REVIEW · TENERIFE
Puerto de la Cruz: Submarine Trip and Beach Stop in Tenerife
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A yellow submarine beats ordinary sightseeing in Tenerife. This 7-hour day trip takes you to the Amarilla harbor for a window-view stop from about 30 meters down, then you get two hours at Playa de las Américas to eat or unwind.
I like the way the submarine is set up for comfort and viewing: 44 seats, big panoramic windows, and the boat actually settling near the ocean bed so you can watch marine life calmly. One thing to keep in mind is the day runs on a schedule—after the long coach ride, your beach time is only around 2 hours, so plan your lunch and shopping with that in mind.
In This Review
- Key reasons this tour works
- Why this Amarilla-area submarine trip feels different from the usual
- Getting from Puerto de la Cruz to Amarilla: timing and pickup tips
- Sub Fun Cinco onboard: what the space is like and how viewing works
- The underwater part: from ascent-free nerves to a seabed-level view
- Fish-feeding moments: how the window experience gets better
- Playa de las Américas: 2 hours to eat, shop, and actually rest
- Price and value: is €/$87 reasonable for this format?
- Who should book this Tenerife day trip (and who might not)
- Should you book the Puerto de la Cruz submarine + Las Américas day?
- FAQ
- How long is the Puerto de la Cruz submarine and beach day?
- Where does the submarine trip start?
- How deep do you go on the submarine?
- Does the submarine stop on the ocean bed?
- How much free time do you get at Playa de las Américas?
- Is pickup and drop-off included?
- What’s the minimum age?
- What languages are available for the guide and audio?
- Are food and drinks included?
- What’s included in the tour price?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key reasons this tour works
- 30m seabed viewing with the submarine actually sitting on the ocean floor for steadier window time
- Real marine highlights like octopus, barracuda, parrotfish, flute fish, and sting rays
- Divers bring fish closer to the windows so the viewing is more than a distant look
- 44 seats with 22 large-screen windows, a setup that helps you see even as the group shifts
- Audio guide in 15 languages with free headphones, so you can follow along without straining
- Round-trip transport from Puerto de la Cruz and Las Caletillas with multiple pickup options for your hotel area
Why this Amarilla-area submarine trip feels different from the usual
Most Tenerife marine trips focus on the same, easy-to-reach spots. This one is built for the south side of the island, starting from the Amarilla harbor near the southern coast. That matters because you’re not just doing a quick novelty; you’re getting a full, structured day that mixes underwater viewing with real beach time.
The submarine itself is the star. It’s the yellow vessel Sub Fun Cinco, and it’s designed for the viewing experience: 44 seats and 22 large-screen windows. You get that rare feeling of being in a stable viewing chamber rather than bouncing around and hoping for the best photo angle.
And then there’s the sting-ray factor. On this route you’re likely to see them (and other species) from the window, plus divers help bring fish closer during the underwater viewing time. In the best moments, the ocean feels like a live aquarium right outside your glass.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
Getting from Puerto de la Cruz to Amarilla: timing and pickup tips
The tour is about 7 hours total, and transport is a big part of that. You’ll use a bus/coach for roughly 105 minutes each way, with additional road time tied to the harbor connection and then your jump to the beach area.
What I like about the pickup plan is that it’s flexible. You can choose from multiple pickup locations in Puerto de la Cruz (and also Las Caletillas). After booking, you’ll get your exact pickup time. The driver will have a list of passengers, and the rules are simple: be at the pickup point at least 5 minutes early, and they won’t wait longer than 10 minutes past the scheduled time.
This is not a late-morning, drift-around-the-island kind of day. If you’re staying in the north, you’re trading convenience for a fuller itinerary—submarine viewing plus a later beach block.
Sub Fun Cinco onboard: what the space is like and how viewing works
When you step onto Sub Fun Cinco, you’re boarding a spacious, airy vessel. The seat count matters here: 44 comfortable seats. That isn’t huge like a bus, but it’s also not so tiny that you’re forced into one single viewing pocket.
The biggest visual advantage is the windows. With 22 large screen windows, you can shift your position and still see. That’s useful because people naturally gravitate toward the center view as the submarine descends, and then the crew positions you for the best angles as the viewing time begins.
There’s also an audio guide system that makes the experience easier to follow. You’ll get free headphones, and the audio guide is available in 15 languages. The live tour guide speaks English, German, and Spanish, but the audio guide is broader: Spanish, English, German, French, Italian, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, Danish, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Czech, Russian, and Chinese. For a mixed-language group, that’s a big quality-of-life detail.
The underwater part: from ascent-free nerves to a seabed-level view
This is the kind of attraction that can work even if you’re not a hardcore sea person. You go down to about 30 meters (around 100 feet). Then comes the part that changes everything: the submarine will sit on the ocean bed.
That matters because it gives you a more stable viewing moment. Instead of a quick pass over reef or open water, you’re observing from a near-stationary position. That’s when the windows start to feel like portals.
During this time, you look out for a range of marine life. The tour description highlights species such as flute fish, octopus, barracuda, parrotfish, and the family of sting rays (often the headline animal on this route). You’re not promised a specific animal on a specific second—nature doesn’t run on schedules—but the tour is set up to make your chances strong by keeping the ship positioned for window watching.
And there’s another element that helps your brain relax: experienced crew members are on board and help draw fish nearer to the windows. The goal is simple—more interesting viewing without you having to work for it.
Fish-feeding moments: how the window experience gets better
Some submarine experiences are mostly passive. You look out, you see what you see, and then you move on. Here, the experience is more interactive because divers tempt fish closer during the window viewing time.
This is where the day gets more than just scenic. When fish come nearer, you stop thinking about the depth and start thinking about details: shape, movement patterns, and the way different species share space. That’s exactly what people tend to love most—especially the chance to see sting rays clearly.
If you’re planning the day for a family, this part is a strong attention-holder. It’s the moment where kids stop fidgeting and adults stop worrying about whether they brought the right kind of camera. It’s also when the audio guide is most useful. With headphones on, you can connect what you’re seeing to what’s being explained.
Playa de las Américas: 2 hours to eat, shop, and actually rest
After the submarine segment and the return transfer, you reach Playa de las Américas for about 2 hours of free time. This is your flexible window: you can relax on the beach, grab a bite, or do quick shopping.
Two hours sounds short until you think about the day’s structure. With long coach rides before and after, you don’t get a full afternoon. So I’d treat this as a reset, not a day-long beach plan. If you want a proper lunch, you’ll likely want to pick your spot early in the 2-hour block so you’re not rushing at the end.
The practical upside: you’re mixing an attraction with an optional, self-paced meal. Since food and drinks aren’t included, this stop is where you’ll handle that part of your budget.
Price and value: is €/$87 reasonable for this format?
The price listed is $87 per person for a 7-hour day. That’s not a bargain-adventure price, but it’s also not just paying for a quick ride. You’re getting:
- Round-trip transport from Puerto de la Cruz and Las Caletillas
- A guide
- A seabed-level submarine experience on Sub Fun Cinco
- A certificate included as part of the activity package
- Headphones and a multi-language audio guide
The value angle is about what you get for that one day. You’re not spending the whole time crisscrossing the island on your own. Instead, you’re paying to package long transport, a structured underwater viewing segment, and a beach break into one smooth block.
The main cost to remember is that food and drinks are not included, so your final total depends on what you choose to eat at Playa de las Américas.
If you like day trips that balance a guided highlight with free time, this fits the bill.
Who should book this Tenerife day trip (and who might not)
This tour makes sense if you want a fun, family-friendly activity that doesn’t require deep planning. The minimum age requirement is 2 years old, and the tour is described as not suitable for children under 2. That means it’s built for families who can comfortably manage a morning-or-afternoon schedule and a seated underwater viewing experience.
It’s also a good choice if you’re nervous about water. While the submarine stays enclosed and controlled, it’s still an underwater setting. Reviews often mention that the trip feels professional and safe, which is a helpful sign if you’re worried about the experience.
On the other hand, if you want lots of time in one place—long beach stretches or extended time underwater—this itinerary might feel tight. Even the positive feedback that asks for more submarine time points to the same reality: the schedule is built for variety, not for maximum time on one activity.
Should you book the Puerto de la Cruz submarine + Las Américas day?
If you’re weighing this against other Tenerife activities, I’d book it when your goal is a full-day highlight with an easy payoff. You get the combo that’s hard to DIY: seabed-level window viewing from about 30 meters down, plus two hours in a major beach area with the freedom to eat and wander.
I’d skip it if you’re the kind of traveler who hates fixed timing. Between the coach rides and the short beach stop, this is an itinerary-driven day. Also, remember that food and drinks are on your own dime, so budget for lunch or snacks at Playa de las Américas.
For most people visiting Tenerife—especially families looking for one “wow” activity—this tour is a solid value pick because the submarine portion is the real experience, not just a quick feature.
FAQ
How long is the Puerto de la Cruz submarine and beach day?
The total duration is 7 hours.
Where does the submarine trip start?
The submarine tour departs from the Amarilla harbor at the southern tip of Tenerife.
How deep do you go on the submarine?
You descend to approximately 30 meters (about 100 feet).
Does the submarine stop on the ocean bed?
Yes. The submarine will actually sit on the ocean bed during the viewing time.
How much free time do you get at Playa de las Américas?
You get approximately 2 hours of free time at Playa de las Américas.
Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Round-trip transport is included, and pickup is possible from hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and Las Caletillas. Drivers have a passenger list.
What’s the minimum age?
Participants must be at least 2 years old. The tour is not suitable for children under 2.
What languages are available for the guide and audio?
The live tour guide is available in English, German, and Spanish. The audio guide is available in 15 languages and free headphones are provided.
Are food and drinks included?
No. Food and drinks are not included.
What’s included in the tour price?
Included items are round-trip transport, a guide, and a certificate related to the activity.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
