Sea turtles up close beats any postcard. This tour is interesting because you’re guided to snorkel in Malpais de Rasca, a protected area, so the ocean feels less like a zoo and more like the real thing. I love the expert freediving instructor who keeps the group calm and controlled, and I love the hour in the water focused on turtles and other marine life. One drawback to factor in: seeing turtles is likely, but not guaranteed, and you must be able to swim.

I also like that it’s built around time in the water, not a long day of waiting around. You get the speedboat ride out from Marina del Sur (Las Galletas Harbour), a proper wetsuit/snorkel setup, and free photos afterward so you can remember it without fuss.

If you run hot and hate cold water, take note: the ocean can feel chilly in a wetsuit, and visibility can vary with conditions. Still, the overall structure is simple, short, and focused—exactly what you want when the goal is sea turtles.

Key things I’d bet on before booking

• Protected Malpais de Rasca snorkeling for a more respectful turtle encounter
• Expert freediving instructor guidance for comfort and safety in the water
• Small-group feel that helps you stay together and avoid rushing the animals
• Included wetsuit and snorkel gear so you’re not hunting rentals last minute
• Free photos included, but no video

Entering the tour at Marina del Sur (dock 5)

This starts at Marina del Sur, Las Galletas Harbour, at dock 5. You’ll want to show up 20 minutes early, not because it’s a big “check-in ceremony,” but because the equipment and briefings need a little time. The whole experience is only 2 hours, so you’ll feel any delays quickly.

You’ll be dealing with Spanish and English instruction. If you’re even a little rusty with snorkeling terms, it helps that the instructor can switch languages and explain clearly. Also, the provider (Ocean Friends Buceo and Freediving) includes insurance, which is one of those practical “good to have” details that you notice only when you don’t have it.

One more logistics thing I like: the company contacts you the day before the tour by WhatsApp or email to ask for your snorkeling equipment sizes. That’s a small detail, but it usually means less fumbling on site and a better fit for the mask and fins.

The value of this price: $81 for a short, guided turtle swim

At $81 per person for a 2-hour total experience, the value is really about how the time is spent. You’re not paying for a half-day of transfers and standing around. Instead, you’re paying for:

• a speedboat ride (about 25 minutes each way),
• an hour of snorkel time in a protected area,
• included gear (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins),
• and an experienced instructor focused on safety and respectful animal behavior.

That “hour in the water” matters because snorkeling is only fun when you’re actually in it. If you’ve ever done a tour where the best part is 20 minutes long, you’ll understand why this setup feels fair.

Is it worth it if you’re not 100% sure you’ll see turtles? I’d say yes—if you’re okay with “high probability, not a guarantee.” The snorkeling area is chosen for marine life, and you’ll also be looking for other creatures while you’re swimming respectfully.

Speedboat to Malpais de Rasca: views from the sea

After meeting at dock 5, you’ll board a speedboat for about 25 minutes. This is not just transportation. It’s also your first look at the coast from the water as you travel through the Natural Protected area Malpais de Rasca.

This part works well because it sets expectations without overcomplicating anything. You’ll settle in, get oriented, and understand that the destination is about conservation-aware snorkeling. When you later drop into the water, it doesn’t feel random—it feels like you’re entering a place with rules.

The “protected area” angle also helps explain the behavior you’ll be taught. This tour is built around keeping distance and staying calm so the animals don’t act like they’re being disturbed.

One hour snorkeling: turtle etiquette and what the guide really does

Once you reach the snorkeling spot, you’ll get about 1 hour in the water. The key selling point here is swimming with sea turtles and other marine life in their natural environment. And yes, turtles are the highlight—but you’re not only looking for turtles.

What I’d focus on is how the instructor runs the water part. You’ll be accompanied by an expert freediving instructor who gives instructions for safety and comfort. That matters even if you’ve snorkeled before, because the goal isn’t only to see animals—it’s to do it without stirring up chaos.

Here’s the kind of mindset the tour encourages:

• Move slowly so you’re not kicking up sand or clouding the water.
• Stay controlled and respectful so turtles aren’t forced to avoid you.
• Keep the group together so the guide can manage spacing and attention.

The tour also notes that you’re in small groups and that respectful behavior helps avoid impact on the turtles. That’s not a vague promise. It’s the logic behind the instructor-led format.

The big reality check: turtles aren’t machines

You should know the practical truth: they’re animals in the wild, so there’s a high probability of seeing turtles, but it can’t be guaranteed. If you’re the type who gets frustrated when nature doesn’t cooperate, this is the only part that can sting.

Still, even when turtles are shy, a guided snorkel in a protected area can turn up plenty of marine life. In past experiences with this kind of setup, people often enjoy the wider underwater ecosystem, not just one species.

