Speedboat snorkels beat the usual beach routine. Off Puerto Colón, you blast out fast, suit up, and swim in a sheltered bay where turtles and stingrays are a real possibility. It’s two hours of action without a long travel day attached.

I love the calm, safety-first briefing before you hit the water, and the fact that the crew keeps things organized and watchful. In feedback, one guide named Élisa is specifically praised for being gentle and helping people relax—perfect if you’re a bit nervous. I also like the small group size (max 9), which means you’re not lost in a crowd and you get real guidance in the water.

One thing to consider: wind and waves can affect visibility, and the team may adjust the plan if conditions aren’t good for snorkeling. If you’re flexible, you’ll get more out of the day.

Key things I’d focus on before you go

• Small group of up to 9: easier coaching and better attention in the water
• Gear is provided: wetsuit, fins, and mask (lifejacket if you need it)
• A secluded bay about 15 minutes out: you’re not spending forever in transit
• About 50 minutes snorkeling: enough time to settle in and actually look around
• Wildlife watch from the surface: turtles, cuttlefish, stingrays, and more
• First-timer support: the guide stays close and takes the time to explain

How the Puerto Colón Snorkel Safari actually feels on Tenerife

This isn’t a long, slow swim tour. The whole experience is built around short, clear segments: gear up on land, a quick speedboat ride along Tenerife’s south coast, then a concentrated snorkeling window in a quieter bay. That rhythm matters because it keeps your energy up and your attention on the water, where the fun happens.

You’ll be looking at what’s overhead and what’s below—ocean texture, sunlight, and sudden movement under the surface. The goal isn’t just floating around. You’re on the hunt for marine life you can spot from the surface, while the guide helps you make sense of what you’re seeing.

The vibe is active but not chaotic. With a small group and a structured briefing, it tends to feel more like a guided experience than a casual rental.

Meeting at Zero Gravity Tenerife (in front of dock 3)

You meet in Puerto Colón at Zero Gravity Tenerife, located in front of dock 3 next to Café Black Pearl. The entrance to the diving center is on the back side of the commercial center, behind Café Victoria. That detail matters: the building setup is easy to misread if you only look at the front.

Plan to arrive a little early so you have time to find the correct entrance and get settled before the briefing. If you’re the type who freezes when it’s time to gear up, early arrival gives you breathing room.

Once you’re in the right place, you’re basically walking into the start of the safety and setup process, not just waiting around.

The 30-minute safety briefing: where the confidence comes from

Before the boat ride, you’ll get a safety briefing (about 30 minutes). This isn’t filler time. It’s what makes snorkeling feel less like guesswork and more like a simple, teachable skill.

You should expect instructions on how to snorkel with the fins and mask you’ll be using. And because the group is small, questions are easier to get answered. That’s especially important if it’s your first time or you’re worried about staying comfortable in open water.

One of the strongest bits of feedback is that the crew stays patient and supportive, including for people snorkeling for the first time. If you want a tour that helps you feel capable fast, this part is a big reason why the experience scores well.

The 15-minute speedboat ride along Tenerife’s south coast

Then comes the speedboat segment—about 15 minutes out to the snorkeling bay. It’s short enough that you don’t get stuck in “are we there yet” mode, but long enough to feel like you’re actually leaving the dock behind you.

On the way, you can get views of the coastline and ocean conditions. And in some cases, the boat may pause for photos when wildlife is spotted—dolphins are specifically mentioned as something you might see before you even gear up.

This leg of the tour is also when you’ll start noticing the water temperature and surface conditions. If it feels too choppy, you’ll understand why the team later talks about visibility and safety.

Snorkeling in the secluded bay: your main hour

Once you reach the bay, you’ll spend around 50 minutes snorkeling in clear, warm water. The bay is described as being only about 15 minutes from shore, which is part of the value: you get an ocean experience without feeling like you’re far from help.

What you’ll do is simple in concept: jump in, adjust your mask and snorkel, and explore along the surface while keeping an eye out for movement below. The guide’s job is to point you toward likely wildlife spots and help you stay comfortable.

This is also where the tour feels different from random swimming. You’re not just admiring the sea—you’re actively scanning for turtles, cuttlefish, stingrays, and other creatures that you can sometimes spot without going under.

The biggest practical tip: plan to spend those 50 minutes slowly. If you rush, you miss the subtle action that gives away where the animals are.

Gear included: wetsuit, fins, mask, and lifejacket options

The essentials are provided on board: wetsuit, fins, and mask. That takes a lot of hassle out of Tenerife travel because you don’t need to hunt for rentals ahead of time. If you’re traveling light, gear included is a real win.

They also have lifejackets available for weak swimmers. Even if you feel comfortable, it’s reassuring to know support is offered. Your comfort level matters here: snorkeling is easier when you’re not constantly second-guessing your stability.

What to bring is straightforward: swimwear and a towel. Since the wetsuit is part of the kit, it helps to wear swimwear underneath so you aren’t wrestling with clothes right when you’re trying to get out on the water.

If you’re picky about equipment quality, note that at least one feedback point raised concerns about worn snorkel gear and limited setup explanations at the center. The good news: the guide in the water is described as helpful, so if something feels off, ask for a quick adjustment early.

Wildlife odds: what you might spot from the surface

The tour’s wildlife focus is clear: keep your eyes open for turtles, cuttlefish, stingrays, and possibly octopus sightings from the surface. That “from the surface” wording is important. It means you’re not being asked to do anything extreme—just watch patiently and follow guidance.

You should also expect that sightings depend on conditions. Clear water improves your chances. Calm water helps you float and scan without fighting the sea. And the timing—about an hour in the bay—gives you enough time to spot something even if your first look is quiet.

Even when wildlife doesn’t show up in huge numbers, the tour still pays off because the point is guided ocean viewing: you get a structured search, not just a casual swim.

When wind and waves change the plan

Weather happens. One key piece of real-world insight from feedback: if wind and waves are strong enough to make visibility poor, the team may suggest switching from snorkeling to a scuba option instead of forcing a low-visibility snorkel.

That’s not a guarantee, but it’s a practical heads-up. It tells you two things:

1) they take conditions seriously, and

2) they may offer a different way to enjoy the marine world if snorkeling conditions aren’t ideal.

If you’re booking with a flexible mindset, you’ll handle this better. If snorkeling is the one non-negotiable for you, ask about conditions on the day and be ready for the crew’s guidance.

Small group, big impact: max 9 on the boat

With a group limited to 9 participants, you get a more hands-on experience. In a small group, the guide can actually notice who is struggling with mask fit, breathing rhythm, or confidence in the water.

This matters if you’re new. The experience includes instruction and ongoing support, including attention for people snorkeling for the first time. The benefit is that you don’t feel like you’re holding up a tour—you’re just being taught.

It also helps with snorkeling quality. You’re not constantly swimming around other people’s fins, and the guide can point out what you should watch for without yelling.

In-water guidance: what “helpful and patient” looks like

A big part of the praise is about how calm and reassuring the crew is. The most helpful guidance doesn’t just happen at the start. The guide stays close during the snorkeling time so you can get feedback when you need it.

One name that comes up is Élisa, described as warm and gentle when helping someone rebuild confidence. Another feedback note praises an Italian guide who took extra time explaining snorkeling to a daughter snorkeling for the first time. That tells you the style: patient, step-by-step, and focused on making sure you feel safe.

So if you’re anxious, don’t assume you’ll be left to figure it out. This is the kind of tour where the guidance is part of the product, not an afterthought.

Price and value: what $53 includes (and what doesn’t)

At $53 per person for a roughly 2-hour outing, the value comes from bundling the things that cost time and effort on your own:

• speedboat transport
• snorkeling gear (wetsuit, fins, mask)
• lifejacket if required
• a guided wildlife search format

What you don’t get is also clear: hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, and photos/videos are available to purchase. That means you should plan to get yourself to the meeting point in Puerto Colón.

If you’re already in the area, the price feels more reasonable because you’re paying for a guided boat trip plus gear, not for complicated logistics. If you’re coming from farther away and will need extra transport, factor that into your total day cost.

Who should book this snorkel safari (and who might want a different plan)

This tour fits best if you want:

• a short boat ride with minimal downtime
• an hour of snorkeling in clear, warm water
• a guide who helps with confidence and technique
• a chance to spot turtles, cuttlefish, stingrays, and similar wildlife

It may be less ideal if you’re expecting a specific “spectacle” underwater every time. Wildlife sightings depend on conditions, and one snorkel spot may not feel like the biggest underwater show compared to other Tenerife options.

If you’re traveling with kids or a first-timer, this style of instruction is a strong match. The small group and lifejacket availability are a good safety combination for learning.

Practical tips so you enjoy every minute in the bay

Bring swimwear and a towel. That’s the core packing list, and it keeps you from doing last-minute purchases. Also, use your time at the dock to ask questions during the briefing. If you don’t understand something about snorkel use, ask then—not after you’re already floating.

Once you’re in the water, slow down your scanning. Move your head and eyes calmly. The animals you’re looking for aren’t usually announced by a trumpet—so your job is patience, not speed.

And if you’re one of the people who gets nervous about breathing, focus on letting the guide’s pacing control your rhythm. The crew’s whole approach is built to keep you feeling safe and supported.

Should you book the Puerto Colón Snorkel Safari by speed boat?

Yes, if you want a guided snorkeling experience with gear included, a small group, and a structured wildlife search in a sheltered bay. The strongest reasons to book are the organized briefing, the calm support in the water, and the chance to see marine life without complicated planning.

Skip it only if snorkeling is fragile in your mind—like you’ll be upset if visibility is reduced by wind and the team adjusts the plan. But if you’re okay following the crew’s call for water conditions, you’re likely to end up with a memorable Tenerife ocean hour.

If you book, aim for an early arrival at Zero Gravity Tenerife so you can start the briefing relaxed. That’s when the day goes best.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You 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 at the back of the commercial center, behind Café Victoria.

What snorkeling gear is included?

The tour includes snorkeling gear such as a wetsuit, fins, and mask. A lifejacket is also included if you need it.

How long do we snorkel?

You’ll snorkel for about 50 minutes in the bay, with the full experience lasting about 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What animals might you see?

You may see turtles, cuttlefish, stingrays, octopus, and other colorful fish. Dolphins may also appear before you enter the bay, depending on conditions.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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