Tenerife: Kayak and Snorkel with Turtles, Wetsuits Included

Wild dolphins and sea turtles are the main draw here, but the best part is the quiet way you meet them. You paddle from Los Cristianos in a kayak rather than chasing marine life in a noisy motorboat. The animals set the pace, and you watch from the water without trying to touch, feed, or corner them.

I like two things right away: wetsuits and photos are included, so you have fewer extras to rent or organize, and the kayaks have proper seats with back support. The guides, including Carlos, Barbara, Gonza, David, and Daniel, get especially high marks for calm instruction and good humor. The catch is simple: wild animals do not follow a timetable. You may see dolphins and turtles, but you may also see only fish.

Key points to know before booking

• Dolphins and turtles are wild: The company reports about a 90 percent chance of seeing marine life, but no sighting is guaranteed.
• The trip starts at Los Cristianos: You paddle along the coast toward Cueva de los Enamorados, with mountain and shoreline views.
• Snorkeling happens in a secluded bay: The stop is accessible only by boat and may bring sightings of fish, turtles, or bull rays.
• You need to swim confidently: This is not a sightseeing cruise. You will kayak and enter the sea.
• Short wetsuits, equipment, photos, and insurance are included: Bring your own swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sun hat, flip-flops, and drinking water.
• Age and weight limits matter: The minimum age is 14, minors under 18 must have a parent with them, and the kayak limit is 100 kilograms per person.

Why a kayak is the right way to watch dolphins

Tenerife’s southwest coast is known for its marine life, and this trip takes a low-key approach. A kayak sits close to the water, so you get a better view of the sea than you would from shore. It is also quiet, which helps the group watch dolphins without the noise and wake of a motorboat.

The company is described as the only eco-certified kayaking company on the island. That matters here because the point is not simply to find an animal, paddle after it, and collect a photograph. The guides aim to keep the kayaks unobtrusive and let the dolphins decide how close they come.

The waters around Tenerife are home to five dolphin species. Bottlenose dolphins are the easiest to recognize, while rough-toothed, striped, and common dolphins may also appear. Pods can reach up to 30 animals, and the dolphins may jump near the kayaks. That is an exciting possibility, but you should treat it as luck rather than a promise.

Turtles are another major draw. Green turtles are often encountered, and loggerhead turtles are also possible. A turtle may surface near a kayak or glide below you during the snorkel stop. The experience is much better if you arrive ready to observe quietly instead of expecting a guaranteed close encounter.

Meeting at Cristianmar in Los Cristianos

You meet at Xplore Tenerife Kayaking and Biking, in the Cristianmar building. The office is on the ground floor, on the left side of the building when you face the sea. Search for Xplore Tenerife on Google Maps before leaving your accommodation, and allow time to find the correct entrance.

The trip lasts about three hours. It begins with a 15-minute safety briefing at the office, followed by a five-minute walk to Playa de Los Cristianos. That short walk is useful because the activity does not begin with a rushed launch. You get an explanation of the kayak, paddling basics, safety rules, and what to do around marine life.

Changing rooms and lockers are available. This is handy if you arrive in ordinary clothes and want to change before setting off. Bring a swimsuit, towel, water, sunscreen, sun hat, and flip-flops. Water is not included, and you should not count on buying it once you are on the water.

Guides speak Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, and French. The staff names most often associated with this outing include Carlos, Barbara, Gonza, David, Daniel, Dani, and Carol. The strongest praise centers on patient instruction, clear safety advice, and a friendly manner. That makes a real difference if you have never handled a kayak before.

Launching from Playa de Los Cristianos

The main kayaking section begins at Playa de Los Cristianos. You paddle along the coast for roughly an hour, looking for dolphins and turtles while taking in views of the shoreline and Tenerife’s mountains.

The kayaks have comfortable seats and back support, a useful detail during a three-hour activity. You still need to paddle, so this is active rather than passive sightseeing. One direct account describes the activity as physically tiring but fun. That is fair warning: even gentle sea conditions require steady work from your arms and shoulders.

Beginners are welcome if they can swim and follow instructions. Guides such as Barbara and David are praised for making first-time paddlers feel safe, while Carlos is noted for being calm and friendly. You will usually paddle as part of a guided group rather than set your own route, which keeps the outing organized and helps the guide manage wildlife encounters.

The coast provides a second reward. Even if dolphins stay out of sight, you are looking toward cliffs, mountains, and open Atlantic water from a much better position than the beach. Several people describe the scenery and the kayaking itself as worthwhile even without a turtle sighting.

Cueva de los Enamorados and the wildlife search

After about an hour, the route reaches Cueva de los Enamorados, or Lovers’ Cave. The stop lasts around 15 minutes and keeps the focus on kayaking, marine life, and coastal views.

This is not presented as a long cave visit on foot. You see the area from the water, so the appeal is the setting and the chance to look for dolphins or turtles near the coast. Keep your expectations sensible. A short stop gives the group a change of scenery, but it does not guarantee an animal encounter.

Guides use their experience to scan the water and keep the group positioned sensibly. David, for example, is praised for spotting dolphins and taking the group to a good snorkeling area. That kind of local judgment is valuable because the quality of the outing depends partly on where the animals happen to be that day.

You may see a mother and young dolphin, a turtle near the kayak, or dolphins jumping in the distance. You may also see nothing larger than fish. The company gives a 90 percent chance of encountering turtles or dolphins, but that figure should not be read as a promise of a close encounter with both species.

