Turtles in Tenerife: snorkeling & top spots

Swimming in the open ocean alongside wild sea turtles is one of the most unforgettable experiences the Atlantic has to offer. Along Tenerife's sheltered south-west coast, warm waters and underwater seagrass meadows (*sebadales*) provide the perfect foraging habitat for resident green turtles (*Chelonia mydas*) and visiting loggerhead turtles (*Caretta caretta*).

However, with rising popularity comes the vital responsibility of respecting these ancient reptiles through strict conservation guidelines to avoid disturbing their natural feeding and resting cycles.

Turtle species: green vs. loggerhead

Two species inhabit Canarian waters, each with distinctive traits:

1. Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Herbivorous adult · Up to 1.2 metres

   The resident species seen on coastal snorkeling trips. They graze on algae on rocks and seagrasses in shallow sandy areas, regularly swimming up to the surface to breathe.

2. Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Carnivorous · Powerful jaw and broad head

   Larger with reddish-brown shells. Typically found in deeper offshore waters feeding on jellyfish, crabs and molluscs during transatlantic migrations.

Prime snorkeling sites: Palm-Mar

The premier snorkeling location is the bay of Palm-Mar, tucked beneath the cliffs of Montaña de Guaza. Since it lacks private road access, the most sustainable way to reach it is via guided sea kayak excursions paddling out from Los Cristianos harbour. After a gentle 20-minute paddle, kayaks anchor over sandy seabed clearings for guided snorkeling.

Kayak and snorkeling tours in Tenerife

Guided kayak with snorkel in Palm Mar

A guided kayak and snorkel trip in Palm Mar (south Tenerife). Good starter outing without a long…

2–3 hours From €38

Guided group kayak (Palm Mar)

A guided group kayak and snorkel trip in Palm Mar — Easy Kayak’s group format.

2–3 hours From €37

Strict code of conduct and penalties

• Never touch the animals: Human skin transfers harmful bacteria that can cause shell and skin infections. Physical contact also triggers severe stress spikes.
• Zero feeding policy: Feeding bread, fish or snacks harms their digestive tracts and habituates turtles to approach motorboat propellers, leading to boat strikes and fatal injuries.
• Maintain a 3-metre buffer zone: Allow the turtle to swim freely without feeling cornered, boxed in or pursued.
• Keep surface space clear: Turtles are air-breathing reptiles that must surface every few minutes. Never swim directly above a turtle.