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

Tenerife looks different when you hit the water. This Puerto Colón speedboat snorkeling safari gets you off the dock fast and into clear, warm water where you can scan for turtles and stingrays while you float on the surface. The best part is the included gear and the fact you snorkel for real time, not just a quick dip; the main catch is that conditions (wind and waves) can affect visibility, and sometimes the team may adjust the plan.

I also like how this tour keeps things practical: you get fitted with a wetsuit, fins, and mask, then you’re guided step by step. One nice touch from the field is the calm, safety-first approach, including a guide named Élisa (noted for making people feel at ease). The possible drawback? Two hours is tight, so if you’re the type who wants a long, slow swim, you may wish you had more time in the bay.

You’ll meet at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón, get a safety briefing, ride out about 15 minutes, then spend around 50 minutes snorkeling in a bay that’s roughly 15 minutes from shore. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot wildlife from the waterline—plus there’s a chance the boat stops if dolphins are around.

Key details that matter before you go

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Key details that matter before you go

  • Small group (up to 9 people), so you’re not lost in a crowd
  • Gear is included: wetsuit, fins, and mask onboard
  • About 50 minutes snorkeling in crystal-clear water from a secluded bay
  • Wildlife you might spot includes turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, and more
  • The team keeps an eye on conditions; wind and waves can change visibility
  • Photos/videos are available for purchase, but they’re not included

Puerto Colón departure: quick transfer, clear expectations

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Puerto Colón departure: quick transfer, clear expectations
The tour starts in Puerto Colón at Zero Gravity Tenerife. If you’re using a map, aim for the front of dock 3, right by Café Black Pearl. The diving center entrance is on the back side of the shopping complex, behind Café Victoria—so give yourself a few extra minutes to find the door without stress.

Once you’re checked in, the “welcome aboard” moment is less about ceremony and more about getting you ready for the water. Expect a safety briefing before you head out, and expect the staff to keep things clear even if your group is mixed-language. The tour runs for about two hours total, so timing is structured: you’re not waiting around forever, and you’re not rushed into the sea without instructions.

That 15-minute speedboat hop is one of the reasons this works. You spend less time in transit and more time in the water looking down. It also helps if you’re coming from a resort area without wanting a long drive to a more remote snorkeling spot.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.

Your gear setup: wetsuit, fins, mask, and lifejackets if needed

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Your gear setup: wetsuit, fins, mask, and lifejackets if needed
The operation includes snorkeling equipment, and that matters because gear can make or break your comfort. You’ll get fitted onboard with a wetsuit, fins, and a mask. If you’re a weaker swimmer, you’ll be offered a lifejacket.

Two practical tips I’d follow for comfort:

  • Make sure the mask seal feels right before you jump in. If it leaks, you’ll spend the swim fighting it.
  • Adjust your fins so they’re secure but not painful. You want power without cramps.

There’s also one “heads up” note from a real-world experience: one person found the snorkel setup a bit worn and awkward. That’s not guaranteed, but it’s a good reminder to take 30 seconds to check your equipment fit. If something feels off, speak up early—staff are there to fix it, not just hand you gear and disappear.

The safety briefing: how you’ll actually snorkel for 50 minutes

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - The safety briefing: how you’ll actually snorkel for 50 minutes
A lot of snorkeling tours stop at a basic “don’t drink the ocean” lesson. Here, you get a full safety briefing before you head out. In plain terms, they want you comfortable with the rhythm: how to breathe, how to float, and how to keep your focus on the water below without panicking.

This is especially valuable if snorkeling is your first time. In one account, the guide spent extra time explaining to a first-timer and stayed patient while the person practiced. That kind of attention is what turns a nervous first swim into something you can enjoy.

And if you’re not totally confident, remember this: the goal is not to “perform” underwater. The goal is to float near the surface and scan. The guides can stay close and help you settle into that pace.

The speedboat ride: a fast way to a secluded bay

After the briefing, you transfer by speedboat and head along the Tenerife coast. The ride is short—about 15 minutes each way—but you still get the fun part: coastline views from the water and that “we’re going somewhere” feeling.

There’s also a bonus possibility. In at least one experience, the boat spotted dolphins on the way out and stopped for photos. That doesn’t mean it happens every time, but it shows the crew is alert to wildlife and not just following a rigid schedule with blinders on.

The bay you snorkel from is about 15 minutes from shore, which is a smart compromise. You avoid the hassle of long transfers, but you still reach a spot where the water is clear enough for serious looking.

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Snorkeling in warm clear water: what you’ll see and how to search
You’ll have around 50 minutes of snorkeling time in crystal-clear, warm water. That’s long enough to get a good look at the seascape below without feeling like you’re sprinting. You snorkel at the surface while you scan underwater for motion and color.

Wildlife you might spot includes:

  • Turtles
  • Stingrays
  • Cuttlefish
  • Octopus
  • Colorful fish

Here’s how to search effectively:

  • Don’t stare straight down the whole time. Sweep your gaze slowly. Animals often move sideways.
  • Watch for stillness first, then confirm with a slight tilt of your head.
  • If you see a fish school, move with it for a few seconds. That’s where the action often clusters.

Also, don’t underestimate the “from the surface” part. You’re not on a mission to go deep. The best moments here come from slow scanning and letting your eyes adjust to the water.

