Turtles and sea rays in two hours. This speedboat snorkeling safari turns a short ride into a focused swim in clear water, with a secluded bay about 15 minutes offshore and around 50 minutes to snorkel. I like that you jump in fast and spend your time where it matters: watching marine life just below the surface, close enough to actually make out shapes and movement. Puerto Colón is the launch point, but the real experience happens in that calm pocket of water.

What I really like is the combo of small-group pacing (up to 9 people) and the hands-on briefing before you enter the sea. The guides run a safety talk first, then they fit you with wetsuit, mask, and fins, and they stick with you while you get your breathing and buoyancy sorted. In the best cases, that support feels personal and reassuring, like one guide named Élisa who helped put a nervous guest at ease.

One thing to consider is that conditions can change fast. If wind and waves push the water around, visibility may drop, and you could end up doing an alternate underwater option on the day instead of the exact snorkeling plan.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small group (max 9 participants): more attention in the water.
• About 50 minutes snorkeling: not just a quick taste.
• Secluded bay, 15 minutes out: you trade a long boat ride for time in the water.
• Wetsuit, fins, and mask included: you show up in swimwear and go.
• Wildlife spotting from the surface: turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, and more.

Puerto Colón to a secluded snorkel bay: how the 2 hours run

This is a tight, efficient outing. You’re not spending half the day traveling around the coast. You’ll meet in Puerto Colón, do a safety briefing, then head out by speedboat for a short hop to the snorkeling spot.

In practice, the rhythm looks like this: you arrive, get fitted and briefed, then you’re on the boat for roughly 15 minutes to reach the bay. After that, you’re in the water for about an hour total, with around 50 minutes of snorkeling time. Then it’s back on the speedboat for another short return trip.

That timing matters because snorkeling in Tenerife is at its best when you’re not rushing your breathing or your eyes. You get enough time to settle in, scan calmly, and actually enjoy the water instead of treating it like a checklist.

Getting fitted and learning the snorkel routine before you go in

Before you jump in, the team outfits you with the key gear: wetsuit, fins, and mask. A lifejacket is available if you need one, and that’s a big comfort factor for less-confident swimmers.

You’ll also get a brief snorkeling instruction session. The goal is simple: make sure you can breathe steadily, keep your mask from flooding, and move in a way that doesn’t kick up the water around you. The most helpful part of any snorkel instruction is not the theory. It’s the quick, practical “here’s what to do next” approach—especially if you’re new.

One more detail I appreciate: you’re getting set up onboard, which means you don’t have to figure out how to assemble your own gear at the dock. You bring swimwear and a towel, and they handle the rest.

The speedboat ride: fast access to the good water

The speedboat portion is short on purpose. You take about 15 minutes out to the bay, and you’re back in roughly another 15 minutes. That keeps the trip from feeling like transport day.

Along the way, you get a clear view of Tenerife’s southern coastline, and you have a chance to spot marine life even before the water part begins. In one case, dolphins were seen en route and the boat stopped briefly so people could get photos. Even if you don’t get a dolphin sighting, the main value of the ride is quick access to the best conditions the team has found for the moment.

Also, the speedboat setup usually keeps everyone together. That matters when you’re dealing with a small group and you want to stay close to your guide.

Snorkeling time: turtles, stingrays, and what to look for

Once you’re in the bay, you snorkel around the ocean surface while you look down for movement. The water is described as clear and warm, and the bay is close to shore—so you’re not dealing with a long, exhausting swim just to reach the action.

What I’d keep your eyes on:

• Turtles: often spotted as slow glides or occasional breaks at the surface.
• Stingrays: usually seen as a flat glide with movement over the bottom.
• Cuttlefish and octopus: more likely to show up as slow changes in shape and color rather than dramatic bursts.
• Colorful fish: you’ll likely spot small flashes and schooling patterns as you drift.

The best snorkel tip here is to slow down your scanning. Move your head left-right in steady movements rather than whipping around. Clear water rewards patience. And because you’re close to the surface most of the time, you can also watch your surroundings—people tend to forget the view when they’re focused only on what’s below.

Safety, briefing style, and guides who actually stay close

This tour earns its good reputation from the way the team handles the start. You get a safety briefing before you head out, and the guide support continues once you’re in the water.

In a couple of situations, the guidance made a real difference:

• One guest described calm, confidence-building instruction that helped them feel safe enough to switch to an alternate underwater activity when conditions made snorkeling visibility poor.
• Another guest highlighted how a guide took extra time explaining things for a first-time snorkeler and stayed patient through the learning curve.

I also like that the tour offers multi-language instruction (English, Spanish, French, Italian). Even if your Spanish or French is rusty, you can still get the key directions.

One last point on safety culture: if life jackets are available for weak swimmers, that’s the kind of practical detail that tells me the operator expects mixed abilities and plans for it.

