Our snorkeling excursion in Tenerife

I’m continuing my series of articles on the largest of the Canary Islands with my snorkeling excursion in Tenerife. Since Tenerife’s waters are rich, I consider snorkeling to be among the best things to do in Tenerife. In fact, I had the chance to take a guided snorkeling trip on the island’s southwest coast, departing from Costa Adeje. I was really excited to discover the marine species in the island’s waters. They’re quite rich and—what’s great—is that they include both tropical and Atlantic fish; I’ll let you imagine the marine biodiversity.

Even staying at the surface, I was expecting a lot and I wasn’t disappointed! Of course, you can also put on snorkel and mask on your own. But the advantage of taking a guided excursion is that you can just go with the flow. They know the island and the ocean like the back of their hand, with the best places to watch marine life, even while staying on the surface. Alright, let me tell you more about my experience right away!

Since I had an appointment at 8:30 a.m. and the snorkeling club was on the opposite side of where I was staying, I took precautions by leaving as early as possible, even if the wake-up stung a bit and I didn’t take time to enjoy the breakfast buffet. But hey, it’s okay, that’s part of vacation. But, a bad surprise to start the day—we got stuck in several traffic jams, because we were leaving from Puerto de la Cruz, in the northeast, to go to Costa Adeje, in the southwest, so we had some distance to cover. I won’t lie, the stress went up a bit during the drive.

We realized we wouldn’t be able to be on time, even if, from time to time, we managed to gain a few minutes. On the other hand, we lost quite a few. So I called the dive club to let them know and see what we could do. If I was no more than 30 minutes late, they would wait for us. Phew, first relief, but I was eager to arrive quickly. Once there, we were welcomed by the person I’d spoken to on the phone, who was very kind and smiling, to complete the paperwork. We then met Andrea, who would be our guide for this outing at sea. He gave us our gear: wetsuit, fins, dive mask, and snorkel so we could get ready to go. Everything went smoothly and quickly so we could still leave at the scheduled time.

For the snorkeling, there would be only three of us, while those doing scuba diving were ten. We all left together on a boat. We arrived fairly quickly in the middle of the ocean without straying too far from the coast. First we let the people who were going scuba diving jump into the water, and then it was our turn. We put on our mask—it always feels strange to breathe through your mouth and not your nose anymore, but it’s far less intimidating than scuba diving.

We jumped off the boat and, to my great surprise, the water was rather nice. Andrea showed us the direction in which we would swim. Goal: swim to the Cave of Love. It’s a sea cave on the coast teeming with fish. Off we go, we’re on our way! There was current and wind, so it was a bit physical, but it worked the legs. On the way, our guide took photos and videos of us to keep memories of this snorkeling excursion. As soon as we put our heads under the water, we saw schools of small fish pass before our eyes: black, white, and orange. After about ten minutes, Andrea, who went much deeper than we did, had us hold a starfish that was fluorescent orange, almost coral-colored. He even placed it on our hands. I had never seen one so big or of that color. Of course, he then put it back on the rock where it was. I think it was one of my best moments during the outing.

We kept going, even if the legs and thighs were burning more and more. But the cave was getting closer and closer. And we didn’t see the time pass, because we kept seeing little fish on the way. We arrived at the Cave/Rock of Love (cueva del amor), and Andrea captured these moments. It’s impressive to find yourself at the entrance to this cave; the entrance is huge, you feel really small, haha. And when you put your head back under the water, you keep seeing fish around you among the rocks, going about their lives. It’s so beautiful to see them in their natural habitat! And you’re really somewhere else; you don’t think about anything else in front of these scenes of life. It feels like being in an aquarium!

However, the clock was ticking—it was time to head back to the boat. Honestly, I felt like it was super far away, and since my legs already hurt, I told myself the return might be a bit long, especially with the wind and current. Fortunately, Andrea helped me for part of the way. The return ended up being much faster. We kept feasting our eyes on schools of striped-tail damselfish, white seabream, two-banded seabream, and marbled fish. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any turtles, but hey, there’s always next time. Plus, the guide told us he had seen some around here. It’s okay, I still really enjoyed it.

