Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A submarine excursion in Tenerife is a dive in a tourist submarine that descends to about 30 metres off the south coast, with panoramic windows for watching the seabed and underwater life. The whole activitand thests around an hour, including boarding and disembarking, according to Turismo de Tenerife.
It is the way to go down to the seabed without diving or getting wet. This page helps you know what you will see, who it suits and what to check.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Tourist submarine dive |
| Depth | Down to about 30 metres |
| Duration | Around 1 hour in total, with about 50 minutes underwater |
| Port | Marina San Miguel (Amarilla Golf), in the south of Tenerife |
| View | A seat next to a large porthole and a screen showing the outside cameras |
| Explanation | Guide on board and audio guide in several languages |
| Age | Under-2s are not allowed, according to the offers reviewed |
| Seasickness | Underwater, you do not feel the waves |
| Price | Depends on age and the sales channel |
What it is and who runs it
According to Turismo de Tenerife, the company Submarine Safaris has run tourist submarine excursions since 2007, based at Marina San Miguel. On the offer reviewed, each seat has an 800 mm porthole and a monitor showing images from outside.
It is a real submarine that submerges completely. It should not be confused with a glass-bottom boat, which sails on the surface.
What happens
- Arrival at the marina about 15 minutes beforehand for the safety briefing.
- Surface transfer to the dive point.
- Dive down to about 30 metres.
- Tour of the seabed with commentary from the guide.
- Ascent and return to the marina.
What you can see
The volcanic seabed of southern Tenerife, shoals of fish and, depending on the offer, shipwrecks. On some trips you see rays or turtles. What appears on each dive depends on the wildlife present that day and on the visibility.
Who it suits
- People who do not dive and want to see the seabed at some depth.
- Families with children aged 2 and over.
- People who get seasick on boats: underwater, you do not feel the waves.
- Older people, if access allows.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Claustrophobia: it is an enclosed space underwater.
- Under-2s: not allowed on the offers reviewed.
- Reduced mobility: boarding involves going down stairs; check beforehand.
- Anyone who wants to interact with the sea: consider snorkelling or a try dive.
How to choose well
- Is transport from your area included? The operator offers a bus from several areas in the south, with different frequencies.
- What language is the audio guide in?
- What happens if the sea does not allow the dive?
- What cancellation policy applies?
- Is there access for people with reduced mobility?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Guided dive | Included | Language |
| Audio guide | Included in several languages | — |
| Transport | Bus from some areas | Area and days |
| Food, drink and photos | Not included | — |
How to get there
Departures are from Marina San Miguel, in the Amarilla Golf and Golf del Sur area (municipality of San Miguel de Abona). You can go by car or on the bus the operator offers from several tourist areas in the south.
Safety
- Follow the safety briefing before boarding.
- If you have a medical condition or feel uneasy in enclosed spaces, mention it beforehand.
Weather
- In very rough seas the trip may be cancelled, because the surface transfer and boarding become difficult.
- Underwater you do not feel the waves.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a figure: there is a single operator, with prices by age that may change with the season and sales channel. Check the current price when you ask for information.
What to bring
- A light jacket: it can feel cool inside.
- A camera without flash.
- Something for the children in case they get restless.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Seeing the seabed from a boat on the surface | Glass-bottom boat |
| Swimming among fish | Snorkellingling in Tenerife |
| Diving for the first time | Try dive |
| Cetaceans on the surface | Whale and dolphin watching |
Frequently asked questions
How deep does the submarine go?
Down to about 30 metres.
How long does it last?
Around an hour in total, with about 50 minutes underwater.
Will I get carsick?
Underwater you do not feel the waves, so it is a good option if you get seasick on boats.
Can children come?
Yes, from age 2 according to the offers reviewed. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Where does it leave from?
From Marina San Miguel, in the Amarilla Golf area, in the south of Tenerife.
Is there transport from the hotel?
The operator offers a bus from several areas in the south. Check the days and times.