Jump from the harbor and swim with marine life.

This speedboat snorkeling safari is built for an easy start: you’re kitted out onboard, then taken a short ride to a secluded bay where the water is usually clear and warm. I like that it’s a small group (up to 9), which usually means your guide can actually keep an eye on everyone, especially if it’s your first time snorkeling.

One thing to keep in mind: if wind or chop is up, visibility can drop, and you may need to adjust expectations once you’re out on the water. In at least one real-world case, staff even suggested a different option when conditions weren’t great for snorkeling.

Key things to know before you go

• Up to 9 people keeps the tour feeling personal, not cattle-car style.
• Gear is included: wetsuit, fins, and mask (lifejacket if you need one).
• About 50 minutes in the water in a secluded bay roughly 15 minutes from shore.
• Wildlife spotting is the point: turtles, cuttlefish, stingrays, octopus, and lots of fish.
• It’s a true “time-on-water” tour with a 2-hour total run, including briefing and boat ride.

Speedboat snorkel logistics: where you meet in Puerto Colón

You’ll start in Puerto Colón at Zero Gravity Tenerife, in the commercial area by the docks. The practical landmark here is front of dock 3, next to Café Black Pearl, with the diving center entrance around the back side of the shopping complex, behind Café Victoria. If you arrive late, you’ll likely be stuck watching the boat go without you, because this is a tight 2-hour slot.

The tour runs in multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, Italian) and the instructor team is the one talking you through the water steps. That matters, because the snorkeling part works best when you understand the basics quickly and then relax.

Fitting on wetsuit, mask, fins: the 30-minute safety start

Before you even think about sea turtles, you’ll get a safety briefing and gear fitting—about 30 minutes total. You’ll be provided with a wetsuit, fins, and mask, and you’ll use a lifejacket if you’re a weaker swimmer. Even if you’re a confident swimmer, it’s worth paying attention to the explanation because it sets expectations for how close you’ll stay to the guide and how the group manages the water.

A quick practical tip: when you put the mask on, take the time to get a snug seal. If it leaks, you’ll spend your snorkeling time fussing instead of looking for wildlife. Also, rinse-off and dry quickly with your towel when you’re done, because wet gear can feel colder once you’re back near the dock.

The 15-minute speedboat ride: views and a faster path to the bay

Once safety and gear are handled, you hop onto the speedboat for about 15 minutes. This is a short run, but it’s not wasted time. You’re there to reach a secluded snorkeling bay that’s reachable quickly from shore, and that short transfer helps keep the whole experience feeling focused.

In good conditions, you may also get wildlife sightings while cruising. Some guests reported seeing dolphins on the way out and then pausing for photos. On the flip side, if the sea is rougher, you can expect the ride to feel more “speedboat” and less “easy coastal cruise,” which ties directly into your snorkeling comfort.

The main event: about an hour snorkeling in clear, warm water

The snorkeling window is typically around 50 minutes, even though the entire experience lasts 2 hours. You’ll swim at the surface in clear water, which is ideal if you want the feeling of being out there without any heavy gear or complicated setup.

What you’re looking for is the fun part. Keep your eyes open for turtles, cuttlefish, stingrays, and other marine life that you might spot from the surface. You might also encounter octopus, and you’ll see a lot of smaller fish that make the whole experience feel like more than just one “big animal moment.”

If you’re a first-timer, this tour can be a good fit because it’s guided and structured. The key is to stay calm, breathe steadily, and not fight the mask or fins. Once you stop trying to “solve” snorkeling and just start watching, the underwater world becomes the story.

When wind hits: why visibility can change your plan

Even in the Canary Islands, conditions can shift. One guest experienced this firsthand: visibility was expected to be poor due to wind and waves, so the staff explained the issue and suggested switching to scuba instead. If you show up with a flexible mindset, that kind of on-the-spot decision-making can actually save your day.

