Tenerife: Kayak and Snorkel with Turtles, Wetsuits Included

A turtle may glide beside your kayak, or a pod of dolphins may break the water nearby. That is the appeal of this three-hour Tenerife outing: you watch wild marine life from a quiet, low kayak rather than from a noisy motorboat. I like the secluded snorkeling stop and the fact that short wetsuits and photos are included, two useful extras at a $35 price.

The main catch is simple: wildlife is wild. The advertised chance of seeing turtles or dolphins is high, but no sighting is guaranteed, and one outing may produce only fish. The sea can also make kayaking tiring, so take the swimming, health, age, and weight limits seriously. Guides including Carlos, Barbara, Gonza, David, Dani, Carol, and Daniel are frequently praised for calm instruction and good humor.

Key points to know before you paddle

• Turtles and dolphins are possible, not promised: Green turtles are common in these waters, with occasional loggerheads, while five dolphin species may pass through the area.
• The snorkeling stop is boat-only: You pause in a secluded bay where fish, turtles, and even bull rays may appear below.
• The kayaks are built for comfort: Seats with back support make a difference during the roughly two-hour paddle.
• The price covers useful extras: Kayaks, snorkel gear, a guide, accident insurance, photos, and short wetsuits are included for $35.
• You must be able to swim: The outing is not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone over 100 kilograms.
• The meeting point is easy to miss: Find Xplore Tenerife in the Cristianmar building, on the ground floor to the left when facing the sea.

Why this kayak trip is different from a standard boat tour

Tenerife has plenty of ways to get onto the Atlantic, but a kayak changes the feel of the outing. You sit close to the water, move at a slower pace, and make less noise than a powered boat. That matters when you are looking for dolphins and turtles. The aim is to watch without chasing or frightening them.

The company describes itself as the only eco-certified kayaking company on Tenerife. The practical benefit is a low-impact way to see marine life. You will not be promised a staged encounter or a guaranteed animal performance. Instead, the guide watches the water and adjusts the route when possible.

Dolphins in the area include bottlenose, rough-toothed, striped, and common dolphins, among other species. Pods can number as many as 30 animals, and they may jump near the kayaks. The waters also support green turtles and sometimes loggerhead turtles.

Those are appealing possibilities, but keep your expectations sensible. Some outings spot dolphins and a turtle close to the kayak. Others see only dolphins, only a turtle, or many fish during the snorkeling stop. One particularly useful point from the feedback is that even an outing without turtles can still feel worthwhile because of the coast, water time, and guide.

Starting at Xplore Tenerife in Los Cristianos

Your day begins at Xplore Tenerife Kayaking and Biking, in the Cristianmar building. Look for the office on the ground floor, to the left of the building when you face the sea, and search for Xplore Tenerife on Google Maps before setting out.

The first formal part is a 15-minute safety briefing. This is where you learn how to handle the kayak, what to do on the water, and how to behave around marine life. Do not treat it as filler. If you have never kayaked before, the instructions help you get moving without wasting energy.

After the briefing, you walk about five minutes to Playa de Los Cristianos. Changing rooms and lockers are available, which makes the meeting point practical if you arrive in street clothes. Bring your swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, sunscreen, sun hat, and water. Water is not included, and neither are swimsuits or towels.

Short wetsuits are supplied. They add warmth and also make the swim stop more comfortable, especially if the Atlantic feels cool to you. Sunscreen is still important, as you get strong exposure from both sun and reflected water.

Launching from Playa de Los Cristianos

At the beach, you get into the kayaks and begin the main paddle. The kayaks have comfortable seats and back support, a small detail that becomes important after an hour on the water. You still need to work with your arms and torso, but the design should feel less punishing than a basic rental kayak.

The first section lasts about an hour and combines paddling, wildlife watching, and views along the Tenerife coast. You may see dolphins from the kayak, and green turtles are regularly sought in the area. The guide does more than point out animals. Guides such as Carlos, Gonza, Barbara, David, and Daniel are praised for explaining what is happening while keeping people calm and safe.

If this is your first time kayaking, stay close to the guide and follow the pace set for the group. The excursion is suitable for beginners who can swim, but it is still physical. One person described the activity as tiring even though it was fun. That is fair warning: three hours outdoors, including paddling and snorkeling, is not a passive sightseeing ride.

The sea also gives you a fine view of Tenerife from a different angle. You see the coast at water level, with mountain views behind it. The scenery is part of the experience, not just something to fill time if the animals stay away.

The short paddle to Cueva de los Enamorados

The group continues by kayak toward Cueva de los Enamorados. This section is listed as about 15 minutes and keeps the focus on marine life, coastal scenery, and the chance of seeing dolphins.

The name suggests a romantic setting, but the useful point is the change of pace. You paddle along the coast, watch for movement on the surface, and let the guide decide where it makes sense to look. Do not expect a long cave visit or a land-based stop. This is a water route, and the main activity remains kayaking.

