Sea turtles in clear water make the trip fly. I love how close you get while still keeping distance, and I like the expert freediving instructor guiding you from first splash to last breath. Main catch: you must be a confident swimmer, and turtle sightings are never guaranteed.

From Marina del Sur, you ride a speedboat to a protected stretch of coast, Malpais de Rasca, and spend about an hour snorkeling in the water. I also like that you go home with free photos, so you don’t have to rely on your phone alone.

Key things I’d bet on before you book

• Malpais de Rasca from the sea: You don’t just “reach snorkeling.” You get a boat view of the protected area first.
• Small-group snorkeling rules: The whole vibe is respectful—so the turtles stay calm.
• Freediving-style coaching: Expect safety instructions that help non-experts feel comfortable fast.
• About an hour in the water: Enough time to settle in and actually look around.
• Gear included: Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins are part of the deal.
• Turtle sightings depend on nature: High probability, but not a promise.

Malpais de Rasca: why the boat ride matters, not just the swim

This tour is set up around Tenerife’s protected area Malpais de Rasca, and that’s a big deal. A lot of snorkel trips feel like transport to a spot. Here, the speedboat ride is part of the experience, letting you see the coastline and coastal formations from the water before you even put your face in.

That matters because it sets expectations. When you arrive, you already understand where you are and what kind of underwater environment you’re aiming for. If you’re the type who likes to make sense of a new place instead of just following the group, you’ll appreciate that extra context.

It also adds time in a comfortable way. You get a smooth ride out, then a focused swim session, then you’re back. It’s a clean two-hour package that doesn’t turn into a full-day production.

Marina del Sur meet-up: arriving 20 minutes early pays off

You’ll meet at Marina del Sur, Las Galletas Harbour, dock 5. Plan to arrive 20 minutes early. That buffer helps you get fitted with the wetsuit and gear without feeling rushed, and it also gives the crew time to confirm everything before departure.

If you can swim, you’re in good shape. This activity is not for non-swimmers, and it’s not suitable for children under 8. So the day is geared toward adults and older kids who can handle being in open water (with guidance).

One practical note: the operator contacts you the day prior by WhatsApp or email to ask for equipment sizes. If you want everything to fit right, watch for that message and reply quickly.

The speedboat legs: 25 minutes each way over Tenerife’s coast

Your day has two speedboat rides of about 25 minutes each way. That’s long enough to feel like you’re traveling to something specific, not long enough to turn into a slog.

I like the rhythm: get out, snorkel, get back. It keeps the energy up and reduces the “waiting around” feeling that some short tours have. Also, the boat ride is where you’ll see how calm (or not) the sea is that day—something that can affect how easy it is to swim and how clear the water looks.

If you tend to feel motion sickness, take it seriously. You can’t change sea conditions, but you can prepare (for example, by sitting where the motion feels less intense). The tour itself doesn’t include extra comfort details, so plan based on your own body.

Your hour underwater: turtles, marine life, and respectful rules

The main event is about one hour snorkeling at the site. This is where you’ll likely see sea turtles and other marine life. The chance of seeing turtles is described as high, but it’s still wildlife in the wild—so you should come with excitement, not entitlement.

Here’s what makes this tour feel different: you’re not just “swimming nearby.” You’re guided with the goal of minimizing impact. That means calm movements, no sudden chasing, and staying mindful of your fin kicks and body position.

One useful mental trick: treat turtles like a slow-moving point of interest, not a target. When you move slowly and keep your distance, you give yourself a chance to watch natural behavior. When you crowd in, you lose the best moments and you risk disturbing the animals.

Depending on conditions, you might also spot other creatures. Some people have described seeing rays gliding over the seabed, which makes sense in a place that supports lots of marine life. But again: visibility and animal activity change day to day.

Instructor-led safety: what “freediving instructor” really means for you

You’ll be accompanied by an expert freediving instructor. Even though you’re snorkeling (not doing an underwater free-dive), that background usually shows up in two ways: clear technique and a focus on breathing and comfort.

In plain terms, you should expect:

• A briefing before you get in (how to move, where to go, what to do if you need help)
• Guidance to help you feel safe and comfortable in the water
• A strong emphasis on respect for the animals and the environment

For first-timers, this kind of coaching can be the difference between awkward flailing and a relaxed snorkel. Previous snorkeling experience is helpful but not required, as long as you can swim.

