Southern Tenerife: 50-Minute Submarine Dive

Exploring the Underwater Realm of Southern Tenerife on a Submarine

This review covers a fascinating 50-minute submarine adventure that promises a glimpse into some of Tenerife’s lesser-explored waters. Operating from Amarilla Marina in the south of the island, the Sub Fun Cinco offers an unusual perspective on marine life, with large panoramic windows and the chance to sit directly on the ocean floor. It’s a trip that combines a dash of adventure, education, and family fun in one surprisingly affordable package.

What I particularly like about this experience is how accessible it is. The guided commentary in 12 languages makes it easy to learn about the sea creatures and ecosystems, even if your Spanish or English isn’t perfect. Plus, the free bus transfer from popular resorts like Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos makes it a convenient option for travelers staying in tourist-heavy areas.

One consideration to keep in mind: this isn’t a long or deep-sea expedition, so if you’re craving a full-day, intensive dive or snorkel, this might feel a bit brief. Still, for those seeking a relaxed, family-friendly introduction to Tenerife’s marine life, it hits the mark. Some reviewers mentioned feeling pressure in their ears, which is normal but worth noting if you’re sensitive to ear discomfort.

Key points / Takeaways

• Accessible marine adventure suitable for families, non-divers, and children as young as 2 years old.
• Panoramic windows offer uninterrupted views of fish, rays, and other sea life, making it ideal for photography.
• Sitting on the ocean floor with divers nearby adds a rare, memorable dimension to the journey.
• Multilingual audio guides help explain what you’re seeing, making your trip both fun and educational.
• Free transport from major resorts simplifies logistics and saves on extra costs.
• Good value for money, with many reviewers calling it a “brilliant” and “amazing” experience.

An Underwater Journey That Combines Comfort and Adventure

Imagine climbing aboard a bright yellow submarine, feeling the excitement of descending into the Atlantic. The Sub Fun Cinco is a spacious, airy vessel with 44 seats and large screen windows, ensuring everyone gets a good view. The trip begins at Amarilla Marina, a rather exclusive and picturesque harbor that sets a relaxed tone for the venture ahead.

Once submerged, you’ll reach about 30 meters (roughly 100 feet) underwater, where marine life becomes the star of the show. Expect to see flute fish, octopuses, barracudas, parrot fish, and sting rays, often quite close thanks to divers who bring the creatures nearer to the windows. Several reviews highlight how special it is to sit directly on the seabed—an uncommon perspective that makes this tour stand out.

The audio-guide system is a major plus, especially with it available in 12 languages. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to understand the ecological significance of what they’re watching or simply enjoy listening to marine facts during the calm descent. I love the fact that headphones are provided free of charge, allowing you to focus on the spectacle without distraction.

Being such a well-organized and comfortable vessel, this tour appeals to a broad audience, from curious families with young children (some as young as 2) to older travelers who appreciate a safe yet adventurous outing. Many reviewers mention the professional and friendly guides, like “Gert” and others, who seem genuinely knowledgeable and eager to share their passion for marine life.

The Itinerary: From Harbour to Ocean Bed

The trip kicks off at the Amarilla Marina, a convenient departure point in southern Tenerife, with most tours starting around mid-morning or early afternoon—check the schedule for exact times. The bus transfer from resorts like Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos is especially helpful, saving you the hassle of arranging your own transport. The 1.5-hour coach ride offers a pleasant opportunity to relax and get excited about what’s ahead.

After arriving at Amarilla, you’ll board the yellow submarine and prepare for a descent that takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Once submerged, the main event is the 30-minute underwater section where marine life is abundant and the scenery constantly changing. Expect to be joined by divers who position themselves near the ocean floor, bringing fish and rays close enough for spectacular photos.

One reviewer shared that the divers played with giant stingrays, providing close-up views that felt almost surreal. The large panoramic windows make it easy to see everything clearly, and the seating arrangement ensures everyone has a good view. The fact that each seat is assigned and equipped with a large window and individual screen means you won’t miss a thing.

At the end of the tour, you’ll return to the harbor, where the guided commentary continues to explain the ecosystems you’ve just seen. The entire experience lasts from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your chosen option, but most reviews suggest the 50-minute dive is just enough to leave you wanting more.

Marine Life and Viewing Experience

Most travelers rave about the vivid marine life visible through the submarine’s large windows. Expect to see a variety of colorful fish, curious sting rays, and even octopuses hiding in the rocks. Several reviews mention the divers’ efforts to attract marine creatures closer, which makes the viewing even more spectacular.

One review notes that “the ocean was beautiful, and the change of colors on the bottom was really interesting,” highlighting the visual appeal of the seabed. Others appreciated the opportunity to photograph large rays and barracudas from the safety of the submarine, avoiding the need for scuba gear or snorkeling in choppy waters.

The staging on the ocean bed is a highlight; sitting on the sand with marine life swimming mere feet away creates a rare sense of intimacy with the underwater world. It’s an experience that appeals to both adventure-lovers and those more comfortable avoiding full scuba gear.

Value for Money and Additional Details

At $69 per person, this submarine tour is quite reasonable considering the logistics and the unique experience it offers. Many reviewers describe it as “good value,” especially when factoring in the free bus transfer and the certificates you receive at the end—nice keepsakes of your underwater adventure.

The duration, generally between 50 minutes and three hours, offers a good balance between excitement and relaxation. It’s long enough to see plenty but not so lengthy that it becomes tiring. The group size seems manageable, and the organized boarding process gets everyone on board smoothly.

The fact that the tours run in multiple languages and include headphones with commentary in Spanish, English, German, and others makes this experience accessible for many travelers. The availability of free parking near the harbor is another plus for those driving.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour suits a broad audience. Families with young children—some as young as 2—find it ideal because it’s a safe, guided, and non-invasive way to explore marine life. People who don’t scuba dive but want to experience the underwater world will appreciate how close-up and accessible this adventure is.

It’s also perfect for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, educational outing combined with a touch of adventure. If you’re someone who loves taking photos or simply wants to see the local marine ecosystem without getting wet, this is a strong choice.

On the flip side, those seeking a longer or more intense submerged experience might find it a bit brief but should consider other options like full-day snorkel or scuba tours.

Final Thoughts: The Practical Verdict

This submarine experience in southern Tenerife delivers a safe, fun, and visually stunning introduction to the island’s underwater life. With large viewing windows, friendly guides, and the novelty of sitting on the ocean floor, it’s a standout activity. Its affordability and organized logistics make it especially appealing for families, older travelers, and anyone curious about marine ecosystems.

While it isn’t an all-day adventure or a full-on dive, it offers a memorable snapshot of Tenerife’s maritime beauty. The marine life, colorful fish, and rays are the stars, and the experience is beautifully packaged with comfort and educational commentary.

Overall, it’s a smart choice for those wanting a taste of underwater adventure without the complexities of diving or snorkeling in rough waters. It’s a trip that leaves you with great photos, good stories, and a new appreciation for what lies beneath the waves of the Canary Islands.

FAQ

How long does the submarine tour last?
Most tours last around 50 minutes, but the total outing ranges from 1 to 3 hours including transportation and boarding.

Is transportation included?
Yes, there’s a free bus transfer available from major resorts like Playa de Las Americas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and others. You should be at your pickup point about 5 minutes early.

Can children participate?
Absolutely. Children as young as 2 years old can join, making it a family-friendly activity. Many reviews mention how much kids enjoyed the experience.

Is it suitable if I don’t want to dive or snorkel?
Yes, this tour is perfect for non-divers. It doesn’t require any prior experience, and you can enjoy the views safely from inside the submarine.

What marine creatures might I see?
Expect to see fish like trumpet fish, parrot fish, barracudas, and flute fish, as well as sting rays and octopuses. The divers help bring some closer to the windows for great photos.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included or allowed in the vehicle, so plan accordingly before or after your trip.

To sum it up, if you’re after an accessible, well-organized, family-friendly look at Tenerife’s marine life, this submarine voyage offers great value and memorable moments. It’s an excellent way to see the underwater world without getting wet or needing advanced skills, making it a perfect addition to your holiday itinerary.