Tenerife: Kayak and Snorkel with Turtles, Wetsuits Included

The most appealing part of this Tenerife outing is the chance to watch wild dolphins and turtles from a quiet kayak, rather than from a noisy motorboat. You paddle along the Los Cristianos coast, then stop in a sheltered bay for snorkeling among fish and other marine life.

I like the $35 price, which covers the kayak, guide, snorkeling kit, wetsuit, insurance, and photos. I also like the comfortable kayak seats with back support, plus the calm, safety-minded guides such as Carlos, Barbara, Gonza, and David.

The catch is simple: these are wild animals, not a scheduled show. The company gives a 90 percent sighting chance, but some outings see dolphins and turtles while others find only fish. You must be a confident swimmer, and the trip can feel tiring if you are new to kayaking.

What makes this Tenerife kayak trip worth considering

• Dolphins from a non-intrusive kayak: The low, quiet boats let you watch marine life without chasing or frightening it.
• A boat-only snorkeling stop: The swim break takes place in a secluded bay that is accessible only from the water.
• Five dolphin species in local waters: Bottlenose dolphins are the easiest to spot, with rough-toothed, striped, and common dolphins also possible.
• Wetsuits and photos included: You only need to bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and drinking water.
• Comfortable boats for a two-hour paddle: Kayaks have supportive seats and backrests, a useful detail on a three-hour outing.
• Strong guide feedback: Carlos, Barbara, Gonza, David, Daniel, Dani, and Carol are praised for clear instruction, calm handling, good humor, and helpful wildlife information.

Starting at Cristianmar in Los Cristianos

Your outing begins at Xplore Tenerife Kayaking and Biking, in the Cristianmar building. Look for the office on the ground floor, to the left when you face the sea. This detail matters because the meeting point is an office rather than an obvious beach kiosk, so allow a few minutes to find it.

The activity ends at the same place. There is no separate return transfer to arrange, which keeps the morning or afternoon easy to plan around. Changing rooms and lockers are available before you head out.

Bring swimwear, a towel, water, sunscreen, a sun hat, and flip-flops. Water is not included, and neither are swimsuits or towels. The company supplies the short wetsuit, but you still need something to wear underneath it.

You begin with a 15-minute safety briefing. This is more than a quick paddle demonstration. You need to understand how to handle the kayak, listen to the guide, and manage yourself in open water. Guides work in Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, and French, so language should not be a major obstacle for most participants.

After the briefing, you walk about five minutes to Playa de Los Cristianos. That short walk is worth knowing about if you are carrying your own towel, water, and beach items. Keep your gear compact.

Paddling out from Playa de Los Cristianos

At the beach, you get into the kayaks and begin the main coastal route. The kayaking and wildlife-watching portion takes about an hour on the way out, followed by a short stop at Cueva de los Enamorados, then another hour back toward Los Cristianos.

The kayaks are designed with comfortable seats and back support. That will not remove all effort from the trip, but it makes a real difference during a two-hour paddle. If this is your first time kayaking, expect some work from your arms and shoulders. One outing was described as physically tiring even though it remained fun.

The guide sets the pace and keeps the group focused on the sea around you. You may see dolphins surfacing or jumping near the kayaks, with pods of up to 30 animals possible. Bottlenose dolphins are the most likely type to recognize, while rough-toothed, striped, and common dolphins may also appear in Tenerife’s Atlantic waters.

The quiet kayak is central to the experience. You are not guaranteed a close encounter, but the low profile lets you watch without the engine noise and wake of a larger boat. The eco-certified company presents this as a way to respect the animals, and you should follow the guide’s instructions closely by not paddling after or crowding wildlife.

The coastal views are part of the payoff even if the animals stay out of sight. From the water, you get a different angle on Tenerife’s coastline and mountain scenery. The route gives you time to look away from the paddle and take in the island’s shape from offshore.

Cueva de los Enamorados and the return route

The stop at Cueva de los Enamorados lasts about 15 minutes. It is a brief scenic pause rather than a long land visit. You remain focused on kayaking, marine life, and the coast before continuing back toward Playa de Los Cristianos.

This short stop helps break up the paddle. It also gives the guide another chance to point out wildlife or explain the area. Do not expect a full cave tour or a long exploration on foot. The attraction here is the combination of rock, water, and the view from the kayak.

The return section lasts about an hour. Depending on conditions and wildlife activity, the ride back may feel relaxed or more demanding. Keep your expectations practical: this is an active sea trip, not a passive sightseeing cruise.

Your guide may keep an eye out for dolphins during the full route. Several strong outings saw dolphins from the kayaks, including one encounter with a mother and baby. Other outings saw a turtle, many fish, or no turtles at all. The animals decide the schedule.

Snorkeling in a sheltered bay

The snorkeling stop is one of the best reasons to choose this excursion instead of a kayaking trip with no swim break. The bay is accessible only by boat, giving you a chance to swim away from the main beach and look for fish in clear water.

Snorkeling equipment is included, as is the wetsuit. The suit helps with comfort in the Atlantic and removes the need to rent extra gear. You still need to be comfortable in the water, since swimming is mandatory for participation.

You may see several kinds of fish, and some people spot turtles or bull rays moving along the sea bed. Green turtles are the main possibility, with loggerhead turtles sometimes seen in Canarian waters. The chance of a turtle encounter is a major selling point, but it is not a promise.

This is where the wildlife policy matters most. You are watching animals in their natural setting, not feeding them or handling them. Keep your movements calm, leave plenty of space, and let the guide position the group. A turtle swimming near your kayak can feel special precisely because it is free to leave.

