REVIEW · TENERIFE
Tenerife: Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Snacks & Sea Life Safari
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by MANA KAYAK · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Sea turtles and dolphins, from your kayak. This Tenerife tour from MANA KAYAK turns Los Cristianos cliffs into your playground, with guided paddling, a photo stop at Cueva de los Enamorados, and snorkeling gear included. I love the front-row feeling of scanning the water and rock edges from a kayak, and I love how guides like Moses and David teach basics quickly so you feel steady fast. The one catch is simple: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and conditions at sea can affect the route and timing.
I also like that your energy stays up with fruit, a granola bar, and water/snacks around the paddling and snorkel parts. Just remember this is not a sit-and-watch cruise. You need decent physical condition, and if you’re prone to motion sickness you’ll want to take it seriously before you go.
In This Review
- Key Things to Know Before You Go
- Los Cristianos Kayak and Snorkel Safari: What Makes It Special
- Meeting at MANA KAYAK by Reveron Plaza Hotel
- Gear Up: Wet Suit, Life Jacket, and Snorkel Mask
- Kayaking Through Los Cristianos: The Real Route Experience
- Cueva de los Enamorados: A Short Stop With Big Views
- Snorkeling Time: What You Actually Get Under the Surface
- Snacks, Drinks, and the Pace of the 3 Hours
- Wildlife Odds: How to Think About Turtles and Dolphins
- Guides and Safety: What Keeps You Comfortable
- Price and Value: Is $30 a Good Deal?
- What to Bring (and What to Skip)
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)
- Should You Book This Kayak and Snorkel Safari?
- FAQ
- Where does the tour start and end?
- What’s included in the tour price?
- Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?
- How long is the tour?
- Are pets allowed?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- What are the main health or suitability limits?
Key Things to Know Before You Go

- Cliffside kayaking near Los Cristianos: rugged coastlines are part of the experience, not just the backdrop.
- Lovers Cave photo stop: Cueva de los Enamorados is a short scenic moment with great views.
- Snorkel time with provided gear: wet suit and mask are included, so you can focus on seeing fish and sea life.
- Turtle and dolphin habitat, not a guarantee: guides will try hard, but nature sets the rules.
- Snacks and drinks included: fruit/granola before and after keeps the pace comfortable.
- Many guide languages: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Dutch.
Los Cristianos Kayak and Snorkel Safari: What Makes It Special

This is a Tenerife water tour that feels more active than most “see marine life” outings. You’re not stuck on a deck. You’re low in the water, moving at kayak speed, with the cliff walls close enough to feel the scale of the coast.
The big payoff is the mix of three different ways to connect with the sea: paddling, a stop at Cueva de los Enamorados, and then a chance to swim close to underwater life with snorkeling. It’s a very practical way to do a sea-life outing without spending a whole day.
And the guides set the tone. Names you might hear include Moses, Moises, David, Freddie, Lora, Max, Adrian, Davide, Stefano, Joel, and Melissa, and the constant theme is clear instruction and safety-first coaching. Even if you’ve never kayaked before, you get an equipment briefing and a basics rundown so you’re not guessing once you hit the water.
The one thing you should manage is expectations: you’re booking a wildlife safari style trip. Dolphins and turtles are the goal, but you are still in their world, not a controlled aquarium.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
Meeting at MANA KAYAK by Reveron Plaza Hotel

You start at the meeting point downstairs Reveron Plaza Hotel, outside where there’s a surf board with the name MANA KAYAK. The tour ends back at the same spot, so you’re not dealing with the hassle of coordinating taxis or another pickup point.
Right before you head out, you’ll gear up. The set-up includes changing rooms and bathrooms, plus fruit to help you get through the active parts. It’s the kind of small detail that matters. When you’re about to wear a wet suit and hit ocean waves, having a proper place to prepare makes the experience smoother.
Also note what’s not included: there’s no hotel pickup/drop-off. If your hotel isn’t close to Los Cristianos, plan time to get to the meeting point.
Gear Up: Wet Suit, Life Jacket, and Snorkel Mask

This tour includes the key safety and comfort gear: wet suit, life jacket, and snorkel mask. That’s a big part of why the trip feels accessible for people who don’t want to buy or rent equipment on their own.
You’ll also get a safety briefing from the guides before you start. Expect the basics of how to paddle, what to do in the water, and how to use your snorkeling setup when it’s time. Guides repeatedly emphasize confidence and control, and that shows in how people describe first-time kayaking feeling manageable.
Practical tip: bring biodegradable sunscreen, plus a towel. If you’re not careful with sunscreen, you can end up with sunburn in places that get missed while you’re focused on learning the kayak and moving your arms. One tip that comes up often is to put it on the front of your legs and arms well.
Kayaking Through Los Cristianos: The Real Route Experience

Once everyone is ready, you walk to the beach area at Playa Los Cristianos. This is where the trip becomes real-time. You get on the water and start paddling along the coast with the cliffs to your side.
Here’s what makes this leg worth it, even if wildlife is slower than you hoped:
- You’re surrounded by the geometry of the coast, so the route feels scenic and active, not just transportation.
- The guides keep you moving at a pace that’s energetic but not frantic.
- You have repeated opportunities to spot life around the waterline and rocky edges.
The guided kayaking portion includes marine life viewing and wildlife viewing. That means the trip isn’t just about steering. You’re scanning, listening for the guides’ cues, and adjusting your paddling so you’re not missing what’s right there.
As you go, your destination becomes the highlight: Cueva de los Enamorados. Even if you don’t see dolphins and turtles on the way in, the route still has that “pay attention” feeling.
Cueva de los Enamorados: A Short Stop With Big Views

At Cueva de los Enamorados, you’ll have a photo stop and pass by for scenic views. It’s not a long hike or a long stop. Think of it as a focused pause: cameras out, quick snapshots, and then back to the water.
This kind of stop is more than a sightseeing checkbox. It breaks up the motion and gives you a chance to reset your breathing and your grip. Kayaking uses your arms, shoulders, and core. A short viewing pause helps you stay comfortable for the remainder of the tour.
The other reason it’s valuable: it keeps you connected to why the route exists. You’re not randomly paddling. You’re moving through a coastline that has character, and the cave area is part of that story.
Snorkeling Time: What You Actually Get Under the Surface

After paddling out and around the cliffy coast, the tour shifts to the underwater world. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the wet suit helps you stay comfortable.
The snorkeling portion includes time to explore what’s beneath the surface while also keeping options open. If you don’t want to snorkel, you can still swim or relax on your kayak. That matters because not everyone wants to spend the whole time with their face in the water.
You’re there to see fish and learn how the rocky areas hold life. One useful expectation to set: snorkel conditions and visibility can vary by day, and wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed. But the tour structure gives you multiple chances to see sea life, not just one brief moment.
Also, keep in mind the sea can be wavey. If you’re sensitive to motion, this is where it can hit. Some people specifically warn that the path can include lots of waves, so if you know you get sea sick, plan ahead.
Snacks, Drinks, and the Pace of the 3 Hours

This tour lasts about 3 hours. Exact timing depends on weather, so you should leave flexibility in your day.
The snack plan is simple and useful:
- A snack during the tour (fruit and a granola bar are included).
- Drinks/snacks also after the kayaking portion.
That’s not just comfort. It helps you keep enough energy to enjoy the snorkeling. Kayaking can be more physical than you expect, especially if you’re learning the rhythm while also trying to look for wildlife.
The pace is generally described as manageable for people who aren’t super experienced. You get instruction and support, including help for non swimmers. That said, you still need to be ready for active time on the water.
Wildlife Odds: How to Think About Turtles and Dolphins

The tour’s theme is turtles and dolphins, and the plan is designed to maximize your chances. Your guides will look for opportunities and help position you so you can spot wildlife.
But you need to think like a realist here:
- Wildlife is unpredictable, so sightings can be strong or light.
- When you do see animals, it can be close and memorable, but sometimes it’s farther away.
In the positive scenarios, people describe seeing dolphins swimming near the kayaks and turtles up close. In lighter wildlife days, you might still get dolphins some distance away and fish during snorkeling. Either way, the experience still includes the cliffs, the snorkeling moment, and the guided time on the water.
One extra detail worth knowing: some people report that if animals are hard to spot on the day, the team may offer a free return within the next few days to try again. It’s not something you should assume on autopilot, but it’s a good question to ask when you check in.
Guides and Safety: What Keeps You Comfortable

