Sea turtles and clear water feel close here. This Puerto Colón snorkel safari uses a short speedboat ride to get you quickly into warmer, calmer water—then you spend time looking over the surface for wildlife like turtles and stingrays.

What I like most is how organized it feels from the start: you get proper gear (wetsuit, fins, mask) and a safety briefing before you’re in the water. I also like the small-group setup, capped at 9 people, so the guides can actually watch your technique. One possible drawback to factor in is conditions: if it’s windy or choppy, visibility can suffer and the snorkeling spot may feel less impressive than you hoped.

Key things I’d plan for

• Short ride, calm water: a quick speedboat hop gets you to a secluded bay about 15 minutes from shore.
• Gear is included: wetsuit, fins, and mask are provided onboard, plus lifejackets if you need one.
• About 50 minutes in the water: you’re not just driving around—you get real snorkel time.
• Wildlife sightings are realistic: turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, octopuses, and even dolphins can show up.
• Staff focus on reassurance: guides tend to give step-by-step coaching, especially helpful if it’s your first time.
• Expect the center to vary by day: one person found some staff English a bit limited and gear quality not great, so don’t assume everything will be perfect every time.

Finding the meeting point in Puerto Colón (and getting oriented fast)

The tour starts at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón, right in front of dock 3, next to Café Black Pearl. The entrance is tucked behind the main shopping area—on the back side of the commercial center, behind Café Victoria.

This matters more than it sounds. If you’re late or confused, the whole day gets stressful fast, because this is a tight, time-based speedboat format. I’d show up with enough buffer to grab your towel, get fitted, and settle in before the safety talk starts.

Also worth noting: you’ll be working with ocean water, not a pool. That means your first job is to get your buoyancy and gear fit sorted while everyone is still on land.

The pre-boat safety briefing: quick, practical, and actually useful

Before you head out, there’s a safety briefing—about 30 minutes. This is where the crew sets expectations: how to snorkel comfortably, what to do if you need help, and how to stay within the group.

The vibe that comes through here is practical. People who are new to snorkeling (or nervous) tend to do better when the instruction is clear and calm. In one account, staff named Élisa stood out for being attentive and gentle with confidence-building. Even if you’re comfortable in the water, that kind of tone helps you relax faster, and relaxed snorkel time usually means more you actually see.

Lifejackets are also available if you’re a weaker swimmer. You don’t need to use one unless you want it or you’re asked for it—but it’s reassuring to know it’s on hand.

Speedboat time: the 15-minute ride that sets up the whole tour

Once the briefing wraps, you board a speedboat for a short ride—about 15 minutes—down the southern coast of Tenerife. This isn’t a long scenic cruise. The goal is simple: get you to a snorkeling bay quickly, then maximize your time in the water.

On the way, you may get more than just coastline views. One person described seeing dolphins during the outward trip and stopping briefly for photos. Even if dolphins don’t show up, the ride is still a nice reset from being on land—salt air, bright water, and that sense that you’re leaving the harbor behind.

Tip: if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking precautions before you arrive. Speedboats move, and that matters when you’re trying to focus on snorkel readiness.

The secluded bay: warm, clearer water and why it matters

The snorkeling stop is a secluded bay, reached quickly from shore. In good conditions, it’s the kind of spot that keeps the water calm enough for beginners to feel steady and for experienced snorkelers to look around without constant strain.

You’ll spend about 50 minutes snorkeling in crystal-clear water, roughly from the surface. That duration is a sweet spot. Long enough to get comfortable, short enough that you’re not exhausted before you’ve properly scoped out wildlife.

One key reality check: Tenerife can swing from glassy to choppy depending on wind. If the water gets rough, visibility can drop. In one case, the team explained that snorkeling might be harder due to wind and waves, and the group was offered a switch to scuba instead. So if you’re very visibility-focused, keep your expectations flexible and trust the crew’s judgment about conditions.

Snorkeling 101 here: gear, technique, and what to do when you’re new

You’ll be fitted with snorkeling gear onboard: wetsuit, fins, and mask. A lifejacket is provided if necessary. Then you’ll get brief instructions for how to use your mask and how to move with fins.

This is a big deal for value. Renting gear elsewhere can cost extra, and even when it’s not expensive, it’s one more step in logistics. Here, you show up in swimwear and a towel, and the rest is handled.

How to make the most of your snorkel time:

• Keep your breathing smooth so you don’t rush and pop your head up too fast.
• Use your fins for gentle control, not speed. Slow usually means you drift into better viewing angles.
• Look slightly ahead of where you think animals are. Sea life often moves gradually, and you’ll catch them by scanning rather than staring in one spot.

If you’re snorkeling for the first time, you’ll likely benefit from sticking close to the guide’s bubble. The coaching tends to be step-by-step, and that’s how people relax enough to actually enjoy the water instead of wrestling with gear.

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

This tour markets itself around wildlife sightings, and the underwater roster is specific: turtles, cuttlefish, stingrays, and other marine life. You also might spot octopuses.

The practical truth: seeing animals is never guaranteed. But the combination of clear water + sheltered bay + guided searching makes the odds better than random shore snorkeling.

Here’s how to think about the sightings:

• Turtles: often look like slow-moving shapes near the surface or just under it. Watch for gentle motion rather than dramatic swimming.
• Stingrays: usually aren’t darting around. You’re more likely to spot them gliding over the seabed with patience.
• Cuttlefish and octopus: can be harder to see unless you’re calm and scanning carefully. Your best chance is steady observation and not rushing.

One nice detail from the trip reports is that sightings can start before snorkeling. Dolphins were mentioned on the outward route, and that kind of early wildlife moment raises the whole mood for the water part.

The return ride: a final look without the pressure

After your snorkel session, it’s back to the speedboat for another short ride—again about 15 minutes. This is when you can rest and take in the coast from above water.

If you got lucky with marine life on the way out, you might get another chance here. One person noted dolphins during the return trip as well, described as a group jumping in the water.

Even if your second chance is quiet, the return timing is straightforward. You’re not stuck in a long waiting period or forced to keep swimming after you’ve already done your snorkel block.

Gear quality and comfort: wetsuits help, but check fit on arrival

The tour includes wetsuits, fins, and masks onboard. That’s the right call for Tenerife’s coastal water because it keeps you comfortable and can help you stay out longer.

That said, not every piece of equipment is always perfect. One person reported worn or lower-quality snorkeling gear and mentioned an issue with how the snorkel sat while wearing it. This kind of thing won’t matter much if it’s a small fit problem you can adjust, but it’s worth checking quickly when you’re fitted.

Simple steps:

• Put the mask on, breathe normally, and make sure it seals.
• Test your snorkel position so it stays comfortable and doesn’t pull at an angle.
• Confirm the wetsuit feels snug but not painfully tight at the shoulders and ankles.

If anything feels off, ask right away. You’ll get more value out of a 2-hour tour when you start the water part comfortable.

Price and value: why $53 can make sense (if you want a short, coached session)

At about $53 per person for roughly 2 hours, the pricing can be a strong deal because it bundles the big-ticket items:

• speedboat transport
• snorkeling gear
• guided searching for wildlife (the crew is responsible for getting you to the right place)

You’re not paying separately for a boat charter, and you’re not scrambling for rental gear. That makes this a good option if you’re short on time in Tenerife or you want a guided “best odds” snorkeling window rather than independent exploration.

Where value can change:

• If conditions are choppy and snorkeling visibility drops, your experience may feel more limited than the brochure.
• If you’re already an expert and you prefer total freedom, you might find guided routes a bit structured.

But for most people—especially first-timers—coaching + included gear + a sheltered bay is exactly the formula that turns snorkeling from a maybe into a plan.

Who this snorkeling safari suits best

This tour fits well if you want:

• a quick, coached snorkeling session
• a speedboat jump from harbor to a calmer bay
• a small group setting (max 9)
• a realistic chance at marine wildlife sightings

It’s also a solid pick for families and mixed experience levels because lifejackets are available if needed and guides can take extra time with technique when someone is new.

You might consider another option if:

• you’re very sensitive to wind and waves and want guaranteed glassy water
• you expect an all-day tour (this is tightly timed)
• you’re extremely picky about gear freshness and mask fit

Tips to get more from your 2 hours

• Bring swimwear and a towel, since those are the only items you’re specifically asked to provide.
• If you’re prone to cold, wear swimwear you can tolerate under a wetsuit comfortably. (You won’t be left to freeze.)
• If you’re a first-time snorkeler, focus on breathing and slow movement first. Everything else becomes easier after that.
• Pay attention to the guide’s starting instructions. It’s the quickest way to stop wasting your first minutes.

Should you book this Tenerife Puerto Colón snorkel safari?

I’d book it if your priority is a guided, short snorkeling session with real access to clear water and included gear. The small group size, the focused briefing, and the chance to see turtles, stingrays, and cuttlefish make it feel like good value for $53.

I’d hesitate only if you can’t handle choppy conditions or you need perfect underwater visibility no matter what the weather does. In that case, go in with flexibility—because the crew’s first job is safety and comfort, not forcing the plan when conditions aren’t cooperating.

If you’re excited by the idea of snorkel time from a sheltered bay, and you like the idea of not having to manage gear and boat logistics, this is the kind of Tenerife outing that makes a short trip feel like more than a quick stop.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón snorkel safari?

The tour lasts 2 hours total.

Where is the meeting point in Puerto Colón?

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

Does the price include snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, including wetsuit, fins, and mask. A lifejacket is provided if required.

What if I’m a weak swimmer?

Lifejackets are available for weak swimmers. The crew also includes lifejacket support if necessary.

How many people are in each group?

The group is limited to a small size, with a maximum of 9 participants.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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