Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat

The ocean is your main attraction. This two-hour Puerto Colón outing combines a quick speedboat ride with about 50 minutes in a secluded bay, where you can look for turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, octopuses, and colorful fish. I like the small group of up to nine and the fact that wetsuits, fins, and masks are supplied.

I also like the friendly, patient instruction, especially for first-time snorkelers. Guides speak English, Spanish, French, and Italian, and lifejackets are available for weaker swimmers. The main consideration is that marine life and water clarity depend on the day, while one report found the snorkeling area less impressive than other spots around Tenerife.

The short ride from Puerto Colón keeps the outing easy to fit into a beach holiday. At $53 per person, it is fair value if you want a guided swim from a boat rather than simply hiring equipment on shore, but it is not a guaranteed wildlife safari.

Key points to know before you book

• Small boat, small group: The outing is limited to nine participants, giving the guide more time to help nervous or new snorkelers.
• Only 15 minutes to the bay: You get a quick look at Tenerife’s southern coast without spending most of the tour in transit.
• About 50 minutes in the water: The main activity is a relaxed surface snorkel in a sheltered bay.
• Wildlife is possible, not promised: Turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, octopuses, and fish may appear, and dolphins have sometimes been seen during the boat ride.
• Gear is included: Wetsuits, fins, masks, and a lifejacket if needed are provided at no extra charge.
• Meet carefully at Puerto Colón: Find Zero Gravity Tenerife by dock 3, next to Cafe Black Pearl, with the entrance behind Café Victoria.

Leaving Puerto Colón by speedboat

Your outing begins at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón, a busy marina in the south of Tenerife. The meeting point can take a little finding because the diving center entrance is on the back side of the commercial center, behind Café Victoria, rather than directly on the main waterfront.

Look for the center in front of dock 3, beside Cafe Black Pearl. Arrive ready to locate the office without rushing. You will need swimwear and a towel, and bringing those items from your hotel is simpler than trying to change at the last moment.

The group is capped at nine people. That matters here. Snorkeling instruction can feel hurried when a boat is full, but a smaller party gives the guide room to watch the group in the water and spend extra time with anyone who is uncertain.

The staff first provide your equipment: wetsuit, fins, mask, and snorkel. Lifejackets are available for weak swimmers or anyone who needs extra support. A short briefing covers the basic technique and safety points before you leave the marina.

If you have never snorkeled, say so clearly at the start. One family had a first-time teenage snorkeler who received patient, careful help from the guide. That kind of attention is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a larger boat excursion.

The 15-minute ride along Tenerife’s southern coast

Once everyone is ready, the speedboat heads away from Puerto Colón. The trip to the snorkeling bay takes about 15 minutes, so you get a quick taste of the southern coast without sacrificing much time in the water.

The boat ride is part transport and part sightseeing. You can watch the coastline from the sea and enjoy the faster pace of a small craft. On some outings, dolphins have appeared during the journey, with the boat stopping briefly for photographs. That is a welcome bonus, but it is not part of the promised wildlife program, so you should treat it as luck rather than an expected stop.

A speedboat also means the ride may feel livelier than a large excursion vessel. If you are prone to motion sickness, keep that in mind, although the supplied information does not give a specific seating arrangement or sea condition policy. Conditions can affect the water, wildlife, and visibility.

The staff have also changed plans when wind and waves made snorkeling visibility poor. On one occasion, they suggested a different underwater activity instead, and the group accepted. That shows useful judgment from the crew, but it also reminds you that the advertised experience can be affected by the sea.

About 50 minutes in the secluded bay

The boat stops at a bay roughly 15 minutes from shore. The appeal is access. You reach a place that is not as easy to visit directly from land, then enter the water close to the boat rather than walking out from a crowded beach.

The water is described as clear and warm, with around 50 minutes set aside for swimming and snorkeling. You stay near the surface, looking down through the mask as the guide points out marine life and keeps the group together.

This is a good format for a first snorkeling experience. You do not need to arrange your own transport, choose a safe place, or work out where to enter the water. The guide handles the practical side while you concentrate on breathing calmly and watching below.

You may see turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, octopuses, and fish. These are wild animals, not scheduled performers, so sightings vary. A turtle can make the entire trip memorable, but you should not book this as a guaranteed turtle encounter.

The bay is secluded, but secluded does not always mean spectacular. One account found the snorkeling area fairly ordinary compared with other snorkeling locations around Tenerife. I would set your expectations at a pleasant, guided swim with a chance of wildlife rather than a major underwater spectacle.

Water clarity is another variable. Calm conditions can make the seabed and fish easier to see. Wind and waves may reduce visibility, and the crew may recommend a different activity if snorkeling is unlikely to be worthwhile. That flexibility is reassuring, though it means the exact experience is not fully under your control.

What the equipment and instruction are like

Wetsuits, fins, and masks are included in the price. That is useful for visitors who are traveling light or do not want to rent equipment separately. Lifejackets are also available if you are not a confident swimmer.

The instruction appears strongest once you are with the water guide. A friendly Italian guide took extra time with a beginner, explaining each step and helping her feel comfortable. For families, couples, or anyone nervous about breathing through a snorkel, that personal help may matter more than the speedboat itself.

Equipment quality can vary. One participant found some of the gear worn and disliked the snorkel strap design. That does not mean every set is poor, but it is sensible to check that your mask seals properly and that the snorkel sits comfortably before leaving the marina.

If water enters your mask, ask for help rather than struggling quietly. Small adjustments can make a big difference. The same applies to fins that feel loose or a snorkel that does not sit well.

The crew speaks English, Spanish, French, and Italian. Communication may vary by staff member, but the listed languages make this a practical choice for an international group.

How the two-hour schedule works

The published timing is roughly:

• 30 minutes for arrival, equipment, and the safety briefing
• 15 minutes by speedboat to the bay
• About 50 minutes swimming and snorkeling
• 15 minutes by speedboat back to Puerto Colón

The entire experience lasts two hours. The water portion is the heart of the trip, but the preparation time is important. You are not simply stepping aboard and jumping overboard. You receive equipment, safety information, and basic snorkeling guidance first.

The return ride brings you back to the same center at Puerto Colón. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina. This is easiest if you are already staying in the south of Tenerife or have planned other activities around Costa Adeje and Puerto Colón.

Photos and videos are available to purchase after the activity, but they are not part of the $53 price. If you want underwater memories, ask about this before departure so you understand the extra cost.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53 per person, this sits in a reasonable range for a two-hour guided boat outing with equipment included. You are paying for the speedboat, staff, instruction, a small group, and access to a bay that is not convenient to reach from shore.

The value is strongest if you are new to snorkeling. Hiring a mask and fins on your own may cost less, but it does not provide the same safety briefing, transport, or guide support. You also avoid the guesswork of finding a suitable entry point.

For an experienced snorkeler, the calculation is different. If you already have equipment and care most about seeing a large variety of sea life, the bay may not meet your expectations, especially on a windy day. You are paying for ease and guidance as much as for the underwater setting.

The price also looks better if you make use of the small-group setup. A group of four snorkelers and four scuba participants has been reported, leaving plenty of room on the boat. That can feel far more personal than a crowded coastal cruise.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility. Still, check the available start time before committing, since the activity runs at scheduled times rather than whenever you arrive.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this trip to first-time snorkelers, families with older children, couples seeking a short sea outing, and visitors who want a simple activity from Puerto Colón.

It suits you especially well if you value:

• A small group instead of a packed boat
• Help with equipment and basic technique
• A short ride to a swim site
• The chance to see turtles or other sea life
• A guided experience in several languages
• Flexible cancellation and payment

Weak swimmers are not automatically excluded because lifejackets are available. Still, you should tell the staff about your comfort level before entering the water. The supplied information does not state a minimum age, so families should confirm that detail before booking.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is exceptional snorkeling scenery. The wildlife is unpredictable, and the site has been described as less impressive than some other Tenerife options. This is a convenient introduction to the sea, not a specialist wildlife expedition.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Wear your swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. You should also arrive with enough time to find the center at the back of the commercial area, since the entrance is not simply beside the dock.

Listen closely during the briefing, even if you have snorkeled before. The guide will explain how the group will enter the water and how to use the supplied equipment. If you are unsure about anything, ask before the boat leaves.

Check your mask fit at the center. A good seal around the eyes is more important than having the newest equipment. If the snorkel strap or fins feel awkward, request an adjustment before reaching the bay.

Keep your expectations flexible. You might see dolphins on the ride, a turtle near the boat, or only smaller fish below the surface. The crew can manage the timing and safety, but they cannot schedule wild animals.

The speedboat returns to Puerto Colón after the swim, making this easy to combine with other plans. Allow yourself a little breathing room afterward rather than booking another activity immediately at the exact end time.

Should you book the Puerto Colón snorkel safari?

Book it if you want a short, well-supported introduction to snorkeling with equipment included and a real chance of seeing sea life. The small group, multilingual staff, and patient help for beginners are the best reasons to choose it.

Think twice if you want guaranteed turtles, outstanding underwater scenery, or a full-day marine adventure. The bay may be quiet and enjoyable, but conditions and wildlife vary, and some people may find the snorkeling fairly modest.

For most visitors staying near Puerto Colón, $53 is a fair price for convenience, guidance, and a small-boat experience. I would choose it for ease and friendly instruction, not because every trip will produce a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sighting.

FAQ

Where does the snorkeling tour start?

It starts at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón, in front of dock 3 and next to Cafe Black Pearl. The diving center entrance is behind Café Victoria, on the back side of the commercial center.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is two hours, including the briefing, speedboat rides, and snorkeling time.

How long is the boat ride to the snorkeling area?

The speedboat ride takes about 15 minutes each way.

How much time do I spend snorkeling?

You can expect about 50 minutes of snorkeling in the bay, within the swimming portion of the activity.

What equipment is included?

Wetsuits, fins, masks, and a speedboat ride are included. A lifejacket is available if required.

Can weak swimmers take part?

Lifejackets are available for weak swimmers. You should tell the staff about your swimming ability during preparation.

What marine life might I see?

Possible sightings include turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, octopuses, and colorful fish. Dolphins have also been seen during some boat rides, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Puerto Colón.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.