Snorkelling with Sea Turtles
Swim alongside wild green sea turtles in their natural habitat in the warm, clear waters of El Puertito bay on Tenerife's south coast.
Highlights
- Swim with resident green sea turtles at El Puertito
- Guided by a marine biologist or certified snorkel guide
- Warm, shallow water suitable for all abilities
- See trumpet fish, octopus, wrasse, and other reef species
- Quality snorkelling equipment provided
What's Included
- Premium snorkelling mask, snorkel, and fins
- Marine guide with wildlife expertise
- Safety briefing and snorkelling instruction
- Wetsuit (seasonal, on request)
- Underwater photos available on selected tours
Book Snorkelling with Sea Turtles
El Puertito, a tiny fishing cove on the south coast between Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes, is home to one of Tenerife's most enchanting natural attractions — a resident colony of green sea turtles. These gentle reptiles, which can grow to over a metre in shell length, feed on the seagrass beds in the shallow, warm waters of the bay and have become habituated to the presence of snorkellers, often approaching within metres.
This guided snorkelling excursion takes you to El Puertito and nearby spots where turtle encounters are most reliable. Your marine guide provides quality masks, snorkels, and fins, and briefs you on responsible wildlife interaction — maintaining distance, avoiding touching the animals, and minimising disturbance. In the water, the experience is magical: hovering motionlessly as a sea turtle glides past at arm's length, watching it surface to breathe, and observing its graceful movements as it feeds on the rocky seabed.
Beyond turtles, the volcanic reef around El Puertito teems with colourful marine life — trumpet fish, ornate wrasse, parrotfish, octopuses, and shoals of damselfish. The calm, shallow water (typically 2–5 metres deep) and excellent visibility make this an ideal snorkelling experience for all abilities, including children and complete beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Snorkelling with sea turtles at El Puertito is one of Tenerife's most magical and affordable nature experiences. The chance to float in warm, crystal-clear water alongside these ancient creatures — some individuals are estimated to be over 50 years old — creates lasting memories for visitors of all ages. It regularly features in "best things to do in Tenerife" lists and earns near-perfect review scores.
El Puertito is located between Costa Adeje and the village of Alcalá on the TF-47 coastal road. Guided tours with transport depart from the main southern resorts daily. Morning sessions typically offer the calmest water and best visibility. Responsible operators limit group sizes to minimise disturbance to the turtles and their habitat.
More Water Adventures in Tenerife
Jet Ski Tour Costa Adeje
Ride a jet ski along the Costa Adeje coastline with views of luxury resorts, wild cliffs, and the chance to spot dolphins from the water.
Parasailing Playa de las Américas
Soar 100 metres above the Atlantic for breathtaking aerial views of Tenerife's southern coast, Mount Teide, and La Gomera island.
Scuba Diving Experience
Explore Tenerife's volcanic underwater landscape on a guided dive — encounter sea turtles, angel sharks, stingrays, and colourful reef life.
Kayaking at Los Gigantes Cliffs
Paddle a sea kayak along the base of Tenerife's towering Los Gigantes cliffs, exploring sea caves, spotting marine life, and snorkelling in crystal-clear coves.