Snorkeling in Tarifa: Sailing, underwater scooter & tapas

Sail the strait, steer the boat, snorkel with an underwater scooter

Snorkel in Tarifa on a three-hour sailboat excursion that includes a guide in English, Spanish or French, snorkeling gear, an underwater scooter to move through the water, and Spanish tapas and drinks. You get to help sail the boat along the coast past Playa Chica and Isla de las Palomas before anchoring to snorkel in clear water where thousands of fish gather.

The experience

The boat leaves with a small group and heads out along Tarifa's coast, skirting Playa Chica, Isla de las Palomas, and Playa de los Lances. The captain teaches you how to sail and lets you take the helm. This is not a passive ride. Once anchored next to the island, you put on snorkeling gear and drop into the water with an underwater scooter that makes it easier to move and stay in place while you watch the fish.

The scooter changes what you can do underwater: instead of swimming to stay in one spot, you can hover and observe without the effort. The water is clear enough to see thousands of fish moving through it. After snorkeling, the boat pulls anchor and you settle in with homemade Spanish tapas (potato omelette, Serrano ham, cheese, cherry tomato, chistorra, grapes, bread and picos), along with drinks, all included.

A guide speaks English, Spanish or French throughout. The whole outing runs three hours, which leaves the rest of your day free. Children from age five are welcome. Those under five cannot join. Public transportation options are available near the departure point.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear and an underwater scooter.
• a guide in English, Spanish or French.
• the chance to help sail the sailboat.
• Spanish tapas and drinks.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 13:30 and 17:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (20 to 69 years) · Senior (70 and older) · Youth (13 to 19 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Tarifa Sailing experiences, S.L.

Is this one for you?Three hours means you can snorkel and sail in the morning or afternoon and still have time for other plans in Tarifa the same day. If you want a full-day excursion or a longer time in the water, look for a different option.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 19 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I actually help sail the boat, or is that just something the captain does?

The captain teaches you how to sail and lets you take the helm yourself. It is part of the experience, not a demonstration.

What is the underwater scooter and how does it work?

An underwater scooter is a handheld motorized device that propels you through the water. It lets you move and hover in place while snorkeling without tiring from swimming, so you can stay longer in one spot watching the fish.

How clear is the water for snorkeling in Tarifa?

The water is clear enough to observe thousands of fish. The boat anchors next to an island where the conditions are best for seeing underwater life.

What food and drinks are included?

Tapas include homemade Spanish potato omelette, Serrano ham, cheese, cherry tomato, chistorra, grapes, bread and picos, served with drinks.

Is this suitable for someone who has never snorkeled before?

Yes. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the guide is there to help you get comfortable in the water.