The best part of this tour is often the human factor: guides that feel calm, supportive, and focused on keeping you safe while still pushing you to look for wildlife.
You’ll get:
- A clear briefing and safety rules before you start
- Equipment checks and help when you need it
- Instructions for kayaking and snorkeling basics
- Ongoing cues during the route so you’re not paddling blind
People also mention how guides learn names and manage the group well, even across multiple languages. Since languages include English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch, you’re more likely to get instructions in a way you can follow quickly.
One practical note from the field: there are no lockers. If you’re carrying valuables, plan to keep them with you or use whatever storage the shop provides, since the equipment area is described as locked.
Price and Value: Is $30 a Good Deal?
At around $30 per person for a 3-hour guided kayak and snorkeling tour, you’re buying more than time on the water. You’re getting:
- Wet suit and life jacket
- Snorkel mask
- Certified guides and a safety briefing
- Snacks and drinks
- Insurance
That’s strong value when you compare it to tours that charge extra for equipment, snacks, or guided time. The only major gap is transportation: no hotel pickup/drop-off. If you can reach Los Cristianos easily, the price feels fair for what’s included.
Also look at the risk side. The cost is relatively low, which makes it easier to take a weather-day gamble. But you do have to respect the physical and health restrictions.
What to Bring (and What to Skip)
Bring:
- Towel
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Flip-flops
- Beachwear
Skip:
- Pets
- Alcohol and drugs
- Glass objects
If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is also one of those tours where you should be thoughtful. The tour guidance recommends bringing your medication if you have diabetes, asthma, or epilepsy, and it also says if you experience motion sickness, consider medication about an hour before the tour.
Health and comfort matter here. You’ll be on open water, wearing a wet suit, paddling through waves, and spending time in the ocean environment.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)
You’ll be in good shape for this tour if you:
- Are physically able and ready for an active 3-hour outing
- Want both kayaking and snorkeling in one package
- Like guided nature time with a good chance at seeing dolphins and turtles
- Enjoy cliffs and open-water views
You should rethink it if you fall into any of the stated limits:
- Not permitted for pregnant people or disabled people
- Not suitable for children under 7
- Not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, respiratory issues, or epilepsy
- Not suitable for recent surgeries
- Weight limits are listed and you should confirm before booking: it states less than 120 kg in one place, and also notes not suitable over 220 lbs (100 kg)
If you’re older, keep the posted upper limit in mind: people over 70 aren’t suitable for this activity.
Should You Book This Kayak and Snorkel Safari?
I’d book this if you want a hands-on Tenerife ocean tour that mixes paddling, snorkeling, and cliffside scenery in one tight time window. The included wet suit, mask, life jacket, snacks, and drinks make it a good value, and the guides’ focus on instruction helps you enjoy the water instead of worrying about technique.
I’d be cautious if wildlife sightings are your only goal. Turtles and dolphins are the theme, but nature runs the schedule. Also, if you know you get sea sick or you’re dealing with any of the listed health limitations, you’ll be happier choosing a different style of tour.
If you’re comfortable getting active and you want a real sea-life safari feel on the coast, this one makes a lot of sense for Los Cristianos.
FAQ
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts downstairs at Reveron Plaza Hotel, outside where there is a surf board with the name MANA KAYAK. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
What’s included in the tour price?
Included items are wet suit, life jacket, snorkel mask, snack (fruit and a granola bar), certified guides, briefing, and insurance.
Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?
No. The snorkel mask is included. You still need to bring your towel, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, and beachwear.
How long is the tour?
The duration is listed as 3 hours, with the exact start times depending on availability and weather conditions.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
What are the main health or suitability limits?
Good physical condition is required. The tour is not permitted for pregnant people or disabled people and is not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, respiratory issues, or epilepsy, among other limits. The guidance also includes weight limits, so check before booking.
















