Tenerife South: Kayak & Snorkel Volcanic Coast with Dolphins

Paddle past sea caves and hunt for dolphins off Tenerife's volcanic edge

You paddle a double or solo kayak along volcanic cliffs in southern Tenerife, stop to snorkel with turtles and hunt for dolphins, and receive photos and video of the day. Groups cap at ten people with one instructor, so you're never fighting for space or attention. Wetsuits, snorkeling gear, water and snacks are all included. You just show up at Los Cristianos Beach ready to get wet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and snorkel along volcanic coast

• Meet at Los Cristianos Beach
• Receive kayaking and snorkeling gear
• Start kayak route along volcanic coast
• Visit coastal caves
• Snorkel with turtles
• Look for free dolphins
• Enjoy water and fruit provided
• Receive photos and videos of tour

The experience

You're standing on the promenade in front of Los Cristianos Beach, wetsuit already on, padded kayak seat waiting. The volcanic coast of southern Tenerife stretches out in front of you: dark rock faces dropping straight into water so clear you can see the bottom from the shore. Your guide runs through the basics: paddle grip, how to lean into a turn, where the caves are. Groups stay small, maximum ten people split across five double kayaks, so there's no shouting over a crowd. The water temperature here stays warm enough year-round that the wetsuit is more comfort than necessity, though it helps when you're stationary in the shallows waiting for movement below.

The kayak route hugs the cliffs for the first stretch, and that's when you start looking. Dolphins move through these waters regularly, not guaranteed, but regular enough that your guide knows the signs: a disturbance in the surface, a particular ripple pattern. You paddle past sea caves carved into the volcanic rock, some deep enough that the light changes color inside them. Then you stop in a designated snorkeling zone. The turtles here are used to people. They don't flee when you slip into the water with your mask on. You can choose a classic snorkel tube or upgrade to a full-face mask if you want to breathe easier: either way, the equipment is included. The reef below is small but alive: fish moving through the shallows, the turtle moving at its own pace, the occasional flash of something larger passing through deeper water.

Your guide carries water and fruit in a bag lashed to their kayak, and you eat floating in the water or back in the boat, depending on the swell. By the end of the day, you get a report: photos and videos shot during the paddle, sent to everyone in the group. It's not a professional photoshoot, but it's real footage of what happened. You in the water, the cliffs behind you, the moment a turtle surfaced ten feet away. The whole thing runs long enough to feel substantial but short enough that you're not exhausted. It's built for families, couples, solo travelers, anyone who can paddle and wants to see what's actually living in that water.

What’s included

• Kayak with padded seat and paddle.
• vest and neoprene wetsuit.
• snorkeling glasses (classic tube or full-face mask).
• water and fruit snacks.
• photos and videos of the tour.
• small group (maximum 10 people, 5 double kayaks per instructor).

Before you book

Days and timesDaily · 9 departure times, from 09:30 to 14:00

Ages11 to 75 years · 3 to 10 years · Under 3 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “Cristianmar Building, Local 11 Shaka Surf Tenerife”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Shaka Surf School Tenerife

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle and snorkel the same morning without renting gear separately or figuring out where the turtles actually are. The guide knows the caves and the turtle zones, and everything you need is already in the boat.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

110 verified traveler reviews

5 ★85

4 ★11

3 ★3

2 ★6

1 ★5

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, German and Italian.

Can children come?

3 to 10 years. Under 3: no ticket type, they can't be added to a 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 24h before the start.

Do I need kayaking experience to join?

No. The activity is designed for everyone, including families and children. Your guide covers the basics before you launch.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No, but they're common along this coast. Your guide knows where to look and when conditions favor a sighting, though it's never certain.

What's the difference between the classic snorkel and full-face mask?

The classic tube is traditional. The full-face mask covers your whole face and lets you breathe through your nose and mouth, which some people find easier underwater.

What if the water is rough that day?

The tour operates year-round in the Canary Islands, so conditions vary. Your guide will adjust the route and depth of snorkeling based on the swell and weather on the day.

Do I need to bring my own wetsuit?

No. Wetsuits, vests, paddles, and all snorkeling equipment are provided.

Where exactly do we meet?

The center is located on the promenade in front of Los Cristianos Beach in southern Tenerife.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear?

The tour includes snorkeling glasses and tubes or full-face masks. Bringing your own is not mentioned, so check with the operator if you prefer your own equipment.