Kayak and Snorkelling Marine Wildlife Safari Tenerife

4.7 (12,270 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

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Duration3 hours
Daily
Group

Kayak and Snorkelling Marine Wildlife Safari Tenerife

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Overview

A three-hour kayak and snorkelling safari along Tenerife's volcanic south-west coast, led by an English-speaking instructor. You paddle stable kayaks past cliffs and the Cueva de los Enamorados, watch for dolphins and marine life, then stop in a quiet bay to snorkel over volcanic reefs. All equipment, a wetsuit, a locker and the day's photos and videos are included. No experience is needed, but you must be able to swim. Meeting point only, without hotel pickup.

Highlights

Three hours on the water in a small group with an English-speaking instructor
Paddle past cliffs and the Cueva de los Enamorados along the volcanic coast
Snorkelling stop in a secluded bay over volcanic reefs
Chance to spot dolphins and other marine life along the route
Kayaks, snorkelling gear, life jackets and wetsuits provided
Photos and videos of your trip sent the same day
Changing rooms and lockers for your belongings

Full Description

Playa de Los Cristianos and the start of the kayak trip

The adventure begins with a 15-minute safety briefing at the base, then a five-minute walk to Playa de Los Cristianos, the sheltered beach where the group launches. Los Cristianos is one of the calmest bays in the south, which makes it a very good place to learn the basics if you have never paddled before. Your instructor checks each person's kayak, life jacket and paddle technique before you set off.

If you are searching for a kayak tour in Tenerife suitable for beginners, this route is a strong choice: the kayaks are stable and fitted with back-support seats, the pace is relaxed and the first stretch runs close to the shore, so you settle in quickly.

Cueva de los Enamorados and the volcanic coastline

From the beach you paddle along the coast towards the Cueva de los Enamorados, the Lovers' Cave, a sea cave carved into the dark volcanic cliffs. The scenery here shows Tenerife's other side: black lava walls, clear turquoise water and quiet coves that you cannot reach on foot. Your guide points out the geology and shares stories about the coastline as you glide along.

This is also the stretch where people hope to see dolphins and other sea life. Sightings depend on the day and cannot be guaranteed, but the kayaks are quiet and low to the water, so you can watch wildlife without disturbing it. Many travellers describe kayaking with dolphins in Tenerife as the reason they book.

The secret snorkelling bay

After the cave you continue to a secluded bay that is only reached by kayak. You spend around 30 minutes there swimming and snorkelling over volcanic reefs, where you may see colourful fish, sea urchins and other marine life in clear water. Snorkelling gear and a wetsuit are provided, and the guide stays with the group in the water.

Snorkelling in Tenerife is best in calm weather, and this stop is chosen for its shelter. You must be able to swim to take part, because you will be in open water away from the beach.

Practical details: timing, photos and what to bring

The whole safari lasts about 3 hours, so ask when the best time to go kayaking in Tenerife would be: morning departures usually have the calmest sea, while afternoon sessions are warmer. Check the available start times on the booking panel. Photos and videos of your outing are sent to you the same day, so you can enjoy the trip rather than worry about your phone.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, flip-flops and water. Changing rooms and lockers are available at the base. The minimum age is 14, and the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women or anyone over the kayak's weight limit.

Itinerary

Meet at the base and safety briefingYou meet your instructor, get your equipment and receive a 15-minute safety briefing.
Walk to Playa de Los CristianosA short five-minute walk takes the group to the beach where you launch.
Kayaking along the coastYou paddle for about an hour, looking out for dolphins, marine life and scenic views.
Cueva de los EnamoradosThe group stops to explore the sea cave and cliffs for about 15 minutes.
Snorkelling in a secluded bayYou swim and snorkel in a quiet bay for around 30 minutes.
Paddle back and finishYou return by kayak to the beach and walk back to the base after roughly 3 hours.

What's included

Kayak
Snorkelling equipment
Wetsuit
Guide and instructor
Accident insurance
Photos and videos sent the same day
Lockers for your belongings

Not included

Water
Swimsuit and towel
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Is this right for you?

Great for

Nature and wildlife lovers
A half-day plan — about 3 hours
Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.7/5 by past travellers

Think twice if

You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers

Not suitable for

Children under 14 years
Non-swimmers
Pregnant women
People with back problems or pre-existing medical conditions
Wheelchair users
People over 100 kg, because of the kayak weight limit
People prone to seasickness

Meeting point

This activity is a meeting-point option, so hotel pickup is not included. You meet your instructor at the activity base near Playa de Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife, at the start time you choose when booking. The exact address and arrival time are in your booking confirmation. Please arrive a few minutes early for the safety briefing.

Important information

You must be able to swim to take part.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, flip-flops and water.
Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
The weight limit is 100 kg per person for the stability of the kayak.
Participants aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent.
If you get motion sickness, take a tablet about 30 minutes before the activity.
The guide may cancel or change the route if sea conditions are unsafe.
Water, swimsuits and towels are not included; changing rooms and lockers are available.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the kayak and snorkelling tour cost?

The price depends on the date and the number of participants. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each participant.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. This is a meeting-point activity. You meet the instructor at the base near Playa de Los Cristianos, and the exact location is in your confirmation.

How long is the kayak safari?

About 3 hours in total, including the safety briefing, roughly two hours of paddling and around 30 minutes of snorkelling.

Do I need experience to go kayaking in Tenerife?

No. The route suits beginners with basic fitness, and the kayaks are stable. You do need to be able to swim.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 14. Participants aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent.

What equipment is included?

Kayaks, snorkelling gear, life jackets, wetsuits, accident insurance, a guide and lockers are included. Photos and videos are sent the same day.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear swimwear and bring a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, flip-flops and water.

Will I see dolphins or turtles?

Dolphins and other marine life are often seen along the route, but wildlife sightings depend on the day and cannot be guaranteed.