Southern Tenerife: 50-Minute Submarine Dive

Travelers looking for a unique way to experience Tenerife’s marine life often turn to submarine tours. The 50-minute submarine excursion offered by Submarine Safaris in Amarilla Marina promises an unforgettable journey beneath the Atlantic waves, complete with close-up views of fish, rays, and other sea creatures—all from the comfort of a real submarine. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or seeking a memorable solo adventure, this tour packs a punch with its accessible yet awe-inspiring underwater scenery.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the large panoramic windows, which allow for spectacular views without getting wet or needing scuba gear. Add in the fact that the submarine actually sits on the ocean bed, and you start to see why so many reviews highlight this as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. On the flip side, some travelers note the potential for ear pressure during descent, so if you’re prone to ear discomfort, it’s worth considering.

This tour is well-suited for those who want a family-friendly activity that combines education and fun. It’s also perfect if you’re curious about marine ecosystems but aren’t interested or able to snorkel or scuba dive. The combination of convenience, engaging marine life, and professional guides makes this a highly recommended experience for visitors to southern Tenerife.

Key Points

• Authentic submarine experience: Dive into the Atlantic aboard a real yellow submarine, not a mock-up or simulator.
• Breathtaking marine views: Large, 22-window panoramic screens showcase vibrant fish, rays, and other sea creatures.
• Ocean bed sitting: The submarine actually rests on the ocean floor, offering a rare perspective.
• Multilingual audio guides: Available in 12 languages, enhancing understanding of marine ecosystems.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for children aged 2 and above, making it a versatile outing.
• Convenient transport: Free bus transfer from major nearby resorts simplifies logistics.

A Practical Guide to the Tenerife Submarine Tour

Booking and Pricing

At $69 per person, this tour provides good value, especially considering it includes guides, a dive certificate, headphones, and bus transfer. The cost is reasonable for the experience of sitting on the ocean floor and witnessing marine life up close from a spacious vessel with comfortable seating. The flexibility of a duration between 1 and 3 hours, with checkable availability, allows for planning around your other activities.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start Point: The journey begins at Amarilla Marina, located at the southern tip of Tenerife. You’ll need to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to check in and board comfortably.

Transport: A free bus service departs from various popular resorts such as Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and others. The 1.5-hour bus ride takes you through scenic parts of the island, building anticipation for your underwater adventure.

Marine Life Viewing: Once at Amarilla Golf, the tour includes a guided boat cruise lasting about an hour, providing a preview of the marine environment. Look out for fish, rays, octopuses, and barracudas, which are frequently spotted during the tour.

Submarine Dive: The highlight is, of course, boarding the yellow submarine, “Sub Fun Cinco”. The vessel descends to about 100 feet (30 meters), a depth that reveals a whole new world beneath the waves. The panoramic windows give every passenger a clear, unhindered view of the marine spectacle.

Ocean Bed Sit: What sets this tour apart is the submarine’s ability to sit on the ocean floor. Here, experienced divers often join the tour, enticing the marine life closer to the windows—particularly rays and other large fish—allowing for epic photos and close encounters.

The Experience Underwater

From the reviews, it’s clear that the spectacle of marine life is a major draw. Passengers frequently see sting rays, barracudas, parrot fish, and even octopuses. Several reviews mention the diver interactions—with divers playing with rays or feeding fish—which adds an extra layer of interest.

The audio-guide system, available in 12 languages, enhances the experience by explaining the ecosystems, behaviors, and ecosystems of the species observed. Many guests appreciate that headphones are provided at no extra charge, allowing everyone to follow the commentary clearly.

Comfort and Safety

The spacious vessel comfortably seats 44 people, with each seat equipped with its own large window and TV screen showing what’s happening outside. Guests report feeling safe and well-cared-for, noting the professionalism of the crew, led by guides like Daniel and Maria, who are described as knowledgeable and friendly.

Some reviewers mention a slight ear pressure during descent, but most find this manageable and a small price for such a unique experience. The crew’s attention to safety is evident, with some passengers noting the follow ship and divers add to the sense of security.

Duration and Flexibility

While the tour states a duration of 1 to 3 hours, it’s essential to check your specific departure time and availability. The actual underwater experience typically lasts around 50 minutes, giving enough time to take photos, enjoy the views, and listen to insightful commentary.

Additional Perks and Considerations

• Free parking is available near the harbor if you prefer to drive.
• Food and drinks are not included, so plan to grab a snack before or after.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 2, but kids aged 2 and up generally love the experience.
• Cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, adding peace of mind.

What Travelers Say: Real Experiences and Insights

Guests consistently praise the professional guides and the quality of the marine life sightings. Jessica describes feeling safe and being impressed by the divers’ unexpected interaction with rays, which added to the “once-in-a-lifetime” feeling. Many mention how the audio guides made the experience accessible and engaging for all languages and ages.

One reviewer, Craig, notes the “brilliant experience” and the “views they have,” emphasizing the professionalism of the staff. Parents mention how their children, even as young as 3, happily enjoyed the trip, thanks to the friendly staff and interesting commentary in a language they understood.

The value for money is often highlighted, with people feeling they received much more than just a short boat ride. Participants loved the opportunity to sit on the ocean bed, which is rare in such tours, and appreciated the photographs and certificates given at the end as keepsakes.

The Pros and Cons — A Straightforward Look

Pros

• Unique experience aboard a real submarine, not a simulation
• Stunning, unobstructed views through large panoramic windows
• Family-friendly with options suitable for children
• Educational and entertaining with comprehensive audio guides
• Convenient transport with free bus transfers
• Good value considering the included guide, certificate, and transportation

Cons

• Potential for ear pressure during descent, which some travelers noted
• Short duration, which might leave some wanting more underwater time
• No food or drinks included, so plan accordingly

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for families with children, marine life enthusiasts, and adventurers looking for a safe, accessible way to explore underwater without diving gear. It’s also ideal for those who want a relaxing yet engaging activity with minimal physical effort but maximum visual impact. Perfect for travelers seeking Instagram-worthy photos and wanting to learn more about the Atlantic ecosystem, this submarine tour offers a rare glimpse into the ocean depths.

For anyone who has ever thought, “What’s it like to sit on the ocean floor?”—this is your chance. The combination of marine encounters, professional guides, and the comfort of a submarine makes it a standout activity in Tenerife’s diverse lineup.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, it’s suitable for children aged 2 and above. Many reviews highlight how kids enjoy watching the fish and rays through the big windows.

How long does the underwater part last? The actual descent and observation last about 50 minutes, but the total tour time is between 1 and 3 hours, including transport and sightseeing.

Are headphones provided? Yes, travelers receive free headphones in multiple languages to listen to the informative audio guide during the tour.

What marine creatures might I see? Expect to see fish like flute fish, parrot fish, barracuda, and octopuses. Rays, including sting rays, are frequently observed, often close enough for excellent photographs.

Is there parking available? Yes, free parking is available at the harbor or along the containment wall of the port.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Absolutely, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Final Thoughts

The Southern Tenerife 50-Minute Submarine Dive offers a truly distinctive way to explore marine life without getting wet. Its large panoramic windows, the opportunity to sit on the ocean floor, and the professional guidance make it a standout activity for travelers of all ages. It’s a great value experience that combines education, adventure, and stunning visuals—perfect for families, marine lovers, or anyone wanting a memorable, hassle-free outing.

While it’s not the longest or most intense underwater adventure, its accessibility and the chance to see marine ecosystems in their natural habitat make it well worth considering. If you’re visiting Tenerife and want to add a touch of the extraordinary to your trip, this submarine tour might just be the highlight of your holiday.

Whether you’re a curious traveler eager to learn about marine ecosystems or simply searching for a fun, unique activity, this tour delivers a memorable peek beneath the waves. It’s a genuine, well-organized, and engaging experience—worth every penny for a taste of the ocean’s wonders.