If dolphins appear, you may see them jumping or moving through the water near the group. The low viewpoint can make the encounter feel close, but you should let the animals choose the distance. The eco-friendly approach works best when you resist the urge to paddle hard toward them.

Snorkeling in a bay reached only by boat

The strongest part of the outing for many people is the swim and snorkel break. The bay is accessible only by boat, which gives it a more remote feel than a beach beside a road or resort. You enter the water with the supplied snorkeling equipment and wetsuit, then look below for fish and other sea life.

Visibility can be very good, with clear water reported during the activity. You might see turtles or bull rays moving along the seabed, though these sightings are not assured. Fish are a more realistic expectation, and the snorkeling stop remains worthwhile even when larger animals stay out of view.

I would keep your phone in a waterproof case only if you accept responsibility for it. One participant brought a phone along that way, but the safer choice is to rely on the included photos. The guide takes pictures during the trip, which lets you enjoy the water without constantly worrying about your device.

The stop also breaks up the physical effort. After paddling along the coast, swimming gives your arms a different task. You should still conserve energy, since you paddle back to Playa de Los Cristianos afterward.

Returning to the beach and meeting point

After the snorkeling break, you return by kayak to Playa de Los Cristianos. The return section is listed at about an hour, so the outing involves roughly two hours of paddling in total, along with the safety briefing, walk, and swim stop.

This is when the comfortable seats and back support earn their keep. If you are new to kayaking, use a steady rhythm instead of trying to match the strongest person in the group. Ask the guide for help if your back or shoulders begin to tire.

Once you reach the beach, you return to Xplore Tenerife. The activity ends where it began, so there is no separate transport arrangement to make. You can use the changing rooms and lockers before continuing with your day in Los Cristianos.

The guides make a real difference

The guide is central to this experience. The names most often praised are Carlos, Gonza, Barbara, David, and Daniel, with Dani and Carol also leading groups. The strongest pattern is not a single personality or showy performance. It is clear instruction, patience, safety awareness, and a relaxed manner.

Carlos is described as calm, friendly, and a good teacher. Barbara is noted for her cheerful style and for helping beginners feel at ease. Gonza receives praise for strong English and experience on the ocean. David is singled out for clear instructions, good photographs, and knowing where to look for snorkeling and dolphins.

That matters because a wildlife trip can feel flat if the guide simply moves the group from point to point. Here, the guide helps you understand what you are seeing and keeps the outing enjoyable when nature does not cooperate. Guides speak Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, and French.

Is $35 good value?

At $35 per person, this is an unusually accessible way to spend three hours on the coast. The price includes the kayak, snorkeling equipment, guide, accident insurance, photographs, and short wetsuit. You only need to bring your own swimwear, towel, water, sun protection, hat, and flip-flops.

The value is strongest if you want an active outing rather than a guaranteed animal encounter. You receive time on the water, a guided route, a snorkeling stop, safety support, and photos for less than many motorboat excursions cost. The equipment and wetsuit also save you from renting several items separately.

The value is weaker if your only goal is to see a turtle. Sightings can be excellent, including turtles close to the kayaks and dolphins jumping nearby, but they remain unpredictable. Book this for the full mix of kayaking, coastal views, snorkeling, and wildlife potential, not as a guaranteed turtle show.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

Who should book, and who should skip it

I would recommend this for confident swimmers, active couples, friends, and teenagers aged 14 or older who want a half-day on the water. It also suits first-time kayakers, provided you are comfortable with physical effort and follow the guide’s pace.

Minors aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent. The activity is not suitable for children under 14, non-swimmers, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

The weight limit is tied to kayak stability, so it is not a minor technical footnote. If you are close to the limit, confirm your eligibility before booking. You should also avoid alcohol and drugs before the activity.

FAQ

How long does the kayaking and snorkeling activity last?

The activity lasts three hours, including the safety briefing, walk to the beach, kayaking, wildlife watching, and snorkeling stop. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Where do I meet the group?

Meet at Xplore Tenerife Kayaking and Biking in the Cristianmar building. The office is on the ground floor to the left when you face the sea. Search for Xplore Tenerife on Google Maps to locate it.

Are wetsuits and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The activity includes short wetsuits, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, a guide, photos, and accident insurance. You need to bring your own swimsuit, towel, water, sunscreen, hat, and flip-flops.

Do I have to know how to swim?

Yes. You must be able to swim to take part. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, and the supplier can refuse participation if conditions make the activity unsafe.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 14. Anyone aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent. Children under 14 cannot participate.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve your place and pay later, which keeps your plans flexible.

Should you book this Tenerife kayak tour?

Book it if you want a low-impact, active way to see Tenerife from the water, with a real chance of dolphins, turtles, and plenty of fish. The $35 price is strong because it includes the equipment, wetsuit, guide, photos, and snorkeling stop.

Skip it if you dislike physical activity, cannot swim, or would be disappointed by a wildlife outing without a guaranteed sighting. The best reason to go is the complete experience: quiet kayaking, clear water, coastal and mountain views, and the possibility that a turtle or dolphin chooses to share your route.