Puerto de la Cruz: Submarine Trip and Beach Stop in Tenerife

If you’re looking for a truly unique way to explore Tenerife’s underwater world, this submarine tour from Puerto de la Cruz might catch your eye. It promises a fun-filled day that mixes marine adventure with some well-deserved beach relaxation—an ideal combo for those who want a bit of everything. We haven’t personally been on this exact trip, but based on plenty of honest reviews and the itinerary details, it’s worth considering if you’re after an engaging, family-friendly activity that offers a different perspective of the Atlantic.

What we love about this experience is how it balances a captivating underwater journey with downtime on Tenerife’s famous beaches. The submarine, with its panoramic windows and audio guides, makes marine life accessible and exciting, even for those who aren’t seasoned divers. Also, the overall price point of $84 per person seems reasonable considering the length of the trip and the special opportunity to sit on the sea bed.

One thing to think about is the duration of the tour, which lasts around 7 hours—including transportation, the submarine experience, and free beach time. It’s a fairly full day, so if your schedule is tight or you prefer more relaxing, less packed days, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, if you’re eager for adventure and beautiful views, this tour tends to suit those who enjoy a mix of activity and leisure. It’s particularly good for families or anyone wanting a memorable story to tell.

In short, this tour is best suited for travelers who want a unique underwater experience combined with some leisure. It’s perfect for curious explorers, marine life enthusiasts, and families looking for a fun, safe adventure. Now, let’s dive into what makes this tour stand out—and what you should keep in mind before booking.

Key Points

• Unique underwater experience aboard a colorful yellow submarine with panoramic windows.
• Abundant marine life, including fish, octopus, sting rays, and barracuda, seen up-close.
• Educational audio guides available in 12 languages, enhancing understanding of the marine ecosystem.
• Comfortable vessel with 44 seats and large screens for great views.
• Two hours of free beach time in Playa de las Americas for relaxation or shopping.
• Great value for the price, considering the duration and inclusions like the dive certificate.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey Begins: What to Expect from the Tour

The adventure kicks off at Amarilla harbor, located at Tenerife’s southern tip. From there, you’ll board the “Sub Fun Cinco,” a bright yellow submarine that’s designed to make both kids and adults feel at ease. The boat is spacious, with 44 comfortable seats and 22 large windows, giving everyone a decent view of the underwater spectacle ahead.

Once underway, the real magic starts as the submarine descends to around 100 feet (30 meters) below the surface. Little details matter here—like how the submarine actually sits on the ocean floor, giving you the sensation of being on another planet. During this part, you’ll be able to observe a vibrant array of sea creatures, such as fish, octopus, sting rays, and barracuda, all through the panoramic windows.

The experience is complemented by audio guides in 12 languages. These provide fascinating insights into the marine life and the delicate ecosystems you’re witnessing. Many reviews highlight how informative and engaging these guides are. For example, one reviewer said, “The audios were really helpful and gave a good explanation on how the sub works.” It’s a nice touch that elevates the experience from mere sightseeing to an educational adventure.

Sitting on the Sea Bed and Close Encounters

A highlight for many is the submarine actually sitting on the ocean bed. This unusual perspective allows you to see marine life “from below,” almost as if you’re part of the underwater environment. During this time, experienced divers join the submarine, attracting even more fish and encouraging closer encounters. Reviewers often mention how breathtaking the close-up views are, with one describing it as “breathtaking” and noting that it’s definitely something you need to see in person.

The Vessel and Views

The submarine’s design offers large, panoramic windows that make it easy to take photos and really soak in the scenery. Travelers often mention how well the vessel is kept and how the views are better than they expected. Being in a spacious, airy vessel with modern audiovisual equipment makes the journey more comfortable, especially if you’re prone to feeling claustrophobic or motion sickness—a common consideration for some travelers.

The Beach Stop: Relaxing in Playa de las Americas

After the underwater adventure, you’ll head to Playa de las Americas for approximately two hours of free time. This is a popular beach area with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a wonderful spot to unwind, grab a bite, or do a little shopping. Many reviews praise this part of the tour for giving a well-earned break from the morning’s excitement.

Whether you want to just relax on the sand, dip your toes in the water, or explore the nearby shops, this stop offers flexibility. It’s a good chance to hydrate, savor local tapas, or simply enjoy the sun and sea. Keep in mind that the free time is about 2 hours, so plan accordingly if you have specific activities in mind.

More Great Tours Nearby

Transportation: Convenience and Comfort

The tour includes round-trip transport from designated pickup points in Puerto de la Cruz and Las Caletillas. The buses are comfortable, and the process is smooth—drivers are punctual and wait no longer than 10 minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Some travelers appreciate the ease of being picked up and dropped off at their hotel or nearby locations, removing the hassle of figuring out transport on your own.

The itinerary includes a roughly 105-minute coach ride from the pickup to the harbor and a similar return journey afterward. While the bus rides are straightforward, they do add some travel time, so it’s worth considering if you prefer more compact excursions.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $84 covers round-trip transport, the submarine experience, guide service, and a dive certificate for those who want to remember their underwater adventure. The dive certificate can be a fun souvenir or proof for future diving experiences.

However, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase something during the beach stop. Some reviews mention that the overall value feels good for what you get, especially considering the guided narration and the chance to see marine life up close.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The marine life viewing is genuinely impressive, with many reviewers describing it as “breathtaking” and “amazing.”
• The audio guides in multiple languages make the trip educational and engaging.
• The large panoramic windows and comfortable seating make it easier to enjoy the views.
• The combination of an underwater adventure with beach relaxation appeals to varied interests.
• The overall value for money is high, given the duration and inclusions.

Cons:

• The full day can feel a bit packed, especially if you prefer more relaxed, slow-paced days.
• The beach stop is relatively brief at 2 hours; some might want more time to relax or explore.
• Not suitable for very young children under 2, which is typical for this type of excursion.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure-seekers, marine life enthusiasts, and families with children over 2 who want a safe, guided underwater encounter. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in seeing Tenerife from a different perspective without diving or snorkeling. The tour’s combination of education, fun, and leisure makes it a versatile choice for a memorable day.

It’s also suited for travelers who appreciate value for money and are comfortable with a full day of activity. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day only, this might be a bit too packed, but if you want a story to tell, it’s a fantastic option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, including transport, the submarine ride, and beach time.

What are the starting times?
Check availability when booking; specific start times vary depending on the day.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase something at the beach.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be at least 2 years old to participate.

Do I get any certificates?
Yes, a dive certificate is included, which can be a fun keepsake or proof of participation.

Do I need to prepare anything special?
Just bring comfortable clothing, sun protection for the beach, and a camera to capture the underwater views.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak English, German, and Spanish, with an audio guide system available in 12 languages.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager to see Tenerife’s marine life up close and enjoy a fun, family-friendly adventure, this submarine tour offers a well-organized, engaging experience. The combination of educational insights and spectacular views makes it stand out, especially if you’re curious about what lies beneath the ocean surface.

While the day is quite full, many reviewers find it worth the effort for the stunning visuals and unique perspective. The beach stop at Playa de las Americas adds a relaxing element, making it a good choice for those wanting a mix of excitement and leisure.

This tour provides a solid value for its price, especially considering the high praise from past participants. Whether you’re traveling with family or just looking for a memorable outing, it’s worth considering if marine adventures appeal to you.

Additional Resources

Looking for other activities in Tenerife? Check out similar experiences like quad tours, visits to Loro Parque, or trips to Mount Teide. You can explore more options here: Similar Experiences.

Enjoy your trip and happy exploring!

You can check availability for your dates here: