Southern Tenerife: 50-Minute Submarine Dive

Travelers searching for something a little different often overlook the opportunity to see the ocean from beneath the waves without the need for scuba gear or a boat. The Southern Tenerife: 50-Minute Submarine Dive offers just that — a chance to explore the Atlantic’s marine life from the comfort of a real submarine. If you’re curious about what lies beneath the surface but prefer to stay dry, this excursion might be an appealing option.

What we love about this experience is how accessible and engaging it is for all ages, especially with the panoramic viewing windows and informative audio guides. Plus, the fact that it takes place in the lesser-explored waters of Amarilla Marina means there’s a good chance you’ll see marine creatures in their natural habitat, avoiding the more crowded tourist spots.

However, one consideration is the duration — while 50 minutes is enough to get a taste of the underwater world, some might find it a bit short, especially if they’re eager to spend more time observing marine life or taking photos. Also, this activity is primarily suited for those who enjoy unique experiences and are comfortable on a boat or in an enclosed space.

This tour could be perfect for families, marine enthusiasts, or anyone looking for an unusual way to spend part of their Tenerife holiday. If you’re after a safe, well-organized, and fun adventure that offers a close-up look at sea life without getting wet, this is definitely worth considering.

Key Points

• Accessible marine experience: Perfect for those who want a taste of underwater life without diving.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for children over 2, making it a good activity for families.
• Great value: At $69, you’ll get a well-organized trip with excellent views and informative commentary.
• Comfort and safety: Spacious vessel with panoramic windows and headphones in multiple languages.
• Limited duration: The 50-minute trip offers a quick but memorable glimpse into ocean life.
• Convenient transfer: Free bus service from popular resorts simplifies logistics.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Submarine Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins at Amarilla Marina, located at the southern tip of Tenerife — a lovely spot away from the busier beaches. The tour operator offers free bus transfers from several major resorts, including Playa de Las Americas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and others. This makes logistics much easier, especially if you’re staying in a busy area and don’t want to worry about parking or navigating.

You’re advised to arrive about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure—this allows time for check-in and getting settled on the bus. The journey from your hotel typically takes around 1.5 hours, giving you a bit of a scenic drive through the island’s southern coast.

The Experience on Board

Once at Amarilla Marina, boarding the yellow submarine “Sub Fun Cinco” is straightforward and well-organized. The vessel is roomy, with 44 comfortable seats and 22 large panoramic windows — enough space for everyone to observe without feeling cramped. Every passenger gets a window seat, which means no one misses out on the views.

The submarine reaches depths of about 100 feet (30 meters). What makes this trip so engaging is that the submarine can sit on the ocean bed, where it pauses to give passengers a chance to observe marine life as divers join to attract the fish closer to the windows. This is a clever way to maximize visibility and interaction, and many reviews mention the thrill of seeing rays, barracudas, and colorful fish up close.

Marine Life You Might See

Guided by the audio system available in 12 languages, you’ll learn about the ecosystem, the species you’re watching, and why it’s important to protect these underwater habitats. The audio guides are a favorite feature, cited in reviews for making the experience both educational and accessible.

Expect to see a range of marine creatures including flute fish, octopuses, barracudas, parrot fish, and sting rays. Several reviewers have mentioned how close divers get to the sting rays, adding an element of excitement. One traveler even described the ocean bottom as “beautiful” with shifting colors and lively fish schools creating a vivid scene.

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Duration and Pacing

The trip lasts about 50 minutes, which most reviewers agree is enough to get a solid glimpse of underwater life without feeling rushed. Some wish it could be a tad longer, but considering the safety and organizational aspects, the short duration keeps the experience focused and manageable, especially for families or visitors new to such excursions.

The Value Equation

At $69 per person, this tour offers a compelling experience. It’s not just about getting under the water — it’s about doing so in a safe, comfortable environment with bilingual guides and modern facilities. Many reviews praise the cost-to-value ratio, mentioning how the activity is both fun and educational, with the added bonus of a certificate at the end as a keepsake.

Suitability and Practical Considerations

The activity is suitable for children over 2 years old, making it accessible for most families. While some reviews mention a slight pressure in the ears during descent, this is common in underwater excursions and usually subsides quickly. There is no mention of food or drinks being included, so plan to eat before or after.

If you’re prone to seasickness or nervous about small enclosed spaces, this might not be your first pick. However, most visitors find the vessel comfortable and the ride smooth, thanks to the professionalism of the crew.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This submarine experience is ideal for anyone seeking a unique, safe way to explore marine life. It’s especially good for families with children, curious travelers eager to see something different, or those who prefer not to snorkel or scuba dive. If you’re short on time but want to tick off a memorable activity, this short but impactful trip fits the bill.

It’s also a great option if you’re interested in photography, as the large panoramic windows and divers’ close interactions mean excellent photo opportunities. Plus, the multilingual audio guide ensures you won’t miss out on the stories behind the fish and ecosystems.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, the Southern Tenerife: 50-Minute Submarine Dive is a well-organized, reasonably priced way to see Tenerife’s underwater world without getting wet. The combination of comfortable seating, panoramic views, and informative commentary makes it a worthwhile experience for all ages.

The short duration means you’ll get a quick but meaningful look at marine life, with enough time to take photos and ask questions. The free bus transfer and friendly staff add to the overall convenience, making it a stress-free activity.

While it’s not the longest or most immersive ocean adventure, it hits the sweet spot for those wanting a fun, educational, and visually stunning experience. If you love the idea of seeing the ocean from a different perspective and want to keep things simple, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQs

What is the starting point for this tour?
The tour departs from Amarilla Marina at the southern tip of Tenerife, with meeting instructions sent once you book.

Is transportation included?
Yes, free bus transfers are available from several main resorts, making logistics easier. You should arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.

How long does the trip last?
The actual underwater experience is approximately 50 minutes, though total tour time can be between 1 and 3 hours including transportation.

Can children participate?
Yes, children over 2 years old are allowed, making this suitable for families.

What will I see during the tour?
Expect to see various fish species, sting rays, and possibly octopuses, with divers potentially attracting marine life close to the windows for better viewing.

Is there any food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not part of the package, so plan accordingly.

Is the experience safe?
Yes, the vessel is spacious, modern, and operated by experienced staff. Many reviewers comment on the professionalism and safety measures in place.

Can I take photos?
Absolutely. The large panoramic windows and divers’ close proximity make for great photo opportunities.

How do audio guides work?
Headphones are provided, and guides are available in 12 languages, offering informative commentary throughout the trip.

To sum it up, if you’re after a convenient, safe, and visually impressive way to explore Tenerife’s marine life, this submarine tour offers a memorable snapshot of what the island’s waters have to offer. It’s fun for all ages, educational, and a bit different from typical beach or boat trips — a good pick for a diverse group of travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: