Abades Paddle Surf and Snorkel with Turtles in a Volcanic Reef: An Experience-Based Review

Right, so you’re looking at a Tenerife adventure that involves gliding on turquoise waters, hanging out with chill sea turtles, and peering into a volcanic reef; sounds dreamy, no? Abades Paddle Surf and Snorkel checks a lot of boxes, yet the experience is so much more than what you read on the tour description, almost. It’s not just another day at the beach, instead, it’s more like a meeting with nature where you’re respectfully invited to observe and appreciate. Now, I’ll walk you through what to anticipate, the real highlights, and, basically, if this ocean escapade is genuinely for you, basically.

First Impressions of Abades and Getting Ready

Arriving in Abades feels like finding a hidden gem; it’s actually a little village on Tenerife’s southeast coast. It’s that tranquil vibe that hits you first, unlike, say, the busier tourist hotspots on the island. The vibe is so much more laid-back, more real, even. Parking can be tricky especially if you show up later in the morning, as a matter of fact, so I suggest getting there on the early side, like your favorite brunch place on a Sunday. Getting to the meeting spot for the paddle surf and snorkel wasn’t complicated. Most operators give very precise directions, and that makes life easier.

As I was saying, gear distribution went quite efficiently, sort of. You get everything you need, like your paddleboard, paddle, a life vest (which is absolutely non-negotiable, naturally), a snorkel mask, and fins. Then, there’s, too it’s almost, a brief orientation on paddleboarding basics for beginners. Even if you have actually never touched a paddleboard before (that was me!), the instructors generally walk you through the main stuff, that means how to stand up, how to paddle, and how to (attempt to) turn. It’s beginner-friendly. Basically, listen up, and you won’t be circling in one spot forever, I think.

Paddling Out to the Reef: A Volcanic Landscape Below

Paddling out toward the volcanic reef is something else, almost. The water is super clear, especially on a calm day, very; and beneath the surface, there is this underwater topography that’s just amazing. You can actually see dark, jagged volcanic rock formations which create this stark contrast with the vibrant blues and greens of the ocean, actually. You’re, you know, gliding over an ancient volcanic landscape which then transforms into a lively habitat for sea life. The guide, as a matter of fact, normally points out stuff of note along the way. For example, cool rock formations, or areas where marine life likes to hang out, actually.

As a matter of fact, the physical activity of paddleboarding definitely added something to the experience. It is not just about observing the reef from a distance; it involves actually doing something, engaging with the ocean a bit. Let me tell you, even though I felt a slight burning in my arms (totally worth it), the gentle rocking of the board and that open water, it really puts you at ease. Paddling allows a pretty meditative state. Maybe it’s the sunshine or the view, basically; but that bit was special.

Snorkeling with Turtles: Close Encounters

Swimming and, you know, spending time with turtles tends to be a showstopper of this trip. After we got to a designated snorkeling spot (which the guide picked carefully, actually, based on water clarity and turtle sightings), we anchored the boards and got ready to slip into the water, too it’s almost. Now, getting face-to-face with these fascinating creatures, is that just special. So far, turtles around Abades are very acclimated to people, seeming calm. They will swim pretty closely, which offers amazing viewing and photo opportunities, basically.

For instance, you could see them munching on algae on the rocks. Or they might glide effortlessly through the water, as a matter of fact, and appear quite unfazed by your presence. Important stuff, that, is that the tour operators usually stress respecting the turtles’ space. We keep a respectable distance, and under no circumstances did anybody attempt to touch the animals, or feed the animals, really. This focus on responsible tourism actually allowed everybody to enjoy a responsible interaction with wildlife, arguably.

Talking of other marine life, apart from the turtles, I saw quite a lot of things. Like, colorful fish, starfish clinging to rocks, plus sea urchins in what appeared to be small nooks. That volcanic reef seemed so alive with things happening, in some respects. Water clarity affected what we could see a little bit, too; obviously, sunnier days meant clearer views. Regardless, swimming through the waters and just watching the underwater ecosystem was rather enchanting.

Safety and Guidance: Feeling Secure on the Water

Safety isn’t an afterthought with the Abades Paddle Surf and Snorkel experience; it’s obviously a key part, literally. You might find that at all times, the guides keep a close eye on the group, too; basically, their awareness makes you relax and concentrate on actually enjoying the activity. The team covered everything from checking weather forecasts and then advising on suitable attire to clarifying how to use equipment correctly, such as, basically, adjusting the snorkel mask for a good fit, more or less.

In case you start to feel tired while on the paddleboard, or experience any difficulties when swimming, you could rely on them for instant assistance. When someone had trouble with their mask fogging up (this occurred to someone in my group), a guide went straight over with suggestions to correct it and made sure they were OK, more or less. Guides are so well-versed in local marine life. Also they were happy to share info and stories. That adds more to the trip than just the views. A lot more to the trip, honestly.

What to Bring and Tips for a Better Experience

Here are some smart moves so you can get the most out of paddle surfing and snorkeling around Abades, basically. So far, there’s sun protection; it should be a must-bring, clearly. Slather on that sunscreen (waterproof, clearly), and I mean lots of it. Bring sunglasses and a hat, or a cap. The sun reflects strongly off the water, so actually being prepared is the only way to do it. Don’t skip this. Just don’t, honestly.

It’s like your swimwear; pick stuff that’s comfy for a few hours in the water. Rash guards are very helpful at preventing chafing, too. Consider bringing a waterproof camera case or a GoPro to get photos and videos of sea turtles. Before signing up for the excursion, go over the cancellation policy too. Sea conditions off Tenerife could potentially change fast, too, affecting safety. Understanding what happens if the tour gets cut short because of weather is quite essential. Check if photographs are taken of you during the tour and what that means for the final cost.

Is Abades Paddle Surf and Snorkel Worth It? My Verdict

For the people out there trying to get closer to nature, and who find appeal in gentle exercise and stunning seascapes, I suggest that, almost certainly, this trip would be great. That it combines a bit of adventure with serenity is why I enjoyed it the most. The close proximity to sea turtles during snorkeling turned the trip so worth it, basically.

Sure, this won’t be your cup of tea in case you crave a really adrenaline-fueled outing, like your typical jet ski ride or something of the type. The beauty is really, in its subtlety and the quiet respect shown to marine life. Paddle Surf and Snorkel by Abades offers something quite special, mainly, which is experiencing Tenerife’s wild coast from a perspective that’s sustainable, a thing which made my outing special, literally.