Let’s talk about turtle beaches in Tenerife. Turtles are one of the most fascinating marine animals that exist on our island. Here, we can find perfect places to swim with them in their natural habitat: from beautiful beaches where you can snorkel, to reefs where you will have to prepare your diving equipment. That’s why in today’s blog we will talk about three factors that, combined, will offer you an unforgettable experience during your vacation.
Turtles coexisted with dinosaurs and have been on the planet for more than 200 million years. There are seven species and four of them visit the island of Tenerife: the green turtle, the ‘’boba’’, the leatherback and the hawksbill, being the most common to see the first one.
The green turtle can live up to 80 years
The green turtle, whose name refers to the colour of its shell, is typical of caribbean waters and can weigh up to 230 kg, with a life expectancy of 80 years. On the other hand, the loggerhead turtle, which is so named because of the ease with which fishermen catch them floating on the surface, is characterized by its large size and can live about 60 years. They are currently in danger of extinction, so the turtle beaches in Tenerife are a natural asset that should receive great care.
Leatherback and hawksbill turtles are two species of sea turtles in danger of extinction too. The leatherback turtle is the largest of all sea turtles and can weigh up to 900 kg. It has a black carapace and a teardrop-shaped body. The hawksbill turtle, on the other hand, is smaller and has a dark brown shell with yellow or white spots.
Take advantage of the ‘calm’ period at the Bufadero del Palm-Mar
Where can we find turtles in Tenerife? There is an ideal time and place to enjoy the company of green turtles while they are in their natural habitat. We are talking about the period of ‘the calm’ and the Bufadero del Palm-Mar. If your idea is to snorkel and you do not intend to go into the depths of the sea, this is the best opinion, although there are also turtle beaches in Tenerife that we will see later.
In Tenerife, during the months of September, October and November we experience a period known as ‘the calm’, in which the winds diminish significantly and the sea becomes a calm mirror, which makes it ideal for snorkelling.
If we go during this time of the year to Bufadero del Palm-Mar victory is assured, as it is a privileged place located in the South of Tenerife to snorkel with green turtles, being a cove where you will only need goggles to swim. You will have the opportunity to interact with these marine animals at close range, but remember to be respectful with the turtles and not to alter their natural habitat.
From Puerto Colon, it is possible to hire an exciting excursion that includes a dive guided by instructors who will provide you with all the necessary information so you can enjoy the experience of turtle beaches in Tenerife.
Turtle beaches in Tenerife
Although El Bufadero is the right place to live this experience, let’s get to know the turtle beaches in Tenerife, as there are other destinations where you can also enjoy turtles:
Playa de la Ballena, Las Galletas
Very close to the tourist resorts of Playa de Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Américas, Las Galletas is a small fishing village that stands out for its simplicity, authenticity and seafaring character. In its two beaches: Playa de la Ballena and Playa de las Galletas, we can also see sea turtles in their natural habitat.
In this case we recommend a snorkelling tour that includes a boat trip through the Malpaís de Rasca nature reserve and a photo session. In this designated snorkelling area, you will have the opportunity to swim with turtles and other marine species, such as beautiful rays. The right place for snorkelling with turtles in Tenerife.
Los Abrigos Beach, Abades
Abades is a charming village of white houses located in the south of Tenerife, where, if you are lucky, you will be able to observe the turtles that inhabit the area. Here you will find Playa de los Abrigos, a small beach of brown sand with small coves around it, ideal to enjoy when the tide is low.
And now that you have all the information to enjoy an experience with turtle beaches in Tenerife, you just have to take your snorkelling equipment, your swimsuit and choose your destination. Also, if you are looking for a more complete holiday experience, remember that at Vanilla Garden Boutique Hotel we are in the South of Tenerife, close to the main tourist attractions to enjoy the experience with sea turtles.