Gear included: wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins (and how to use it well)

Included equipment is a big part of the value: wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins. That’s one less item to rent or buy, and it also means the crew expects you to wear what fits the water conditions they work with.

What to bring is simple:

• Swimwear
• Towel

Now for the small reality check: even with a wetsuit, water conditions can still feel cool. One person felt the equipment wasn’t perfectly matched to the comfort needs for the trip. That doesn’t mean the tour is wrong; it means you should take warmth seriously. If you run cold easily, plan like it’s a real water temperature challenge, not a casual splash.

Also check your mask fit. In snorkeling tours, a good seal beats perfect gear every time. If you get a proper fit on shore, you’ll spend more of your hour looking, not fixing.

Photos included: great memory, but manage your expectations

You get free pictures after the tour. That’s a plus because underwater photos often require timing, a camera, and confidence you don’t always have on your first try.

One thing to keep in mind: the included photos may focus more on the boat and surface moments rather than every underwater shot. If you’re the type who really wants underwater proof, bring your own camera solution if you have one (some snorkelers bring an action camera for that reason).

Even if the underwater results aren’t your priority, the included set still helps you remember the day without sorting your own footage.

Small-group feel: less crowding, better animal encounters

This is described as a personalized activity with small groups. That matters more than people think. More swimmers often means more fin noise, more chasing for “the shot,” and more disturbance for wildlife.

Smaller groups make it easier for the instructor to watch everyone’s comfort level. It also helps you follow the behavioral rules without feeling like you’re competing with strangers for the best angle.

And wildlife-focused snorkeling works best when you’re patient. Slow looking plus time underwater usually beats frantic searching.

Timing that works: a short, focused 2-hour adventure

The whole tour takes about 2 hours. Your snorkeling time is roughly one hour, with about 25 minutes by speedboat each way.

That shorter duration has two advantages:

• It’s realistic on a busy Tenerife day.
• You’re not stuck tired and cold for hours before you even get in.

The flip side is simple: once you’re underwater, you’ll want to make the most of that one hour. In other words, don’t spend the first five minutes adjusting gear repeatedly. Once you’re set, relax and let your eyes do the work.

Price and value: what about $81 per person?

At around $81 per person, you’re paying for more than “a place in the water.” You’re getting:

• A guided experience led by an instructor with freediving expertise
• A boat trip to a protected area
• Included wetsuit and snorkel gear
• Insurance coverage
• Free photos afterward

Is it cheap? No. But it’s also not a barebones snorkel where you’re left alone with a life vest and a prayer. The included equipment alone can offset part of the cost if you’d otherwise rent gear. And a well-run turtle-focused tour is about safety and animal respect, not just pretty water.

If you value structured guidance, decent gear, and the chance to see wildlife without feeling rushed, this price starts to look fair.

Who should book this snorkeling with turtles?

You’ll likely enjoy this tour if you:

• Can swim confidently
• Want a guided, safety-forward experience
• Are excited by wildlife snorkeling and respectful behavior
• Like short tours that fit into a day of sightseeing

You might want to skip it (or choose a different activity) if:

• You don’t swim well
• You’re hoping for guaranteed turtles (nature doesn’t work that way)
• You’re very sensitive to cool water, because even with a wetsuit, conditions can still feel chilly

Should you book Tenerife: Snorkel with Turtles?

If you’re traveling to Tenerife for marine life and you’re comfortable swimming, I think this is a smart booking. The protected area boat ride adds value, the hour in the water is long enough to get into a rhythm, and the instructor-led approach is designed to keep things safe and respectful for the animals.

Book it when you can be flexible about sightings. You’re not buying a guaranteed wildlife encounter—you’re buying an organized, guided way to increase your chances while staying safe and ethical underwater.

If you do book, do yourself a favor: arrive early, reply to the size message so gear fits well, and treat the turtles like they’re in charge of the agenda.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling tour?

The total duration is about 2 hours, including the boat ride time and around 1 hour snorkeling.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You’ll meet at Marina del Sur, Las Galletas Harbour, dock 5.

What snorkeling gear is included?

The tour includes a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?

No, previous snorkeling experience is helpful but not mandatory, as long as you can swim.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 8 years old.

Are sea turtle sightings guaranteed?

No. Seeing turtles is likely, but it cannot be guaranteed since they are animals in their natural habitat.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

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