One of the quickest ways to see Tenerife from below. This southern outing from Amarilla Marina pairs a real submarine ride with panoramic windows so you can watch Atlantic marine life up close.

I especially like the comfort and setup: you get an airy vessel with assigned window views, plus a free audio system in 15 languages through provided headphones. It’s also a practical family plan because the operator includes a free bus service from popular resort areas.

One thing to keep in mind is the underwater time feels short, and a few people report mild ear pressure during descent. If you’re expecting an all-day underwater experience, this one is more like a tight, high-impact highlight.

Key things I’d plan for

• Amarilla Marina, southern Tenerife: a calmer-feeling launch point than the busiest ports
• Sub Fun Cinco’s window seats: you’re not craning your neck for views
• 30 meters / 100 feet down: you’ll sit on the ocean bed for long looks
• Divers to pull fish closer: especially memorable around sting rays
• Audio guide in many languages: headphones included, content is built for families
• Free coach transfer: less hassle in hot resort traffic

Why Amarilla Marina Is the Right Place to Go Under

Southern Tenerife is where a lot of people focus on beaches and quick sightseeing. This experience gives you a different angle: the Atlantic Ocean view from below, starting at the exclusive Amarilla harbor area at the southern tip of the island.

What makes Amarilla work for your day is the vibe. You arrive at a dedicated marina setting, meet near the partner submarine, and you’re guided into the experience without needing to figure out gear, boats, or timing the way you would with traditional snorkeling or scuba. The waters here are also described as less explored, which matters because it helps frame the whole trip as something a bit different from the usual “tour bus to the obvious viewpoint” routine.

If you’re traveling with kids, or you simply want the wow-factor fast, this format fits. You’ll be underwater watching fish and rays at a depth of about 30 meters / 100 feet, but without the complexity of learning a dive system.

Getting On Board Sub Fun Cinco Without Stress

You board the yellow submarine Sub Fun Cinco, and the operator asks you to meet at the marina 30 minutes before your activity starts. If you’re driving yourself, the same idea applies: arrive early for check-in.

On board, you get a comfortable setup: 44 seats and 22 large screen windows. The vessel is described as spacious and well ventilated, so it doesn’t feel claustrophobic even with a full group. Each passenger has a window view, which is a big deal. On many sightseeing boats you spend half your time looking over other people’s heads. Here, you’re positioned for direct viewing.

There’s also a small screen showing what’s happening in front of the submarine from a camera feed. One review notes the screen quality can vary by where you sit, so try to choose your seat area if you’re offered options. Either way, the windows do the heavy lifting.

And yes, the ride is reported as smooth. People specifically mention worrying about sea sickness, then feeling fine once the submarine settles. For many families, that calm ride is half the value.

The 30-Meter Seabed Moment (Where the Real Magic Happens)

The main event is the underwater section. The submarine goes down to roughly 100 feet / 30 meters and then—this is the memorable part—it will actually sit on the ocean bed.

Once it’s settled, you can look steadily at marine life from below. Instead of passing by at speed, you’re paused where fish can gather and where divers can work at the surface-level distance of the windows. This is also why people keep mentioning the “up close” feeling: you’re not just watching through glass while the boat moves on.

The marine life you might spot is clearly part of the pitch, and it’s backed up by what people report seeing: flute fish, octopus, barracuda, parrot fish, and sting rays. One phrase that comes up in the description is that a family of sting rays is a highlight, and multiple reviews single out rays swimming close to the window area.

Some riders also mention shipwrecks and geological features as extras they noticed while the submarine was resting. The exact sighting depends on where the submarine settles and what’s around that day, but it’s fair to expect at least some mix of fish plus the headline rays.

Divers Doing the Work for Better Underwater Views

Here’s what makes this outing feel different from a passive underwater ride: divers interact below, and they actively bring fish closer to the viewing windows.

During the seabed portion, experienced divers join you and use feeding or attraction tactics (the description says they will tempt fish closer). That doesn’t just increase the odds of a great photo—it changes the whole viewing experience. When fish come closer, you get clearer silhouettes and better behavior to watch, like how rays glide, pause, and regroup.

Sting rays are the standout. Several reviews talk about a close encounter where rays appeared near the window area, and one review specifically calls out the interaction as a fantastic touch. Another mentions watching rays swimming alongside.

If your family is curious but nervous about water activity, this approach is a good bridge. You’re not asked to manage scuba gear. You’re watching calm underwater behavior directed toward your windows.

The Guided Tour and Boat Cruise Before the Submarine Time

Before you settle into the underwater portion, there’s a short block on land and sea connected to the Amarilla area: a guided tour plus a boat cruise and marine life viewing lasting about 1 hour.

Since the details here are limited, I’d frame this as your warm-up portion. You’ll likely get context from the guide and a chance to spot marine life from the surface before the submarine takes you deeper. In practice, this helps break up the time so the whole trip doesn’t feel like one long wait followed by a quick underwater segment.

One practical upside: it can be a nice stretch break before boarding the submarine. If you’re coming with kids, it also adds a layer of variety to keep attention from dropping. If you’re expecting the full experience to be only underwater, you’ll still feel like you’re doing something meaningful during that hour.

Audio Guide in 15 Languages: Fun for Families, Not Just Facts

This experience includes a free audio-guide system with headphones. The operator lists 15 languages, and the important part for your day is that you can choose a language you’ll actually understand without translating in real time.

The supported languages include Danish, Dutch, English, Spanish, Finnish, French, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Swedish, German, Chinese, Czech, and Russian. You can also hear a live tour guide in English, Spanish, and German.

I like this system for two reasons. First, it turns underwater viewing into an on-the-spot learning moment. Second, it helps kids follow the story without needing you to translate everything yourself.

A review mentions how hearing content in a maternal language made it easier for a child to understand. Another notes that being able to communicate in Czech helped them feel more at ease. Even if you only catch a few facts, it changes how you look at fish and rays.

Family-Friendly, But Timing Matters for Quiet

This outing is designed to work for families, and the age rules reflect that: participants must be at least 2 years old. Reviews repeatedly praise it as a good fit for children, including kids as young as 3, and they describe it as safe and exciting while still interesting for adults.

The big family advantage is the format. You get a “wow” moment without requiring swim skills, equipment, or long sessions. For kids, the novelty of watching large animals glide near the window is often the main event. For parents, the stress level tends to be low because the environment is controlled and guided.

The main drawback isn’t safety. It’s noise. One review complains about a family with very noisy kids onboard and says it affected other passengers’ experience. If your group includes sensitive listeners or you’re going for a calm, photo-focused ride, you might prefer a departure time when you expect fewer unruly groups. It’s also a good reminder to bring patience—and maybe ear protection if your child tends to get loud on tours.

Time, Transfers, and How to Plan Your Day in Southern Tenerife

You’re not left on your own to figure out getting to the marina. The operator offers a free bus transfer from major resort areas, including Playa de Las Americas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, Puerto de Santiago, and Los Gigantes.

The coach portion is listed as about 1.5 hours. That time matters because it shapes the rest of your day. You’ll want to plan around the pickup window and not schedule tight connections right before and after.

You’ll also see a large list of drop-off locations across the south. This is handy if you’re staying in a smaller hotel or a neighborhood with fewer direct taxi options.

Duration is listed as 1 to 3 hours, with the note that times are guidelines and can change with demand. In other words: treat your schedule as flexible. If you’re building a day itinerary, keep a buffer.

One small but practical tip: check your email and phone for pickup details. Multiple locations are involved, and timing errors are usually about missing the right pickup point, not about the submarine experience itself.

Price and Value: Is $72 Worth It?

At $72 per person, the value comes from what’s included, not just the underwater portion.

Your ticket includes:

• A guide
• Headphones for the audio system
• A certificate provided at the end of the experience
• Bus transfer via the free service

And it’s not just about cost coverage. For many people, the real “savings” is effort. You don’t need to coordinate transport, you don’t need to buy extra gear, and you don’t need a training session to get the underwater viewpoint.

People also describe it as good for the price and “short and sweet.” That matters because it’s not trying to compete with a full day of scuba or long snorkeling sessions. This is a focused highlight: see fish, see rays, hear what you’re looking at, get out.

Food and drinks are not included, and food and drinks aren’t allowed in the vehicle. So plan your day like an excursion: eat beforehand (or after), and don’t count on snacks on board.

What to Watch For on the Day

A few details can help you feel more ready and less surprised.

First, expect a descent experience where some people feel ear pressure. This isn’t described as dangerous, but it’s mentioned by at least one rider as a temporary discomfort that later eased. If you’re prone to ear sensitivity, you’ll probably want to be mindful.

Second, you’re dependent on the submarine schedule. The provided timing is a guideline and can change with demand. That’s normal for popular activities. It’s why arriving early to the marina matters.

Third, think about your camera expectations. Many passengers are there for photos of fish and rays at the window. The submarine sitting on the seabed helps, because it creates the stable viewing time you need to capture calm moments instead of only quick blurs.

Finally, remember that not everyone will see exactly the same species at the same distance. The highlights are consistent—sting rays are the headline, and a mix of fish is expected—but marine life is always a living situation, not a stage show.

Should You Book This Southern Tenerife Submarine Experience?

I’d book it if you want a family-friendly, low-stress way to see the Atlantic underwater world. It’s a smart choice for first-timers, people who don’t want scuba training, and anyone who likes a guided experience with clear viewing setups. The combination of window seating, a 30-meter seabed stop, and divers interacting with rays creates a strong “I can’t believe I’m seeing this” moment in a short time.

Skip it if your goal is a long, quiet underwater session or you’re very sensitive to crowd noise. Also, if you’re expecting multiple hours of bottom time, this experience may feel brief. The time is tight by design.

If you’re in southern Tenerife and you want your trip to include something genuinely different, this one is an easy yes.

FAQ

How deep does the submarine go?

The submarine descends to approximately 100 feet (about 30 meters).

Where does the experience start?

Meet at the local partner’s submarine at Amarilla Marina, 38639 Tenerife. You should arrive about 30 minutes before the activity starts.

Is the bus transfer free?

Yes. A free bus service is available from main hotels in Playa de Las Americas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, Puerto de Santiago, and Los Gigantes.

What’s included with the ticket?

Included are a guide, headphones for the audio system, a certificate at the end, and the bus transfer.

What’s not included?

Food and drinks are not included.

Are young children allowed?

Participants must be at least 2 years old or above. Children under 2 are not suitable for the activity.

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