Submarine tour Tenerife: a 1 hour underwater experience

If you’re searching for a way to explore Tenerife’s marine environment without getting a splash on your clothes, the submarine tour offers a fascinating glimpse beneath the waves. This 1-hour experience takes you down approximately 100 feet (30 meters) into the Atlantic Ocean inside a spacious, air-conditioned submarine that can seat up to 44 guests. From vibrant fish to possible shipwreck sightings, this adventure combines comfort with the thrill of discovery.

What I particularly like about this tour is the professional guide commentary paired with a modern audio-guide system available in 12 languages—making it accessible for international visitors. Plus, the chance to obtain a personalized dive certificate adds a nice keepsake element. However, it’s worth noting that the experience is weather-dependent, and the duration mostly involves maneuvering in and out of the harbor, so expect some waiting time.

This tour is perfect for families, older kids, marine enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a comfortable, educational glimpse into ocean life without the hassle of snorkeling or diving. If you’re looking for a relaxed, well-organized outing with plenty of opportunities to see sea creatures up close, this could be a great choice.

Key Points

• Accessible underwater experience suitable for all ages and mobility levels
• Educational commentary in multiple languages enhances understanding of marine ecosystems
• Comfortable, air-conditioned environment inside the submarine improves overall enjoyment
• Great value for money considering the duration, views, and included certificates
• Marine life sightings include fish, rays, eels, barracudas, and possibly shipwrecks
• Optional online discounts and transport make planning easier and more budget-friendly

A Deep Dive into the Tenerife Submarine Tour

What to Expect from the Itinerary

The tour begins at Marina Amarilla Golf, with a prompt 30-minute arrival window to ensure you’re comfortably settled before boarding. Once aboard, you’ll have your choice of seat in the spacious, air-conditioned cabin directly in front of large viewing ports—each about 60cm (2ft) in diameter, providing a clear view of the ocean life. As the submarine descends to around 30 meters, the environment remains comfortable and cool, avoiding the clammy humidity often associated with some water-based tours.

During the descent, you’ll hear a professional guide’s commentary—either through the onboard speaker system or personal audio guides—detailing the local marine ecosystems, the varieties of fish you see, and interesting facts about shipwrecks or other underwater features. Many reviews praise the audio-guide system in multiple languages, making the experience accessible to a diverse range of guests.

In some reviews, guests mention a feeding frenzy orchestrated by a diver to attract marine life near the viewport, offering a more vibrant view of the ocean creatures. With the large ports, everyone gets a good view, and the spacious interior means even those prone to feeling claustrophobic find comfort.

Marine Life and Sightings

Guests frequently mention the variety of marine animals they encountered. Expect to see sea breams, eels, barracudas, rays, and other fish species. Some reviews highlight sightings of large stingrays, shipwrecks, and feeding frenzies that create lively scenes. Despite occasional cloudiness of the water—something that can vary with weather conditions—many visitors still report impressive sightings, with one guest noting, “We saw tons of little fish and three huge stingrays.”

The guides do a commendable job of pointing out specific species and explaining their roles within the ecosystem, adding educational value. The audio commentary helps keep guests engaged and informed, whether you’re a marine novice or a seasoned ocean lover.

Special Features and Highlights

One standout feature is the personalized dive certificate awarded at the end, making this a memorable souvenir of your underwater journey. The certificate confirms your descent to the Atlantic seabed, adding a fun, tangible reward for participating.

Another highlight is the feeding demonstration sometimes performed by the onboard diver, which attracts a variety of sea creatures close to the viewing ports. This makes for some great photo opportunities and an interactive experience with marine life.

Guests have also appreciated the comfortable interior—larger than expected—and the overall ease of access. The environment is quiet, and the air conditioning ensures a pleasant trip, even if the water outside is a bit murky or the weather is less than ideal.

Practicalities and Logistics

Booking is straightforward, with the tour typically booked around 15 days in advance, and prices hover at approximately $69.93 per person. The experience lasts roughly 60 minutes, which is a perfect length to enjoy without fatigue or boredom. The tour includes transport from most touristic points on the island, making logistics much easier, especially if you’re not staying directly at the marina.

Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes early to ensure a smooth check-in process. The meeting point at Amarilla Golf is well signposted, and parking options are available nearby. Since it’s a private tour, only your group participates, providing a more intimate experience.

Note that children under 2 are not allowed on board, primarily for safety reasons. Also, the experience is weather-dependent—poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling, with full refunds offered if canceled due to bad conditions.

Transport and Accessibility

Transport options are included when booking online, with a bus pick-up from most tourist areas, which adds convenience. For those staying further away, taxis are a reasonable alternative, as mentioned in reviews. The boarding process is straightforward, and the signage at the marina is clear.

Guests with mobility concerns can generally participate, as the environment inside the submarine is spacious and accessible. The reviews highlight that even older guests or those with limited mobility** found the experience comfortable and enjoyable.

Customer Feedback: What Reviewers Loved (and What Could Be Improved)

The majority of reviews are highly positive, emphasizing knowledgeable guides, stunning marine sightings, and great value. Guests appreciated the modern audio system and the large viewing ports, which ensured everyone had a good view.

Many mention the friendly staff, such as the diver who attracted marine life or the crew that efficiently managed the boarding process. Reviewer Kat_M praised the good layout and the quality of the audio guide, making the experience fun and educational for families.

On the other hand, a few guests had minor disappointments. One reviewer, for example, noted that water clarity was only fair due to weather conditions, which affected visibility. Another mentioned that the trip is mostly about maneuvering in and out of harbor, so some might find the actual underwater time slightly less than expected.

A cancellation due to a last-minute technical issue with the air conditioning was reported. Fortunately, such events are rare, and the company’s full refund policy offers reassurance.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This submarine tour suits travelers who want a relaxed, safe, and educational way to see marine life without snorkeling or diving. It’s particularly appealing for families with children, older adults, or anyone with mobility concerns. If you’re looking for a unique photo opportunity or a memorable souvenir—the personalized certificate—this fits the bill.

If you’re a water enthusiast seeking a more immersive or active underwater experience, such as snorkeling or diving, you might find this tour more limited. However, for those who prefer a comfortable, guided adventure with guaranteed views and detailed commentary, this is both practical and fun.

Final Thoughts

The Tenerife submarine tour offers a well-organized, engaging glimpse of the ocean that emphasizes comfort, education, and value. With large viewing ports, multilingual guides, and the chance to see a variety of sea creatures (and maybe a shipwreck), it provides a safe and satisfying alternative to more physically involved water activities.

The price point, considering the included transport, certificates, and the hour of underwater scenery, makes it a solid deal for a memorable experience. The friendly staff and modern facilities ensure that guests leave with stories to tell—and photos to cherish.

Ideal for families, older travelers, or those simply curious about the underwater world, this tour combines education with entertainment in a way that’s hard to beat on Tenerife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, but children under 2 are not allowed onboard. The experience is generally safe and engaging for older kids, especially with the large viewing ports and entertaining guide commentary.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience is approximately 1 hour, including boarding, descent, viewing, and ascent.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book about 15 days in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time.

What is the price per person?
The standard ticket costs around $69.93, offering good value considering the inclusions and experience.

Are transport options included?
Yes, when booked online, transport from most touristic points on the island is included, simplifying travel arrangements.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I get a certificate of participation?
Absolutely. Guests receive a personalized dive certificate confirming their descent to the Atlantic Ocean floor.

What marine life might I see?
Expect to encounter fish species like sea breams, eels, barracudas, rays, and possibly shipwrecks, depending on conditions and luck.

Is the environment inside the submarine comfortable?
Yes, the interior is spacious, air-conditioned, and designed for comfort, making it suitable even for those sensitive to heat or humidity.

To sum it up, the Tenerife submarine tour is a smart choice for those seeking a safe, educational, and visually rewarding underwater experience. Its combination of modern facilities, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to see marine life up close makes it a memorable activity for a broad range of travelers. Whether you’re traveling as a family or on your own, this tour offers a relaxed way to explore the depths of the Atlantic without the need to get wet.