayaking and a guided snorkeling stop.

Should you book this Los Cristianos turtle kayak tour?

Book it if you want an active, guided water day with real wildlife potential and the convenience of gear + photos handled for you. You’ll likely enjoy it most if you’re okay with steady paddling and you don’t need a guarantee of dolphins or turtles to have fun.

Skip it if you fall into any of the not-suitable categories (pregnancy, back problems, medical conditions, or over 220 lbs) or if you want a very easy, low-effort outing. Also keep your expectations flexible because sea conditions can change fast in Tenerife waters.

If you go in with the right mindset—work a little, listen to the guide, and stay close for photos—you’ll come back with a very “I did something” kind of day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour meets at Shaka Surf Los Cristianos, at the Cristianmar Building near Shaka Surf shop number 11 on the Los Cristianos promenade.

How long is the experience?

The duration is listed as 3 hours (you can check availability for starting times).

What’s included in the price?

You get a double kayak with paddles and soft seats, life jackets, a 3mm wetsuit, snorkel mask and tube, and a water bag. Photos and videos are included, plus cookies and water. There are lockers and showers at the center.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear or wetsuit?

No. The tour provides the wetsuit and snorkeling equipment.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. A change of clothes is a smart idea since you’ll want to get dry after.

Is it suitable for solo travelers?

Yes. If you’re a single participant, you can be accompanied by the guide or another single participant in line with the tour’s double-kayak setup.

What kind of kayaking do you do?

It’s done on approved double kayaks for stability. The tour includes a main kayaking segment, a shorter final segment, and snorkeling stops along the way.

Do they take photos and videos?

Yes. The guides use aquatic cameras and send photos/videos to participants for free.

What if the weather is bad?

If strong wind or adverse sea conditions make the excursion unsafe, the trip could be cancelled and the booking cost refunded in full.

Who should not book this tour?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people over 220 lbs (100 kg), or people with pre-existing medical conditions. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.

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