About this tour
When Em from our team took this snorkelling tour off Tenerife, we got up close with sea turtles and stingrays in the sheltered waters near Malpais de Rasca. The 2-hour outing skirts volcanic cliffs and a protected natural area where the water stays calm and clear — ideal for spotting marine life without the chop. You're kitted out with a wetsuit, mask, fins, and an experienced guide who'll keep an eye on the group. It's a solid way to tick off a wildlife encounter without needing advanced diving credentials.
Highlights
- Sea turtles gliding past at close range in their natural habitat
- Stingrays cruising the seafloor beneath you
- Volcanic cliffs (Palm-Mar) towering above from water level
- Calm, clear bay waters — minimal swell or current stress
- Wetsuit, mask, fins all supplied; no gear hire fuss
- Photographer on board captures you mid-snorkel
- Dolphin sightings possible, though not guaranteed
- Small-group feel with an instructor who knows the site
What to expect
Em boarded a boat and cruised out into the protected waters off the southern coast. Once anchored, the guide briefed everyone on the snorkel technique and turtle etiquette — approach slowly, keep your distance, let them come to you. Within minutes of entering the water, turtles appeared; they're habituated to respectful snorkellers and move about the bay without alarm. The stingrays were less predictable but equally thrilling when they materialised from the seabed.
The pace is leisurely — you're not racing around. The boat stays in one sheltered zone where the seabed is visible and the surface is glass-calm, which takes the anxiety out of things. Between spotting runs, Em chatted with the guide about what else lives down there (occasional ray, small fish schools) and the volcanic geology framing the coast. The whole experience felt unhurried; it's not a tickbox dash.
What travellers say
- Turtles appear regularly in a protected, calm bay
- All snorkelling gear supplied; no rental stress
- Experienced guide keeps you safe and positioned well
- Sheltered waters suit nervous or moderate swimmers
- Photographer captures the moment for you
- Compact 2-hour outing fits a packed itinerary
- Turtle sightings likely but not 100% certain
- Not suitable for non-swimmers or very young kids
- Video recording costs extra; photo only as standard
- Not recommended if you're pregnant or have heart concerns
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you want to see wild sea turtles without the hassle of a full dive certification or a six-hour boat day, this hits the mark. The water is warm and shallow enough that even a cautious swimmer feels grounded. All your kit is included, which saves you from wrestling a rental shop. The photographer angle is a nice touch — you'll have evidence you were actually there, not just someone else's holiday snap.
Turtle sightings are probable, not guaranteed; they're wild animals, so patience is required. The minimum age is 8 and you must be able to swim — non-swimmers and very young kids won't make it work. Expect a 2-hour window from boat-to-boat; factor in 15–20 minutes for getting changed and the briefing. The tour isn't suitable if you're pregnant or have cardiovascular concerns. Video is a paid extra. Bring your own towel and swimsuit; the wetsuit is supplied but can be clammy. Tenerife's southern shore gets busy in peak season; early or shoulder-season bookings are quieter.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.