Abades: Tenerife Turtles and Rays Snorkeling Trip

Turtles are only part of the story. This 90-minute Tenerife snorkeling trip pairs the chance to see green turtles and rays with a close look at the island’s volcanic seabed. I like that a marine biologist guide stays with you in the water, and I also like the small group size, limited to 10 people.

The trip is especially appealing to beginners. Guide Paco has been praised for explaining the basics, practicing them with first-timers, and adding useful facts about Tenerife’s sea life. The main drawback is simple: wild animals set the schedule, so turtles and rays cannot be promised.

The sea also decides where you enter the water. Depending on conditions, you may depart from a boat at Marina del Sur in Puerto de Las Galletas, or snorkel from shore at Abades Beach or Alcalá Beach. Confirm the exact meeting point before setting out, since hotel transport is not included.

Key points to know before booking

• Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed: The usual target area is home to a family of green turtles and several types of rays, but the ocean is large and the animals move freely.
• A marine biologist leads the swim: You stay with a guide who explains the animals, seabed, and local marine life in English or Spanish.
• Beginners receive real help: Paco has been praised for showing guests how to snorkel, practicing the basics, and staying close throughout the outing.
• The departure point can change: The trip may leave from Abades Beach, Alcalá Beach, or Marina del Sur in Puerto de Las Galletas, depending on sea conditions.
• Small groups make a difference: With no more than 10 participants, the guide can give more attention than on a large boat excursion.
• Bring only the basics: Swimwear and a towel are required. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not.

What the 90-minute Tenerife trip is really about

This is a short marine-life outing, not a full-day cruise. In an hour and a half, you travel to a chosen snorkeling area, receive guidance, enter the water with the group, and spend time looking for turtles, rays, and the volcanic formations below.

The short duration works well if you are fitting this around a beach day, a visit to Teide, or another Tenerife plan. It also keeps the price reasonable at $65 per person. You are paying for a guided wildlife encounter, equipment, and a small group rather than for hours of transport or a long meal-and-cruise program.

I would think of the wildlife as a bonus, not the entire product. Even if the turtles stay out of sight, you still have the underwater rock formations, a guide in the water, and an introduction to Tenerife’s marine life.

Meeting at Magilu bar and finding the right departure point

The stated meeting point is in front of Magilu bar. From there, the outing may use one of several locations, so this is one part of the plan that deserves attention.

When sea conditions allow a boat departure, the trip uses Marina del Sur in Puerto de Las Galletas. A boat gives you access to a selected area away from the immediate shoreline and can make the ride part of the outing. It also means you should allow enough time to reach the marina and make sure you know whether the meeting instructions have changed.

When conditions favor a shore entry, the activity may begin at Abades Beach or Alcalá Beach. Shore-based snorkeling removes the boat ride and may make the start more direct, but conditions still control the exact plan. The information provided names all three locations, so check the current departure details before leaving your accommodation.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You will need to arrange your own way to the meeting point, and that matters when comparing the $65 price with other water activities. The fee covers the guided session and equipment, not your local transportation.

Entering Tenerife’s volcanic underwater world

The seabed is one of the strongest reasons to book this trip, even if wildlife does not appear. Tenerife is a volcanic island, and its underwater rock formations give the snorkeling area a different feel from a plain sandy swimming spot.

Your guide points out what is below the surface while you swim. The focus is not only on finding animals, but also on noticing the shapes and features of the underwater terrain. For someone new to snorkeling, that guidance helps turn a quick swim into a better understanding of the place.

You should expect the sea to be the main setting, with visibility and comfort affected by the day’s conditions. The company chooses between departure points based on the state of the water, which is a practical safety measure. It also means you should arrive ready for a plan that may not match the original location exactly.

Looking for green turtles and different rays

The tour heads toward an area where a family of green turtles and several kinds of rays are known to live. That gives the outing a clear purpose, but it does not turn the animals into a scheduled performance.

Green turtles may appear nearby, or they may remain elsewhere in the area. Rays can also be difficult to spot, depending on water conditions and animal movement. The honest promise here is the opportunity to look for them, not a guaranteed encounter.

That distinction matters. If you need a certain animal sighting to feel the trip was worthwhile, this may not be the right activity. If you enjoy observing wild creatures on their own terms, the uncertainty is part of the appeal.

The guide accompanies you in the water rather than sending you off alone. That is useful for two reasons. First, a guide can help you notice animals and features you might miss. Second, you have someone nearby to answer questions and keep the outing organized.

Why beginners may feel comfortable here

The strongest practical feature is the instruction. Paco has been singled out for helping people with no previous snorkeling experience. He explained the basics in a beginner-friendly way, showed the techniques, and practiced them with the group before moving on.

That is more useful than a quick equipment handout. New snorkelers often need time to become comfortable breathing through the tube, clearing water, and moving without splashing. A calm introduction can make the difference between enjoying the sea and spending the whole session adjusting a mask.

The small group limit of 10 also helps. It does not guarantee private instruction, but it gives the guide a better chance to notice who needs help. You are not simply dropped into the water and left to manage alone.

The trip is not suitable for children under 4. For older children and adults, the data provided does not set a specific skill requirement, and the beginner-friendly instruction makes it worth asking about suitability when booking. You should still be comfortable entering the water and wearing snorkeling equipment.

Paco’s guiding style and the educational side

Paco’s role appears to go beyond pointing out animals. He has been praised for explaining Tenerife, the sea, and the creatures living in it. That gives the short trip more substance than a simple swim with rented gear.

I like this approach because the marine life becomes easier to understand in context. You learn not just to look for a turtle, but to pay attention to the environment around it. The volcanic formations, rays, and turtles are connected parts of one marine setting.

The tour is offered in English and Spanish. If you want a more detailed explanation, confirm your preferred language when reserving, especially if several languages are in use on the same departure.

Photos and videos have also been taken during outings, giving participants a possible souvenir of the swim. Since the formal inclusions list only the guide and snorkeling equipment, you should confirm how these images are supplied and whether there is any extra charge. Do not assume that photography is part of the guaranteed package.

Boat departure or beach entry: which is better?

Neither option is automatically better. The boat departure from Marina del Sur can give you access to the selected area from the water and may feel more like a traditional marine excursion. It is a good fit if you enjoy being on a boat as well as snorkeling.

A beach entry at Abades or Alcalá may be simpler. You walk into the activity from shore, without adding a boat ride to the schedule. That can suit you if you prefer a shorter start or are prone to seasickness.

The trade-off is that you do not choose the location. Sea conditions decide the departure point, and the available information also names Alcalá Beach as a possible meeting location. Since the details vary, check the final instructions rather than relying on an old map pin or assuming the marina is always used.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring swimwear and a towel. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask, snorkel, or related gear unless you prefer your personal equipment.

There is no mention of food, drinks, or hotel transport being included. Plan accordingly, especially if the activity takes place at a beach or marina away from your base.

Smoking is not allowed, and alcoholic drinks are not permitted in the vehicle. The vehicle restriction may matter if the day’s arrangements involve transport connected with the activity. In practical terms, arrive ready for a clean, focused water session rather than a party boat.

Is $65 good value for 90 minutes?

At $65 per person, the value depends on what you want from the outing. The price is fair if you want a guided wildlife search with equipment, a marine biologist, and a group capped at 10. It is less attractive if you are only looking for a place to rent gear and swim independently.

The guide is the main reason to pay for this rather than snorkeling on your own. Beginners receive instruction, the group stays accompanied in the water, and you get explanations about the animals and volcanic seabed. Those services add real value during a short session.

The price is also easier to justify if you see turtles or rays, but you should not treat a sighting as guaranteed. The company clearly notes that wild animals are free to move away. A fair comparison is not $65 for a guaranteed turtle encounter, but $65 for a guided marine experience where turtles and rays are a possible reward.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity and the option to reserve now and pay later make planning less risky. Those terms are useful when your Tenerife schedule depends on weather or when you want to wait before committing payment. Check the exact conditions at booking.

Who will enjoy this Tenerife snorkeling trip?

This is a good match for:

• First-time snorkelers who want instruction before swimming
• Adults and families with children aged 4 or older
• People who prefer a small group to a crowded boat
• Anyone interested in marine life and volcanic formations
• Visitors who want a short activity rather than a full-day excursion
• Swimmers who are comfortable with a plan that depends on sea conditions

I would be more cautious if you require guaranteed turtle sightings, dislike changing departure points, or want hotel transport included. The trip also may not suit someone who wants a long boat cruise, since the total duration is only 90 minutes.

Should you book this Abades snorkeling experience?

Book it if you want a compact, guided swim and you value learning as much as spotting animals. The combination of a marine biologist, beginner instruction, a 10-person limit, and access to Tenerife’s volcanic seabed gives the trip a clear purpose.

Go in with realistic expectations. Turtles and rays are the aim, not a promise, and the sea may shift the departure between Abades Beach, Alcalá Beach, and Marina del Sur. If you can accept that uncertainty, $65 is a sensible price for a well-supported introduction to Tenerife’s underwater world.

FAQ

How long does the snorkeling trip last?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $65 per person.

Are turtles and rays guaranteed?

No. The excursion visits an area where green turtles and different types of rays live, but sightings cannot be guaranteed because the animals are wild and free to move.

Where does the snorkeling trip depart from?

Depending on sea conditions, it may depart from Marina del Sur in Puerto de Las Galletas, Abades Beach, or Alcalá Beach.

Where is the meeting point?

The stated meeting point is in front of Magilu bar. Since the departure location can change, check the current instructions before the activity.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a marine biologist guide are included.

Is the trip suitable for young children?

Children under 4 are not permitted to join this activity.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.