Eco Tour in the South of Tenerife with Snorkeling and Bathing Included

The best part of this Tenerife boat trip is the change of viewpoint. From Marina del Sur, you see the southern coast from the water, with volcanic cliffs, quiet bays, Montaña Amarilla, and the Rasca Lighthouse all linked in one compact outing. The group is limited to eight, so the boat should feel far more personal than a large sightseeing cruise.

I like the mix of coastal scenery and time in the water, rather than a ride that is all looking and no doing. I also like the useful extras: snorkeling equipment, a soft drink or water, and a snack are included. The main consideration is the price, $114.52 per person for about two hours. That is a serious spend, especially for families, so the small group and swimming stop need to matter to you.

Key points to know before you book

• Small boat, maximum eight people: A good fit if you prefer a quieter outing over a packed cruise.
• Three named coastal sights: The route includes Montaña Amarilla, Bahía Las Maravillas, and Rasca Lighthouse, with the exact direction shaped by sea conditions.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included: You get use of snorkeling equipment and free time in the water when conditions allow.
• A natural and historical angle: Guides explain the reserve’s biodiversity, volcanic geology, and maritime past.
• Two hours from Marina del Sur: The trip starts and ends at Paseo Espigón las Galletas, 1, in Las Galletas.
• Weather affects departures: If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Seeing southern Tenerife from the sea

This is a short coastal trip with a clear purpose: show you the Rasca Reserve from offshore, then give you time to enjoy the water. The reserve is in the south of Tenerife, near Las Galletas, and the route brings together several sights that can feel separate when seen from land.

You leave from Puerta de las Galletas at Marina del Sur. The boat heads toward either Montaña Amarilla or Bahía Las Maravillas, depending on sea conditions. That flexibility is sensible. A boat operator should choose the safer and more comfortable route rather than force a fixed course on a rough day.

The ride also passes the Rasca Lighthouse. From the water, you get a broad view of the coast rather than a close-up visit to one single monument. That makes the trip a good choice if you want to connect several coastal sights in one morning or afternoon without arranging separate transport.

The small capacity matters here. With no more than eight people, you should have a better chance of hearing the guide and getting a clear view from the deck. It also suits people who find large boat excursions too noisy or hurried. On the other hand, a small boat can feel more exposed to the movement of the sea, so anyone prone to motion sickness should think carefully about conditions.

Montaña Amarilla and the volcanic coast

Montaña Amarilla is one of the central sights on the route. Its yellow volcanic rock gives the area its name and provides the geological focus of the trip. The guide explains how the volcanic coast was formed, which adds useful context to what might otherwise be just a striking cliff face.

I like this part because it gives the tour more substance than a simple ride along the shoreline. You are not only looking at colored rock. You are also hearing why the coast appears as it does and how volcanic activity shaped southern Tenerife.

The route can include Bahía Las Maravillas as well. The bay is presented as a calm place for coastal viewing and wildlife watching, with the boat offering a sea-level view that you cannot get from a road or inland viewpoint. The water may be particularly appealing to families, since the trip combines scenery with a chance to stop and swim.

Keep your expectations measured. This is not a long geology excursion, and the tour lasts only about two hours. The geological explanation is part of a wider coastal program that also includes the lighthouse, the reserve, and snorkeling. You will get a useful introduction rather than an extended specialist talk.

Rasca Lighthouse and the reserve

The Rasca Lighthouse gives the trip a link to Tenerife’s maritime past. It has guided ships along this coast and now serves as one of the most recognizable points on the route. Seeing it from the sea gives you a different frame than a land visit, with the coast and open water around it.

The tour also takes you into the Rasca Reserve, where guides discuss local biodiversity and point out seabirds when they appear. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so I would treat them as a welcome bonus rather than the reason to book. The reserve itself is the main attraction, with its coves, volcanic shore, and views toward Teide and La Gomera.

The program describes a roughly 50-minute visit around Rasca, including the lighthouse and several bays. It also refers to walking through the reserve, so you should be ready for some time off the boat rather than expecting to remain seated throughout. The exact balance between boat viewing and walking may depend on the day’s conditions and the operating plan.

That flexibility is worth remembering. Coastal excursions often change pace according to wind and waves. If you need a rigid schedule, this may feel less predictable. If you prefer a safe route and a relaxed outing, the adjustment is a practical advantage.

Swimming and snorkeling in the coves

The most active part of the tour comes after the sightseeing. You get free time to swim or snorkel, with equipment supplied and guides available for questions. A soft drink or water and a snack are also included, which is useful after time in the sun and salt water.

The snorkeling stop gives the trip its strongest family appeal. One account describes children being especially excited by the coves and the underwater views, while another mentions seeing a turtle while sailing. A turtle sighting is not promised, but the coastal waters clearly offer the possibility of seeing marine life beyond the boat.

The water stop is also good for adults who simply want to relax. You can swim, use the snorkeling gear, or remain on deck and enjoy the view. The first-hand accounts place real emphasis on having time to bathe and rest rather than being pushed from one stop to the next. That relaxed pace is one of the better reasons to consider this outing.

Still, the swimming portion depends on sea conditions. The tour description does not promise a fixed amount of time in the water or specify a particular cove for every departure. If swimming is your top priority, ask about current conditions when you arrive. The boat may need to shorten or alter the stop for safety.

What the two-hour schedule feels like

The published timing breaks down into about 50 minutes around Montaña Amarilla and the coastal sights, 50 minutes around Rasca, and 20 minutes returning to Marina del Sur. Treat those figures as a useful guide rather than a minute-by-minute promise.

The opening section takes you from Las Galletas toward the selected coastal area. You see the bay, volcanic rock, seabirds if present, and the lighthouse. The middle section gives you time for the reserve, the bays, and the water stop. The final 20 minutes return you to the marina.

Two hours is long enough to make the trip feel like a real outing, but short enough to fit into a busy Tenerife holiday. You could schedule it between other plans in the south, though I would avoid booking something that starts immediately afterward. Weather, sea conditions, and the pace of the group can affect the return time.

The compact schedule also means you should not expect a full-day cruise. There is no extended meal, long beach stop, or overnight-style sailing. This is a focused coastal visit with one active pause. That is a strength if you want something easy to fit into your day, but a limitation if you want hours at sea.

Is $114.52 a fair price?

At $114.52 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value rests on the small group and the combination of several services: a guided route, fuel surcharge, snorkeling equipment, a drink, and a snack. You are also paying for a boat experience that combines sightseeing and swimming rather than only transportation.

For a couple or a solo visitor who values personal space, the maximum of eight people helps justify the cost. You are not paying for a large vessel with dozens of passengers. The guide can respond to questions, and the mood should be calmer than on a mass-market cruise.

Families need to do the math carefully. A group of four would pay roughly $458.08 at the stated per-person rate before any group discount. The included equipment and snack are helpful, but they do not turn this into a low-cost outing. The strongest value comes if everyone in your party wants both the coastal sights and the water stop.

The group discount may improve the calculation, but the available details do not state the discount amount. Check the final price before paying. I would book this for a special half-day highlight, not as a cheap way to get from one bay to another.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend this tour to you if you like small-group sea trips, easy snorkeling, and a little explanation along with your views. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who want to see southern Tenerife from a different angle.

It is also a good match if you enjoy a relaxed schedule. The experience is not built around speed or a long list of stops. You visit a few well-chosen places, hear about the reserve and the coast, then have time to swim or sit on deck.

Families should note that most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The group size is limited to eight, which can make the outing easier to manage than a crowded boat. Even so, children should be comfortable around the sea, and adults should keep in mind that conditions can change.

This is less suitable if you want guaranteed wildlife sightings, a long snorkeling session, or a full-day sailing trip. It may also disappoint you if you expect to walk extensively inside the reserve. The available schedule suggests a mix of boat travel, a reserve visit, and time in the water, not a dedicated hiking tour.

Meeting point and practical planning

The meeting point is Paseo Espigón las Galletas, 1, 38631 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, at Marina del Sur in Las Galletas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

The marina is near public transportation. The tour offers a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at booking. I would keep the confirmation easy to reach on your phone and arrive with enough time to find the exact departure area.

Wear clothing that can handle spray and swimming. Bring anything you personally need for sun protection, since the supplied inclusions list does not specify sunscreen or towels. The operator provides snorkeling equipment, a drink or water, and a snack, but the details do not say what type of snack or drink will be offered.

The tour requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If bad weather cancels the trip, you can move to another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number is not reached. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not accepted.

Final call: should you book it?

Book this if you want a quiet, compact boat trip that combines Montaña Amarilla, Rasca Lighthouse, reserve scenery, and a swim or snorkel stop. The small maximum group of eight is the strongest feature, and the included equipment makes the day simpler.

I would hesitate only if $114.52 feels high for two hours or if your main goal is a guaranteed wildlife encounter or a long snorkeling session. For everyone else, this is a well-focused way to see southern Tenerife from the sea, with enough explanation and free time to keep it from feeling like a rushed sightseeing circuit.

FAQ

How long does the eco tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours, including the coastal visits, the Rasca area, the water stop, and the return to Marina del Sur.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Paseo Espigón las Galletas, 1, 38631 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, at Marina del Sur in Las Galletas.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity finishes back at the original meeting point.

What sights are included?

The route includes the Rasca Reserve, Rasca Lighthouse, Montaña Amarilla, and Bahía Las Maravillas. The exact direction can depend on sea conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The program includes free time to relax, swim, or snorkel, subject to sea and safety conditions.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity has a maximum of eight travelers.

What is included besides the boat trip?

The price includes the fuel surcharge, snorkeling equipment, and a soda, pop, or water with a snack.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.