Snorkeling Tour with Sea Turtles and Stingrays

Tenerife turtles are not a myth. This small-group snorkeling trip pairs a boat ride along the volcanic coast with a focused one-hour swim at Malpais de Rasca, where sea turtles are often spotted. You also get close guidance from an apnea instructor, and that makes a big difference when you’re dealing with currents, breathing techniques, and nerves.

What I really like is the small group size (maximum 6–8, and commonly even smaller), which keeps the water calm and helps you avoid the “everyone crowding one spot” feel. I also like that the setup is practical: wetsuit, mask and snorkel, fins, boat trip, insurance, and an instructor are all included, plus you receive free photos afterward. In the reviews, guides like Elío and Angela get singled out for being friendly and helpful, especially when people want tips before they jump in.

One drawback to weigh: you’re snorkeling with wild animals, so seeing turtles or stingrays is very likely but never guaranteed. If you’re the kind of traveler who needs a 100% checklist outcome, this tour might feel a little risky.

Quick takeaways before you go

• Malpais de Rasca naturals protected area: you’re snorkeling near a protected zone along Tenerife’s rugged coast.
• One focused hour in the water: not an all-day shuffle—just enough time to enjoy sea life without getting dragged around.
• Max small-group feel: up to 6 people (and sometimes up to 8), so you get more attention from your instructor.
• Sea turtles are high-probability: guides aim for calmer spots, but nature stays nature.
• Full gear included: wetsuit, mask/snorkel, and fins are provided, plus insurance.
• Free photos, video extra: you’ll get memories right away, and optional video is available for purchase.

The morning meet-up: Marina South and a calm start

Your day starts at 9:00 am at Marina South Torre de control, 2ª planta, in Las Galletas (38631), Tenerife. The location is near public transportation, which is handy if you’re not driving. You’ll return to the same meeting point at the end, so you don’t have to think about complicated transfers.

This matters because a good snorkeling day is mostly about pacing. You don’t want to start late, fumble around with gear, or waste time figuring out where everyone goes. Here, the plan is pretty straightforward: meet, gear up, then head out by boat.

Before you go, pack the simple stuff: towel and swimsuit. The tour supplies the wetsuit and snorkeling gear, but you still need your own basics for after the swim. If you tend to get motion sick, it’s worth taking seriously—one review specifically recommended biodramina for those who get sea sick. I’m not going to tell you what medication to take, but if you know you’re vulnerable on boats, plan ahead.

The boat ride along Tenerife’s volcanic coast

Before you ever hit the water, you’ll cruise toward the snorkeling area by Malpais de Rasca, a natural protected area. The first payoff is just being out on the sea looking back at the coast. Tenerife’s volcanic terrain looks very different from water level—more dramatic, less “postcard,” and more real-life rugged.

This boat segment is not just filler time. It’s part of the experience: you’re traveling to a specific zone designed for respectful wildlife encounters, and you get a chance to settle in before you start snorkeling. Also, your instructor can usually give key reminders while you’re underway, which helps you feel ready instead of rushed.

Gear and safety: what’s included (and what matters for comfort)

You’re not expected to bring snorkeling equipment. The tour includes wetsuit, mask and snorkel, fins, and an experienced instructor, plus insurance. That’s real value here. Buying a mask you hate or renting gear that leaks can ruin the whole day.

Your instructor is an apnea specialist, and you’ll get instructions so you feel safe and comfortable in the water. The tour emphasizes respectful behavior—especially around turtles. This is crucial for two reasons:

1. It reduces stress for the animals.
2. It helps keep the group calm so you can actually enjoy the swim rather than chasing chaos.

If you’re an experienced swimmer, you’ll probably feel comfortable faster. Still, the tour has a clear requirement: you must be able to swim. If you’re not confident in open water, I’d treat that requirement as non-negotiable, not a suggestion.

The snorkeling session at Malpais de Rasca: turtles, stingrays, and timing

The main event is about one hour snorkeling at the site. You’ll be in the water with the support of your instructor, who guides you through what to do and how to move so you can enjoy the animals without disturbing them.

Turtles are the headline. The tour description notes there’s a high probability of seeing them, but they’re wild, so no one can promise 100%. That matches the reality shown in the experiences you’ll read about: some days you see turtles right away; other times it takes patience, or you see fewer than you hoped.

If you’re lucky, you’ll spot not only sea turtles but also other marine life. Reviews mention sightings like barracuda and tuna, and there’s even mention of a baby stingray showing up. Another review notes the group was taken to a quieter area with less crowding, which likely helps your odds of peaceful, extended wildlife time.

Here’s how to set expectations in a helpful way:

• Focus on movement and calm rather than constant scanning. Fast flailing scares wildlife and tires you out.
• Give space when you see turtles. Respectful distance makes the encounter more relaxed and often longer.
• Stay patient. Your best viewing often happens when you’re not trying to force it.

And one small but important reality check: stingrays are possible, but spotting them can be hit-or-miss. The tour frames that correctly—maybe you’ll see them, but you shouldn’t book expecting certainty.

Why small groups change everything in the water

This isn’t a giant “sardines in a wetsuit” kind of tour. The experience is built for intimacy, with a maximum group size of 6 (with the broader cap stated as up to 8). In practice, that tends to mean:

• easier instruction (you get more attention)
• less chaos when turtles show up
• more time to actually look around, not just “queue” for a moment

One review praised a setup where the group size was very small—four people—and that made the swim feel unique. Another praised how the guide led the group to a quieter spot away from many other snorkeling tours. That matters because wildlife doesn’t care how many groups are waiting. Less pressure often means better, calmer encounters.

Photos and memories: free pictures plus an optional video

At the end, you get free photos. That’s a big help because snorkeling days often feel like you were busy breathing and positioning yourself, not documenting. The photos let you remember the moment without needing to risk a camera in the water.

A video is not included, though it’s available to purchase. If you’re the type who likes a short “day recap” for social media or keepsakes, you might want to budget a little extra for that. Otherwise, the free photos should cover the essentials.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This snorkeling tour is best for travelers who want a guided wildlife swim without a huge crowd. You’ll probably enjoy it most if:

• you can swim confidently
• you like structure and a clear plan (boat ride, gear, one focused snorkel session)
• you care about respectful wildlife viewing

It also has clear boundaries:

• Minimum age is 8, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
• You must be able to swim.
• It’s an English-offered tour, so it’s set up for English-speaking travelers.

If you’re traveling with kids, the group size helps, because the instructor can pay closer attention. Still, every kid’s comfort level matters. The wetsuit and fins can feel strange at first, so plan for a bit of adjustment time.

If you hate boats or you get motion sick easily, consider that your potential downside. The tour requires a boat ride, and the marine session depends on weather and sea conditions. Bring your calm mindset and (if you already know you need it) plan for seasickness.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $82.90

At $82.90 per person, you’re paying for more than “a snorkeling spot.” You’re paying for a guided, controlled wildlife encounter with all major equipment handled for you. Let’s break it down in practical terms.

Included items that save you money or hassle:

• Wetsuit, mask/snorkel, fins
• Boat trip
• Instructor + insurance
• Free photos

You’re not also required to track down rentals, arrange transport to a remote spot, or worry about safety basics being skipped. In a place like Tenerife, where tours can vary wildly in how much they include, that bundling is the value.

Compared with tours that only cover the bare minimum, this one feels priced for an organized experience—especially because the group is small and the instruction is part of the package.

The one “maybe extra” is the video (not included). If you know you want both photos and video, account for that. If not, the core keepsake is already covered.

Weather and sea conditions: when nature changes plans

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important because snorkeling depends on visibility and sea conditions. There’s no point pretending a rough day will turn into a perfect turtle-viewing story.

If you’re flexible with dates in Tenerife, you’ll feel more relaxed booking this kind of wildlife tour. If your schedule is tight, check weather forecasts before you commit, and keep some breathing room.

Should you book it? My take on the “turtles and rays” gamble

I think you should book this tour if your goal is a guided, respectful snorkeling session with a strong chance of sea turtle encounters and a small-group feel. The included gear, the instructor support, and the free photos make it feel like a well-rounded package rather than a “show up and figure it out” style outing.

I’d also book it if you enjoy calm, controlled experiences. The small group size and quieter-spot approach described in the experiences you’ll read about are exactly what you want when wildlife is unpredictable.

I’d hesitate if you’re the kind of traveler who gets genuinely upset when an animal doesn’t show up on cue. Even with high probability, turtles and rays are wild. Some days are just better than others.

If you’re flexible, prepared to swim, and ready to treat the ocean as the main character, this is a very solid Tenerife choice.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours total, including the boat ride, with around one hour of snorkeling in the water.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the wetsuit, mask and snorkel, fins, boat trip, an experienced instructor, insurance, and free photos.

Are sea turtles and stingrays guaranteed?

No. There is a high probability of seeing turtles, but you can’t guarantee it because they’re free animals in their natural state. Sting rays may be seen, but it’s not guaranteed.

What’s the minimum age for this tour?

The minimum age is 8 years old, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring a towel and your swimsuit. You don’t need to bring snorkeling equipment because the tour provides wetsuit, mask/snorkel, and fins.

Is hotel pick-up available?

Hotel pick-up is available depending on your location.