The waters around the south coast of Tenerife are considerably more interesting underwater than most visitors realise. The Atlantic here is warm, clear, and home to a genuinely diverse range of marine life: sea turtles, rays, octopus, moray eels, parrotfish, angel sharks if you are very lucky, and dozens of smaller species that live in and around the volcanic rock formations along the coastline. Snorkelling in the south is not a consolation prize for people who cannot afford scuba diving. It is a genuinely worthwhile activity in its own right, and several of the spots in this guide are among the best places to see wild sea turtles anywhere in Europe.
This guide covers eight of the best snorkelling spots in the south of Tenerife, with honest notes on access, what you will see, difficulty level, and whether each spot works independently or is better approached through a guided tour.
Contents
- What to Know Before You Start
- El Puertito de Adeje: The Turtle Bay
- Palm-Mar: Turtle Bay by Kayak
- Playa de las Vistas: Best for Beginners
- La Caleta: Rocky Reefs and Clear Water
- Abades: The Hidden Gem
- Alcalá: Natural Pools and Turtle Sightings
- Montaña Amarilla: Volcanic Underwater Landscape
- Playa del Duque: Easy Resort Snorkelling
- All Eight Spots at a Glance
- Guided Tours Versus Going It Alone
- What Equipment Do You Need?
- Practical Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
What to Know Before You Start
Summer (April to November): 22°C to 24°C, comfortable without a wetsuit. Winter (December to March): 18°C to 19°C, manageable but a thin 3mm wetsuit makes longer sessions considerably more comfortable.
Move slowly, stay calm, avoid splashing, and never chase or touch an animal. Turtles that are left to approach at their own pace generally come much closer than ones that are pursued. Sighting rates at the best spots are high enough that most visitors who spend a reasonable amount of time in the water will encounter at least one.
Sea urchins are present at several of the better snorkelling spots in the south. Water shoes protect your feet from volcanic rock and urchin spines, and make entering and exiting the water considerably easier at rocky-entry locations. Not needed at sandy beaches, but worth packing.
El Puertito de Adeje: The Turtle Bay
El Puertito is the single most consistently recommended snorkelling spot in the south of Tenerife. This small fishing bay sits west of Costa Adeje, accessible via a narrow road that descends into a cove of clear, calm, shallow water. The resident green sea turtles here are large and unhurried, grazing on the seagrass beds in the bay year-round. The most consistent sighting area is just beyond the moored fishing boats, where the seagrass begins at a depth of three to five metres.
The bay is also home to wrasse, parrotfish, small grouper, and schools of silvery bream. Rays are occasionally spotted in the sandy areas. Water clarity is excellent. Entry from the main beach is sandy and easy, suitable for all ability levels including families with children.
El Puertito gets busy in peak season, particularly in the late morning. Going early means you will often have the turtles to yourself. The turtles are also generally more active in the cooler morning water.
El Puertito de Adeje
| Difficulty | Easy. Sandy entry, calm water, shallow snorkelling area |
| What You Will See | Resident green sea turtles, wrasse, parrotfish, bream, occasional rays |
| Independent or Tour | Both work well. Independent is easy if you have your own gear |
| Getting There | Hire car or taxi from Costa Adeje, approximately 10 minutes. Tell the driver “El Puertito de Adeje.” Limited parking at the top of the bay |
| Best Time | Before 10am, year-round |
El Puertito also features in our guide to hidden gems in south Tenerife, which covers the best nearby spots including Playa Diego Hernández and the coastal walk to La Caleta.
Palm-Mar: Turtle Bay by Kayak
Palm-Mar is a quiet residential village south of Los Cristianos that most tourists drive through without stopping. The area known as El Bufadero, just off the Palm-Mar coastline, is home to a colony of both green turtles and loggerhead turtles year-round. The Palm-Mar turtle experience is widely regarded as having the highest consistent sighting rates on the south coast.
What makes Palm-Mar different from El Puertito is how you get there. The best approach is a guided kayak tour, either departing from Los Cristianos or directly from Palm-Mar beach. The kayak route follows the volcanic coast with dolphin encounters often on the way, before arriving at the turtle habitat for a guided 30-minute snorkel. All equipment including kayak, life jacket, mask, snorkel, and fins is included. Minimum age 6 on most tours.
Recommended Palm-Mar Kayak and Snorkel Operators
Tortugastenerife.com / Diving Atlantis
| Departs From | Edificio Guayero 2, Avenida Juan Alfonso Batista 14, 38650 Los Cristianos |
| Price | Approximately €45 to €50 per adult. Children from €25. Minimum age 6 |
| Duration | Approximately 2 hours on the water |
| Includes | All equipment, English-speaking guides. Hotel pickup available +€4 per person |
| Website | tortugastenerife.com |
Easy Kayak Tenerife
| Departs From | Playa La Arenita, Avenida el Palm-Mar 94, 38632 Palm-Mar. Look for the orange kayaks on the beach |
| Price | Approximately €45 to €50 per adult. Children from €20. Minimum age 6. Max 100kg |
| Duration | Approximately 3 hours including snorkelling stop |
| Includes | All equipment. Rated 10/10 on multiple booking platforms |
| Website | easykayaktenerife.com |
| @easykayak_tenerife |
Kayak Palm Mar
| Profile | Smaller local operator departing directly from Palm-Mar. Focus on responsible wildlife encounters |
| Website | kayakpalmmar.com |
Tortugastenerife.com is the best option if you want hotel pickup and are departing from Los Cristianos. Easy Kayak Tenerife is the best option if you want a longer tour (3 hours) and are happy to travel to Palm-Mar beach directly. Kayak Palm Mar is the most locally focused option for a smaller group feel.
Playa de las Vistas: Best for Beginners
Playa de las Vistas is the long artificial beach between Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, and the most accessible snorkelling spot in the south for complete beginners and families with young children. Sandy entry, no rocks to navigate, lifeguard presence in season, and equipment hire available directly on the beach.
The snorkelling is not the most dramatic on this list but consistently good for tropical fish, parrotfish, wrasse, and occasional rays near the rocky edges. Swim towards the rock formations at either side of the bay rather than staying in the sandy central area for more interesting life.
Playa de las Vistas, Los Cristianos
| Difficulty | Very easy. Suitable for complete beginners, families with young children |
| What You Will See | Tropical fish, parrotfish, wrasse, bream, occasional rays near the rocky edges |
| Equipment Hire | Watersports concession near the centre of the beach |
| Getting There | On foot from Los Cristianos or Playa de las Américas along the promenade. Walkable from most hotels in either area |
La Caleta: Rocky Reefs and Clear Water
La Caleta has several snorkelling spots along its rocky coastline that consistently produce encounters with octopus, moray eels, and reef species that prefer rocky habitat. The entry is from the rocky shoreline rather than a sandy beach, so water shoes are essential. The most interesting snorkelling is along the rocky headland north of the village beach, over a series of volcanic rock reefs with excellent visibility on calm days.
La Caleta, Costa Adeje
| Difficulty | Moderate. Rocky entry requires water shoes and some confidence |
| What You Will See | Wrasse, parrotfish, moray eels, octopus, bream, sea urchins, occasional turtles |
| Water Shoes | Essential |
| Getting There | Walk the coastal path from Costa Adeje (25 to 30 minutes) or taxi approximately €10 to €15. Tell the driver “La Caleta village, Costa Adeje” |
Abades: The Hidden Gem
Abades is a small village near El Médano on the southeastern coast, home to what several experienced snorkellers describe as the single best snorkelling in the south for those willing to make the effort to find it. The bay has black volcanic sand, crystal-clear water, and forms part of a protected marine area. The combination of protected status and relative remoteness means the marine life is less disturbed than at the busier resort beaches, and the variety is genuinely impressive.
Abades is on the southeastern coast, approximately 25 to 30 minutes from Los Cristianos by hire car or taxi. It is not accessible on foot from the main resort areas. A hire car makes the trip considerably more practical. Best combined with La Tejita beach or a visit to Montaña Roja for a full day out.
Abades, near El Médano
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate. Shallow with good visibility. Some rocky sections require water shoes |
| What You Will See | Wrasse, parrotfish, rays, turtles (reasonably reliable), diverse reef species in protected marine waters |
| Getting There | Take the TF-1 motorway east towards El Médano, then follow signs for Abades on the coastal road. Search “Playa de Abades” on Google Maps for parking. Approximately 25 to 30 minutes from Los Cristianos |
Alcalá: Natural Pools and Turtle Sightings
Alcalá is a small coastal village between Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes with rocky natural pools and a long reputation for turtle sightings. The snorkelling is done in and around the natural volcanic pools along the coastline, which are calm and sheltered. Arches, channels, and deeper sections reward exploratory snorkelling. Turtles are seen here regularly, though less predictably than at El Puertito or Palm-Mar.
Best combined with a visit to the western coast. A morning snorkel at Alcalá, lunch in the village, and an afternoon at Los Gigantes makes for an excellent full day away from the resort strip.
Alcalá, Western Costa Adeje
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging entry. Rocky entry requires water shoes and attention. Better for intermediate to experienced snorkellers |
| What You Will See | Turtles (when present), reef fish, rays possible, varied underwater terrain |
| Getting There | Hire car from Costa Adeje, approximately 20 to 25 minutes west on the TF-47. Taxi is an option but own transport is more practical for finding the entry points. Search “Alcalá beach Tenerife” on Google Maps |
Montaña Amarilla: Volcanic Underwater Landscape
Montaña Amarilla in Costa del Silencio is unlike any other snorkelling spot on this list. The underwater landscape is genuinely extraordinary: yellow volcanic ash formations, arches, rock channels, and a dramatic seabed topography that feels more like exploring a geological formation than a conventional reef. The marine life is good rather than exceptional, but the landscape itself is worth the visit. Best on calm days when the water is clear and the yellow rock colours are most vivid.
Montaña Amarilla, Costa del Silencio
| Difficulty | Moderate. Rocky entry and some current possible around the rock formations. Better for intermediate snorkellers |
| What You Will See | Volcanic rock formations, yellow coloured seabed, reef fish, occasional rays and eels in rock crevices |
| Getting There | Hire car or taxi to Costa del Silencio, approximately 15 to 20 minutes from Los Cristianos. Search “Montaña Amarilla Costa del Silencio” on Google Maps and follow the coastal path to the snorkelling area |
Playa del Duque: Easy Resort Snorkelling
Playa del Duque is consistently underrated as a snorkelling spot. The water is shallow and calm, the entry is entirely sandy, and the visibility is reliably good. Not the most dramatic on this list, but the most convenient for anyone staying in the Costa Adeje hotel area who wants a morning snorkel without any logistics. Equipment hire available from the beach concession at the southern end of the beach.
Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje
| Difficulty | Very easy. Suitable for all levels including complete beginners |
| What You Will See | Tropical reef fish, wrasse, parrotfish, occasional rays in the deeper sections |
| Equipment Hire | Beach concession at the southern end of the beach |
| Getting There | On foot from Playa del Duque area hotels. Short taxi from anywhere in Costa Adeje. Tell the driver “Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje” |
| Best Time | Before 10am when the beach is quietest and fish activity is highest |
All Eight Spots at a Glance
| Spot | Difficulty | Best For | Turtles? | Tour or Independent? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Puertito | Easy | Everyone. The best all-round spot | Yes. Reliable year-round | Either |
| Palm-Mar | Easy to moderate | Highest turtle sighting rates. Best with a kayak guide | Yes. Highest rates on the south coast | Guided tour recommended |
| Playa de las Vistas | Very easy | Complete beginners, families with young children | Rarely | Independent |
| La Caleta | Moderate | Rocky reef species, octopus, moray eels | Occasionally | Independent |
| Abades | Easy to moderate | Protected marine area. Best all-round variety | Reasonably reliable | Either. Hire car needed |
| Alcalá | Moderate | Natural pools, western coast exploration | Occasionally | Independent. Hire car needed |
| Montaña Amarilla | Moderate | Volcanic underwater landscape, unique geology | Rarely | Independent |
| Playa del Duque | Very easy | Convenience. Best resort snorkelling for Costa Adeje guests | Rarely | Independent |
Guided Tours Versus Going It Alone
You already have your own snorkelling equipment or are happy to hire it at the beach. You are comfortable in open water and confident navigating a rocky entry. You want flexibility about when you go and how long you stay. El Puertito and Playa de las Vistas are both straightforward without guidance.
You do not have your own equipment. You specifically want to see sea turtles and want the highest possible sighting rates. You want to snorkel from a boat rather than from the shore. You are a complete beginner who would benefit from instruction. The Palm-Mar kayak tour requires the guided format and is worth doing regardless of experience level.
The boat-based guided tours departing from Puerto Colón typically visit two or three spots including El Puertito and the Palm-Mar area, cost between €40 and €60 per person, and last two to three hours with all equipment included. Several whale watching operators in the south also run snorkelling excursions. For a full list of responsible water-based operators working from Puerto Colón, see our whale watching guide for south Tenerife.
What Equipment Do You Need?
A mask and snorkel. Full-face snorkel masks are comfortable for beginners but a traditional separate mask and snorkel gives better water clearing ability. Fins are useful for covering more distance and staying stable in light current but not essential at calmer spots like El Puertito and Playa de las Vistas.
If you are visiting for a week or longer and planning multiple snorkelling sessions, buying a basic mask and snorkel at Decathlon in Adeje (Avenida de Ayyo s/n) works out considerably cheaper than hiring repeatedly. Hire is available at Playa de las Vistas (watersports concession near the centre of the beach) and Playa del Duque (concession at the southern end of the beach).
Standard sunscreen contains chemicals harmful to marine life, particularly in the shallow reef environments at the better snorkelling spots. Reef-safe alternatives are available at pharmacies and sports shops throughout the south. This matters most at El Puertito and Abades, both of which have protected marine environments.
Practical Tips
The best snorkelling conditions are typically in the first half of the morning, before the wind picks up and before other water users disturb the surface. El Puertito is noticeably quieter before 10am and the turtles are more active in the cooler morning water.
If there has been significant wind the previous day, visibility may be reduced at some spots due to suspended sediment. A quick look at the sea from a high point before committing to a rocky entry spot saves a wasted trip.
Sea urchins at rocky spots are sharp and their spines are difficult to remove. Beyond the practical, touching marine life, coral, or rock formations disturbs the environment and stresses the animals.
Snorkelling alone in open water is not recommended, particularly at the more remote or rocky entry spots. Go with someone else, or stick to the supervised beach snorkelling at Playa de las Vistas and Playa del Duque if you are on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to see sea turtles while snorkelling in south Tenerife?
El Puertito de Adeje and Palm-Mar are the two most reliable spots. El Puertito has a resident population of green turtles year-round and is accessible independently (taxi from Costa Adeje, approximately 10 minutes). Palm-Mar has the highest consistent sighting rates on the south coast and hosts both green and loggerhead turtles. Book the Palm-Mar experience via tortugastenerife.com departing from Los Cristianos, or easykayaktenerife.com departing directly from Palm-Mar beach.
Do you need a guided tour to snorkel in south Tenerife?
No, for most spots independent snorkelling is entirely straightforward. A guided tour is strongly recommended for Palm-Mar for the highest turtle sighting rates and for the equipment. Boat-based tours from Puerto Colón are also worth considering if you do not have your own gear.
Is snorkelling in south Tenerife suitable for beginners?
Yes. Playa de las Vistas and Playa del Duque are excellent beginner spots with sandy entries, calm water, and good visibility. El Puertito is manageable for beginners despite being a more interesting location. La Caleta and Alcalá are better suited to those with some prior experience.
What marine life can you see while snorkelling in south Tenerife?
Green and loggerhead turtles at El Puertito and Palm-Mar, rays at Abades and Playa de las Vistas, wrasse, parrotfish, bream, moray eels, octopus, and various reef species throughout. Dolphins are occasionally seen on boat-based tours. Angel sharks are present in the south but rarely encountered by snorkellers.
What time of year is best for snorkelling in south Tenerife?
Snorkelling is possible year-round. April through October offers the warmest water and best visibility. November through March is manageable, particularly on the sheltered western and southwestern coast, though a thin wetsuit makes longer sessions more comfortable.
Can you snorkel at night in south Tenerife?
Guided night snorkelling and diving excursions are available from some operators in Costa Adeje and are a genuinely different experience, with nocturnal species and bioluminescence visible after dark. These are not independent activities and require booking through a licensed operator.
Is it safe to snorkel at El Puertito independently?
Yes, for competent swimmers. The bay is sheltered and calm on almost all days. The water is shallow in the snorkelling area and the entry from the beach is sandy and easy. Stay clear of the moored fishing boats and be aware of occasional small boat movement in the bay.
All snorkelling spots mentioned in this guide are publicly accessible. Marine life sightings are not guaranteed at any location. Always check sea conditions before entering the water, particularly at rocky entry spots. Reef-safe sunscreen is strongly recommended at all protected marine areas.