Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat

A short speedboat ride carries you from Puerto Colón to a secluded bay, where you can look for turtles, rays, cuttlefish, octopuses, and fish from the surface. The sea trip is part of the fun, but the main event is an easygoing snorkel in clear water, not an all-day expedition.

I like two things in particular: the small group cap of nine makes it easier to get help with your mask or technique, and the gear is included, so you do not need to bring your own fins or snorkel kit. Dolphins have also appeared on the boat ride, though wildlife sightings are never assured.

One point to weigh is that the snorkeling spot may feel modest if you have already explored several of Tenerife’s bays. Visibility can also vary with wind and waves, so go for a relaxed outing and the chance of wildlife, not a promise of a turtle encounter.

The quick take

• A bay just 15 minutes offshore: The boat ride is brief, leaving most of the outing for time in the water.
• About 50 minutes of snorkeling: Expect a substantial swim, with the schedule allowing around an hour for the water stop.
• Wildlife is possible, not guaranteed: Keep watch for turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, octopuses, and fish. Dolphins have also been seen from the boat.
• Equipment comes with the fare: Wetsuits, masks, and fins are provided, with a life jacket available if you need one.
• A genuinely small outing: The group is limited to nine participants, though the exact mix of snorkelers and scuba participants can vary.
• Plan for a simple, active two hours: Bring swimwear and a towel. Hotel transport and photos or videos are not included.

Leaving Puerto Colón for a quieter bay

The meeting point is Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón, in front of dock 3 beside Café Black Pearl. The entrance to the diving center is at the back of the commercial center, behind Café Victoria. That last detail matters: do not expect to find the entrance right on the dockside frontage.

Once you arrive, the team fits you with a wetsuit, fins, and a mask, then explains the basics. A life jacket is available if you are a weak swimmer. The schedule sets aside about 30 minutes for the briefing and preparation, which is useful for first-timers: there is time to ask questions before you climb aboard.

The briefing is practical rather than a long lesson. You should still speak up if your mask leaks, your fins feel awkward, or you are unsure about snorkeling. A mask that fits comfortably can make the difference between enjoying the water and spending your time adjusting equipment.

The center’s listed languages are English, Spanish, French, and Italian. The quality of communication can vary among staff, however. Water guides have been praised for patience and clear help, while one visitor found that some staff at the center had limited English. If you need a point repeated, ask before departure rather than trying to sort it out once you are in the sea.

A 15-minute ride with Tenerife in view

The speedboat ride to the bay takes about 15 minutes. You get a close look at the southern coast from the water, and the ride adds a lively start without taking up much of the two-hour tour. It is also a chance to settle in before the snorkel.

Keep your eyes on the sea during the ride. Dolphins have been spotted along the way, and the boat has stopped so people could take pictures. Treat that as a lucky extra, not part of the guaranteed schedule. The tour’s wildlife search is focused on the water below, where turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, octopuses, and fish may be seen.

A speedboat is a practical way to reach a bay that is not easy to access from shore. The trade-off is that the ride can feel brisk, and conditions at sea may affect how comfortable the trip is. The operator’s own briefing is the place to raise any concern before setting off.

About 50 minutes in the water

At the bay, you get roughly 50 minutes to snorkel. The schedule allows around an hour for swimming and snorkeling, while the overall description gives about 50 minutes as the expected time in the water. In either case, this is the heart of the trip, not a quick photo stop.

You will be looking down from the surface rather than following a long underwater route. That makes the outing approachable if you have not snorkeled before, while still giving you time to scan the seabed and watch for movement. The water is described as clear and warm, but visibility is not fixed. Wind and waves can make it harder to see below the surface.

The bay is secluded and reached by boat, which gives the swim a sense of getting away from the shore without committing to a lengthy excursion. It may not be the most extraordinary snorkeling spot on Tenerife, especially if you have already visited other bays. Its appeal is the convenient boat access, the chance to see marine life, and the easy fit within a half-day plan.

Wildlife sightings depend on conditions and luck. Turtles and rays are among the possibilities, as are cuttlefish and octopuses. You may see plenty of fish, or the bay may seem quieter than you hoped. Set your expectations accordingly: this is a guided chance to look, not an aquarium visit.

If you are new to snorkeling, tell the guide at the start. A first-time snorkeler on one trip received extra attention and patient instruction, a useful sign for families or anyone who needs a little time to feel at ease. The instructor’s name was Elisa, and her calm approach helped a nervous participant regain confidence. Guide assignments can change, so do not count on having Elisa specifically.

