Snorkeling in Tenerife with Sea Turtles and Stingrays

One hour in the water with turtles, guided by someone who knows how to keep them calm

Snorkeling in Tenerife's Malpais de Rasca natural protected area puts you in the water for one hour with sea turtles, stingrays and other marine life, guided by an expert freediving instructor. The boat ride there passes volcanic cliffs and the Palm-Mar coastline. Small groups and respectful technique keep the animals undisturbed. Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins and insurance are included; you get free photos at the end. Children from age 8 can join if they can swim and are accompanied by an adult.

The Experience

The boat leaves for Malpais de Rasca, a natural protected area off Tenerife's south coast, and the ride itself is part of the day—you see the volcanic landscape and the impressive cliffs of Palm-Mar from the water before you even enter it. An expert freediving instructor travels with the group and gives you all the instructions you need to feel safe in the water.

You spend one hour snorkeling in a quiet, clear area where sea turtles live. Stingrays show up often enough that the operator mentions them as a real possibility, not a maybe. The groups stay small on purpose, and the instructor keeps the pace respectful so the animals stay calm. There's a high probability you'll see turtles—the operator won't guarantee it because they're wild—but the setup is built around actually finding them, not just hoping.

Wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins are provided; bring your own towel and swimsuit. At the end you get free pictures to take home. The whole thing runs two hours from start to finish. Public transportation options are available nearby if you're not driving yourself.

What’s included

• Boat trip to Malpais de Rasca.
• one hour snorkeling with sea turtles and stingrays.
• expert freediving instructor.
• wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins.
• insurance.
• free photos.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by OCEAN FRIENDS Buceo y Apnea-Freediving

Is this one for you?You enter the water for one hour with an instructor beside you, so this works for swimmers who are comfortable in the sea but new to snorkeling—the small group and calm technique mean the turtles stay put instead of fleeing.

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Top questions

Can I snorkel in Tenerife if I've never done it before?

Yes. The expert freediving instructor gives you all the necessary instructions before you enter the water, and the activity is suitable for all fitness levels as long as you can swim. Children from age 8 can join if accompanied by an adult.

What's the chance I'll actually see sea turtles?

High probability, according to the operator, but they can't guarantee 100% since the turtles are wild animals in their natural state. The snorkeling spot in Malpais de Rasca is where they live, and small groups with respectful technique give you the best odds.

What's included in the price?

Boat trip to Malpais de Rasca, one hour in the water, wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, instruction from an expert guide, insurance and free photos at the end.

How long does the whole activity take?

Two hours total, which includes the boat ride to the snorkeling area and one hour in the water.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and swimsuit. The guide provides the wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins. Not recommended if you're pregnant or have poor cardiovascular health.