One of the biggest myths about snorkeling is that it’s only for strong, confident swimmers. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The ocean is for everyone, and with the right guidance and location, snorkeling can be an incredibly safe, joyful, and transformative experience — for families with young children and even for those who can’t swim at all.
Tenerife, with its calm, protected bays and warm Atlantic waters, is the perfect place to start. Here’s everything you need to know.
Snorkeling with Kids: Creating a Lifelong Passion
Introducing a child to the underwater world is a gift they will never forget. Seeing their eyes light up as they spot their first colorful fish through a mask is a moment of pure magic. But safety and comfort are key to making it a positive experience.
- Practice at Home First. Let them practice wearing the mask and breathing through the snorkel in a bathtub or swimming pool to build confidence before the big day.
- Get the Right Gear. A leaky, ill-fitting mask can ruin the experience. Ensure their mask creates a good seal and the fins are the right size for their feet.
- Choose the Right Spot. A calm, shallow bay with easy entry, like Abades, is essential. Avoid places with waves, currents, or difficult rocky entries.
- Make it a Game. Turn it into a treasure hunt! ‘Let’s see who can find a fish with yellow stripes first!’ Engagement makes the experience unforgettable.
Our Family Snorkel Tour is specifically designed with children in mind. We keep groups small (maximum 10 people), the pace is relaxed, and our guides are trained to work with kids of all ages — making sure every child feels safe, confident, and excited from the moment they put on their mask.
→ Recommended Tour: Family Snorkel Tour | From €38 per person | Max 10 people | From age 8
Snorkeling for Non-Swimmers: Yes, You Can!
It might sound counterintuitive, but you do not need to know how to swim to snorkel. The key is buoyancy. Here’s the science behind it:
- Wetsuits Provide Natural Buoyancy. A 5/6mm wetsuit naturally helps you float on the surface of the water without any effort on your part.
- Flotation Devices Do the Work. Specialized flotation aids — like life vests or rings — allow you to float comfortably and completely safely on the surface.
- The Snorkel Removes the Hardest Part. The snorkel allows you to breathe with your face in the water, eliminating the complex coordination of lifting your head to breathe that makes swimming difficult.
With these aids, you simply lie on the surface and let the gentle currents carry you as you watch the incredible world below. It’s a completely safe, relaxing, and deeply moving experience. Many of our non-swimmer clients tell us it changed their relationship with the sea forever.
However, for non-swimmers, it is absolutely essential to go with a certified instructor. A guide will provide the right equipment, stay by your side at all times, and offer both physical support and emotional reassurance throughout the experience.
→ Recommended Tour: Tour for Non-Swimmers | €59 per person | Max 4 people | No swimming required
Why a Guided Tour is the Best Choice
For families, kids, and non-swimmers, a guided tour is more than just a convenience — it’s what makes the experience truly safe and magical. Here’s why choosing a guided tour is always the right decision:
- Safety First. A certified guide is trained in water safety and first aid. Your wellbeing is always the top priority.
- Expert Knowledge. They know the best and safest spots to see marine life, including where to find turtles and octopus.
- All Equipment Provided. No need to buy or rent. You get high-quality, sanitized gear that fits perfectly — for every member of the family.
- Photos & Video Included. We capture the magic for you. Take home professional underwater photos and video to relive the experience forever.
Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. The underwater world of Tenerife is waiting for you — and for your family. We’ve helped hundreds of non-swimmers and families discover the ocean for the first time, and every single one of them left with a smile on their face.
► The Ocean is for Everyone
Explore our safe and supportive tours for families, kids, and non-swimmers. All equipment included, all levels welcome.
[ Book Your Family Adventure → snorkeltenerifeexcursions.com ]