Snorkeling in a bay reached only by boat

The route returns toward Playa de Los Cristianos for another hour of kayaking, with a stop to swim and snorkel in a secluded bay accessible only by boat. This is the most hands-on part of the outing.

Snorkeling equipment and a short wetsuit are included. The wetsuit helps take the edge off cooler water and makes the swim more comfortable, especially if you plan to stay in the water and watch fish. You still need your own swimsuit and towel.

The water is described as clear, and you may see several fish species below you. Green turtles and loggerhead turtles are possible, as are bull rays gliding along the seabed. Do not expect an aquarium. Visibility and animal activity can change, and the guides cannot control what appears during the stop.

The bay adds value even on a quiet wildlife day. It gives you time away from the kayak to swim and look below the surface, rather than spending all three hours paddling. If snorkeling is important to you, this stop is a strong reason to book. If you dislike open-water swimming, the same feature may make the trip a poor fit.

Respect for wildlife is important here. Do not touch turtles, chase animals, or try to block their path. The best encounter is one in which the animal remains calm and continues its normal behavior.

Returning to shore after about three hours

Once the snorkel break ends, you paddle back toward Playa de Los Cristianos and walk back to the Xplore Tenerife office. The listed route includes about two hours of kayaking, a 15-minute cave section, the swim and snorkel break, the safety briefing, and the short walk. The full experience is advertised as three hours, although the exact time on the water can depend on conditions and the group.

Photos are included, which is a welcome extra. Guides such as David are specifically praised for taking good pictures. You may bring your own phone in a waterproof case, but doing so is your responsibility. A phone can record the moment, but it can also distract you from watching the water and creates a risk if it is lost.

The outing ends where it begins. That makes the logistics simple, especially if you are staying near Los Cristianos. There is no separate boat transfer or long drive included in the activity.

Is $35 a fair price?

At $35 per person, this is one of the more affordable ways to combine kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife watching in Tenerife. The price includes the kayak, snorkeling equipment, guide, accident insurance, wetsuit, and photos. Those inclusions make the cost stronger than it first appears.

You still need to pay for or arrange your own transport to the meeting point, and you must bring water, a towel, and swimwear. There is no meal or drink included. Still, a three-hour guided sea activity with equipment and photography at this price offers good value if you want an active coastal outing.

The real value depends on your priorities. If you need a guaranteed turtle sighting, no wildlife tour can honestly deliver that. If you are happy to paddle, snorkel, see fish, and enjoy the coastline while keeping an eye out for dolphins and turtles, the price is easier to justify.

The overall rating is 4.6 from more than 7,000 ratings, and the repeated praise is focused on the guides. Carlos is described as calm and helpful. Barbara is praised for being friendly, cheerful, and reassuring with beginners. Gonza is noted for his English and ocean experience, while David receives credit for clear instructions, wildlife spotting, and photographs.

There is also an important note of balance. One disappointed participant felt that the turtle promise was too strong and questioned the area’s turtle activity. That concern is worth taking seriously. Book this for the complete experience, not just for a photograph of a turtle.

Who should book this Tenerife kayak trip?

This activity suits you if you:

• Are 14 or older and can swim confidently
• Want a small-scale, active way to see Tenerife’s coast
• Like the idea of kayaking and snorkeling in one outing
• Appreciate wildlife viewing that avoids chasing animals
• Are comfortable with the possibility of no dolphin or turtle sighting
• Want a reasonably priced activity with equipment and photos included

It is not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over the 100-kilogram kayak limit. Minors aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent.

You should also consider your fitness. The kayaks have back support, but paddling for extended periods can still be tiring. If you want a fully relaxed boat ride, choose another activity. If you enjoy doing something with your arms and legs while taking in the coast, this trip has the right mix.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Arrive ready to change and get wet. Wear swimwear under your clothes, pack a towel and water, and apply sunscreen before the briefing. A sun hat is useful on the exposed water, while flip-flops help during the walk between the office and beach.

Listen closely during the safety talk, even if you have kayaked before. Conditions, group spacing, and wildlife rules are easier to manage when everyone follows the guide’s instructions.

If you are hoping for photos, ask how the included pictures will be provided. Keep your own phone safely protected if you bring it, and do not let photography take over the wildlife encounter.

The activity can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The supplier may also decide that conditions are unsafe for the activity, in which case you will not be allowed to participate.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want good-value outdoor time in Tenerife, can swim, and see dolphins or turtles as a welcome possibility rather than a guarantee. The guides, comfortable kayaks, included wetsuits, snorkeling gear, and photos give the outing plenty of practical value.

Skip it if you are uncomfortable in open water, cannot paddle for a sustained period, or would be disappointed by a wildlife trip without a sighting. For everyone else, the combination of quiet kayaking, a boat-only snorkeling bay, mountain views, and a strong team of guides makes this a sensible three-hour choice from Los Cristianos.

FAQ

Where does the Tenerife kayak and snorkel tour start?

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

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts about three hours. It includes a 15-minute safety briefing, a five-minute walk to Playa de Los Cristianos, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and a snorkeling stop.

Are wetsuits and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Kayaks, snorkeling equipment, short wetsuits, a guide, accident insurance, and pictures are included.

Do I need to know how to swim?

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

What age do I need to be?

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

Are dolphins and turtles guaranteed?

No. Dolphins and turtles are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. The company states that there is about a 90 percent chance of encountering them.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, drinking water, and flip-flops. Water and towels are not included.

Is there a weight limit for the kayaks?

Yes. The limit is 100 kilograms per person. People over that limit cannot take part because of the kayak’s stability requirements.