Water Activities Around Tenerife
Tenerife is an island, but surprisingly, most visitors never get on the water beyond a whale watching boat. That's a mistake — the volcanic coastline, especially around Los Gigantes and El Puertito, is spectacular from sea level. The water is warmest in August–October (23-24°C) but swimmable year-round with a wetsuit.
Here's what's actually worth your time — ranked honestly.
Activity Comparison Table
| Activity | Price | Duration | Fitness Level | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kayaking Los Gigantes Best Overall | €35 | 3 hours | Moderate | ★★★★★ | Adventure, photography, nature |
| Snorkelling El Puertito (Turtle Bay) | €25 | 2 hours | Easy | ★★★★★ | Families, wildlife lovers |
| Los Gigantes Boat Trip | €20 | 1.5 hours | Easy | ★★★★☆ | All ages, low effort |
| Paddleboarding (SUP) | €30 | 1.5 hours | Moderate | ★★★☆☆ | Fitness, groups |
| Jet Ski Safari | €90 | 1 hour | Easy | ★★★☆☆ | Thrill seekers |
Detailed Reviews
Kayaking Los Gigantes — The Best Way to See the Cliffs
Los Gigantes cliffs rise 600 metres straight out of the Atlantic — and from a kayak at their base, they're genuinely humbling. This guided tour takes you from Los Gigantes marina along the base of the cliffs, into sea caves (conditions permitting), and to a small cove for a swim stop. The guides know the geology and often spot dolphins and turtles along the way.
Pros
- Unmatched perspective of Los Gigantes cliffs
- Sea cave exploration (conditions permitting)
- Dolphins and turtles are common sightings
- Small groups (max 10 kayaks)
- Good value at €35 for 3 hours
Cons
- Requires moderate fitness — 3 hours of paddling
- Can be cancelled in rough seas
- You will get wet
- No shade — wear sunscreen on your back
Carlos says: Morning tours (9am) have the calmest sea. Bring a dry bag for your phone — you'll want photos of the cliffs from below.
Snorkelling at El Puertito (Turtle Bay)
El Puertito, a tiny fishing village south of Costa Adeje, has a resident population of green sea turtles. You're almost guaranteed to see them — they graze on seagrass in the bay and are habituated to snorkellers (but the good operators enforce a no-touch, no-chase policy). The water is calm and shallow, making this ideal for beginners and families.
Pros
- Almost guaranteed to see green turtles
- Calm, shallow water — great for beginners
- Affordable at €25
- All equipment provided
- Ethical operators — no touching or chasing
Cons
- Can get busy by midday
- The bay is small — not an 'exploration'
- Water can be murky after storms
Carlos says: Go at 9am to avoid the crowds. Book with an operator that explicitly states their no-touch policy — some less ethical guides let tourists grab the turtles.
Los Gigantes Boat Trip — Low Effort, High Reward
If kayaking sounds like too much work, a boat trip along the Los Gigantes cliffs is the easy alternative. These are mid-size boats that cruise along the cliff face, giving you the same views from a more comfortable seat. Most include a swim stop and a drink. At €20 for 90 minutes, it's the best value water activity on the island.
Pros
- Dirt cheap at €20
- No fitness required
- Great for photos — stable platform
- Swim stop included
Cons
- 80 people on the boat
- Less immersive than kayaking
- Fixed schedule — less flexibility
Carlos's Verdict
Kayaking Los Gigantes (€35) is the standout — the perspective from water level at the base of 600m cliffs is something photos can't capture. For families, El Puertito snorkelling (€25) is magical — swimming alongside green turtles in their natural habitat. Skip the jet skis unless you're specifically after a thrill — they scare the wildlife and the €90 price tag is steep for 1 hour.
Water temperature: wetsuits are provided November–April when the sea drops to 18-19°C. In summer (July–October), you can comfortably swim without one.