Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat

Tenerife’s coast is pretty enough from shore, but this speed-boat snorkeling safari adds the best part, the view from the water. You head out from Puerto Colón in a small group, then jump into a calm bay where you can scan the surface for wildlife and the water below for fish and odd shapes.

I like that the trip stays practical: gear is handled for you (wetsuit, mask, fins, and lifejacket if needed) and the guide talks you through snorkeling so you are not guessing. I also like the chance to see marine life close up, with turtles and stingrays on the watch list, plus dolphins spotted on the way out.

One thing to consider is that conditions matter. On windier days, visibility can drop, and the team may adjust what you do in the water to keep the experience safe and enjoyable.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group, capped at 9, so you get real attention during the safety talk and in the water
• Secluded bay about 15 minutes from shore, with roughly 50 minutes of snorkeling time
• Marine-life focused search, including turtles, cuttlefish, stingrays, and sometimes octopus
• Full wetsuit and mask-and-fins setup included, plus lifejackets for weaker swimmers
• A calm, guided experience, with instructors staying close and giving step-by-step help
• Photos and videos are extra, but you can expect them after the session

Getting set up at Zero Gravity in Puerto Colón

This tour starts with a short check-in at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón. The center is in the commercial area near dock 3, by Café Black Pearl, with the entrance tucked to the back of the complex behind Café Victoria.

Plan on arriving a bit early so you can do the fitting without stress. You’ll get your wetsuit, mask, and fins, and you may also receive a lifejacket if needed. The team keeps it simple, but pay attention to the fit, especially the mask seal and the way the snorkel sits with the fins on.

The first real moment on the clock is a safety briefing before the speedboat. This matters more than it sounds. If you’ve never snorkeled in open water, knowing how the guide expects you to float and breathe makes the whole experience smoother once you’re in the bay.

The safety briefing, and why the guides matter

Most snorkeling tours live or die on one thing: how comfortable you feel in the water. The briefing sets the tone, and the best part is that the staff appears to take reassurance seriously.

In one experience, the marine guide Elisa was singled out for being attentive, gentle, and good at settling nerves. Another person’s family described an instructor taking extra time to explain snorkeling for a first-timer, staying patient and close while the person got the hang of it.

That calm approach shows up in the small details. You are not just getting a list of rules. You’re getting practical reminders about what to do if something feels off, and where to position yourself so you can actually enjoy the view instead of wrestling your gear.

The 15-minute speedboat ride along Tenerife’s south coast

Once the group is sorted, you head out by speedboat. The ride itself is short, around 15 minutes each way, but it’s not just travel time.

The coastline views from the boat are part of the payoff. And you may get wildlife sightings before you even hit the water. One report included dolphins spotted on the outbound trip, with a stop so the group could take photos. Even if you do not see dolphins, the time out on the water helps you get oriented, which makes snorkeling feel easier once you drop in.

Because it’s a speedboat, the motion can be quick. If you get motion sick, consider taking it seriously. This isn’t a slow ferry, and the trip is short enough that you can think about prevention rather than suffering through it.

Snorkeling in the secluded bay: what 50 minutes feels like

The main event happens in a secluded bay about 15 minutes from shore. The water is described as clear and warm, and you get roughly an hour total in the water area, with about 50 minutes of snorkeling time.

You jump in wearing your wetsuit and with fins and a mask already fitted. The guide shows you the basics, then you snorkel along the surface while you scan for movement underneath. The idea is to enjoy the scenery and also use the guidance to look in the right way, not just stare into the water and hope for something good.

What makes this type of bay good for a first snorkeling outing is that it’s a controlled environment. It’s not an endless coastline where you spend the whole time keeping position. You focus on breathing, staying calm, and watching for wildlife, like a guided nature walk, but underwater.

What you might see: turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, and more

This tour is marketed as a marine-life safari, and the expectation is not vague. The wildlife list includes turtles, cuttlefish, stingrays, and other sea life like octopus.

Here is the practical part: you will not be scanning like a scientist. You’ll be following cues from your guide and learning how to “read” what you see from above. That’s how you end up noticing something that would otherwise vanish, like the slight change in sand color where a stingray rests or the slow silhouette of a turtle cruising.

Cuttlefish and octopus are the kind of animals people love because they’re visual even when you don’t get a long look. You might see them from the surface if conditions are right, but you should also accept that wildlife spotting is partly luck and partly patience.

One nice detail from real-world experiences is that the guides prioritize making sure you can actually stay relaxed enough to look. That’s how you turn snorkeling from a gear challenge into a “wow” moment.

When weather changes the plan, and why that is a good sign

Tenerife’s south coast can still get rough when the wind kicks up. One experience described a situation where the original snorkeling plan was adjusted because waves made visibility poor. The team suggested switching to scuba instead, and the instructors stayed close and step-by-step from the start.

You can read this two ways. Worst case, you might not get the exact snorkeling conditions you hoped for. Best case, you get a team that does not push ahead blindly. You get a safety-first pivot, and the guides keep things calm so you are not thrown into something stressful.

So if you are booking expecting perfectly glassy water every time, you should manage expectations. But if you value a crew that can change course while still taking care of you, that flexible approach is a real plus.

Group size and pace: how this stays manageable

This is a small-group activity limited to 9 participants. In practice, that usually means shorter lines, quicker gear fitting, and less confusion when it’s time to get into the water.

One report described very small numbers on the boat, with a mix of scuba participants and snorkelers. That kind of ratio can make a big difference, especially if you are new to snorkeling or if you have a child learning for the first time.

The pace is built around short travel legs and a single snorkeling stop. You are not bouncing between multiple sites for a quick look. You get one focus point, and that makes spotting wildlife feel more realistic.

Gear quality and what to check in the moment

Included gear is one of the strongest value points here. You get a wetsuit, mask, and fins onboard, plus a lifejacket if needed. That removes the headache of renting equipment at the last minute.

That said, one account mentioned that a snorkel piece felt worn or awkward, with an elastic strap that did not work comfortably. You should not assume everything is perfect, but you can protect yourself with a quick check.

When they fit your equipment, confirm:

• The mask seals well when you exhale
• The snorkel sits comfortably and does not slip
• The fins feel stable, not loose or painful

If something feels off, speak up early. It is much easier to fix before you’re in the water.

Price and value at about $53 for 2 hours

At roughly $53 per person for a 2-hour experience, this tour aims at good value by bundling the key costs: speedboat transport and snorkeling gear. You are not paying separately for a charter, mask rental, fins, or wetsuit use.

Is it a steal? Not always, because wildlife tours are never fully “guaranteed.” But the structure is sensible: short boat rides, a focused snorkeling session, and small-group attention. That’s exactly what you want when you’re paying to save time and avoid equipment hassle.

If you would otherwise have to rent gear and figure out transport yourself, the pricing makes more sense. If you already own your own snorkeling set and you’re comfortable with getting to the water on your own, then you might question the cost. For most people, though, the included setup and guide direction is what earns the money.

What to bring for a smooth snorkeling day

For this experience, bring simple basics:

• Swimwear
• A towel

Your wetsuit covers a lot, but you still want your swimwear to be something you can wear in and out comfortably. A towel matters because you will dry off after you get back to the boat and center.

I also suggest bringing your own water and a small dry bag for phone and keys. The tour data here does not promise storage details, so don’t count on your valuables staying safe unless you ask on arrival.

Who this tour suits best

This one fits especially well if you want:

• A guided snorkeling outing without planning logistics
• A small-group setup with real attention
• A chance at classic Tenerife marine-life highlights like turtles and stingrays
• Comfortable gear support, including wetsuits

It may be less ideal if you want to spend most of your time in full-on underwater diving. This experience is about snorkeling, with snorkeling instructions and surface viewing as the main focus.

If you are nervous about open water, you should feel encouraged by the way instructors explain steps and keep close. One account described switching to scuba and feeling fully supported the whole time, which is a sign that the crew takes safety and confidence seriously.

Should you book the Puerto Colón snorkeling safari?

Book it if you want an easy way to experience Tenerife’s marine life from the water, with wetsuit-and-mask convenience and a small group. The short speedboat ride, one focused bay, and a guide-led wildlife search are a strong match for first-timers and for anyone who prefers a guided day over self-planning.

Consider another option if you are extremely sensitive to wind and waves. Visibility can change, and the tour may adapt based on conditions. If that possibility would ruin your day, ask questions about expected water conditions when you check in.

If you like calm, organized instruction and you want a realistic shot at seeing sea life in warm clear water, this is the kind of Tenerife activity that makes a short trip feel complete.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón snorkel safari?

The tour lasts about 2 hours in total.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón, located in front of dock 3 next to Café Black Pearl. The entrance to the center is at the back side of the commercial area, behind Café Victoria.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling gear is included, and that covers a wetsuit, fins, and a mask. A lifejacket is provided if required.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What group size should I expect?

The group is limited to a small group, with up to 9 participants.