REVIEW · TENERIFE
Los Cristianos: Kayak and Snorkel with Turtles and Photos
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Shaka Surf Tenerife · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Los Cristianos gets wild fast. This kayak + snorkeling tour takes you along Tenerife’s southern volcanic coast, with chances to spot turtles up close in the snorkel spot and look for dolphins during the paddle.
I love how hands-on it feels: you get proper gear (including a 3mm wetsuit) plus a quick training session before you launch, so you’re not just dropped into the water and hoped for the best. I also love the payoff: the guides film and photograph you with aquatic cameras, then you get the photos and videos for free.
One drawback to plan for: paddling takes effort. Even though it’s guided, it’s still a physically demanding activity, and it’s not the best fit if you have back issues, medical conditions, or you’re pregnant.
In This Review
- Quick Hits Before You Go
- Los Cristianos Kayak and Snorkel: What You’re Really Paying For
- Meet at Shaka Surf Tenerife: Gear Up Without Stress
- The 3-Hour Flow: Paddling First, Then the Snorkel Moment
- Stop by Stop: From Los Cristianos Beach to Volcanic Cliffs
- The launch near Los Cristianos beach
- The volcanic coast pass: black cliffs and a sea cave
- Kayak time plus wildlife searching
- Snorkeling at the Hidden Caves: Turtles Up Close
- Dolphins and Red Crabs: The Fun Chase Back
- Double Kayaks, Solo Options, and Who This Tour Fits
- Guides Make the Difference: The Human Side of the Ocean
- What’s Included (and What You’ll Still Want to Bring)
- Weather Reality: When Wind Changes the Plan
- Price and Value: Is It Worth $34?
- Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Skip It)
- So, Should You Book It?
- FAQ
- Where do I meet for the tour?
- What’s included in the price?
- What should I bring?
- Is there snorkeling included?
- Do I get a safety briefing?
- What if I’m traveling alone?
- What are the physical limits or who should not join?
- Will I always see turtles and dolphins?
- What happens in bad weather?
- How long is the tour and what languages are offered?
Quick Hits Before You Go
- Free underwater photos and videos shot with aquatic cameras (sent to participants)
- Turtles + sea cave snorkeling with provided mask, tube, and wetsuit
- Double kayaks for stability, with options for solo participants
- Wildlife odds that are usually strong (turtles and dolphins vary by season)
- Hot-and-cold showers + lockers at the Shaka center, plus a small snack afterward
Los Cristianos Kayak and Snorkel: What You’re Really Paying For
For $34, you’re buying more than a fun ocean outing. You’re paying for a full loop: kayak time, snorkel time, safety gear, a wetsuit, and a guide who’s actively looking around (not just herding people). And then there’s the bonus that matters on vacation: the free photos and videos. You can’t fake that part with your phone when you’re also trying to paddle and breathe underwater.
The other value angle is that this tour is built around the coast here in southern Tenerife—volcanic cliffs, caves, and clear stretches where the water turns blue and transparent. That’s the setting that makes the snorkeling worthwhile and the whole paddle feel like more than a straight line along the promenade.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife
Meet at Shaka Surf Tenerife: Gear Up Without Stress
Your tour starts at Shaka Surf Tenerife, at their shop on the Los Cristianos seafront. You’ll check in at the Shaka center by the promenade (Cristianmar Building, shop number 11). The place has lockers and a changing room, which is a lifesaver if you don’t want wet suit chaos on your way to and from the beach.
After check-in, you’ll get ready fast. You don’t need to bring snorkel equipment; it’s included. What you should bring is simple: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a hat. A change of clothes helps too, since you’ll be getting back to land damp.
Before you launch, expect a safety briefing on the beach. This is not a long lecture. It’s practical: how the kayaks work, what to do around the guide, and how to handle the snorkeling section safely.
The 3-Hour Flow: Paddling First, Then the Snorkel Moment
This tour is set up as a smooth rhythm. You start with kayaking along the coast, then shift into snorkeling once you reach the caves and the water is right for it.
That pacing matters. If you snorkel first, you’d burn your energy right at the most technical part. By paddling first, you get warmed up (and your brain learns the motion) before you’re asked to float, breathe, and look closely at turtles and fish.
