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

If you’re visiting Tenerife and craving a mix of adventure and relaxation, this 7-hour tour from Puerto de la Cruz offers both. For about $84 per person, you get to descend into the Atlantic’s depths aboard a bright yellow submarine and then unwind on the sun-drenched sands of Playa de las Americas. The experience is perfect for families, curious travelers, or anyone eager to see Tenerife’s marine life up close without getting wet.

What we appreciate most about this trip? First, the underwater exploration aboard the “Sub Fun Cinco” is surprisingly intimate and engaging, with large panoramic windows that let you observe marine creatures in their natural habitat. Second, the free time on the beaches offers a restful break, allowing you to soak up the sun and enjoy local cafes and shops. A potential downside? The duration means some travelers might find the long transport times between stops a bit tiring, especially if you’re not a fan of bus travel. But overall, it’s a well-rounded outing that suits families, solo travelers, or groups looking for a combination of discovery and leisure.

If you’re after a unique marine adventure combined with some beachside downtime, this tour delivers good value. It’s especially ideal if you’re keen on learning about marine ecosystems and seeing diverse sea life firsthand, all while enjoying the comfort of guided, organized transport.

Key Points

• Underwater experience in the Atlantic with panoramic windows and expert guides.
• Educational audio guides available in multiple languages enhance understanding.
• Two hours of free time at Playa de las Americas suit those wanting to relax or explore.
• The long transport segments might be tiring for some, but they also ensure a smooth, guided journey.
• Family-friendly activity with no age restrictions for children over 2.
• The price offers good value considering the included activities and transport.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins with pickup from multiple hotel locations in Puerto de la Cruz and Las Caletillas, making it convenient regardless of where you’re staying. The tour includes round-trip bus transport, which is a thoughtful touch for travelers unfamiliar with Tenerife’s layout. The drive from your hotel to the southern coast takes roughly 105 minutes each way, so pack a bit of patience or some snacks for the ride.

The driver waits no longer than 10 minutes after the scheduled pickup, so arriving a few minutes early is wise. The comfort of the bus and the organized pickup system set the tone for a smooth day.

The Underwater Adventure: “Sub Fun Cinco”

Once at Amarilla harbor, you’ll board the bright yellow submarine, “Sub Fun Cinco”. Its spacious interior — with 44 comfortable seats and 22 large panoramic windows — is designed for both comfort and visibility. The fact that the vessel can sit on the ocean bed is a highlight, offering a rare perspective of the seabed and marine life in their natural environment.

Descending to around 100 feet (30 meters), you’ll find yourself among schools of flying fish, octopus, barracuda, and parrot fish. The real showstopper, according to reviews, is the family of sting rays gliding through the water. A notable feature is the audio-guide system in 12 languages, which enriches the experience by explaining the ecosystems and behaviors of the creatures you see. Passengers have found the guides helpful, with one reviewer noting that they gave “a good explanation on how the sub works,” adding to the educational value.

Another unique aspect is that the submarine sits on the ocean bed, so you get a close-up view of the seabed itself, not just the water column. This gives a sense of being truly immersed in the marine environment, not just observing from a distance.

Marine Life Observation and Photography

The large, panoramic windows allow for incredible photo opportunities, and many travelers have been impressed by how close they can get to the marine life. Experienced divers sometimes join the submarine at the seabed to tempt the fish closer to the windows, making sightings even more spectacular.

Several reviews highlight how breathtaking the experience is: “The experience of getting down in the ocean and seeing different species was breathtaking,” said one traveler. The opportunity to see octopus, sting rays, and barracuda up close is a rare highlight that makes this tour stand out.

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Free Time at Playa de las Americas

After the underwater adventure, the tour continues with about two hours of free time at Playa de las Americas. This well-known beach area is lively, with plenty of options for shopping, eating, and relaxing.

You might choose to lounge on the sandy shores, grab some local tapas from beachfront cafes, or explore the shops for souvenirs. Travelers have appreciated the flexibility here; one reviewer said, “Great to learn and see the amazing sea life up close, then relax on the beautiful beaches.” The beach stop provides a perfect wind-down, especially if you prefer a more laid-back part of your day.

Return and Drop-Off

The return journey mirrors the outbound trip, with organized coach transfers back to your hotel. The entire day, including the boat trip and beach time, spans about 7 hours. This allows plenty of time for the highlights without feeling rushed, though some might find the long bus segments a tad tiring.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is tailored for families, curious travelers, or groups who want a combination of marine discovery and beach relaxation. If you’re interested in marine ecosystems, photography, or simply a fun, educational activity, this tour offers a worthwhile price point. It’s also perfect if you’re looking for a family-friendly outing that doesn’t require strenuous activity or special skills.

However, those who dislike long bus rides or prefer more active adventures may find the transport time a bit less appealing. It’s a good choice for travelers with a flexible schedule and an interest in learning about marine life in a comfortable setting.

The Value of the Experience

While $84 might seem steep for some, considering the transport, the guided underwater tour, and the beach time, it feels like a fair package. The audio guide system enhances the value, offering insights that turn a sightseeing trip into an educational journey.

The marine sightings — especially the chance to see sting rays and octopus — tend to be memorable. Plus, the photo opportunities through large windows make it worthwhile for those wanting to capture stunning marine moments.

Additional Perks

• Certificate of participation provided after the submarine tour adds a fun keepsake.
• The free headphones ensure everyone can follow the commentary without hassle.
• The tour is available in multiple languages, making it accessible for international visitors.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, children over 2 years old can participate. It’s a family-friendly activity, and many reviews highlight it as being enjoyable for kids.

What should I bring? While food and drinks aren’t included, you might want to bring a camera, sunglasses, and sun protection for the beach stop. The submarine provides a safe, seated environment for viewing.

How long is the boat ride? The marine exploration on the submarine lasts about an hour, with additional travel time to and from the harbor on the bus.

Are there any language options for the audio guide? Yes, the audio guide is available in 12 languages, including English, Spanish, German, and French.

What if I want to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for changing plans.

Is the experience suitable for non-swimmers? Absolutely. Since you’re seated inside the submarine, no swimming skills are needed.

Will I get a dive certificate? Yes, a dive certificate is included, which adds a fun element of achievement and recognition.

Final Thoughts

This submarine tour from Puerto de la Cruz offers a distinctive blend of underwater discovery and beach leisure. The large panoramic windows and well-informed audio guides provide an immersive and educational experience, making marine life accessible to all. The free time at Playa de las Americas complements the adventure with relaxation, shopping, and local flavor.

Travelers who love nature, photography, and family activities will find this tour rewarding. It’s a great way to see a different side of Tenerife without too much physical exertion. The organization, friendly guides, and memorable marine sightings make it a worthwhile addition to any Tenerife itinerary.

If you’re keen on learning about sea creatures, capturing stunning photos, or just enjoying a fun trip with loved ones, this experience will leave you with lasting impressions. And if you’re just looking for a relaxing beach break after some underwater adventure, it hits that sweet spot perfectly.

In brief, this tour combines marine education, family fun, and beach relaxation at a reasonable price. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate guidance, comfort, and authentic experiences in a safe, organized setting. Whether you’re an avid snorkeler or a beach lover, this day out will add a memorable chapter to your Tenerife trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: