Along the coast of Palm-Mar, South Tenerife, it's common to see sea turtles during kayak and snorkeling outings, and sometimes dolphins too. It's not a scheduled show and it can't be guaranteed on any specific date: it depends on the day, the exact area, and the animals' natural behaviour that day.
What's commonly seen
Sea turtles are the most frequent sighting in this area: they tend to come close to feed among the rocks and are relatively easy to spot while snorkeling or paddling slowly near the coast. Dolphins are less frequent than turtles, but several people who have gone out with our operator report seeing them pass further out to sea during their kayak outing. Neither sighting is part of the activity's script: they're part of the local wildlife you may encounter, not a managed attraction.
Dolphin watching in Tenerife from Palm-Mar
If what you're specifically looking for is dolphin watching in Tenerife, it's worth being clear: we don't offer a dedicated dolphin-watching outing or the chance to swim with dolphins in an organised way — it's not a product we manage or one we've been able to verify exists responsibly in the area. What is real is that, during kayak outings from Palm-Mar, dolphins sometimes appear further out to sea, according to clients who have already gone out with the operator. If maximising your chances of seeing them is your priority, the guided kayak and snorkeling tour covers more of the coastline than the self-guided rental.
Can you swim with turtles in Tenerife?
Unlike dolphins, closer encounters with turtles are indeed common: while snorkeling in South Tenerife from Palm-Mar, it's frequent to swim a short distance from a sea turtle as it feeds among the rocks, always keeping your distance and without touching it (see the rules below). It's not a "swim with turtles" activity marketed as such, but rather a regular part of the snorkeling done during the kayak and snorkeling tour in this stretch of the south coast.
Why a sighting can't be guaranteed
Dolphins and turtles are wild animals that move freely along the coast; no serious operator can promise they'll appear on a specific date or time. Factors such as sea conditions, the time of day or the turtles' own feeding season influence the likelihood, but there's no real guarantee. If wildlife spotting is your main reason for booking, keep in mind it's a likely extra, not an included service.
Where it's most likely within Palm-Mar
Turtles are usually seen near the rocky stretches of coast, both on the guided kayak and snorkeling tour and on self-guided rental outings. Dolphins, when they appear, tend to be a bit further out to sea, so they're more commonly seen from a kayak than from a paddle board. Either way, every Kayak Tenerife activity departs from the same spot in Palm-Mar, so the area where a sighting might happen is the same for all of them.
How to behave if an animal appears
- Keep your distance; don't approach or try to touch the animal.
- Don't chase it with the kayak or change route abruptly to reach it.
- Always follow the guide's instructions (on the tour) or stay calm if you're going self-guided.
- Enjoy the moment without forcing it: most sightings last only a few seconds.
Reviewed by: Grupo QV Tenerife, editorial lead of Kayak Tenerife. This guide is based on testimonials gathered from the operator's clients and on general knowledge of the marine wildlife of South Tenerife's coast; exact frequency figures aren't published because they haven't been verified against a scientific source. See editorial methodology .
Frequently asked questions
Is seeing dolphins or turtles guaranteed on the kayak outing?
No. It's common to see sea turtles and, sometimes, dolphins, but no sighting can be guaranteed: it depends on the day and on the animals' behaviour.
On which activities is marine wildlife more likely to be seen?
On the kayak and snorkeling tour and on the self-guided kayak or paddle board rental, since all of them depart from the same stretch of coast in Palm-Mar where sightings usually happen.
What should you do if a dolphin or turtle appears nearby?
Keep your distance, don't chase the animal or try to touch it, and always follow the guide's or operator's instructions.
Is there a dedicated dolphin-watching excursion in Tenerife?
We don't offer a dedicated dolphin-watching excursion. What we offer is kayaking and snorkeling from Palm-Mar, during which dolphins sometimes appear further out to sea, without any guarantee.
Where can you snorkel in South Tenerife to see marine wildlife?
From Palm-Mar, during the guided kayak and snorkeling tour, in the same stretch of coast where sea turtles are usually seen.