A fair warning: one participant felt the turtle claim was overstated and believed the area might not have many turtles. That criticism is worth keeping in mind. The trip can still deliver a good snorkel and a fine paddle without a turtle sighting, but you should not book it as a guaranteed swim with turtles.

Guides who make the biggest difference

The guides receive unusually strong praise, and their role matters on an activity like this. You need clear instructions before launching, steady help if the sea feels awkward, and someone who can spot animals before you do.

Carlos is repeatedly praised for being friendly, calm, and a good teacher. Barbara is described as cheerful, helpful, and reassuring, especially for first-time kayakers. Gonza is noted for his English, ocean experience, and ability to keep the outing fun.

David is praised for calm instructions, wildlife knowledge, and taking good photos. Daniel is singled out for keeping the group safe while making the outing enjoyable. Dani and Carol are credited with giving detailed but funny instructions to a group of 10.

You may not receive one of these exact guides, since staffing can change. Still, the repeated pattern is useful: the guide is not just there to lead the route. The guide watches the group, explains the animals, helps beginners, and handles the practical details that can make open-water kayaking feel safe.

What the $35 price really covers

At $35 per person, this is a strong-value excursion if you want several activities in one outing. You get around three hours of organized time, a kayak, snorkeling equipment, a short wetsuit, an instructor, accident insurance, and photos.

The photos are a useful extra. David and other guides are praised for taking good pictures, so you can enjoy the water without constantly protecting your phone. You may bring your own phone in a waterproof case, but it remains your responsibility if it is lost.

The price is especially fair for first-time kayakers who would otherwise need to rent equipment, find a launch point, arrange a snorkel stop, and navigate the coast alone. You also get a multilingual guide and a planned wildlife search.

The value drops if your only goal is a guaranteed turtle sighting. No ethical wildlife tour can promise that with wild animals, and this one does not guarantee dolphins or turtles despite the stated 90 percent encounter chance. Think of the cost as paying for a guided coastal paddle with a genuine possibility of marine life.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 7,215 ratings, which fits the general picture: excellent organization and guides, with wildlife sightings varying by day. The activity itself remains worthwhile when the sea creatures keep their distance.

Who should book, and who should skip it

This trip suits confident swimmers aged 14 and older who want an active view of Tenerife. It is a good fit for couples, friends, and families with teenagers, provided the younger participant is accompanied by a parent if under 18.

First-time kayakers can manage it with the guide’s instruction, but you should not mistake beginner-friendly for effortless. You will paddle for extended periods, get wet, and spend time in open water. A reasonable level of fitness will make the outing more enjoyable.

Skip it if you cannot swim, have back problems, are pregnant, have a pre-existing medical condition, or weigh more than 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds. The weight limit is given per person for kayak stability. The operator can refuse participation if conditions make the activity unsafe.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That is sensible for a sea activity, and you should arrive ready to listen and take responsibility for your own comfort in the water.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife schedule is still taking shape.

Practical ways to enjoy the three hours

Wear swimwear under the provided wetsuit and bring a towel for the return. Apply sunscreen before the briefing, since you will be exposed to sun reflected off the sea, and pack drinking water because none is supplied.

Use the lockers rather than carrying loose items in the kayak. If you bring a phone, use a proper waterproof case and secure it well. The included photos may be the easier choice.

Listen carefully during the safety talk, even if you have kayaked before. Open water has different demands from a calm lake, and the guide’s directions also help protect the dolphins and turtles from unnecessary disturbance.

Paddle steadily rather than racing. You will have more energy for the return section and a better chance of looking around for wildlife. Keep your eyes moving across the water, since dolphins can appear briefly and turtles may be easier to spot from the guide’s position.

Should you book the Xplore Tenerife kayak tour?

I would book this if you want an affordable, active sea outing with a good chance of dolphins, turtles, and fish, but I would set realistic expectations. The best parts are the quiet kayak, the secluded snorkel stop, supportive guides, and the amount included for $35.

Book it especially if you value a respectful approach to wildlife and do not want a motorboat tour. Choose another activity if you need guaranteed animal sightings, dislike physical exercise, or are not fully comfortable swimming.

The most useful mindset is to treat the turtles and dolphins as a bonus, not the entire product. You are paying for a well-supported coastal paddle, a swim in a boat-access-only bay, and a chance to see wild Atlantic life. On a lucky day, a turtle may glide right beside your kayak. On another, clear water, fish, mountain views, and a good guide can still make the outing money well spent.

FAQ

How long does the Tenerife kayak and snorkel trip last?

The activity lasts three hours, including the safety briefing, short walk to Playa de Los Cristianos, kayaking, wildlife watching, and snorkeling.

Where does the activity start and finish?

It starts and finishes at Xplore Tenerife Kayaking and Biking, in the Cristianmar building. The office is on the ground floor to the left when you face the sea.

Are kayaks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Kayaks and snorkeling equipment are included, along with a guide, accident insurance, photos, and a short wetsuit.

Do I need to bring a wetsuit?

No. A short wetsuit is included. Bring your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sun hat, flip-flops, and water.

Do I have to know how to swim?

Yes. You must be able to swim to take part, and the operator may refuse participation if it considers the activity unsafe.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 14. Participants aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent.

What are the weight and health restrictions?

The kayak has a limit of 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds, per person. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or non-swimmers.

Are dolphins and turtles guaranteed?

No. The activity gives a stated 90 percent chance of encountering marine life, but dolphins and turtles are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed.