Scooter fun snorcel tour in turtle area

The best part of this Abades Beach outing is the underwater scooter. You hold on, let the motor do much of the work, and glide through water between 2 and 15 meters deep while looking for turtles, rays, octopus and clouds of fish. It is a playful way to explore the sea without needing strong swimming skills.

I like the tiny group size, limited to three people, and the fact that photos and videos are included rather than sold as an extra. I also like the flexible scooter itself: it helps less-fit swimmers stay with the group and makes it easier to move around underwater.

The main catch is that this is still a proper water activity. You will spend at least an hour in the sea, mostly in deep water, so it is not a good choice for anyone uneasy in water, in poor swimming condition, or suffering from a cold. Turtles are possible, not promised.

Key points to know before booking

• About 40 minutes on the scooter: The powered scooter is the central feature, followed by more snorkeling time.
• A good chance of turtles, not a guarantee: The area is known for sea turtles, but wildlife sightings change from day to day.
• Three-person maximum: The small group allows the guides to keep close watch and give plenty of attention.
• Photos and videos included: Your underwater memories are sent directly after the activity by drop off or WhatsApp.
• Suitable from age six: Children can join, while non-swimmers need confidence in water and enough condition to hold on for about an hour.
• Meet at Magilu restaurant: The meeting point is in front of the restaurant at Abades Beach.

Why the underwater scooter changes the snorkeling game

A normal snorkeling session asks you to kick, steer, and keep your position in the water. The scooter takes some of that work away. You hold on and move with the machine, which can be especially helpful if you have limited stamina or simply want to spend more time looking around instead of working your legs.

The scooter also gives the outing a playful feel. You can move over the seabed, try short underwater descents, and get used to the equipment without a long technical lesson. The activity does not require a scuba qualification, but it does require comfort in the sea and the ability to stay with the scooter.

The scooter time lasts about 40 minutes. That is long enough to make it the main event without making the whole outing feel like a single repetitive ride. The rest of the two hours is used for getting ready, learning the equipment, taking photos and videos, and searching for sea life.

One point matters here: the scooter is not a substitute for water confidence. The tour stays in water between 2 and 15 meters deep, and the full water portion lasts at least 60 minutes. If you tire easily, tell the guides before entering the sea so they can explain how the scooter may help you.

Starting at protected Abades Beach

The activity begins at Abades Beach, a natural park under protection. Meet in front of Magilu restaurant. The supplied meeting information does not include hotel pickup, so plan to make your own way to this point and allow time to locate it before the scheduled start.

The setting matters because the tour is built around the sea rather than a pool or a short, enclosed ride. Once you reach the beach, the guides give a short talk covering the activity and equipment. You then put on a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins before heading into the water from the beach.

The wetsuit is useful even in the Canary Islands. You are in the water for a long stretch, and warmth makes a difference when you are waiting, looking for animals, or concentrating on the scooter. Bring a towel and beachwear. The supplied equipment covers the rest.

The group limit is three people. That is unusually small for a water activity and useful for two reasons. First, the guides can keep track of everyone more easily. Second, you will not spend the session trying to find a large group or waiting while a dozen people take turns.

A short lesson, then the first scooter ride

Before the real route begins, the guides explain how to use the scooter and let you try it. The controls are described as easy, and the experience is designed for first-time users. You do not need to arrive with any special knowledge of underwater scooters.

Natalie and Andres are the guides named in the experience information and participant feedback. Their role goes beyond handing out equipment. They explain the activity, help you get comfortable, and point out the marine life and other details you might miss on your own.

The first scooter section also provides a chance to take photos and videos. This is a smart point in the outing for the camera work because you are still getting familiar with the machine and can focus on looking presentable rather than immediately searching the seabed.

The scooter can help people who are not especially fit. One participant with limited stamina found it easier to hold on and let the machine pull them through the water. That does not remove the need to swim or stay in the sea, but it can make movement far less tiring than ordinary snorkeling.

Searching for turtles around Abades

After the scooter session, the guides continue looking for the sea turtles that live in this area. This is an important distinction: the tour is not just a timed scooter ride followed by a quick exit. The animal search remains part of the outing.

Turtles are not guaranteed. That is the honest trade-off with any wildlife activity. You may have a very good chance, but the guides cannot control where an animal goes or whether it appears during your particular session. Book this for the scooter and the wider marine life first, with turtles as a welcome possibility.

The area can also produce a long list of smaller sightings. Expect the guides to look for colorful fish, stingrays, octopus, and cuttlefish, known in the supplied information as sepia. The exact mix will vary, but the activity is not dependent on a single animal.

Clear water can make a big difference. One outing had very good visibility, while another produced many colorful fish, an octopus, and a small turtle. Another session had no turtle sightings but was still considered worthwhile because the scooter ride itself was enjoyable. That tells you how to set your expectations: the sea decides what appears, but there is plenty to look for beyond turtles.

You must not touch marine life. This is both a safety rule and a basic courtesy to the animals. Keep your hands to yourself, follow the guide’s instructions, and watch rather than chase.

What the two-hour schedule really includes

The advertised duration is two hours, but the scooter portion is about 40 minutes. The rest is not wasted time. It includes the safety talk, changing into the wetsuit and equipment, getting into the water, trying the scooter, taking photos and videos, and continuing the search for marine life.

The water portion lasts at least 60 minutes. This is useful information when planning your day because you should not treat the activity as a quick beach attraction. You will need time to get ready before entering the sea and time afterward to change and collect your media.

The guides send your photos and videos directly after the tour by drop off or WhatsApp. Since these files are included in the $41 price, you do not need to decide in advance if you want to pay for a photo package. The quality and number of images can vary, as with any activity camera, but the inclusion adds real value.

Is $41 a fair price?

At $41 per person, this is a good price if you want more than ordinary snorkeling. The fee includes the wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, underwater scooter, licensed guide, and photos and videos. You are paying for equipment and instruction as well as the time in the water.

A cheaper beach rental would not provide the same setup or a guide searching for turtles and other marine life. On the other hand, if you only want a short swim close to shore, you may not use enough of the experience to justify the cost.

The small group makes the price more attractive. With only three people, the guides can give individual help and keep the pace manageable. That is particularly valuable for a first scooter session, families, couples, and anyone who needs a little more reassurance in the water.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 53 reviews, which fits the strongest parts of the experience: the scooters are fun, the instructions are clear, and the guides receive consistent praise. Still, a high rating cannot guarantee sea conditions or animal sightings. The fair way to judge the price is to value the complete experience, not just the chance of seeing a turtle.

Who should book this experience?

This is a strong pick for friends who want something more playful than standard snorkeling. The scooter gives the outing a novelty factor, and the small group means you will not be lost in a crowd.

Couples may like the included photos and videos, especially if they want a shared activity with a record of the day. Families can bring children from age six, but parents should judge each child by water confidence rather than age alone. A six-year-old who dislikes masks, snorkels, or open water may not enjoy the session.

It can also suit a less-fit swimmer better than a normal snorkeling trip. The scooter allows you to hold on and let it provide much of the forward movement. But you still need enough condition to remain in the water for about an hour and stay calm in water that may reach 15 meters.

Strong swimmers should enjoy the extra freedom and the chance to move farther with less kicking. People who want a quiet, slow look at marine life may find the motorized scooter less natural than ordinary snorkeling. The activity is fun first, with wildlife watching built into it.

Who should skip it?

Skip this one if you are not comfortable in deep water. The tour does not remain in shallow water, and the water session lasts at least an hour. Non-swimmers can join only if they are not afraid of water and have enough condition to hold on for that length of time.

It is not recommended for non-swimmers in poor condition. It is also not suitable for children under six or people with a cold. A cold can make breathing through a snorkel unpleasant and may make the session unsafe or uncomfortable.

Do not book solely for guaranteed turtles. There is a good chance of seeing them, but no promise. If the scooter, fish, rays, octopus, cuttlefish, and included media all sound worthwhile, the activity remains a sensible choice even if the turtles stay out of sight.

Practical tips for a better outing

Arrive ready for the beach with swimwear and a towel. Wear nothing you would worry about getting wet, and give yourself enough time to find Magilu restaurant before the meeting time.

Listen closely during the scooter briefing. The machine may be easy to use, but comfort comes from learning how to hold on, steer, and move with the guide. Ask for help early if the mask leaks or the scooter feels awkward.

Keep your expectations broad. Look for fish and rays rather than scanning only for a turtle. An octopus or cuttlefish can be harder to spot but just as interesting, and the guides can add useful information about what you see.

You receive the photos and videos after the activity by drop off or WhatsApp. Make sure the guide has the right contact details before you leave, especially if you choose WhatsApp delivery.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Canary Islands schedule is still moving around.

My verdict: a playful, well-priced sea outing

I would book this if I wanted an easy introduction to underwater scooters, a small group, and a real chance to see marine life around Abades. The included equipment, guide, photos, and videos make $41 reasonable, while the scooter gives it more personality than a basic snorkeling session.

Book with realistic expectations. Turtles are a possibility, not a promise, and the water time is longer and deeper than some beginners may expect. If you are comfortable in the sea, want a little adventure, and like the idea of being pulled through clear water while looking for fish and rays, this is a practical choice. If you dislike deep water or tire quickly, choose a shallower activity instead.

FAQ

Where does the underwater scooter tour meet?

The meeting point is in front of Magilu restaurant at Abades Beach in the Canary Islands.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts two hours. You spend about 40 minutes using the underwater scooter, while the total time in the water is at least 60 minutes.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. There is a good chance of seeing turtles in the area, but sightings are not guaranteed. The guides also search for colorful fish, rays, octopus, and cuttlefish.

What is included in the price?

The $41 price includes full snorkeling equipment, an underwater scooter, photos and videos, and an experienced licensed guide.

Can non-swimmers join?

Non-swimmers can join only if they are not afraid of water and have enough condition to hold on for about an hour. The activity takes place in deep water between 2 and 15 meters, so it is not recommended for non-swimmers in poor condition.

What languages are available, and how many people are in the group?

Instruction is available in English, German, and Spanish. The group is limited to three participants.