Saltwater therapy, guided by pros. Off Tenerife’s Playa Abades, you get a safe, coached snorkeling session and come back with free photo and video files to share. It’s built for real spotting chances, with fish, coral, and the possibility of turtles, stingrays, and octopus.

I love the way the instructors run this like hands-on coaching, not a casual group float. I also love that you’re kitted out with a proper wetsuit and snorkeling gear, then guided through the water at an on-the-day pace (so you’re not stuck doing everything alone).

The main drawback to plan around is that turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed, and you need more swimming ability to have a real shot at seeing them.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small group (up to 6) means you get attention and a pace that fits you
• Wetsuits plus snorkeling equipment help you stay comfortable for the full 2 hours
• Photos and videos included so you don’t worry about capturing everything underwater
• Multiple marine types possible including fish, coral, stingrays, and octopus
• Turtles depend on luck and effort (non swimmers usually won’t see them)
• Coaching for nervous swimmers and kids thanks to 20+ years working with families

Meeting at Magilu and parking easy in Abades

You meet right by the beach at the restaurant Magilu. It’s directly in front of the sand, and you’ll see white steps/banks just before the ocean where the group gathers. No hotel pickup is included, so you’ll want to build the tour around your own location.

Good news for logistics: there’s a lot of parking nearby. The crew also has a practical setup where you leave personal stuff in their car, which cuts down on what you have to haul between the beach and the water.

Because the group is kept small, being on time matters. If you arrive late, you can slow everyone down, and snorkeling sessions work best when you get your gear sorted without rushing.

Neoprene wetsuits, mask fit, and what to bring

This is not a bare-minimum snorkeling tour. You get snorkeling equipment plus a wet suit (either long or short), and the guide fits you and gets you ready before you go in. Expect a real gear moment on the beach, not a quick handoff.

Bring the basics:

• swimwear
• a towel
• a sun hat
• beachwear (for after)

Two details matter a lot in real life. If you use glasses to see, you can’t put them under the mask, so plan for that (for example, relying on correction methods that work with a mask). Also, they’ll store your personal items, so wear something you’re comfortable changing in and out of on the spot.

In the water, the wetsuit is more than “warmth.” It helps you float better and feel less tense, especially if you’re new. That matters here because this tour is designed for different comfort levels, including people who aren’t strong swimmers.

Snorkeling off Playa Abades: reef, fish, stingrays, and octopus spots

Once you’re geared up, you head underwater to explore the coast off Playa Abades. The guide takes you along a route where you can see coral and lots of colorful fish. It’s a straightforward plan: you’ll swim, pause to look, and move again as the guide calls it.

What I like about this approach is that it stays grounded in what you can actually enjoy. You’re not trying to cover distance. You’re looking at the reef zone and the rock features where marine life tends to hang out.

They’ll also encourage you to keep an eye out for rarer sightings:

• stingrays (possible, depending on conditions)
• octopus, often hidden under or around stones
• sea turtles, if you’re lucky and the day’s sightings line up

A gentle reminder: this is open ocean. Even if the beach is set up for safe snorkeling, you still work with real water conditions like visibility and movement.

One more practical note: there are different snorkeling abilities in each group, and the guide adjusts. That’s part of why people feel secure even when they’re not confident in the water.

Turtles and real chances: swimmers vs non swimmers

Here’s the honest breakdown. Sea turtles are the headline attraction, but they’re not a guaranteed stop.

The operator states that there are six sea turtles currently living in this beach area, feeding there. Still, they also point out a key reality: open ocean means you might not spot them that day, and spotting can depend on timing and your ability to swim.

They’re very direct about the difference between swimmers and non swimmers:

• Non swimmers will see fish and sea life, but can’t see turtles since it takes more swimming to reach where turtles feed.

So if your top goal is turtles, plan your expectations around effort. If you’re not comfortable swimming, your best bet is to focus on the fish, coral, and any stingray or octopus sightings instead. The tour can still be exciting without turtles, but it won’t be the same experience for everyone.

