Snorkeling with turtles starts with a careful briefing. You’ll head out from the Travel Sub area for a speedboat ride along Tenerife’s south coast, then follow a guide into a protected turtle zone in clear Atlantic water.

I really love the way guides like Fabi and Ale coach nervous first-timers, with calm, practical instructions that keep everyone feeling safe. I also like that your core snorkeling gear is sorted for you, including a wetsuit, mask, fins, and snorkel tube.

One possible drawback: turtle sightings can’t be guaranteed, so you’ll want to treat turtles as a bonus, not a promise.

Key takeaways before you go

• Speedboat coast time: You get the ocean scenery first, then the water window for snorkeling.
• Beginner-friendly guidance: The staff focuses on comfort and safety, especially for people doing this for the first time.
• Snorkel time is focused: You get a set stretch in the turtle habitat instead of a long, exhausting drift.
• Marine life variety: You may spot rays, fish, and other sea creatures, with dolphin sightings possible on the boat ride.
• You don’t touch wildlife: It’s a viewing experience, so follow the no-contact rules.
• Photos are optional: Photo and video footage isn’t included, though you may be able to get images from the crew afterward.

Meeting at the Travel Sub Centre by Puerto Colón

You start at the Travel Sub PADI 5* centre, inside the Escuela Náutica building in front of Pier 5, in the private parking area at Puerto Colón. Plan to arrive a bit early so you can check in, get oriented, and settle before the water part begins.

This is a good setup if you’re traveling with kids or family. The meeting point is designed for easy access, and you’re not scrambling around trying to figure out where your boat is leaving from. Also, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, so the team is used to making the experience workable for different needs.

The 30-Minute Safety Briefing That Makes Snorkeling Easier

Before you ever hit the water, you’ll get a safety briefing that lasts about 30 minutes. This matters more than people think. Snorkeling is simple, but it’s also all about breathing rhythm, mask comfort, and feeling steady in waves.

Expect the guide to walk you through what to do and what not to do. The tour is specifically framed as beginner-friendly, so this briefing is where you should ask questions. If you’re anxious, this is your moment to say so—guides are used to helping people get comfortable before anything starts.

One practical detail you should keep in mind: if you wear glasses, it’s not possible to use the snorkeling mask with glasses. You’ll need contact lenses or you’ll have to remove your glasses for the experience. Don’t wait until you’re standing on the deck to realize this.

The Speedboat Ride Along Tenerife’s South Coast

Once you’re kitted up, the group hops onto a speedboat for about 15 minutes. This leg is short, but it sets the tone. You’re out on the Atlantic with open views, sea air, and that moment of realizing you’re actually doing something fun—right now.

This is also when wildlife spotting can happen. The tour description includes the possibility of spotting marine life like dolphins, and some guests have reported the captain making stops to watch dolphins from the boat. Even if dolphins don’t show up, the coast views alone are a worthwhile part of the outing.

If you get motion-sick easily, consider taking precautions beforehand. The schedule is tight, but the ride can still feel brisk on a speedboat.

Snorkeling in the Turtle Habitat (Your 50-Minute Water Window)

The main event is snorkeling for about 50 minutes in a turtle habitat area off the south coast. The guide leads the experience, and the idea is simple: you’re there to observe marine life without chasing it or stressing over it.

Here’s how to get the most from your time underwater:

• Keep your breathing steady and slow. Panic makes you surface early.
• Look slightly ahead and to the sides, not straight down all the time.
• Let the guide set the pace. In a short session, staying with the group matters.

Even when turtles aren’t seen, snorkeling in clear, guided conditions can still be satisfying because you’re likely to spot colorful fish and other sea creatures in their habitat. And since the tour is family-friendly, the team typically keeps things structured so first-timers aren’t left floundering.

Important rule: touching marine life isn’t allowed. It’s tempting to poke or reach, especially for kids, but you’ll get much better viewing (and help protect the animals) if you keep your hands to yourself.

Gear, Warmth, and What to Bring Yourself

One of the easiest things about this trip is the included gear. You’ll get snorkeling equipment such as a wetsuit, fins, mask, and snorkel tube. The crew also has life jackets available on request, which can be especially helpful if you’re not fully confident yet.

Here’s what you should bring:

• Swimwear (you’ll wear it under your wetsuit)
• A towel
• Sunscreen

Towels and swimwear aren’t included, and it’s smart to bring your own towel so you’re not hunting for one afterward. Also, if you have your own prescription snorkeling goggles, note that these aren’t provided—so you’ll need to plan your eyesight solution ahead of time.

A small comfort note: this tour encourages you to enjoy the boat time too. If you’re choosing snorkeling but want breaks, remember you can often rest between water checks and keep your energy up for the best part of the session.

Wildlife Expectations: How to Think About Turtles, Rays, and Dolphins

Let’s talk about the big question: turtles. Turtle sightings are explicitly stated as not 100% guaranteed. That’s not a buzzkill—it’s honest nature. You’re in the ocean, not a theme park.

So how should you set expectations?

• If you see a turtle, it’s a huge win.
• If you don’t, you’re still getting a guided snorkeling experience in a marine habitat with a chance of seeing other animals.

The tour’s wildlife possibilities include turtles, rays, fish, octopuses, and even dolphins or whales being spotted from the guidance of the crew. In other words, it’s not a one-species bet. The guide will tell you where to look and how to interpret what you’re seeing.

This is also why going with the guide is worth it. Someone on the boat who knows the patterns can help you get your eyes on the right thing faster, especially when visibility is good and movement is subtle.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Day)

This snorkeling safari is designed to work for a range of people, including beginners. If you’re nervous about snorkeling, this is one of the smarter choices because the tour includes a pre-water briefing and guided support.

It can also work for non-snorkelers. The tour is described as suitable for people who don’t want to snorkel, but still want the breathtaking ocean and coastline views from the boat and the chance to spot marine life during the ride.

Family needs are taken seriously here. There’s even mention of a babysitter option in cases where parents want a separate underwater session together. That’s useful if you’re trying to keep siblings from getting bored or stuck waiting.

A few “check before you go” notes:

• Minors need adult supervision on the boat.
• It’s listed as not suitable for babies under 1 year.

If you’re expecting a long, adventurous snorkeling day with lots of depth and advanced technique, this isn’t trying to be that. It’s more about making your first time feel safe, timed, and enjoyable.

Price and Value: Is $41 Worth It?

At around $41 per person for a roughly 2-hour experience, this tour is priced like a budget-friendly day that still feels like a real activity—not just a scenic boat ride. The value comes from what’s included.

You’re getting:

• Boat transport to the snorkeling site
• A snorkeling guide
• Included snorkeling equipment (wetsuit, mask, fins, tube)
• Full insurance coverage
• Water

That combination matters because equipment and insurance can quietly inflate costs on similar trips. Also, the time is efficient: you’re not spending half a day traveling and waiting around. You get a clear sequence—briefing, boat ride, snorkeling window, and back.

The optional part is photos and videos. Photo and video footage isn’t included, but the crew may offer images afterward. If you like having a record of the moment, ask what’s available at the end.

Should You Book This Tenerife Turtle Habitat Snorkeling Trip?

Book it if you want a beginner-friendly snorkeling experience with a guide, a short speedboat ride, and a realistic chance to see turtles and other marine life. The biggest selling point isn’t the guarantee of turtles—it’s the safety-first coaching and the fact that you’ll still enjoy the ocean and wildlife even if turtles don’t show up.

Skip it if you’re determined to guarantee a turtle sighting. The tour is clear that turtles can’t be promised. If your dream is specifically turtles only, plan flexibility and be ready to enjoy the broader sea life instead.

If you’re unsure, this is one of those trips where paying attention to the basics—contact lenses vs. glasses, swimwear plus towel, and comfort in the water—turns a good outing into a great one.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife snorkeling trip?

The duration is about 2 hours, with specific starting times depending on availability.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at the reception of the Travel Sub centre at the building called Escuela Náutica, located in front of pier 5, in the private parking area of Puerto Colón. Go inside and find reception.

What snorkeling equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, including a wetsuit, fins, mask, and snorkel tube.

Are turtle sightings guaranteed?

No. Turtle sightings cannot be 100% guaranteed.

Can I use the snorkeling mask if I wear glasses?

No. It isn’t possible to use the snorkeling mask with glasses. You’ll need contact lenses or you’ll need to remove your glasses for the experience.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is this suitable for infants?

It is not suitable for babies under 1 year.

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