Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat

REVIEW · TENERIFE

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat

  • 4.484 reviews
  • 2 hours
  • From $53
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Operated by Zero Gravity Tenerife. · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating★ 4.4 (84)Duration2 hoursPrice from$53Operated byZero Gravity Tenerife.Book viaGetYourGuide

Dolphins and turtles are a fast detour away. I like the small group setup and the secluded bay stop that keeps your snorkeling time practical, not a whole-day ordeal. It’s an easy way to get into Tenerife’s water with clear setup, warm conditions, and a guide watching from close by.

One thing to weigh: wind and wave conditions can change visibility on the day. If that happens, the team may shift the plan so you still get something worthwhile in the water.

Key highlights I’d put on your mental packing list

  • Small groups (max 9) mean more attention when you’re learning or adjusting gear
  • About 50 minutes of snorkeling in a calm bay, only about 15 minutes from shore
  • Wetsuit, fins, and mask included, plus a lifejacket if you need it
  • Wildlife spotting from the surface, including turtles, stingrays, octopuses, and cuttlefish
  • Multi-language guides (English, Spanish, French, Italian) keep instructions clear

Where You Meet in Puerto Colón (and what to bring)

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Where You Meet in Puerto Colón (and what to bring)
You start in Puerto Colón at Zero Gravity Tenerife, right in front of dock 3 by Cafe Black Pearl. The diving-center entrance is around the back of the commercial area, behind Cafe Victoria, so don’t wander the whole strip—walk in with purpose.

Bring swimwear and a towel. That’s it. Everything else you need for snorkeling is handled onboard, which matters because it keeps your pre-water routine simple and stress-free.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Tenerife

The 30-Minute Safety Briefing: how they set you up to actually snorkel

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - The 30-Minute Safety Briefing: how they set you up to actually snorkel
Before the boat moves, you get a proper safety briefing that’s long enough to make a difference—about 30 minutes. You’ll cover basic snorkeling technique and how to use the gear, and you’ll get a quick check on what you’ll be doing once you’re in the water.

This is where the tour earns trust. In real life, snorkeling is mostly about comfort and breathing rhythm, not about being an athlete. The better the briefing, the more you can enjoy the scenery and marine life without fighting your own equipment.

Speedboat Ride to the Snorkeling Bay: short, scenic, and wildlife-friendly

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Speedboat Ride to the Snorkeling Bay: short, scenic, and wildlife-friendly
Once you’re suited up, you hop on the speedboat and head out for about 15 minutes. The vibe here is quick and energized: you see the southern coastline of Tenerife from the water, then you move on to a secluded bay that’s only about 15 minutes from shore.

That “short ride” detail sounds minor until you’re wearing a wetsuit and waiting for the fun part. Less travel time means more time where you can actually float, look down, and spot movement.

Snorkeling for About 50 Minutes: gear, comfort, and how to spot wildlife

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Snorkeling for About 50 Minutes: gear, comfort, and how to spot wildlife
You’ll snorkel for around 50 minutes in clear, warm water. That’s a sweet spot. It’s long enough to settle in and explore, but not so long that you lose focus or start feeling cold.

Gear is included: wetsuit, fins, and mask. A lifejacket is available if you’re a weak swimmer, so you’re not left guessing. The setup removes a big headache—finding the right equipment on your own in Puerto Colón would be a hassle on a tight travel schedule.

What you’ll look for under the surface

Your eyes will stay busy. The tour is designed around the kinds of animals that show up while you’re snorkeling, not just while you’re searching randomly for a lucky moment. Expect chances to see turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, and other marine life like octopus.

In practice, the best results come from slow, calm scanning. You don’t need to chase. When you keep your breathing steady and your movements gentle, wildlife tends to feel more present.

A few more Tenerife tours and experiences worth a look

The Crew and Instruction Style: patient guidance matters

This kind of tour lives or dies by the guides in the water. You’ll get instruction in English, Spanish, French, or Italian, depending on what’s running that day. That language flexibility isn’t just a comfort perk—it helps you understand how the guide wants you to move and where to focus.

From the way the team handles first-timers, you can expect a supportive style. One guide, an Italian instructor, took extra time with a child snorkeling for the first time and explained everything carefully. Another staff member, Élisa, was noted for being warm and reassuring, especially for someone who needed a confidence boost.

If you’re the type who freezes when the water feels unfamiliar, this matters a lot. You want someone close by, clear in their instructions, and quick to help you reset.

Dolphins, Turtles, and More: what the day can look like

Wildlife isn’t guaranteed, but the tour’s route and timing give you real chances. Several sightings pop up around the experience: dolphins spotted before getting in, plus turtles in the mix.

Even if the main animals you came for are shy that day, dolphins near the surface can change the whole mood. And the bay setting means you’re not just floating in open water hoping for something—your guide is actively working the area for signs of life.

A practical wildlife mindset

Try not to treat animal spotting like a checklist you either finish or fail. Your goal is more about getting good visual moments: a ray gliding over the sand, a cuttlefish changing position, a turtle rising in your peripheral vision.

When you keep expectations flexible, you tend to notice more—and the trip feels better.

Value for $53: what’s included, and why it’s not just the price

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Value for $53: what’s included, and why it’s not just the price
At about $53 per person for a 2-hour outing, you’re paying for three things: boat transport, snorkeling gear, and guided time in the water. Those add up fast if you were pricing them separately.

You also get a small-group limit of up to 9 participants. That’s part of the value. In a big crowd, you spend energy waiting your turn. In a smaller group, you get help when your mask shifts, your breathing feels off, or you want a quick point of focus.

Photos and videos aren’t included, though they’re available to purchase. If you love having a visual souvenir, decide in advance if that cost fits your budget, because it’s easy to forget when you’re busy enjoying the water.

Best for: families, first-timers, and anyone short on time

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Best for: families, first-timers, and anyone short on time
This is a strong fit if you want a water experience without a full-day commitment. The total time is about 2 hours, with a big chunk dedicated to snorkeling rather than long transfers.

It’s also a good choice for people trying snorkeling for the first time, as long as you can follow instructions and tolerate the feeling of a wetsuit. The tour supports weaker swimmers with lifejackets if needed, and guides are present to help you settle.

If you’re traveling with kids, the smaller group size helps. You’re more likely to get attention than you would on a crowded boat tour.

Things to watch out for: visibility, gear condition, and language mix

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Things to watch out for: visibility, gear condition, and language mix
This tour is generally well-run, but it’s not perfect. The biggest day-to-day variable is visibility. If wind and waves affect the water, conditions can be rough for snorkeling. In at least one case, the team explained that visibility would be poor and suggested switching to scuba instead—so you still get an underwater experience, just in a different format.

There can also be inconsistency in how smoothly everything runs at the center. One account mentioned that some staff spoke limited English at times, and that the snorkeling equipment could feel worn or lower quality. That doesn’t mean it will be like that every day, but it’s fair to keep in mind if you’re picky about gear.

Also, the snorkeling location itself may not feel as special as other spots you’ve heard about. If you’re expecting a dramatic, must-see underwater spectacle every minute, temper expectations. You’re getting a clear, accessible, guided bay experience—great for most people, less of a wow-factory for the most demanding snorkelers.

Quick logistics that make the experience smoother

Arrive ready. Swimwear on before you go, towel packed, and give yourself enough time to find the right entrance behind the storefront area.

When you’re outfitted on site, take a minute to double-check your mask fit and how your fins feel. Small adjustments before you hit the water prevent most of the frustration once you’re floating.

And listen closely during the briefing. If you’re unsure about anything, ask right away. It’s the fastest way to enjoy the water instead of thinking about what you might be doing wrong.

Should You Book the Puerto Colón Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat?

Book it if you want a short, guided snorkeling outing with gear included, a small group, and realistic chances at marine life like turtles and stingrays. It’s a smart value for the time you spend—especially if you’d rather not manage equipment shopping or long travel legs.

Skip it if you’re extremely sensitive to changing water conditions. Wind and waves can affect visibility, and you may end up with an alternate plan. If you’re set on snorkeling no matter what, be flexible in your mindset and let the crew steer you toward the best option that day.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón snorkeling safari?

It lasts about 2 hours total.

How long do you snorkel during the tour?

You’ll have roughly 50 minutes in the water.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Wetsuit, fins, and a mask are provided onboard. A lifejacket is included if required.

Do I need to bring swimwear and a towel?

Yes. Bring swimwear and a towel.

Where is the meeting point in Puerto Colón?

Meet at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón, in front of dock 3 next to Cafe Black Pearl. The entrance to the diving center is behind Cafe Victoria.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How big is the group?

The tour is limited to a small group of up to 9 participants.

What languages are the instructors?

Instructions are available in English, Spanish, French, and Italian.

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