Southern Tenerife: 50-Minute Submarine Dive

If you’re seeking a truly unique way to explore Tenerife’s waters, the 50-minute submarine trip at Amarilla Marina offers a fascinating glimpse beneath the ocean surface. For just $69 per person, you’ll board the yellow “Sub Fun Cinco”, a spacious vessel designed for comfort and visibility, and descend approximately 100 feet into the Atlantic. It’s an experience that balances accessibility with the thrill of seeing marine life in a natural habitat, all while sitting in the safety and comfort of a real submarine.

What we love about this experience is the panoramic windows—22 large screens that make you feel like you’re really inside the ocean—and the chance to sit on the seabed. That moment, when the submarine gently rests on the ocean floor, offers a calm, almost surreal perspective on marine ecosystems. Another highlight is the audio guide system available in 12 languages, making the underwater secrets accessible without needing a dive certification or prior experience.

A possible consideration? The duration might be a little short for those wanting a more extended underwater exploration, especially since some reviews suggest they’d love more time at the bottom. But for most, the quick but comprehensive glimpse into marine life offers excellent value, especially for families and first-timers who might be wary of scuba diving.

This tour suits travelers who want a safe, accessible, and visually stunning introduction to the ocean. It’s especially ideal for families with kids, people with limited time, or anyone curious about marine environments but not ready to get wet.

Key Points

• Accessible adventure: Perfect for non-divers or those who prefer to stay dry.
• Stunning panoramic views: Large screens provide clear, close-up views of sea life.
• Multilingual audio guide: Learn about marine ecosystems in 12 languages.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for children over 2 years old, with safety and comfort in mind.
• Professional crew: Guides and divers make the trip both safe and informative.
• Convenient transfers: Free bus service from various hotels enhances value and convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins at Amarilla Marina, located at the southern tip of Tenerife. The tour provides a free bus transfer from major hotels in Playa de Las Americas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and nearby spots—an attractive perk that saves you the hassle of renting a car or finding your way. You’re asked to meet 30 minutes early for check-in, which allows time for boarding and safety instructions.

The Journey to Amarilla Marina

After a scenic 1.5-hour coach ride, you arrive in a lively harbor full of boats and the promise of adventure. The marina itself is a hub of activity, with a relaxed vibe and plenty of opportunities for photos. The crew emphasizes safety and comfort, with a well-organized boarding process. Several reviews praise the smooth logistics, noting that everything runs on schedule and without hitches.

Climbing Aboard “Sub Fun Cinco”

The vessel itself is bright yellow—easy to spot and adds a fun touch to the experience. It’s spacious, with 44 comfortable seats and 22 large windows that offer a panoramic view of the ocean. Passengers are seated in assigned spots, ensuring everyone gets a good view. Headphones are provided free of charge, so you can listen to the guide’s commentary in your preferred language without disturbance.

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The Underwater Descent

Once submerged, the submarine gently descends to around 30 meters (100 feet) deep, giving you a broad perspective of the underwater world. The large screen windows make it easy to spot various marine creatures, including fish like trumpet fish, parrot fish, and barracuda, as well as octopus and garden eels. One of the most captivating moments is when the submarine sits on the ocean bed, with divers nearby attracting fish and rays close to the windows—an experience many reviewers describe as “breathtaking” or “surprisingly awesome.”

Marine Life and Audio Guides

During the trip, the crew points out notable sea life, with some reviews mentioning “loads of rays, fish, and even shipwrecks.” The audio guide system in 12 languages enhances the experience, transforming what might be just pretty fish into an educational journey about marine ecosystems and their preservation. We appreciated how the guides, like “Gert”—mentioned in reviews—are knowledgeable and friendly, making the trip both fun and informative.

The Return and Certificate

After ascending back to the surface, the tour concludes at the marina. As a keepsake, many guests receive a dive certificate to remember their aquatic adventure. The whole experience lasts between 1 to 3 hours, allowing for flexibility depending on your schedule.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

Many reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. Jessica shares, “The tour started and ended on time… I felt safe knowing there was a follow ship, and the divers were an unexpected pleasant surprise.” This speaks to the high standards of safety and organization. Parents like Barbu mention their children’s enjoyment, emphasizing that even the youngest travelers find the experience engaging and accessible, especially with the helpful audio guide in their native language.

Travelers also note the value for money—especially considering the included bus transfer, the certificate, and the opportunity to explore marine life at close range without the need for diving experience. Craig calls it a “brilliant experience,” and Nick appreciates the “great views and plenty of things to see,” adding that “the diver with stingrays” made the trip even more memorable.

Some mention the short duration as a minor downside, with one guest wishing for more time on the ocean bed. However, most agree that the quality of the views and the professional crew outweigh this point.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

• The diversity of marine life seen, from stingrays to barracuda, appeals to nature lovers.
• The seated comfort and panoramic windows ensure all guests get a good view, making it ideal for camera capturing.
• The multilingual audio guide ensures everyone understands and appreciates the underwater ecosystems.
• The family-friendly approach means kids over 2 can enjoy marine life safely, making it suitable for multi-generational outings.

Practical Considerations and Tips

While the experience is very well-organized, here are a few practical tips based on reviews and tour details:

• Book in advance: Popular times fill quickly, especially during peak seasons.
• Meet 30 minutes early if you’re bringing your own car, to check in on time.
• Bring your camera or smartphone—the windows are great for photos, and some guests mention capturing rays and fish from their seats.
• Prepare for ear pressure: Some guests felt pressure in their ears; doing a gentle Valsalva maneuver before descent might help.
• Check your emails for pickup details, especially if you’ve booked with transportation included.
• Children over 2 years old are allowed, but always check height or age restrictions if concerned.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This submarine experience caters well to families, marine enthusiasts, and those with limited time or mobility who might not want to scuba dive. It’s also an excellent choice for travelers who want a safe, fun, educational activity that provides a glimpse into the underwater world without getting wet. The professional guides and high safety standards make it suitable even for nervous first-timers.

The Sum Up

The Southern Tenerife 50-minute submarine trip offers a distinctive way to explore the vibrant marine environment of the Canary Islands. It’s a well-organized, family-friendly adventure that combines spectacular views, educational value, and safety—all at a reasonable price. The experience’s highlight is the chance to see fish, rays, and other sea creatures from the comfort of a spacious, glass-paneled submarine that feels like stepping into an underwater cinema.

If you’re looking for an accessible, memorable marine adventure that appeals to all ages, this tour will surely leave you with beautiful images and fascinating stories. Perfect for those who want a quick but impactful encounter with the ocean’s secrets, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Tenerife itinerary.

FAQ

Is the submarine trip suitable for children?
Yes, children over 2 years old are allowed, making this a family-friendly activity. Kids tend to love the large windows and the opportunity to see marine life close-up.

How long does the experience last?
The total duration is between 1 and 3 hours, including transportation, boarding, and the underwater tour itself. Confirm your preferred time when booking.

Do I need to have scuba diving experience?
No, this is a non-diving experience. You stay dry inside the submarine while enjoying the views and commentary.

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

Is transportation included?
Yes, a free bus service is available from select hotels, making it easier to reach the marina without extra cost.

What marine animals might I see?
Guests have reported seeing fish like trumpet fish, parrot fish, barracuda, as well as sting rays and octopuses.

What about safety?
The crew emphasizes safety with professional divers and well-maintained equipment. Many reviews mention feeling secure during the entire trip.

Can I take photos?
Absolutely. The large panoramic windows and the availability of cameras make this an excellent photo opportunity.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera or smartphone, and consider a waterproof case if you want to take photos during descent. Wear comfortable clothing; a hat and sunscreen are advisable if you’re waiting outdoors.

This submarine tour in southern Tenerife blends adventure and education perfectly, offering a memorable experience that reveals the vibrant life beneath the waves—without getting wet. Whether you’re a family, a curious traveler, or someone looking to try something a little different, this trip promises a relaxing yet awe-inspiring view of the Atlantic’s underwater treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: