At scubadivingtenerife.com we will guide you through the most spectacular corners of Tenerife, where you can enjoy the fascinating experience of snorkeling. From volcanic black sand beaches to impressive rock formations, each place has its own charm and offers the opportunity to come face to face with a rich variety of marine life.
Book your snorkeling excursion
We offer two snorkeling activities in our center: shore snorkeling in Los Cristianos Bay and boat snorkeling in Palm-Mar.
Discover the experience of snorkeling with turtles in Tenerife.
The 9 best snorkeling sites in Tenerife south
Las Vistas Beach (Los Cristianos)
Playa de Las Vistas: Located between Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Vistas is a large white sand beach that is excellent for snorkeling as part of a day at the beach. It is also close to many facilities, such as restaurants, bars and stores. The beach is spacious and has clear water where you can observe a variety of fish species.
El Bufadero (Palm-Mar)
El Bufadero in Palm-Mar is an exceptional snorkeling spot in the south of Tenerife. Its most distinctive feature is the geyser-like rock formation that expels water with the tide. Access is from the rocky shore, resulting in clear waters ideal for snorkeling. The water temperature is pleasant all year round. The area is home to a diversity of marine life, including several species of fish, octopus, moray eels, rays and turtles.
Abades
Abades Bay is a stunning place to snorkel in Tenerife. Vibrantly colored fish and marine life await you here. Abades is a small village on the southeast coast of the island, with beautiful natural pools and caves that provide ideal conditions for exploring the marine life of the Atlantic Ocean. You can expect to see a variety of fish species, including bream and damselfish, but if you’re lucky you might also spot seahorses, octopus and rays.
Puertito de Adeje (Armeñime)
This place has become one of the most popular on the island among nature and water sports lovers. It is only 15 minutes drive from Los Cristianos. El Puertito is famous for its opportunity to swim with turtles, which spend most of their time at the bottom of the sea sleeping and feeding, but snorkeling you can see them when they come to the surface to breathe every few minutes. Two species of turtles, the loggerhead turtle and the Atlantic green turtle, live around Tenerife.
Alcalá
Alcalá, in the south of Tenerife, is an outstanding snorkeling spot. Its beach is volcanic, with rocks, pebbles and some black sand, resulting in exceptionally clear water, perfect for snorkeling. This quiet coastal town offers easy access to the sea from its natural pools. Its marine fauna is diverse, with different types of fish, and occasionally rays and turtles. Alcala’s natural beauty, along with its crystal clear water and abundant marine life, make it an ideal place for snorkeling.
Montaña Amarilla (Yellow Mountain)
Montaña Amarilla, in Costa del Silencio, is an outstanding place for snorkeling in Tenerife south. The coastal area has rock formations and volcanic cliffs, resulting in clear and clean waters, perfect for snorkeling. The water is generally calm and of pleasant temperature. Marine life is diverse and abundant, with several species of fish, octopus, moray eels and starfish inhabiting the rocky reefs. In short, Montaña Amarilla offers a unique environment and rich marine fauna for snorkelers.
Las Galletas
Las Galletas, in the south of Tenerife, is a popular snorkeling spot. It features a volcanic sand beach and rocky areas leading to clear waters, ideal for snorkeling. Access to the water is easy from the picturesque local harbor. The water is generally calm and pleasantly warm. The diversity of marine life includes varieties of fish such as bream and fulas, as well as octopus, moray eels and occasionally rays and turtles.
Radazul
Radazul, in the south of Tenerife, is an excellent place for snorkeling. This coastal town has volcanic black sand beaches and rocky areas, creating crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling. Access to the water is easy from the marina and coastal areas. The water is generally calm and pleasant in temperature. The marine life is diverse, with various species of fish, octopus, moray eels, and occasionally rays and turtles.
La Caleta (Costa Adeje)
La Caleta, in Costa Adeje, is an extraordinary place for snorkeling. The area, famous for its protected bay, features a sandy and rocky beach, resulting in crystal clear waters ideal for snorkeling. The aquatic environment is calm, and the water temperature is pleasant all year round. The rich biodiversity includes a variety of fish, manta rays, sea urchins and abundant marine vegetation.
What is the sea water temperature in Tenerife?
This is a seasonal approximation of water temperature.
| Season | Water temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| Spring | 19 – 21 |
| Summer | 22 – 24 |
| Autumn | 21 – 23 |
| Winter | 18 – 20 |
Remember: The water temperature around Tenerife can vary slightly between the north and south of the island. This is due to the different ocean currents and the geography of the island. The Canary Current, which is a cold ocean current, mainly passes through the north of the island, which can make the waters a bit colder in that area compared to the south.
Do I need wetsuit to snorkel in Tenerife?
In general, the use of a wetsuit for snorkeling in Tenerife will depend on several factors, such as water temperature, duration of the activity and personal sensitivity to cold.
As mentioned above, the water temperature in Tenerife ranges between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius throughout the year, which is relatively mild.
For some people, these temperatures can be comfortable without the need for a wetsuit, especially in the warmer months. However, if you plan to be in the water for long periods of time, or if you are uncomfortable in the water at lower temperatures such as winter, a wetsuit may be useful.
A wetsuit not only offers thermal protection, but also provides additional buoyancy which can be useful for less confident swimmers. In addition, it can also provide a layer of protection against sun, scratches and bites from sea creatures.
Tips if you are going to snorkel in Tenerife on your own
- Snorkel gear: Make sure you have adequate snorkel gear, including a snorkel mask, snorkel tube and fins. Adjust the mask correctly to ensure a good seal and visibility.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Apply waterproof sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays. Consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt or wetsuit for added protection.
- Know the sea conditions: Before entering the water, observe the sea conditions, such as current, swell and visibility. If conditions are adverse, it is best to postpone the activity.
- Keep safety in mind: Never snorkel alone. Always go with someone and stay close to the shore. Avoid wandering too far away and respect safety instructions.
- Observe marine life with care: Enjoy the underwater beauty, but be sure not to touch or disturb the marine life. Respect their habitat and admire them from a safe distance.
- Practice buoyancy: Learn to maintain good buoyancy to avoid damaging corals and other underwater formations. Avoid touching the seabed and use fins to propel yourself without damaging the marine ecosystem.
- Keep calm and breathe steadily: Relax while snorkeling and breathe steadily through the snorkel. This will help you enjoy the experience and conserve energy.
If you want to enjoy snorkelling in Tenerife for real, go to the best place and see amazing species we advise you to book our online excursion.