If you’re a stronger swimmer, you can usually keep up more easily and spend time where the guide wants eyes on the water. If you’re not, tell the guide at the start so they can manage your position and support you through the session.

Small-group safety coaching and keeping calm in open water

This tour’s real superpower is the human side of it. It’s run by Meerjungfrau Apnoe Akademie ES, and the instructors come with 20+ years of experience working with children and people who feel afraid of the ocean. That translates into teaching that feels structured and calm instead of chaotic.

The group limit is 6 participants, which helps a lot. It’s also described as small mini groups most of the time, though occasionally groups may be combined. Either way, you’re still not doing this with a crowd.

Language support is also built in: the instructors speak German, Spanish, and English. If you get nervous, being able to understand instructions clearly is half the battle.

From the experiences shared, two patterns show up again and again:

• people feel safe and secure in the water because the guide stays attentive
• nervous swimmers and even non swimmers can still have a good time when they let the guide know early

Some of the named instructors you may hear from include Andres and Natalie. Accounts describe them as patient, helpful, and quick to adjust pace for different abilities. One practical tip that comes through is to tell them directly how you feel. If you’re worried, say it early so the guide can choose the right support level.

This isn’t a “sink or swim” vibe. The training background includes apnea and freediving instruction, which shows in how they manage comfort and breathing. You’ll still be in open water, but the coaching style aims to reduce panic and help you stay relaxed.

Photos, videos, and why $35 feels fair

The price is $35 per person, and what makes it feel fair is that you’re not paying just for entry into the water. You’re paying for:

• guided snorkeling
• equipment and wetsuit
• and underwater photos and videos included

That last part is more valuable than it sounds. If you’ve ever tried snorkeling and also tried taking usable photos, you know it’s tough. Here, the guide handles the camera work, so you can actually enjoy what you’re seeing instead of juggling a mask and a phone.

In practice, people come away with memories of the reef, fish, and any bigger animals that show up. Sometimes it’s a turtle, sometimes it’s stingrays or just incredible fish watching. Either way, having the media files ready for friends and family is a real bonus.

Also, you’re getting a clean time block: 2 hours. That’s long enough to settle in, see multiple spots, and get comfortable, without turning into an all-day commitment.

If you’re visiting Tenerife and want one activity that balances nature, safety coaching, and shareable results, this is one of the better ways to spend a couple of hours on the island’s coast.

Should you book Abades guided snorkeling off Playa Abades?

Book it if you want a guided snorkeling experience with small group attention, solid gear, and free photo and video at the end. It’s a particularly good fit if you’re traveling with family, bringing kids old enough to join (it’s not suitable under 5), or if you want reassurance that the guide will help you stay calm.

Hold off or reconsider if turtles are your only goal and you’re not confident swimming. The tour clearly sets expectations that non swimmers usually won’t see turtles, because reaching turtle feeding areas takes more swimming.

Also, skip it if you have a cold, or if you need wheelchair access or have mobility impairments that make beach-to-water support hard. On the other hand, it’s mentioned that pregnant women can do snorkeling, so that’s an encouraging option for expecting travelers who feel comfortable in the water.

My quick call: this is worth your time and money if you want a safe, guided, take-your-photos-home experience. Just go in knowing the ocean controls the final wildlife list.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You meet at the restaurant Magilu, directly in front of the beach. You’ll see white banks just before the ocean, and that’s where the group gathers.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included.

How long is the snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

What’s included with the ticket?

You get a snorkeling tour with a guide, snorkeling equipment, a wetsuit (long or short), plus underwater photos and videos.

Can non swimmers join?

Yes, non swimmers can join. They will see fish and sea life, but they typically can’t see turtles because it takes more swimming to reach where turtles are.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and beachwear.

Is the tour suitable for young children or mobility needs?

It’s not suitable for children under 5, and it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. People with a cold aren’t suitable either. Pregnant women can do snorkeling.

If you tell me your group ages and whether anyone is a non swimmer, I can help you judge how well this matches your goals (fish vs turtle-focused).

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