Rays and turtles are the goal. This 90-minute snorkeling outing in Tenerife focuses on special underwater spots in the Rayas and Turtles Zone, with a guide who stays in the water and turns the trip into something you can learn from.

Two things I really like: the group stays small (max 10), so you’re not lost in a crowd, and the experience is beginner-friendly across ages and swim levels.

One possible drawback: turtles are not guaranteed. On one day, the group didn’t see them and still had fun with other sea life.

Key takeaways before you go

• Small group size (max 10) means more attention and an easier time asking questions
• In-water guidance keeps your snorkeling more confident, and more educational too
• Target animals, not a promise: you’re hunting turtles and rays, but sightings vary
• Sea-state decides the departure: boat from Marina del Sur or coast from Abades
• English is covered with a guide who takes time with different skill levels

Rayas and Turtles Zone: the underwater mission you’re signing up for

This is a guided snorkeling excursion designed around one job: get you to special places in Tenerife’s Rayas and Turtles Zone and keep you safe and informed while you’re there. It’s not a walk-by-the-view type of outing. You’ll be in the water with the guide, so the real experience happens underwater.

The name matters, because it tells you what the trip is aiming for. Rays and turtles are the headline. In practice, that means you should show up with realistic expectations: the sea is the boss, and sea life sightings are never guaranteed.

Why the “guided in the water” setup is worth it

You’ll see a lot of tour options that act like snorkeling is self-serve. Here, your guide is part of the action. One strong theme from the feedback is that the guide explains things clearly and takes time with the group, including mixed abilities.

That matters because snorkeling success is mostly about small adjustments: how you float, how you move, and how you watch without wasting energy. A guide who can coach you in the moment makes the time feel shorter and the experience feel bigger.

Price and value: what $66.16 buys you for 90 minutes

At $66.16 per person for about 1 hour 30 minutes, this sits in the mid-range for guided snorkeling in Tenerife. The value comes from two practical factors:

• Time in the water with a guide, not just transport and a quick look
• A small max group size (10), which usually means better attention during the water time

Another value point: it’s booked on average about 9 days ahead. That usually signals it’s popular with people planning a Tenerife trip without needing months of lead time.

If you’re deciding between a cheaper, less guided option and this one, think about what you want from snorkeling. If you want a calm, coached experience where you can understand what you’re seeing, this price starts to look fair.

Where you meet in Abades, and what “returned to start” really means

You’ll start at Av. de Ocira, 23, 38588 Abades, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point, which is convenient. It also reduces stress for your day plan—no worrying about a different drop-off location.

It’s also listed as near public transportation, which matters if you’re not renting a car. If you’re bouncing between Tenerife highlights, being able to get there without a private transfer is a real plus.

Marina del Sur by boat or Abades from shore: how sea state changes your day

Here’s a key detail: depending on the state of the sea, the excursion departs from one of two places.

• Marina del Sur for a boat departure
• Abades for a coast departure

That decision isn’t just logistics. It affects your time feel and your comfort. Boat departures can help you reach the right snorkel areas faster. Coast departures can feel more direct and simple, especially if the water is calm enough.

The best mindset is flexible. The excursion is weather-dependent anyway, so you’re already choosing an experience that adapts to ocean conditions.

Your time in the water: small group, big attention

Expect a guided snorkeling format where everyone is with the guide while you’re in the water. The trip is designed for most travelers, and the group can include beginners and different age ranges.

One of the stand-out impressions is how the guide works with a mixed group. In one group of eight, the guide took time to explain things to everyone, with participants spanning ages 9 to 50 and mixed skill levels. That’s the kind of pacing you want when you’re not all advanced swimmers.

What “educational” looks like on a snorkeling outing

Educational doesn’t mean you’re stuck listening on land. It usually means the guide points things out as you go—what you’re likely seeing, what to watch for, and how to move so you don’t spook wildlife.

Even when sightings don’t hit the exact target (like turtles), you can still leave with better understanding and less guesswork. That’s a big reason to choose a guided excursion over doing your own snorkel without context.

Animal sightings: turtles, rays, and the day the guide still delivered

The trip is built around turtles and rays, but nature doesn’t read the itinerary.

In the feedback, one group unfortunately didn’t see turtles that day. Still, the experience was rated highly because they saw other sea life—specifically a stingray and what’s described (auto-translated) as a rare species, likely Squatina squatina, also known as an angel shark.

That’s a useful reminder for you: decide to snorkel for the experience and the chance to see wildlife, not for a guaranteed turtle photo.

How to increase your odds of good sightings (without overthinking)

You can’t control whether turtles show up. But you can control your snorkeling habits. To give yourself the best chance:

• Stay calm and float steadily instead of kicking fast
• Look slowly and scan wider than just straight ahead
• Follow the guide’s cues during the water time

If you’re the kind of traveler who tends to rush, this is where a patient approach pays off.

The guide factor: Paco’s patient coaching and ethical approach

A repeated theme is that the guide matters. One person highlighted Paco as awesome—knowledgeable in the sense that he explains and takes time, but more importantly, patient with a mixed group. Another comment points to a friendly and ethical approach.

Ethics in snorkeling isn’t just about rules. It shows up in how you’re guided to move around sea life without grabbing or chasing. When a guide signals care and respect, the whole outing feels more thoughtful.

If you care about doing responsible wildlife watching, this kind of guide style is a real selling point.

Language and group vibe: English help and mixed skill levels

The excursion is offered in English, and that’s a practical advantage if you don’t want to rely on basic Spanish for underwater explanations.

Group size is capped at 10 travelers, which usually leads to a calmer pace and easier communication. That also helps if you’re not a strong swimmer. You won’t feel like you’re trying to keep up with a line of people who all move differently.

From the feedback, this setup can work for a wide mix of ages and comfort levels. So if your travel group has both experienced snorkelers and first-timers, this is the kind of outing that has a better chance of working for everyone.

What weather and sea conditions mean for your plans

This excursion requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Sea conditions also drive the departure point (Marina del Sur vs Abades), so even if the day is technically “fine,” the provider may still shift how you start. That’s normal for ocean-based snorkeling.

The practical move for you: keep your schedule flexible the day you book. Treat it like a weather-sensitive activity, not something you can lock in like a museum ticket.

Ticketing and timing: simple to arrange, short to enjoy

You’ll use a mobile ticket, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking time. That makes it easy to manage while you’re on the move.

Duration is listed as about 1 hour 30 minutes. That’s a good length for snorkeling in Tenerife because it’s long enough to feel like a real experience, but short enough that you can still enjoy the rest of your day—especially if you plan to add another stop later.

Also note: the experience has a maximum of 10 travelers, and it’s commonly booked around a week to two weeks out. If your dates are fixed, it’s worth booking ahead instead of waiting.

Who should book Rayas and Turtles Zone snorkeling

This excursion is a good fit if:

• You want guided snorkeling rather than self-led chaos
• Your group includes different ages or skill levels
• You care about learning what you’re seeing underwater
• You’re comfortable with the idea that turtles aren’t guaranteed

You might skip it if you need a highly predictable wildlife outcome or you hate uncertainty from sea conditions. The ocean controls the day here.

Before you go: practical prep tips that make snorkeling easier

The tour details don’t list gear or swim level requirements beyond saying most travelers can participate. So I’d treat this like a typical snorkeling outing and prepare like a pro, even if you’re a beginner:

• Wear swim-friendly clothing and bring something easy to put back on afterward
• Use sunscreen on the parts you’ll have exposed before you get in the water
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan accordingly since you may depart by boat depending on sea state
• Bring a towel and a dry layer for afterward

And the best advice: listen to the guide during the brief and during the water time. In this kind of outing, small technique tweaks can change everything.

Should you book this snorkeling excursion?

I’d book it if your priority is a small-group, guided, in-water snorkeling experience with a focus on rays and turtles in Tenerife. The guide attention is the main reason. When Paco (and the team’s style) takes time with mixed skill levels, snorkeling becomes less intimidating and more enjoyable.

Just go in with the right mindset: you’re chasing wildlife, not ordering it. If turtles are your one non-negotiable sighting, you may still have a great time—but you’ll need to accept the ocean might offer something else instead, like stingrays and even rarer sightings.

If that kind of flexible wildlife experience sounds like your trip style, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the snorkeling excursion?

The meeting point is Av. de Ocira, 23, 38588 Abades, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the Rayas and Turtles Zone snorkeling last?

The duration is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

What is the price per person?

The price is $66.16 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the excursion is offered in English.

What size group should I expect?

The excursion has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Where does the tour depart from?

Depending on sea conditions, departure is either from Marina del Sur (boat departure) or Abades (coast departure).

Will I get a ticket on my phone?

Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on the local experience start time.

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