Tenerife: Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Dolphins & Sea Turtles

Paddle past volcanic cliffs, then drop into clear water where dolphins actually show up

You kayak from Los Cristianos beach past volcanic cliffs and fish farms where dolphins and sea turtles frequent, then anchor in a shallow bay for a snorkel session among tropical fish. The guide handles safety, instruction if you're new to kayaking, and supervision throughout. You get wetsuits, all gear, and a dry-bag for belongings; the office lets you change and store your things before and after. Small groups mean the guide stays close and responsive the whole time.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Arrive at kayak center in Los Cristianos
• Change outfit and store belongings
• Receive paddle, life jacket, and snorkeling mask
• Walk to the beach
• Attend safety briefing
• Start kayaking along volcanic cliffs
• Spot dolphins and sea turtles near fish farms
• Anchor in shallow bay for snorkeling
• Observe tropical fish species while snorkeling
• Kayak back to Los Cristianos beach

The Experience

Los Cristianos beach spreads out in front of you, and the kayak center sits right there on the sand. You change into your wetsuit in the office, leave your phone and keys in a locker, use the bathroom if you need to — the kind of small logistics that usually get forgotten until you're already wet. The guide hands you a paddle, a life jacket, a snorkeling mask. Five minutes later you're walking down to the water with a group small enough that you'll actually know everyone's name by the end of the day.

The safety briefing happens on the beach before you push off. If you've never kayaked before, the guide walks you through the paddle stroke and how to sit without tipping — it takes maybe ten minutes, and then you're in the water. The volcanic cliffs rise up along the coast as you paddle, and the guide points out the fish farms where dolphins and sea turtles hang around looking for food. You're not guaranteed to see them, but they're there often enough that the guides know the spots. The water is clear enough that you can see down even before you stop to snorkel.

After maybe an hour of paddling, you anchor in a shallow bay and jump in with your snorkel mask. The tropical fish are immediate — parrot fish, trumpet fish, schools of barracudas, damselfish in colors you didn't know existed. You float there and watch them move around you, and the guide is in the water too, not shouting from the boat but actually there. The whole kayak and snorkel tour stays in small groups, which means the guide isn't managing fifteen people at once; they're watching you and the handful of others, making sure nobody's struggling. After the snorkel, you paddle back to Los Cristianos the way you came, the cliffs still there, the water still clear.

The whole thing takes a few hours, and you're back at the center with time to rinse off and change into dry clothes. If you want photos of yourself paddling or snorkeling, the guide takes them throughout the day — you just buy them afterward if you want them, which means you're not stopping to pose or hold a camera. You concentrate on the paddling and the water and the fish, and that's it.

What’s included

• High-quality kayak and paddle.
• life jacket.
• snorkeling mask and tube.
• wetsuit (optional).
• water.
• dry-bag for personal belongings.
• kayak guide throughout the tour.
• office space to change clothes, use bathroom facilities, and store belongings safely.
• safety briefing on the beach before departure.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Justas Vaidogas

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to paddle and snorkel in one outing without arranging your own equipment or worrying about group size — small groups mean the guide stays close and responsive, and you don't have to manage logistics like where to leave your phone or how to get in and out of the water safely.

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Top questions

Do I need kayaking experience to join?

No. The guide teaches beginners how to paddle and use the snorkeling mask before you leave the beach. The tour starts in shallow water near sand, so entry and exit are easy.

Can my child come on the kayak and snorkel tour?

Yes. Children under 11 sit in the same kayak as a parent or guardian and don't paddle. If a child has kayaking experience and is big enough to paddle independently, they can join as a separate participant.

What happens if I don't see dolphins or sea turtles?

The tour includes paddling past the areas where they're frequently spotted, but sightings aren't guaranteed. You'll still explore the volcanic cliffs, snorkel among tropical fish, and spend time on the water.

What's included in the price?

The guide, kayak, paddle, life jacket, snorkeling mask, wetsuit (optional), water, dry-bag, and access to the office to change clothes, use the bathroom, and store belongings. Photos are taken during the tour but cost extra if you want them.

How long is the tour?

The tour takes a few hours total. It includes a 5-minute walk from the office to the beach, a safety briefing, paddling time, and a snorkeling session in a shallow bay.

Where does the tour start?

The kayak center is in Los Cristianos, on the south coast of Tenerife. The beach is a short walk from the office.

Is there parking or public transport near the kayak center?

Public transportation options are available nearby. Check locally for parking availability or transit routes to Los Cristianos.

What fish will I see while snorkeling?

You'll see parrot fish, trumpet fish, damselfish, schools of barracudas, green fish, and many other tropical species in the shallow bay where you snorkel.