Gear you actually use (and what’s included)

This is one of the easiest tours to pack for because the basics are included: wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins. They also include photos, which saves you from having to rely on your own camera for memories.

What you bring is simple:

• Swimwear
• Towel

That’s it. You don’t need to assemble a rental kit or worry about whether the snorkel gear fits. Also, if you already own your own wetsuit, you might prefer using it—but the core equipment is provided either way.

What’s not included: no video

You’ll get free pictures, but video is not included. So if video is your main goal, plan accordingly. Bring your own device if that’s what you care about, and manage your expectations about what the tour photographer captures.

Photos: a nice memory without the pressure

At the end, you’ll receive free pictures to take home. That’s a great “low effort, high payoff” detail for a snorkel tour, because underwater photos are harder than they look.

One useful thing to know: photos may be taken in different moments of the day, not necessarily only underwater. If you’re hoping for super crisp turtle close-ups, you’ll still want to enjoy the real-time swim first. Your best shots usually come from being calm in the water, not from rushing to pose.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This experience is not suitable for children under 8 and not suitable for non-swimmers. You’ll be asked to swim during the activity, so this is not for people who want to “watch from the boat.”

You’ll probably love it if:

• you can swim confidently and like the idea of an instructor-led water session,
• you want an intimate, controlled snorkeling experience (small groups),
• you care about respectful wildlife behavior more than speedrunning photos.

If you’re a strong swimmer but nervous about cold water, consider this: the activity is only 2 hours total, and the wetsuit is provided, but ocean conditions still matter. Plan for the possibility that you’ll feel chilled during your time in the water.

Price and value: what you’re paying for beyond turtles

Even though sea turtles are the headline, the value is in the how:

• A protected area (Malpais de Rasca) means the snorkeling is designed for wildlife, not random shoreline drifting.
• An expert freediving instructor means you get better safety and better animal respect.
• Equipment included reduces friction.
• Small group structure keeps you from tumbling into an overcrowded “everyone everywhere” vibe.
• Insurance adds practical peace of mind.

For $81, you’re paying for a packaged experience that doesn’t require you to coordinate rentals, arrange guides, or figure out the spot on your own.

A balanced warning: cold water and visibility happen

Here’s the fair part. The water conditions can change, and snorkeling visibility can swing based on day-to-day factors. Some people are sensitive to cold, especially when you’re out in open water and wearing gear that isn’t enough for the moment.

Also, turtles are animals. So while the odds are good, nature doesn’t follow a schedule.

This is why I recommend treating the day as: you’re going snorkeling in a protected habitat, guided by an instructor, with turtles as the dream outcome. That mindset keeps you happy even if the ocean changes the plan.

What the full 2-hour experience feels like in real time

If you like tight schedules, this one fits. Here’s how it typically flows:

• Meet at Marina del Sur (dock 5) and get ready.
• 25 minutes by speedboat toward the protected snorkeling zone.
• 1 hour snorkeling time with instruction focused on safety and respectful behavior.
• 25 minutes back by speedboat.

That rhythm is why the tour works for many people: there’s energy, then a focused underwater window, then you’re back without dragging the day into something long.

Should you book Tenerife: Snorkel with Turtles?

I’d book it if you want a short, guided snorkeling experience with an expert freediving instructor, included gear, and a strong emphasis on respecting sea turtles in Malpais de Rasca. The price is reasonable for what’s included, and the structure is designed to get you into the water quickly and keep things controlled.

I wouldn’t book it if:

• you don’t swim well (this is explicitly not suitable for non-swimmers),
• you’re traveling with kids under 8,
• or you need guaranteed turtle sightings every time.

If you’re comfortable with a little wild-ocean uncertainty and you’re excited by the idea of doing this responsibly, this is a Tenerife activity that feels genuinely worth your time.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this snorkeling tour?

The meeting point is Marina del Sur, Las Galletas Harbour, at dock 5. You should arrive 20 minutes before the activity starts.

How long does the tour take?

The total duration is 2 hours.

What does the tour include?

It includes a boat trip, an experienced instructor, insurance, wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins, and photos.

Is video included?

No. Video is not included.

Do I need to be able to swim?

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

Is previous snorkeling experience required?

No. Previous snorkeling experience is helpful but not mandatory.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Will I definitely see sea turtles?

No. There is a high probability of seeing turtles, but it cannot be guaranteed since they are animals in their natural habitat.

What happens after booking?

The provider contacts you a day prior to the tour by WhatsApp or email to ask your sizes for the snorkeling equipment.

What languages are spoken by the instructor?

The instructor speaks Spanish and English.

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