The whole experience runs about 3 hours, with the guide staying with you the entire time.
Stop by Stop: From Los Cristianos Beach to Volcanic Cliffs
The launch near Los Cristianos beach
Once you’re set, you head into the Atlantic from Los Cristianos beach. The guides aim for the stretch where the water turns clearer and more transparent. That clarity is what makes the underwater viewing better later. If the sea has a “busy” feel—windy chop, for example—conditions can change fast, and your sightings may shift.
You can also read our reviews of more photography tours in Tenerife
The volcanic coast pass: black cliffs and a sea cave
On the kayak route, you’ll follow the southern coastline and get close to colossal black-toned volcanic cliffs. You’ll also approach a sea cave and get near enough to feel how rugged this coast is.
This is where I think the scenery earns its keep. The coast here isn’t “pretty postcard” gentle. It’s dramatic, shaped by volcanic rock, and the caves make it feel like you’re entering a living coastline rather than just traveling alongside it.
Kayak time plus wildlife searching
Your main paddle stretch includes scenic views and wildlife viewing. The goal is simple: keep moving along the coast while the guide scans for dolphins, and keep an eye out for coastal life like red crabs.
The odds of seeing dolphins and turtles are described as usually strong—often between 80% and 90%, depending on the season. That said, the sea doesn’t follow a schedule. Some days turtles may be in a different spot, or dolphins might be traveling farther out.
Snorkeling at the Hidden Caves: Turtles Up Close
The snorkeling part is the headline. You’ll gear up with the included snorkel mask and tube, then enter the water around the cave area. The plan is to look for turtles and seabed life—different kinds of fish, plus crabs you might spot nearer the rocky edges.
A key detail: you’re not improvising snorkeling. The tour includes wetsuits (3mm) and the guide stays close while you’re in the water. If you’re nervous, that matters. Several guides have a patient teaching style, and the overall setup is built for people who are new to the experience.
Also, don’t treat this like a “look for something, then race back.” The snorkel section is short enough to stay manageable, but long enough to actually watch. You’ll get the most out of it by slowing down mentally—pick a direction, look steadily, and don’t panic if the first seconds feel busy.
Dolphins and Red Crabs: The Fun Chase Back
After snorkeling, you return to your kayaks and continue exploring the coast. This is the phase where you’re actively searching for free-swimming dolphins and also the smaller coastal characters like red crabs.
When conditions are right, dolphin sightings can happen on your paddle route—often as a family group type of encounter (again, not guaranteed, but the guide is actively looking). Even when dolphins don’t show up, the mix of cave coastline and fish watching can still make this section feel like a real adventure.
Double Kayaks, Solo Options, and Who This Tour Fits
Stability is a big deal for comfort and safety here. The tour uses double kayaks approved for a maximum of 2 adults and 1 child. If you’re traveling solo, you won’t automatically be left out in the cold. You can either join with another single participant or go accompanied (for a single participant, you can be paired with the guide depending on the situation).
This setup is worth knowing because it affects pacing and confidence. If you’re a first-timer, double kayaks reduce the wobble you might feel on an individual kayak. If you’re experienced, you still need stamina—because you’ll be paddling for hours.
Fitness matters. Based on participant experiences, this isn’t just a gentle coastal cruise. You should expect a physically demanding paddle section (people describe it as around 6–7 km total, with sustained effort for a long stretch). So if you hate workouts, you’ll still be fine—just plan to treat it like a workout that ends with a snorkel.
This tour is not suitable for:
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People over 220 lbs (100 kg)
- People with pre-existing medical conditions
If any of those apply, it’s smart to choose a different Tenerife water activity.
Guides Make the Difference: The Human Side of the Ocean
The strongest part of this tour is how the guides run it. Names that show up in guides you might get include Gabriel (also written as Gabi or Gabriël), Caroline, Karolien, and Liam. Across the board, the common thread is clear: they’re attentive, safety-focused, and not shy about sharing what they’re seeing.
One practical tip they reinforce: stay close to the guide if you want more photos. The team takes photos and videos as you move along, and people who keep in position tend to get better coverage. Also, if you want great animal spotting, don’t race ahead. Wildlife often appears where the guide is focusing.
If you’re alone and unsure, guides also tend to adjust the experience. Some solo participants have been supported so they still feel included rather than left behind.
What’s Included (and What You’ll Still Want to Bring)
Included in the price:
- Kayak with paddles and soft seats
- Life jackets
- 3mm wetsuit
- Snorkel mask and tube
- Water bag
- Photos and videos shot with aquatic cameras
- Lockers and showers (hot or cold)
- Cookies and water
What to bring:
- Hat
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Change of clothes (highly recommended)
If you like capturing your own footage, a small action camera can help too. Just remember: your job is also to paddle and stay relaxed in the snorkel—gear can’t fix panic.
Weather Reality: When Wind Changes the Plan
This tour is weather-dependent. If strong wind or adverse sea conditions show up, the excursion may be cancelled and the booking refunded in full.
That matters because sightings depend on conditions. Some days you’ll see turtles and dolphins. Other days, the sea might be too choppy for the snorkel or turtles might be harder to spot. In those situations, the guide still aims to make the kayaking portion rewarding—just don’t assume every wildlife headline will happen.
Price and Value: Is It Worth $34?
At $34 per person, I think it’s strong value for Tenerife—especially if you care about photos, not just memories. Other half-day activities can cost more, and you still end up paying for your own underwater shots (or you get none because you’re too busy controlling your snorkel).
Here’s what makes the pricing feel fair:
- Gear and wetsuit included
- Guide-led safety and training
- Photos and videos included for free
- Showers and lockers included
- You get both kayaking and snorkeling, not just one
The only time you might feel it’s “not worth it” is if you’re looking for a guaranteed turtle-and-dolphin show every time. The tour gives high odds, but it’s still nature. If you accept that and go for the experience of learning the coastline and looking closely, it’s a great deal.
Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Skip It)
You should book if:
- You want a real active outing without needing advanced gear
- You’re excited about snorkel wildlife (especially turtles)
- You value free underwater photos and a well-run guide experience
- You like volcanic scenery and don’t mind doing some paddling
You might skip if:
- You have back issues, medical conditions, are pregnant, or are above the listed weight limit
- You hate physical effort and can’t handle a sustained paddle
- You’re expecting a guaranteed dolphin and turtle sighting every single day
So, Should You Book It?
If you’re reasonably fit and you want an honest Tenerife ocean adventure—volcanic coast, sea caves, and serious snorkeling—this is a smart pick. The combination of gear, training, guide attention, and free aquatic photos makes it feel like you’re getting more than a standard excursion.
Book it with the right mindset: wildlife is possible, not promised. When the sea cooperates, this tour can be the kind of memory you keep longer than the sunset photos.
FAQ
Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet at the Shaka Surf Tenerife shop on the Los Cristianos seafront (Cristianmar Building, shop n 11). Show your voucher to the team there.
What’s included in the price?
The tour includes the kayak and paddles, life jackets, a 3mm wetsuit, snorkel mask and tube, a water bag, photos and videos, lockers with showers, and cookies with water.
What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a hat. A change of clothes is also useful since you’ll return to land damp.
Is there snorkeling included?
Yes. You’ll do a snorkeling stop around caves where you can see fish and turtles, using the provided snorkel mask and tube and your included wetsuit.
Do I get a safety briefing?
Yes. You’ll receive a safety briefing on the beach before you launch.
What if I’m traveling alone?
Solo participants can take the tour on a single kayak accompanied by the guide or paired with another single participant, depending on how they organize it that day.
What are the physical limits or who should not join?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people over 220 lbs (100 kg), or people with pre-existing medical conditions.
Will I always see turtles and dolphins?
No activity can guarantee sightings. The chance is usually strong (often 80% to 90% depending on the season), but turtles and dolphins can still be harder to find on certain days.
What happens in bad weather?
If there’s strong wind or adverse sea conditions, the excursion could be cancelled and your booking cost refunded in full.
How long is the tour and what languages are offered?
The duration is about 3 hours, and the live tour guide can speak Spanish, Italian, and English.
