Why Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling is the Ultimate Nature Adventure
- Mehran Azali
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 6
Looking for a way to disconnect from screens, reconnect with nature, and experience marine life up close?
Ocean kayaking and snorkeling offer exactly that — and in Tenerife, it’s all at your fingertips. You paddle along dramatic volcanic coastlines, spot turtles or rays beneath the water, and feel the rhythm of the Atlantic as you glide from cove to cove.
For beginners, it’s not just accessible — it’s transformational. Equipped with the right gear you will feel impowered to become a real ocean explorer!
Why Tenerife Is Perfect for Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling
Tenerife’s southwestern coast, for example near Alcalá, is one of the best locations in Europe to kayak and snorkel:
Calm conditions perfect for learning
Abundant marine life: turtles, rays, fish, barracudas (wild animals, there is no guarantee)
Underwater volcanic features like pinnacles and reef walls
Stunning light, especially at sunrise or sunset (why no try a sunset kayaking tour?)
Guided small-group tours like Breathingwater’s
Ocean Kayaking: What Beginners Need to Know
What Is Ocean Kayaking?
Ocean or sea kayaking involves paddling a small boat along the coastline or across open water. Unlike lake kayaking, it comes with changing tides, wind, and waves — but it’s totally manageable when done right.
At Breathingwater, we mostly use single kayaks (not tandems) to help beginners:
Feel the water more intimately
Gain confidence quickly
Stay flexible and mobile along rocky coastlines
Kayaking Gear Essentials
Sit-on-top kayak (ideal for warm climates & easy remounting)
Paddle sized to your height and kayak width
PFD (Personal Flotation Device) — life jackets are mandatory for safety
Dry bag for essentials (snacks, phone, sunscreen)
Water shoes — especially in rocky volcanic zones very handy
Pro Tip: Start in calm conditions
Tenerife mornings are usually best — light winds, calm water, and great visibility.
Adding Snorkeling: Exploring the World Below
Combining snorkeling with kayaking gives you access to places unreachable by land.
You’ll paddle to hidden coves, anchor near rocky reefs, and slip into warm Atlantic waters to discover:
Sea turtles or Stinrays gliding beneath you
Parrotfish, trumpetfish, damsels
Volcanic rock formations shaped by thousands of years of waves
Marine micro-ecosystems on submerged pinnacles
Gear for Snorkeling:
Well-fitting mask and snorkel
Optional fins (for stronger swimming)
Rash guard or wetsuit top (for UV and temperature protection)
schoal of young barracudas
Ocean Kayaking Safety Tips for Beginners
Join a guided tour — especially your first time
Avoid strong wind and swell — mornings are ideal
Tell someone your route if going alone (not recommended)
Know your entry & exit points
Respect wildlife — no chasing or touching
Leave no trace — keep the ocean clean
At Breathingwater, safety is central. That’s why we:
Keep groups small (max 6)
Provide high quality equipment
Adapt routes to real-time weather & ocean conditions
Offer multilingual guidance (English, German, Spanish, French)
Physical & Mental Benefits of Kayaking & Snorkeling
Studies (and experience) show that kayaking and snorkeling help
Improve cardio health and upper-body strength
Reduce stress and support mental clarity
Promote mindfulness through rhythm and immersion
Encourage sustainability by connecting us to living ecosystems
What to Bring for a Half-Day Kayak + Snorkel Tour
Must-Have | Why |
Reusable water bottle | Stay hydrated under the sun |
Reef-safe sunscreen | Protect skin without harming sea life |
Hat & sunglasses | Sun protection during kayaking |
Towel & dry clothes | Post-tour comfort |
Light snack | Optional — fruit, energy bar, etc. |
Curiosity & calm | The ocean rewards patience and presence |
