Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat

Reviewed · BOAT & YACHT TRIPS

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat

4.4 · 84 reviews 2 hours Operated by Zero Gravity Tenerife. · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Tenerife snorkel feels like a mini adventure. I like the small group feel and how the crew runs a calm, practical briefing before anyone gets in the water. I also like that you spend real time in the sea, in clear, warm water near shore. One catch to consider: some gear may feel a bit older, so it pays to do a quick fit check on mask and snorkel before you go.

This is a 2-hour Puerto Colón outing built around simple fun, speed-boat transport, and the sort of wildlife you can spot from the surface. It is aimed at people who want an easy snorkeling setup without fuss, plus a good chance to see turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, and other sea life when conditions cooperate.

Quick takeaways: what makes this tour worth your time

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Quick takeaways: what makes this tour worth your time

  • About 50 minutes of snorkeling in a secluded bay, reachable fast by speedboat (around 15 minutes each way).
  • Wetsuit, fins, and mask included, plus lifejackets available if you need one.
  • Small group cap of 9, which usually means more attention during the water time.
  • Wildlife spotting from the surface, including turtles and stingrays, with chances for octopuses and cuttlefish.
  • A well-run safety briefing that helps first-timers feel ready.

Where You Meet in Puerto Colón: Zero Gravity Tenerife by Dock 3

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Where You Meet in Puerto Colón: Zero Gravity Tenerife by Dock 3
Your day starts in Puerto Colón at Zero Gravity Tenerife, in the commercial area. The key landmark is simple: it is in front of dock 3, next to Café Black Pearl. The diving center entrance is around the back side of the complex, behind Café Victoria.

This meeting spot matters because Puerto Colón is active, and the tour group is not huge. If you arrive early, you can get your bearings without rushing. Wear swimwear under your clothes, because your tour time is short enough that you do not want to waste it changing.

Practical tip

Bring a towel in your bag. Wetsuits can be comfortable, but you will still want something dry and warm once you are back on land.

The 30-Minute Safety Briefing That Sets the Tone

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - The 30-Minute Safety Briefing That Sets the Tone
Before the boat heads out, you get a safety briefing that is long enough to make snorkeling feel doable. Even if you have snorkeled before, this part is worth paying attention to. The goal is not a lecture, it is getting you comfortable with how to use the mask and snorkel, plus what to do when you hit the water.

One thing I like here, based on what the crew is praised for, is the vibe. The team tends to be patient and reassuring, the kind of staff that talks you through steps calmly rather than rushing you. That matters most if you are a nervous first-timer or bringing someone who is seeing open water for the first time.

Speedboat Ride: A Fast Trip to the Secluded Bay

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Speedboat Ride: A Fast Trip to the Secluded Bay
After the briefing, you hop on the speedboat for about 15 minutes. The ride is short, which is good news for people who dislike long boat schedules. During that trip, you can also get your first wildlife moments. The itinerary is designed around reaching a snorkeling bay quickly, so your time at sea is focused.

Once you arrive, you are headed toward a secluded spot only about 15 minutes from shore. That location choice is practical: it helps you spend more time in the water, and it often means fewer crowds in your snorkeling area.

What to expect on the boat

You are dressed in wetsuit gear already, so the ride is more about motion than cold. Still, if you get seasick easily, this is the moment to be ready with whatever you normally use. The tour does not mention anti-nausea help, so plan like you would for any speedboat day.

Snorkeling Time: About 50 Minutes in Clear, Warm Water

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Snorkeling Time: About 50 Minutes in Clear, Warm Water
Your snorkeling session is roughly 1 hour total in the water, with around 50 minutes of active snorkeling. That split is important: the water time feels like the main event, not a quick dip.

This bay is described as clear and warm, which is exactly what you want for surface snorkeling. When the water is transparent, you spend less time looking for where to aim and more time watching what passes beneath you.

How the snorkeling works

Once you are fitted with the gear, you snorkel at the ocean surface while watching the underwater scene below. The “surface” part is key. You are not being asked to swim deep. Instead, you look for movement, shadows, and slow glides, then adjust your position as the wildlife comes into view.

In plain terms: you want to be calm, float, and keep your eyes open, not chase every fish.

Marine Life You Might See Without Chasing It

This tour is built for wildlife watching from the surface. The highlights specifically call out:

  • Turtles
  • Stingrays
  • Cuttlefish
  • Octopuses (possibly seen from the surface)
  • Plus colorful fish

Here is the realistic part: wildlife sightings depend on conditions. But the route and timing are clearly aimed at improving your odds. The crew also keeps the experience human, not mechanical. One reason this tour gets praised is that guides spend time explaining and staying close enough that you feel supported, especially when it is your first time snorkeling.

How to spot what you are looking for

You will likely see more by scanning calmly than by holding your breath and panicking. Watch for:

  • Slow, gliding shapes that change direction gently (often the kind of movement stingrays make)
  • Soft, slow silhouettes near the waterline area (where you can spot turtles more easily)
  • Quick flashes of color, then movement that fades into stillness

If you are unsure what you are seeing, you can often ask the guide for what to look for next.

Gear and Comfort: Wetsuit, Fins, Mask, and Lifejackets If Needed

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Gear and Comfort: Wetsuit, Fins, Mask, and Lifejackets If Needed
One of the biggest value points is that your snorkeling gear is included. That means you get:

  • Wetsuit
  • Fins
  • Mask
  • Lifejacket if required (and they say life jackets are available for weak swimmers)

This is not the kind of tour where you realize halfway through that you forgot your snorkel. The gear is set up for you onboard, which keeps the day simple.

A quick gear check you should do

Even though gear is included, one review experience raised a concern about gear quality and fit. So take 20 seconds when you get your mask and snorkel. You want:

  • A mask that seals without forcing it
  • A snorkel that sits comfortably and does not feel loose or tangled
  • Fins that are secure, not pinching

It is a small step that can make snorkeling feel effortless instead of annoying.

Small Group Size: Up to 9 People, More Time With the Guide

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Small Group Size: Up to 9 People, More Time With the Guide
The tour is capped at 9 participants, which is a sweet spot. You get a group energy, but it is not so large that you feel like a number.

From the way the crew handles first-timers, this smaller format helps. Guides are described as patient and focused on getting people comfortable. That is especially helpful for kids and adults who are a little uneasy at the start.

If you are bringing a child or someone new to snorkeling, this is the kind of group where the guide can actually slow down, explain clearly, and keep an eye on everyone.

Price and Value: $53 for 2 Hours, Gear Included

At about $53 per person for a 2-hour experience, this can be solid value if you like what is included and you do not want to rent equipment.

What you are paying for, beyond the wildlife promise:

  • Speedboat transport to and from the snorkeling area
  • The snorkeling setup (wetsuit, fins, mask)
  • A guided experience with a briefing and in-water support

What is not included:

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Photos and videos, which are available for purchase

If you are staying near Puerto Colón, the lack of hotel pickup usually makes the deal even better because you can meet directly at Zero Gravity Tenerife. If you are staying far away, factor in the cost and time of getting to the meeting point.

Photos and Videos: Useful, Optional, and Not Built Into the Price

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Photos and Videos: Useful, Optional, and Not Built Into the Price
You will have the chance to buy photos and videos after the session. The tour does not bundle them into the base price, so treat them as an optional add-on.

This is the right way to do it. You do not pay extra automatically, but if you want a record of the day, you have the option.

Best Time to Go (and when conditions can change)

The tour is designed around clear water and good visibility. Still, conditions can shift, and wind can change what you can see underwater.

You should plan to be flexible. The experience is meant to be enjoyable even if conditions are not perfect. If visibility is worse than expected, you may find the crew adjusts the plan to keep the experience worthwhile.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This snorkel safari is a great fit for:

  • First-time snorkelers who want guided reassurance
  • People who prefer a short speedboat ride over long days on the water
  • Families and mixed groups, thanks to the small group size and lifejackets available if needed
  • Wildlife spotters who want a chance at turtles and stingrays without complex gear or advanced training

It is not the best match if you want:

  • A long, deep-water adventure (this is surface snorkeling)
  • An all-day itinerary with multiple stops
  • A trip that will guarantee specific sightings

And if you are the kind of person who cares a lot about top-tier, brand-new gear, do the quick fit check when you’re issued equipment.

Should You Book the Tenerife Puerto Colón Snorkel Safari?

Yes, I would book it if your goal is simple: spend a focused couple of hours snorkeling with gear included, get out to a secluded bay fast, and let a calm crew help you feel comfortable in the water.

I would think twice only if you are very picky about equipment condition or you expect a massive, dramatic reef experience. This tour’s strength is the practical setup, the clear water time, and the chance of wildlife from the surface, not a promise of a specific “wow moment” every time.

If you are visiting Tenerife and you want one easy, well-run water activity that does not eat your whole day, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife Puerto Colón snorkeling safari?

The experience lasts about 2 hours.

Where do I meet the tour 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 diving center is in the back side of the commercial center behind Café Victoria.

What snorkeling gear is included?

You are provided with snorkeling gear onboard, including a wetsuit, fins, and a mask. A lifejacket is provided if required.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How many people are in the group?

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

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

Lifejackets are available for weak swimmers. If you are not confident, tell the crew and use the lifejacket option.

How much time will I spend snorkeling?

You get around 50 minutes of snorkeling in the crystal-clear water, with about 1 hour in the water total.

What marine animals might I see?

The tour highlights include turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, octopuses, and colorful fish.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Photos and videos are available to purchase.

Is there a cancellation option and can I pay later?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.

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