For you, the takeaway is simple: don’t treat snorkeling time as a guarantee of perfect underwater clarity. If the surface is choppy, your view can get flatter and dimmer, and the wildlife spotting can be harder. That doesn’t make the tour useless—it just means you’ll want to focus on whatever you can see clearly and enjoy the overall experience rather than hunting for one specific species.

Wildlife search with a small team: how guides shape the experience

With a group capped at 9, the guide’s job is easier: they can keep you together, answer questions fast, and adjust the pace. That can be a big deal for beginners or families, where the biggest barrier is usually confidence, not fitness.

The feedback on staff has been strongly positive. One guest praised Élisa for calm, reassuring support, including helping them feel more comfortable and safe. Another guest highlighted an Italian guide who took extra time explaining snorkeling to a daughter who was trying it for the first time—and also noticed dolphins during the outbound part of the trip.

There’s a balance to that, though. Not every part is flawless: one review mentioned snorkeling gear that felt worn or low quality, and another pointed out that English wasn’t always easy for some staff on-site. So if you’re picky about equipment fit or condition, do a quick gear check on arrival and ask immediately if something feels off.

What’s included in the ticket (and what you’ll pay extra)

At $53 per person for a 2-hour activity, the main value is that transport and equipment are handled for you. Your ticket includes speedboat transport plus snorkeling gear (wetsuit, fins, mask), and a lifejacket is available if required.

Photos and videos aren’t included, but they’re available to purchase afterward. If you care about underwater shots and don’t want to gamble on your own camera setup, this add-on can be worth considering.

Also, there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included. That means you’ll want to plan your timing to get to Zero Gravity Tenerife on Puerto Colón’s dock area with enough buffer for check-in.

Price and value on Tenerife: is it worth $53?

For this kind of experience, $53 is a reasonable middle ground: you’re paying for a guided wildlife-style snorkeling session, boat transfer, and gear. If you were trying to replicate it on your own, you’d still need a way to get to the bay, plus equipment and someone to guide you to the best chances for spotting turtles or stingrays from the surface.

Where value can dip is when conditions reduce visibility. If the sea is rough, the tour becomes more about a careful, guided swim than a crystal-clear wildlife hunt. Still, you’d be surprised how much marine life you can see even with less-than-perfect clarity, especially with a guide helping you stay in the right spots.

Who should book this snorkel safari (and who might look elsewhere)

This tour is a strong pick if you want guided snorkeling without the hassle of planning, equipment sourcing, and boat logistics. It’s also a good choice for beginners because the activity includes fitting and a briefing, plus lifejackets are available for weaker swimmers.

It may be less ideal if you hate small boat movement. The tour depends on sea conditions, and even though the ride is short, wind and waves can affect both comfort and visibility.

Also consider your expectations: this isn’t a “private beach and go whenever” setup. It’s scheduled, timed, and structured, with about an hour in the water and the rest used for safety briefing and boat transfer.

Should you book the Puerto Colón snorkel safari?

I’d book it if you’re coming to Tenerife for a simple, guided way to see marine life and you like the idea of spending most of your time actually in the water. The small group size, included gear, and short boat ride to a secluded bay are the big reasons it feels good for the money.

Skip (or consider alternative plans) if you’re highly sensitive to choppy water or if you need guaranteed top visibility. If you can stay flexible and treat it as a guided nature swim with wildlife chances, this one makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife Puerto Colón snorkel safari?

The duration is about 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Puerto Colón?

Meet at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón, 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.

What snorkeling gear is included?

The tour includes snorkeling gear: wetsuit, fins, and mask. A lifejacket is available if required.

Do I need to bring swimwear or a towel?

Yes. Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is there a lifejacket for weak swimmers?

Yes. Lifejackets are available for weak swimmers.

How long do you spend snorkeling?

You’ll snorkel for about 50 minutes (about 1 hour in the water during the tour).

Is the group small?

Yes. The tour is limited to a small group of up to 9 participants.

What languages do instructors speak?

The instructor provides guidance in English, Spanish, French, and Italian.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.