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

A yellow submarine settles on the Atlantic seabed, and sting rays glide past its broad windows. I like two things here: you get a close look at marine life without entering the water, and the outing pairs that unusual hour underwater with time to eat, shop, or relax at Playa de las Américas.

The tradeoff is the long coach ride from Puerto de la Cruz: about 105 minutes each way, for roughly one hour aboard the submarine. If you want a longer underwater outing, this may feel brief, but the beach stop gives the day a second purpose.

• The submarine reaches about 30 meters: You can watch the seabed and sea life from 22 large windows without getting wet.
• Sting rays are a special sight: Other possible sightings include flute fish, octopus, barracuda, and parrot fish.
• The descent lasts about an hour: The submarine may settle on the ocean floor, where divers bring fish closer to the windows.
• You get two hours at Playa de las Américas: Use the break for the beach, a meal, or a look around the shops.
• Transport is included from selected areas: Hotel pickup and drop-off are available in Puerto de la Cruz and Las Caletillas.
• The full day costs $87 per person: That covers transport, a guide, the submarine outing, and a descent certificate. Food and drinks cost extra.

A yellow submarine off Tenerife’s southern coast

This outing combines a ride to the south of Tenerife with an unusual view of the Atlantic. At Amarilla harbor, you board the yellow submarine Sub Fun Cinco and descend to about 100 feet, or 30 meters. You stay inside, looking out through large windows as the vessel moves down to the seabed.

The experience is built around observing, not swimming. That makes it a good option if you are curious about underwater life but would rather stay dry. One passenger who was afraid of water said the professional setup helped them feel safe, which fits the appeal: you can see the ocean below the surface without needing any water experience.

I also like that this is not just a short submarine ride with an immediate return to the bus. The day includes two hours at Playa de las Américas, giving you time to shift gears, find food, or put your feet on the beach. It is a useful combination if you want one main activity and a little unstructured time.

The main compromise is the balance between travel and time aboard. From Puerto de la Cruz, the coach ride to the submarine harbor takes about 105 minutes, while the submarine outing lasts around an hour. The beach stop helps make the long journey worthwhile, but anyone hoping for a long underwater tour should set expectations accordingly.

The coach ride from Puerto de la Cruz

Pickup is available at hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and Las Caletillas, with several designated stops in each area. The exact pickup time is provided after booking. Be at your chosen pickup point at least five minutes early, as the driver waits no more than ten minutes after the scheduled time.

The ride south takes approximately 105 minutes. That is a substantial part of a seven-hour day, so consider it when planning around children, meals, or other activities. The bus transfer is included, which removes the need to arrange your own transport to Amarilla harbor. Free bus service is limited to Puerto de la Cruz and Las Caletillas, so this outing is less convenient if you are staying elsewhere.

After the submarine outing, the coach ride to Playa de las Américas takes about 25 minutes. Then it is roughly 105 minutes back to your drop-off point. Taken together, the transfers take close to four hours. They are not an exciting part of the day, but they connect three distinct parts of Tenerife without asking you to drive or plan separate transport.

There are 14 pickup and drop-off options, including Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden, Hotel Riu Garoe, Maritim Hotel Tenerife, and Sol Costa Atlantis. Check that your hotel or a nearby stop is included before you book, and note that the pickup list also includes Catalonia Punta Del Rey in Las Caletillas.

Seeing the seabed through 22 large windows

At Amarilla harbor, you board Sub Fun Cinco, a spacious, airy vessel with 44 seats and 22 large screen windows. The windows matter: the whole point is to watch the underwater world, and more viewing space gives you a better chance to find a clear view. Still, what you see can depend on where the fish are and which window is available, so do not expect every passenger to have the same view at every moment.

The submarine descends to about 30 meters and, during the outing, settles on the ocean floor. You may see flute fish, octopus, barracuda, parrot fish, sand eels, and sting rays. The rays draw particular attention, and several passengers have described them as a highlight. They are not guaranteed to appear on cue, but the outing is designed around looking for marine life in these southern waters.

Experienced divers join the submarine on the seabed and bring fish closer to the windows. This can make it easier to see details and take photos, though reflections on the glass may affect your pictures. If you want photographs, keep your camera ready rather than waiting until a fish appears beside the window.

The guided portion lasts about one hour. That is enough time to make the descent and observe marine life, but it is not a long expedition. One clear limitation is that you may wish the submarine portion lasted longer. The wider day, with its beach break and transfers, is the better fit for people who want a varied outing rather than an extended underwater session.

Audio guides, marine life, and a certificate

An audio guide is included in 15 languages: Spanish, English, German, French, Italian, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, Danish, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Czech, Russian, and Chinese. Headphones are provided free. This is a practical feature, especially if your preferred language is not the same as the live guide’s.

Live guides speak English, German, and Spanish. The audio track explains marine life and the Atlantic ecosystem, including why these environments need protection. That context adds something beyond simply spotting fish: you get information about the habitat as well as the animals in view.

The day also includes a descent certificate. It is a small extra rather than a major reason to book, but it can be a fun souvenir, especially for children marking their first submarine trip. Participants must be at least two years old. Children under two cannot join.

The setup is suited to families because the main activity takes place inside the submarine, and the outing does not require swimming. That said, a seven-hour day with long coach legs may be tiring for very young children. Consider your child’s comfort on buses and ability to manage the full schedule before committing.

Two hours to reset at Playa de las Américas

After the submarine trip, you head to Playa de las Américas for about two hours of free time. You choose how to use it: relax on the beach, shop, or get something to eat. There is no set activity during this stop, which is part of its value. After a guided outing and two long coach rides, you can set your own pace.

The break is long enough for a meal or a stretch of beach time, but it is not a full beach day. If you want to swim or settle in for hours, you may find the schedule restrictive. Bring what you need for your preferred plan, and remember that food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

This stop also makes the day more than a submarine excursion. If you are traveling with someone who is more interested in a beach break than marine life, they still get a couple of hours to enjoy the resort area. Just keep an eye on the time, since the coach returns to your selected drop-off points in the north.

Is $87 a fair price for the day?

At $87 per person, the price includes round-trip transport from Puerto de la Cruz or Las Caletillas, a guide, the submarine outing, and a descent certificate. You pay separately for food and drinks. The value depends on whether you see the transfer and beach stop as part of the appeal or simply want time underwater.

For someone staying in Puerto de la Cruz, the included coach service is useful. Reaching the southern harbor independently would take planning, while the tour bundles the transport, submarine visit, and beach break into one day. The price is easier to justify if you want that full package and do not have a car.

If you are already staying in the south, or if your main goal is simply to ride in a submarine, compare the time and transport needs with your other plans. Nearly four hours of the day are spent on the coach, and the submarine portion itself is about one hour. The beach stop adds flexibility, but it will not suit everyone’s priorities.

The strongest value comes for families, first-time submarine riders, and anyone who wants to see marine life without getting into the sea. It is also a practical choice for people who would rather let someone else handle the route. If you are looking for a quiet, lengthy marine excursion, the duration may be the sticking point.

Small details that make the day easier

Check the pickup location carefully and arrive at least five minutes ahead of time. The driver has a passenger list and will wait no more than ten minutes beyond the scheduled pickup, so a late start could mean missing the coach.

Bring a little money for lunch, drinks, or shopping at Playa de las Américas. These are not included, and your two-hour stop is free time rather than a hosted meal. A beach plan is possible, but the activity information does not specify beach facilities or provide equipment, so make your own arrangements for what you want to do there.

The excursion offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times before choosing a date. The activity lasts seven hours, but the exact pickup time depends on the booking.

Should you book this submarine trip?

Book it if you are curious about life below the surface, want to stay dry, and like the idea of pairing an unusual attraction with a beach break. The possibility of seeing sting rays, the seabed stop, the multilingual audio guide, and included transport make it a well-rounded day for families and first-time submarine riders.

Think twice if you want a long time underwater or dislike spending much of a day on a coach. The submarine outing is about an hour, and the trip from Puerto de la Cruz takes around 105 minutes each way. For the right expectations, $87 buys a distinctive southern Tenerife excursion with an easy beach interlude. For a longer marine experience, look for a tour with more time at sea.

FAQ

How long does the full activity last?

The full outing lasts about seven hours, including transfers, the submarine visit, and free time at Playa de las Américas.

How deep does the submarine go?

Sub Fun Cinco descends to approximately 100 feet, or 30 meters, and settles on the seabed during the tour.

What marine life might I see?

You might see flute fish, octopus, barracuda, parrot fish, sand eels, and sting rays. Sightings can vary.

How long is the submarine portion?

The guided submarine outing lasts about one hour.

How much free time is there at Playa de las Américas?

You get approximately two hours to relax on the beach, shop, or eat.

Is transport included?

Yes. Round-trip bus transport is included from selected pickup points in Puerto de la Cruz and Las Caletillas.

Which languages are available?

Live guides speak English, German, and Spanish. The audio guide is available in 15 languages, and headphones are provided.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Children must be at least two years old to participate. Children under two are not permitted.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to pay separately during your time at Playa de las Américas.