We then climbed back onto the boat; it was a bit chilly. But luckily, Andrea had warned us and brought jackets for us to put on. The ride was fast and bumpy, in time with the waves; it added a little thrill to end the excursion well (we were far from a calm cruise, haha). Once back at the Costa Adeje club, all that was left was to take off our wetsuits and put away the rest of the gear. We thanked Andrea, who was great with us the whole outing. At the front desk, there was also a screen with the photos scrolling by, and we decided we wanted to get them to keep a souvenir of this snorkeling excursion. Honestly, it was a great morning for us; even though it was overcast and cloudy, we still had good visibility underwater, and that’s all that matters.

Even if I already told you a bit, I really liked this snorkeling excursion. The club was great; they waited for us despite our delay. Our guide also supported us well throughout. If I had gone snorkeling on my own, I wouldn’t have been able to reach the Rock of Love, which is impressive, because from the coast, it’s far too long. Even if it was a bit sporty, it worked our legs, haha. But I do prefer to warn you: it’s better to be comfortable in the water and be a bit sporty. No need to be an excellent swimmer either; an intermediate level is enough. Otherwise, they can give you a life jacket, but you’ll float more and go more slowly. In any case, don’t worry, you’re well supervised: there’s one guide for a maximum of three people.

Tenerife’s waters are so rich that I really recommend snorkeling there. Going with a guide is the best way to discover hidden-gem spots teeming with marine species. And I hope you see turtles; it must be incredible! I’d say the only small downside is the price of the photos and videos: €30, knowing that you’ll need to sort them afterward on your side, because all the photos from the excursion are sent to you, including those of other participants. Otherwise, you’re allowed to bring your own GoPro if you have one. Always good to know. It’s still nice not to have to take care of it and just enjoy. We’ll capture the different moments for you!

I did this outing with the dive club Travel Sub Dive Center, located in Costa Adeje. For the record, it’s one of the oldest dive clubs in Tenerife, created in 1999. It’s located exactly at Puerto Colón, the liveliest marina in all of Costa Adeje. In addition to snorkeling sessions, the club also offers introductory dives, PADI courses, and diving sessions for beginners and advanced divers, as well as private and family excursions. There’s plenty to do with them! It gives you ideas for activities to do during your vacation with family or friends.

All these services are done in a good atmosphere, with the aim of introducing people to the seabed while respecting marine fauna and flora and their natural environment, all in a friendly atmosphere. That’s really what I felt: the club is welcoming and you immediately feel the nice vibe. Plus, the team speaks several languages: French, Spanish, English, Italian, Russian, and German. That’s definitely a plus for all travelers. As for me, Andrea spoke Spanish, English, and Italian. It didn’t matter to me; we communicated in Spanish. Honestly, you can do sea outings with this club, which is really great. I recommend it!

To better guide you on snorkeling in Tenerife, I’ve prepared a short list of all the best places to do it. Some of these places can be done on your own, while for others, you need to be accompanied, as there are areas too far from the coast where a boat is necessary.

If there’s one place to go snorkeling in Tenerife, it’s Costa Adeje. Since it’s located in the southwest of the island, this area is great for discovering marine species. In general, the ocean is calmer and sheltered from the wind. This is where I did my excursion and, honestly, it’s one of the best choices. Plus, the water was clear: we could see the different fish around us super well.

In general, outings depart from the Puerto Colón marina to access the most beautiful spots around the bays of La Caleta, El Puertito, and Palm-Mar. The marine life there is quite rich: you can encounter multicolored fish, rays, moray eels, cuttlefish, and maybe even green turtles. They’re often seen around El Puertito de Adeje. It’s a cove with turquoise water that once sheltered green turtles. That’s what made it famous! It’s still possible to see them today, as it’s a protected area. I didn’t go exactly there, but maybe I should have. If you get the chance, go—you’ll have to tell me how it was!

In any case, even if you don’t go by boat, there’s no need to go very far to observe the underwater world. Costa Adeje includes several coves and fine-sand beaches (like Playa del Duque) that are very accessible. I’ll take this opportunity to invite you to check out our guide to the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife (without spoiling the whole article, two of my favorites are Playa de la Arena and Playa de la Tejita).

Located right next to Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos is another excellent option for snorkeling in Tenerife. Sure, it’s a lively seaside resort, but it’s kept a more authentic, local side. The water is clear—almost crystalline—the beaches are well sheltered, and the spots are accessible directly from the beach. Here, you just need to put on mask and snorkel: no need to go very far or take a boat to observe marine species.

One of the best spots is Playa de Las Vistas, a large golden-sand beach with several rocks where parrotfish, seabream, damselfish, and blue chromis hide. What’s nice is that in Los Cristianos you can chain together snorkeling, a seaside stroll, a lounge moment on the beach, and a little terrace break. So, how about it?

Still in the south, but to the east, here we are at a spot much less known than Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos. Yet it’s among the best places to go snorkeling. Abades is a small village near El Médano (a village with a beach perfect for surfing and kitesurfing). There’s a truly pleasant, local vibe. As you might expect, there are few tourists: it’s a change from the seaside resorts we just saw. You’ll arrive at a small bay of black sand and crystal-clear water. A real little piece of paradise!

You’ll hardly find a quieter place to snorkel. When I went, there were only a few locals walking and swimming. We were far from jostling, haha. Once your head is underwater, in my opinion, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The site is part of a protected marine area. You can discover colorful wrasse, turtles, parrotfish, rays, and much more. One last good point: it’s shallow with good visibility, so even if you’re not super comfortable, you can go without worry! I want to say, enjoy it while the spot isn’t popular yet!

Las Galletas is a small fishing village that I really liked. It offers a very local atmosphere, with a small harbor where you can explore the seabed. This time too, it’s a calm place for snorkeling. You won’t be disturbed and you can really be in your own bubble. Honestly, if you’re looking for a calm and accessible place to snorkel, I can only recommend Las Galletas.

Plus, the water is clear, offering good visibility around the marina and along Playa de Las Galletas, a small beach of black sand and pebbles. Here too, you can see tropical and Atlantic fish, like trumpetfish or small colorful wrasse. And keep your eyes open: in the sandy bottom, stingrays hide. After your underwater discoveries, I suggest eating in a small local restaurant to regain your strength.

I discovered this spot thanks to my whale-watching trip in Tenerife. After heading to the Teno-Rasca marine area (where I saw spotted dolphins and pilot whales), the sailboat stopped us at the foot of Los Gigantes, the immense cliffs that rise between 300 and 600 meters. Honestly, it was impressive to be there and to swim there. We were given a mask and snorkel to observe fish near the rocky walls. It’s true there were quite a few hiding and living among the rocks. To me, it’s one of the must-see spots for snorkeling in Tenerife. However, you need to go by boat, because from the shore, it’s too far.

If you don’t plan to take a boat excursion around Los Gigantes, you can still snorkel at Playa de Los Guíos. It’s a black-sand beach right next to the marina. You can already see beautiful things without going too far and enjoy good visibility underwater (especially in the morning, when the light is softer and prettier).

This time, head to the north of Tenerife, just above the capital, Santa Cruz. Playa de Las Teresitas is the most famous beach on the entire island. It’s huge, with a beautiful stretch of sand brought from the Sahara. On the water side, it’s turquoise and calm: it checks all the boxes for snorkeling. I’ll admit, this isn’t where you’ll see the most exceptional seabed, but it’s more than enough for a relaxing snorkeling session and to observe whatever swims by around you.

The water is shallow, and the artificial rock barrier shelters a few small, colorful fish: seabream, gobies, and blue chromis. If you explore near the rocks, you’ll easily see them passing a few centimeters from your mask! Personally, I liked this beach because, even if it draws crowds, it’s big enough so you’re not all crammed together.

Very close to Santa Cruz, Radazul isn’t very popular, but it’s worth the detour. To give you an idea, it’s a quiet little marina with several protected coves, super-clear waters, and particularly rich biodiversity. Just a few centimeters below the surface, you can discover plenty of fish and even a few moray eels among the rocks. The seabed is rocky and volcanic: it creates beautiful contrasts between the black lava and the blue ocean.

Plus, the depth increases little by little, which gives you room before you can’t stand anymore. The marina is well laid out, so you can get into the water easily! I think you’ll have a lot of fun at this spot, and in total tranquility.

Between Los Gigantes and Playa San Juan, the village of Alcalá is a little gem not very well known for snorkeling. This peaceful area is mostly frequented by locals. It offers several small natural volcanic coves where the water is incredibly clear. It’s a great area to observe marine life in peace.

What makes Alcalá so special is its protected bay, where green turtles sometimes come to swim, especially in the morning, when the sea is still calm. Even if you can never be sure of spotting them, you can always try. I didn’t have that luck, but I think it’s worth a look! As for me, I truly fell in love with this wild place, typical of the Canaries (and far from mass tourism).

To answer all the essential questions about snorkeling in Tenerife, here we are in the practical corner!

Let me reassure you right away: snorkeling in Tenerife is quite affordable. Of course, prices depend on duration, departure point, and what’s included. To give you a better idea of what to expect:

• For a classic 2- to 3-hour outing, plan around €45 per person (that was the price of my outing). That’s very often what most clubs offer. This includes the gear (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins) for a small-group excursion, accompanied by a guide to discover the best sites to see marine animals.
• If you prefer a slightly longer excursion or with more services (for example with transfer, photos, or a very small group), expect a price between €60 and €80. And if some want a private getaway, there are centers that offer tailor-made outings around €100 and more per person. It’s up to you! But honestly, it starts at prices I find reasonable and fair.

Most snorkeling excursions in Tenerife last between 2 and 3 hours. I find that’s more than enough to observe fish and other marine species without ending up exhausted. It’s neither too short nor too long, and you can easily fit it into a morning or an afternoon.

In general, here’s how a snorkeling outing goes:

• a short safety briefing with gear distribution (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit);
• 20 to 30 minutes by boat to reach the spot;
• about 1 to 1.5 hours in the water exploring the seabed;
• then the quiet return to the marina.

Everything flows nicely; you really don’t see the time pass because there’s so much to watch. There are also longer outings (up to 4 hours), with several snorkeling and swimming stops. Others are shorter when they’re done from the beach without a boat.

With its mild, subtropical climate, you can snorkel year-round in Tenerife. That’s a big advantage of the island—and even of the Canary archipelago. I also did some scuba diving in Lanzarote in early October: it was spectacular (I saw trumpetfish, parrotfish, viejas, ornate wrasse, corals, and even a seahorse)! The water is good all year long; even in winter, it rarely drops below 20 degrees. So even the chilly can jump in at any season.

That said, there are still periods that are more favorable than others:

• From May to October is the best time. The water is around 25 degrees, it’s calmer, and visibility is all the better!
• From November to April, it’s a bit cooler (especially in the morning), but still totally doable, especially on the southwest coast (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, El Puertito…), which is more sheltered from the wind. And during those months, there are fewer tourists: you’ll be more at ease.

In short, keep in mind that you can snorkel in Tenerife at any time of year. And if you’re hesitating about your travel dates to book your plane tickets, I invite you to read my full article on when to go to Tenerife!

I already mentioned it a bit above, but snorkeling outings are designed to make your underwater experience as pleasant as possible. You’ll just need to come with your swimsuit, your towel, and above all the desire to enjoy and discover the underwater world.

Generally speaking, the price includes:

• all the complete snorkeling gear: mask, snorkel, and fins, of very good quality;
• a neoprene wetsuit to retain warmth (the water can be a bit cool depending on the season);
• the boat ride to the spot (if the excursion is at sea);
• a safety briefing and the support of a certified guide who knows the best places to observe marine life;
• and sometimes even drinks, snacks, or underwater photos to keep memories.

For your information, if you have your own equipment, some dive centers allow you to come snorkeling with your own mask and snorkel. But make sure to check this point when booking. You get the idea: we take care of everything for you!

I hope this article made you want to take a snorkeling outing in Tenerife. Honestly, even at the surface, you’ll see beautiful wonders underwater. It would be a shame to miss out, right? We agree, you can absolutely snorkel completely on your own, but with a guide, you’ll be able to explore more beautiful spots and even sea caves—especially by taking a boat. But it’s up to you!

In any case, if I have one piece of advice, it’s to put your head underwater: the rest, I’ll let you handle!

Another good way to explore the Atlantic Ocean: go kayaking in Tenerife. You need to have your arms in good shape, but it’s quite doable! From your kayak and while paddling, you can still see small fish swimming around the rocks. Especially if you do it near Los Gigantes.

See you soon for more water activities in Tenerife.

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to discover the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and Lanzarote, so that I could share these island paradises with you. Two real favorites of mine!

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