And yes, if you spot something amazing, it’s okay to stop and take your moment. This is one of those trips where the guide’s job is to keep things safe while you enjoy the view.

When wind and waves hit: be flexible about the plan

One real advantage of this operation is that they pay attention to visibility and conditions. In one case, the team recognized that wind and waves would make snorkeling less clear. Instead of pushing ahead with a subpar experience, they suggested switching to scuba.

That doesn’t mean you’ll automatically swap activities. But it does mean the crew is thinking about the outcome: clear sightlines and a good time in the water. So if the forecast looks rough, plan to stay cooperative. It’ll likely improve what you get out of the experience.

If you’re only interested in snorkeling and you hate last-minute changes, say so early. You’ll still benefit from the team’s guidance, even if the exact plan shifts.

Guide attention in a small group: why it feels safer

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Guide attention in a small group: why it feels safer
With a maximum of 9 participants, this doesn’t feel like an assembly line. It’s small enough that your guide can notice who’s struggling and who’s ready to move on. That’s huge for confidence, especially if you’re coming with a partner or family member who isn’t 100% sure about snorkeling.

The tone from multiple accounts is consistent: friendly staff, clear safety messaging, and enough time to explain. One person highlighted a guide named Élisa for her supportive, gentle approach and helping them regain confidence.

Another account described how guides gave a first-time snorkeling child extra time and explanation. That’s the kind of setup that helps you relax, because you know someone is watching the edges—not just the center of the group.

Price and value: is $53 fair for a two-hour speedboat snorkel?

Tenerife: Puerto Colon Snorkel Safari by Speed Boat - Price and value: is $53 fair for a two-hour speedboat snorkel?
At about $53 per person for roughly two hours, the value depends on what you’re comparing against.

What you’re getting for that price:

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

What you’re not getting:

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Photos/videos (available to purchase)

For most people staying in the Puerto Colón area, the lack of hotel pickup is not a deal-breaker. It’s simply a logistics choice: you get to show up at the dock, they run the boat and handle the water time. Since gear is included, you’re not paying extra for rentals. In places where you have to buy or rent equipment separately, that can make the $53 feel much more reasonable.

The one “value watch” is time. Two hours is enough for a satisfying snorkel, but not enough for a long, exploratory session. If your priority is maximum time in the water, you might compare with longer tours. If your priority is smart routing from Puerto Colón to a clear bay, this is a solid match.

Practical things to bring (and skip) for a smoother day

Bring:

  • Swimwear
  • A towel

That’s it. You’ll be in a wetsuit onboard setup, so there’s no need to bring your own gear unless you prefer a personal mask. (The tour provides masks and fins.) You’ll also want to wear something you can rinse off quickly afterward.

A small self-check before you go:

  • If you’re nervous, mention it at check-in. The team is clearly built around helping people feel comfortable.
  • If you’re sensitive to cold, understand you’ll be in a wetsuit, which usually makes “warm and clear” water feel even more manageable.

Also, keep your expectations realistic. You’re scanning from the surface in clear water. That’s how turtles and rays show up best here—casual observation, not underwater sprinting.

Photos and videos: worth it, but plan for extras

Photos and videos are available to purchase after the session, but they’re not included. I’d treat that as a nice add-on, not part of your base budget.

If you know you want souvenirs, mentally tag that cost now so it doesn’t surprise you at the end. If you don’t care about images and you’d rather spend money elsewhere on Tenerife, you can skip it without losing the value of the trip.

Who this snorkeling safari is best for

This tour fits best if you want:

  • A short, efficient trip out of Puerto Colón
  • Included snorkeling equipment
  • A real chance to see wildlife like turtles and stingrays
  • A small-group experience where guides can pay attention

It also works well for first-time snorkelers as long as you’re open to following instructions. One of the strongest themes from experiences with this crew is confidence-building guidance and patience in the water.

If you want underwater expertise training or long underwater time, you may feel the time limit. But for a practical, wildlife-focused snorkel from a speedboat, it’s a good size package.

Should you book the Puerto Colón snorkel safari by speedboat?

Book it if you’re prioritizing clear water, included gear, and a fast route from Puerto Colón to a secluded bay. At about $53 for two hours with speedboat transport and equipment, it’s easy to justify—especially if you don’t want to spend time hunting rentals or planning longer logistics.

Hold off or choose carefully if:

  • You get motion-sick on boats and the idea of a speedboat ride makes you uneasy
  • You’re expecting hours and hours of snorkeling time
  • You’re extremely visibility-dependent and hate any chance of conditions affecting what you see

If you’re flexible, comfortable in the water, and you like the idea of scanning for wildlife while you float, this is the kind of Tenerife experience that turns an afternoon into something memorable.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife Puerto Colón snorkel safari by speedboat?

The total duration is about 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour in Puerto Colón?

Meet at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón. It’s in front of dock 3 next to Café Black Pearl, with the diving center entrance behind Café Victoria.

What snorkeling gear is included?

You get 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.

Do you provide lifejackets for weak swimmers?

Yes. Lifejackets are available for weak swimmers.

How many people are in the group?

It’s a small group with a limit of up to 9 participants.

Can I cancel and do I have to pay right away?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, depending on availability.

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