Gear included: wetsuit, fins, and mask (and why that matters)

A lot of snorkeling tours nickel-and-dime you for basic equipment. Here, snorkeling gear is included: wetsuit, fins, and mask. A lifejacket is included if required.

That matters because the wetsuit affects comfort and how long you can comfortably stay in the water. In Tenerife’s winter, water can feel cooler than you expect once you’re floating. The wetsuit helps you stay warm enough to enjoy the experience rather than count minutes until you get out.

Fins also change the whole snorkeling experience. Good fins help you move smoothly and conserve energy, which means less frantic flailing and fewer bubbles in your own face mask.

And because the gear is provided, you avoid the common travel headache of packing your own mask and fins, or trying to buy rentals last minute.

Price and value: what you get for about $53

At around $53 per person, the value is mostly about what’s included. You’re paying for:

• Speedboat transport
• Snorkeling gear (wetsuit, fins, mask)
• Lifejacket if needed

You’re not paying separately for the equipment, which is often where snorkeling tours inflate. The tradeoff is that you’ll need your own towel and swimwear, and you should expect that there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off.

In other words, it’s best value if you’re already staying near Puerto Colón or you’re comfortable getting to the meeting point on your own. If you do have to travel across town just to board, that extra transit time is the main “cost” you’re taking on.

Where you meet in Puerto Colón (and what to do when you arrive)

Meet at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón. Look for it in front of dock 3, next to Café Black Pearl.

The entrance to the center is at the back of the commercial area, behind Café Victoria. That back-entry detail matters because port-area buildings can look similar, and you don’t want to waste time hunting with wet gear in hand.

If you arrive early, take a moment to spot the dock number and the nearby café landmarks. Get your bearings fast, then get ready to suit up.

Weather and visibility: when plans shift on the day

This is Tenerife, and conditions can change. Wind and waves affect visibility, and the team may adapt if the water looks poor.

In one documented case, the team explained that snorkeling visibility would be limited and suggested switching to an alternative underwater activity instead. The key point for you: the operator’s response wasn’t vague or awkward. It was clear, practical, and guided, with step-by-step support.

So if you’re the type who likes to be mentally flexible, this is a good fit. If you’re extremely attached to one specific plan, keep in mind that ocean conditions sometimes control the schedule more than the itinerary does.

Practical tips that make snorkeling easier immediately

Pack light and smart:

• Swimwear (you’ll change into it before or during fitting)
• A towel
• Something simple for afterward (so you don’t scramble for warmth on the return)

In the water, your biggest “upgrade” is mental. Slow down. Breathe steadily. Don’t chase every fish. Watch for patterns: a turtle’s steady glide, a stingray’s shape over the bottom, or cuttlefish movement as it shifts rather than bolts.

If you’re nervous, know this: the tour’s format includes a briefing and the option of a lifejacket for weak swimmers. That setup is designed for real people, not only fearless swimmers.

Who should book this snorkel safari

This tour fits best if you want:

• A short, organized speedboat ride
• Gear provided so you don’t fuss with rentals
• A focused time window in the water (not an all-day marathon)
• A chance to spot sea turtles and stingrays without long hikes or complicated logistics

It’s also a good choice for beginners who want structured help. The small group size helps a lot when you’re figuring out the snorkel routine and you’d like a guide close enough to correct tiny issues fast.

If you’re an advanced snorkeler hunting specific dive sites, you may wish for longer time underwater. But for most people who want a great Tenerife ocean experience without turning it into a project, this hits the sweet spot.

Should you book? My take on the “yes or no” decision

Book it if you like the idea of a small-group snorkel with gear included, a short speedboat transfer, and real time in the water. The price-to-inclusions ratio is solid, and the operator clearly prioritizes safety and calm instruction.

Skip it (or at least keep expectations flexible) if you’re very sensitive to changing sea conditions, or if you’ll have trouble getting yourself to Puerto Colón without hotel pickup. Also, if you’ve got a strong preference for a specific underwater experience and you hate day-of changes, bring patience—because the ocean can.

If you do decide to go, go in expecting to learn the basics quickly, look slowly, and enjoy the fact that turtles and rays are possible in waters you can reach fast.

FAQ

What’s the meeting point for the Puerto Colón snorkeling safari?

You’ll meet at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón, in front of dock 3 next to Café Black Pearl. The entrance to the center is in the back side of the commercial center behind Café Victoria.

How long does the tour last, and how much time is spent snorkeling?

The total duration is about 2 hours. You’ll snorkel for around 50 minutes, with roughly an hour in the water time total.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling gear such as a wetsuit, fins, and a mask. A lifejacket is provided if required.

Do I need hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Can I snorkel if I’m not a strong swimmer?

Life jackets are available for weak swimmers, so it’s worth mentioning your comfort level to the team before getting into the water.

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