What the two-hour schedule feels like

The outing begins with the briefing and equipment fitting at Puerto Colón. The planned sequence then allows about 15 minutes by speedboat each way, plus a stop in the bay for the swim. Add the preparation time and the total comes to roughly two hours.

That timing makes the tour easy to pair with other plans. You do not need to give up a whole day, and the sea trip is short enough that the main activity remains the snorkel itself. Still, leave room around the stated duration if you are arranging a tight connection or another timed activity. The tour’s starting time depends on availability.

The group limit of nine is valuable here. On one outing, the boat carried four scuba participants and four snorkelers, so the exact composition can differ from one departure to another. A compact group can make it easier to hear instructions and ask for help, though it does not mean you will be the only person in the bay.

The tour is operated by Zero Gravity Tenerife. It is a snorkel trip, but the center also handles scuba activities. In poor conditions, staff may explain alternatives: one group whose original snorkeling plan faced wind and waves was offered a scuba option instead. That is not a promise that a change will be available or suit you. Ask what is happening that day, and decide only if you are comfortable with the alternative.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53 per person, the fare covers speedboat transport and snorkeling equipment. A life jacket is available if needed. The price is easiest to justify if you value a guided outing, a small group, and boat access to a bay you may not reach conveniently from shore.

You are not paying for a long cruise or a guaranteed wildlife encounter. The trip lasts two hours, and the snorkeling stop is around 50 minutes. If you already own gear and are comfortable finding your own shore-entry spots, you may see less value in the package. If you would rather have transport, equipment, and a guide handled together, the cost is more reasonable.

Photos and videos are not included, though they may be available to buy. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not part of the fare, so include your own transport to Puerto Colón in your budget. Bring swimwear and a towel; the rest of the basic snorkeling kit is supplied.

There is some variation in how people experience the equipment. Most of the setup is straightforward, but one snorkeler found a mask strap worn and awkward to use. Check that your mask and snorkel fit before leaving the center. It is a simple request, and far easier to fix on land than in the water.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

This is a good match if you want a short, guided introduction to snorkeling or a compact sea outing that does not take over the day. The provided kit removes the need to pack fins and a mask, and the small group size gives the guide a better chance to keep an eye on participants.

It can also suit families with a first-time snorkeler, provided the person is comfortable swimming and follows the guide’s instructions. A life jacket is available for weak swimmers, and patient guidance has been part of the experience. The supplied details do not specify an age minimum, so check directly before booking for a child.

You may want a different outing if your main goal is a long snorkel, a large reef system, or guaranteed sightings of a particular animal. The bay is convenient and secluded, but the snorkel itself is relatively short. And because wind and waves affect visibility, the sea may not deliver the clear underwater view you imagined.

Small details that make the day smoother

Arrive knowing where the center entrance is: behind Café Victoria, at the rear of the commercial center, near dock 3. Wear or bring your swimwear and pack a towel. You do not need to bring your own snorkeling gear, but it is sensible to check the fit of the mask and snorkel before the boat leaves.

If you are uneasy in open water, tell the guide early. Do not wait until you reach the bay to mention that you need a life jacket or extra help. A calm first few minutes can make the rest of the swim much more enjoyable.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Those terms are helpful when plans may shift, but check the available start times before choosing a date.

Should you book the Puerto Colón snorkel safari?

Book it if you want a well-contained two-hour trip with boat access, equipment included, and a guide nearby while you get used to the water. The short ride and small group are the strongest reasons to choose it, especially if you are new to snorkeling or do not want to arrange gear yourself.

Skip it if you expect a long session or a guaranteed close-up with turtles. The bay may be quieter than other snorkeling spots, and sea conditions can affect visibility. For a modest price and a compact plan, though, it offers a sensible way to get off the shore and see what Tenerife’s southern waters have to show.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The full activity lasts about two hours. The boat ride is around 15 minutes each way, and the snorkeling stop is roughly 50 minutes, with the schedule allowing about an hour in the water.

Where is the meeting point?

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 should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Snorkeling gear is provided.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes a wetsuit, mask, and fins, along with speedboat transport. A life jacket is available if required.

Can I use a life jacket?

Yes. Life jackets are available for weak swimmers.

What languages do the instructors speak?

The listed languages are English, Spanish, French, and Italian.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to nine participants. The exact mix of snorkelers and scuba participants may vary.

Are hotel transfers included?

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

Can I cancel, and are photos included?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Photos and videos are not included, but may be available to purchase.