Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat

Sea life starts before the swim. This two-hour Puerto Colón outing combines a quick speedboat ride with about 50 minutes of snorkeling in a quiet bay south of Tenerife. I like the small group of no more than nine people, and I like that wetsuits, masks, fins, and lifejackets are supplied.

The short run from shore gives you good coastal views without eating up the day. The main caution is that marine life and water clarity can change with wind and waves, and one snorkeler found the site less impressive than other spots around Tenerife.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat carries no more than nine participants, so the guide can give closer help in the water.
• The snorkeling bay is about 15 minutes from Puerto Colón, followed by roughly 50 minutes in the sea.
• Turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, octopuses, and colorful fish are possible sightings, but no wildlife encounter is guaranteed.
• Wetsuits, masks, fins, and lifejackets are included, making this easy to fit into a beach holiday.
• Dolphins have been seen during the boat ride, though sightings are not part of the promised program.
• The meeting point can be easy to miss: go behind the commercial center, near Café Victoria, rather than simply searching around the marina entrance.

What this Puerto Colón outing is really like

This is a compact sea excursion rather than an all-day snorkeling expedition. You meet at Zero Gravity Tenerife, the diving center connected with Scuba Point, at Puerto Colón. From there, the team sorts out equipment, explains the basics, and takes you out in a small speedboat.

I like the format because it gives you a taste of several Tenerife experiences in two hours. You get the marina, a fast ride along the southern coast, time in open water, and a chance to look for sea life without committing to a full-day boat trip.

The price is about $53 per person. That is fair value if you want equipment and boat transport included, especially since you do not need to carry fins or a mask across the island. It is less convincing if your main goal is a guaranteed turtle encounter or a long period in the water. This is a short, guided outing, not a serious underwater wildlife mission.

The experience has a rating of 4.4 from 84 ratings, which fits the overall picture: strong marks for friendly staff, safety, and small groups, with some mixed feelings about the quality of the equipment and the snorkeling site itself.

Finding Zero Gravity Tenerife at Puerto Colón

The meeting point is at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón, in front of dock 3 beside Café Black Pearl. The entrance to the center is on the back side of the commercial center, behind Café Victoria.

This detail matters. Puerto Colón has several businesses, docks, cafés, and water-sports offices, so arriving at the marina without checking the exact entrance could leave you wandering around with wet-weather gear and a ticking start time. Give yourself a little extra time to locate the back entrance.

The center handles both snorkeling and other underwater activities, so the staff may be preparing several groups at once. Keep your booking details handy and ask for the snorkeling group when you arrive.

The 30-minute briefing and equipment fitting

The initial stage takes about 30 minutes. You are fitted with a wetsuit, mask, fins, and, if needed, a lifejacket. The staff then explains how to use the equipment and what to expect in the water.

This is useful even if you have snorkeled before. A mask that does not fit well can ruin the whole outing, and a wetsuit can feel awkward until you are in the water. Use this time to tell the guide if you are nervous, not a confident swimmer, or new to snorkeling.

Lifejackets are available for weak swimmers. That makes the activity more approachable for families and first-timers, though you should still be comfortable entering the sea with a group. The guide remains an important part of the experience, especially for anyone who is unsure about breathing through a snorkel.

Staff speak English, Spanish, French, and Italian. One particularly praised guide was Elisa, an Italian instructor who took extra time to help a first-time young snorkeler understand the equipment. That kind of patient support is a real plus for families.

The equipment has received mixed feedback. Some people found the masks and fins perfectly useful, while one person described parts of the snorkel setup as worn and awkward. I would not expect premium gear from a short, moderately priced outing. If you own a comfortable mask and snorkel, you may prefer to bring them, though the supplied equipment is included.

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

Once everyone is ready, the speedboat heads out from Puerto Colón. The ride to the bay takes about 15 minutes, so the journey is short enough for children and people who do not want a long, rough crossing.

You get a fresh view of Tenerife’s southern shoreline from the water. The ride is also part of the fun, with more speed and movement than a standard sightseeing boat. Hold on, follow the crew’s instructions, and protect any phone or camera you bring.

Dolphins have been spotted during the trip, and one group stopped to take pictures when a pod appeared. That is a pleasant bonus, not a scheduled part of the excursion. The boat is heading to the snorkeling area, so do not book this specifically as a dolphin-watching cruise.

The sea conditions matter here. When wind and waves reduce visibility, the staff may suggest changing plans. In one case, a group originally booked for snorkeling was offered an alternative underwater activity because conditions were poor. The staff explained the situation and guided the family through the change, which shows sensible attention to safety. Still, you should understand that the exact experience can shift with the weather.

Around 50 minutes in the clear-water bay

The main stop is a secluded bay about 15 minutes from shore. The water is described as clear and warm, and you spend approximately 50 minutes snorkeling, with the wider schedule allowing close to an hour for swimming and surface viewing.

This is relaxed snorkeling. You float on the surface and look down into the water rather than making a long swim around a large reef system. The guide can point out areas where animals may be hiding, while you scan below for movement among the rocks.

Possible sightings include:

• Turtles
• Stingrays
• Cuttlefish
• Octopuses
• Colorful fish

These animals are possibilities, not promises. Sea conditions, timing, and luck all play a part. I would set your expectations around enjoying the water and the quiet bay first, with wildlife as a bonus.

The secluded location is one of the better reasons to book. You cannot reach this particular spot as easily from the shore, so the boat gives you access to a quieter swimming area. On the other hand, one person found the site fairly ordinary compared with other snorkeling locations around Tenerife. If you have snorkeled at several excellent sites already, you may find the marine scenery modest.

The group size helps here. With no more than nine participants, the guide can keep an eye on the group and offer help without managing a large crowd. That is especially valuable when a child is trying snorkeling for the first time.

What the staff do well

The strongest part of this experience is the human side. The best feedback centers on kindness, calm explanations, and safety in the water. Elisa was singled out for her gentle approach with a nervous beginner, and other staff were praised for staying close, explaining each step, and helping people relax.

That matters more than fancy equipment on a first snorkeling trip. A clear explanation can help you adjust your breathing, keep your mask in place, and stop panicking when the sea feels unfamiliar.

The center also appears willing to make practical choices when conditions change. If the water is too rough or visibility is poor, the team may recommend another option rather than sending you out for a disappointing or unsafe swim. Any change should be explained carefully before you agree.

The weaker side is consistency. One person found the center staff less comfortable in English and felt the first explanation was limited. The boat crew and water guide were described more positively than the front-desk experience. Arrive ready to ask questions, and do not assume that a quick briefing covers every concern you may have.

Returning to Puerto Colón

After the snorkeling session, you return to the speedboat for the 15-minute ride back. The whole outing lasts about two hours, including the briefing, boat transfers, and water time.

The schedule works well if you are filling a morning or afternoon around other plans. You will not lose an entire day, and the short return keeps the experience manageable for children or anyone who tires quickly in the sea.

You should still leave room around the booking. Boat activities can take a little longer when equipment fitting, group preparation, or sea conditions slow things down. Keep your towel and dry clothes ready for the return.

Photos and videos are available to buy separately. They are not included in the price, so decide before setting out if you want to pay for an official record. Bring only items you can protect from spray unless the staff gives you a secure place for them.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for:

• First-time snorkelers who want a guide nearby
• Families with older children who can follow water-safety instructions
• Couples looking for a short sea activity from the Costa Adeje area
• People who do not own snorkeling equipment
• Visitors who prefer a small group over a crowded boat
• Anyone who wants a quick introduction to Tenerife’s underwater world

The outing is less suited to you if you want a full-day marine safari, a guaranteed turtle sighting, or a large reef with many different snorkeling zones. It may also disappoint experienced snorkelers who have already visited Tenerife’s strongest underwater sites.

Weak swimmers can use a lifejacket, but you should still tell the staff about your comfort level before entering the water. The small group and attentive guides help, but this remains a sea activity, not a pool lesson.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring swimwear and a towel. The main equipment is supplied, including the wetsuit, fins, mask, and lifejacket if required.

I would also bring sunscreen, drinking water, and a dry change of clothes, though only the first two listed items are specifically required. Keep your belongings light because you will be moving between the center, boat, and water.

If you wear contact lenses, have a concern about mask fit, or feel anxious in open water, raise it during the briefing. The staff cannot help with a problem they do not know about.

Book with the weather in mind. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility, but it does not remove the risk that wind or waves may affect visibility on the day.

Is the $53 price fair?

At $53, the value is solid for a two-hour guided activity with speedboat transport and snorkeling equipment. You are paying for convenience, access to a harder-to-reach bay, a small group, and staff support. You are not paying for a long trip or guaranteed close encounters with turtles and rays.

The price looks best for beginners and casual snorkelers. If you already have your own gear and can reach good snorkeling from shore, the savings are less clear. If you want a simple, organized outing with no need to arrange transport by boat yourself, the cost is easier to justify.

The included gear is helpful, but expectations should remain practical rather than luxurious. The equipment may show signs of use, and the quality of the bay can depend on sea conditions. For many people, the friendly guidance and easy format will matter more than having top-end masks and fins.

Should you book the Puerto Colón snorkel safari?

Book it if you want a short, small-group introduction to snorkeling with a speedboat ride and a patient guide. It is particularly appealing for families, beginners, and anyone who wants equipment included.

Think twice if you are choosing it mainly for guaranteed turtles or spectacular underwater scenery. The bay is pleasantly secluded, but the marine setting may feel ordinary compared with Tenerife’s best snorkeling locations, and visibility can change with the weather.

For the strongest chance of enjoying it, arrive early enough to find the meeting point, tell the guide your swimming experience, and treat the wildlife as a bonus. At $53, this is a useful half-day add-on, not a major expedition, and that is exactly why it fits so neatly into a Tenerife holiday.

FAQ

How long does the Puerto Colón snorkeling tour last?

The activity lasts two hours. This includes about 30 minutes for preparation and safety instructions, a 15-minute speedboat ride to the bay, roughly 50 minutes of snorkeling, and a 15-minute ride back.

What snorkeling equipment is included?

Wetsuits, masks, fins, and speedboat transport are included. A lifejacket is available if you need one, especially if you are a weak swimmer.

Where do I meet the group?

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

What marine life might I see?

You may see turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, octopuses, and colorful fish. Dolphins have also been seen from the boat, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the tour suitable for someone who is not a strong swimmer?

Lifejackets are available for weak swimmers. Tell the staff about your swimming ability during the briefing so they can provide appropriate help.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The booking option also allows you to reserve your place and pay later.