Tenerife’s turtles show up fast. This speedboat snorkeling safari is built around a small group and a smooth onboard setup with wetsuit, fins, and mask, so you spend more time looking and less time fussing with gear.

You’ll also get a quick speedboat run to a sheltered snorkeling bay about 15 minutes from shore, then close to an hour in clear, warm water. One caution: there’s no hotel pickup, so plan to reach the Puerto Colón meeting point (right by dock 3) on time and ready to swim.

Key points that matter before you go

• Small group up to 9 people means more attention in the water
• About 50 minutes snorkeling after a short speedboat ride
• Gear included onboard: wetsuit, fins, and mask (lifejacket if needed)
• Wildlife possibilities: turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, octopuses, plus other fish
• Secluded bay nearby: you’re only 15 minutes from shore when you splash in
• Clear-water focus: the trip is timed for visibility, and conditions can change plans

How this Puerto Colón snorkel safari really plays out

This is a simple, efficient plan: you meet in Puerto Colón, get geared up, then hop onto a speedboat for a short out-and-back ride. The real payoff is the time in the water. You’re not spending half the day commuting or stuck just watching from the rail.

The tone is practical. There’s a safety briefing before you go, and you’re fitted with snorkeling equipment right at the start. Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, there are lifejackets available, and the group size helps the instructor keep an eye on everyone.

Finding Zero Gravity Tenerife and dock 3 in Puerto Colón

Your meeting point is Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón, in front of dock 3, next to Cafe Black Pearl. The entrance to the diving center is on the back side of the commercial center, behind Cafe Victoria.

I’d treat this like a mini mission: arrive a few minutes early and take a slow lap around the storefront area. When you’re standing near dock 3, the easiest trick is to use the nearby cafés as landmarks. This is one of those tours where being on time makes everything calmer for the group.

Getting geared up: wetsuit, fins, mask, and a real safety check

Once you arrive, you’ll be fitted with the core kit: wetsuit, fins, and mask. If you need it, you’ll also have a lifejacket. You don’t need to bring your own snorkeling gear for this one, and you can keep your packing list short.

Then comes the briefing—long enough to matter (about 30 minutes). This isn’t just a quick lecture. It’s the moment you’ll learn what to do in the water, how to handle breathing, and how the snorkeling experience will be run. For first-timers, that structure is a big deal. It turns snorkel time from stressful into manageable.

What to bring is straightforward: swimwear and a towel. If you tend to run cold easily, the wetsuit helps, but you’ll still feel the difference between waiting on the boat and being in the water.

The speedboat ride: quick transit, better viewing time

You’ll head out by speedboat for about 15 minutes. That’s enough time to reset your eyes on the coastline and scan for sea life. It also puts distance between you and the shore, which can help when you’re looking for turtles, stingrays, and other animals that use this kind of coast feeding area.

On some departures, you might get a bonus sighting while you’re on the way. A couple of people have noted dolphin sightings before snorkeling time, and the crew paused so they could take photos. Nothing is guaranteed, but the pattern is clear: if something is happening on the surface, the team is alert to it.

Snorkeling in the secluded bay: what to do with your attention

After the ride, you’ll snorkel in a secluded bay for around 50 minutes. The water is described as clear and warm, and the bay is only about 15 minutes from shore, so you’re not dealing with a long, tiring swim to get to the action.

Here’s how I’d focus your attention during the swim:

• Keep your eyes moving slowly, not just straight down at the reef-like spots.
• Look for slow gliding shadows. Stingrays and turtles often show up as movement first.
• When you spot fish, don’t rush. Wait a few seconds and watch what else comes to the area.

You might even see animals from the surface, like octopuses and cuttlefish, plus turtles and stingrays. The most realistic mindset is: your success depends on patience and steady scanning, not on diving deeper or chasing everything.

Sea life chances: turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, octopuses, and fish

This trip markets the kinds of animals you actually want to see up close without needing special technical skills. The best part of a boat-and-bay setup is that you spend most of your time where marine life is likely to pass through.

Based on the tour description, the “watch list” includes:

• Turtles
• Stingrays
• Cuttlefish
• Octopuses
• Colorful fish and other sea life

Are turtles and rays guaranteed? No. But the itinerary is designed to give you repeated exposure to a good viewing zone: short boat travel, then a focused time in the water. That rhythm matters because you’re not constantly getting in and out, and you’re not losing your momentum after the first few minutes.

Comfort and gear: wetsuits, masks, and why fit matters

You’ll get complimentary use of wetsuits, fins, and masks onboard. That’s a genuine value add for $53, because buying all that gear for a short trip usually costs far more.

Still, equipment comfort depends on fit. The mask should sit flat without needing constant pressing. The snorkel should sit in a way that doesn’t annoy you mid-breath. If you’ve ever had mask straps slip or fins feel awkward, take 30 seconds when they fit you up and ask for a quick adjustment. It’s the difference between relaxing in the water and thinking about gear.

One more practical point: the tour includes lifejackets if needed. If you’re a weaker swimmer, use the support provided rather than trying to prove a point. Your best snorkel is the one where you can look around calmly.

How long you’re actually out there (and what you’re doing with that time)

The whole experience runs about 2 hours. That includes the safety briefing, speedboat time, snorkeling time, and the return ride. The effective “in-water” chunk is about 1 hour total snorkeling time (with roughly 50 minutes in the bay described).

That timing is ideal if you’re visiting Tenerife with tight days. You get a boat ride, gear setup, and meaningful water time without turning it into an all-day commitment.

Who this tour suits best

This is a great match if:

• you want a short, organized snorkeling experience
• you like the idea of a small group rather than a big crowd
• you’re open to spotting animals without expecting a guarantee
• you want gear handled for you

It’s especially useful for first-timers, because the tour is structured: briefing first, then controlled water time. You’re not expected to “figure it out” on the spot. For families, the small group setup tends to make it easier to keep attention on newcomers.

Weather and visibility: the day can change the plan

The tour depends on conditions. Clear water is the goal, and wind and waves can reduce visibility. When that happens, the crew may adjust what you do next to keep the experience worthwhile.

So, if you show up to choppy conditions, don’t panic if the plan isn’t exactly what you imagined from a sunny day description. The practical takeaway: this is a guided outing, and the team will prioritize what you can see and enjoy safely.

Price and value: $53 for a speedboat + gear + a real session

At around $53 per person for a 2-hour experience, the value is strongest when you count what’s included: speedboat transport plus snorkeling gear (and lifejacket if required). If you had to rent boat access plus basic snorkeling equipment separately, it usually adds up quickly.

You’re paying for three things:

1. Time in good viewing water with the bay nearby
2. A guided setup that reduces wasted time and confusion
3. Convenient gear handling so you arrive ready to go

The value weakens a bit if you were hoping for the absolute most dramatic reef system on the island. This is more about accessible wildlife viewing and a guided swim than about chasing the biggest underwater “wow” show.

Things to watch for: gear quality and what happens on a busy desk

The overall experience seems well-run and safety-focused. Still, it’s worth knowing where things can vary.

A few practical considerations from the experience notes:

• Some people have commented that certain snorkel gear looked worn or didn’t feel perfect. If anything feels off, speak up during the fit check.
• Language support is listed across English, Spanish, French, and Italian. In real life, front-desk communication can vary, so it helps to stick with the guide’s language if possible and keep your questions simple.

Also, while the bay is easy to access and good for beginners, it may not feel as “special” as some other snorkel spots if you’ve done lots of snorkeling before. Think of this as a reliable, friendly wildlife-viewing session, not a once-in-a-lifetime reef expedition.

Should you book this Tenerife snorkel safari?

Book it if you want:

• a short, organized snorkeling trip with speedboat access
• included gear so you don’t carry or rent equipment
• a small-group feel where instruction is easier
• a solid chance at marine sightings like turtles and rays

Skip it (or look for an alternative) if you:

• need hotel pickup and don’t want to handle getting to Puerto Colón yourself
• are extremely picky about gear condition and perfect fit every time
• are chasing only the most dramatic snorkel scenery and don’t care as much about guided wildlife searching

If your goal is clear: get out there, scan the water for wildlife, and enjoy about an hour of snorkeling without stress, this one hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Zero Gravity Tenerife in Puerto Colón, in front of dock 3 next to Cafe Black Pearl, with the entrance on the back side of the commercial center behind Cafe Victoria.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes speedboat transport, snorkeling gear, and a lifejacket if required.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Wetsuits, fins, and masks are provided onboard.

How long will I spend snorkeling?

You’ll snorkel for about 50 minutes in the bay, within a total experience time of around 2 hours.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. You should bring swimwear and a towel.

Will there be a lifejacket if I’m not a confident swimmer?

Lifejackets are available for weak swimmers.

What marine life might I see?

The tour description highlights turtles, stingrays, cuttlefish, octopuses, and colorful fish.

What languages are offered for the instructor?

The instructor can work in English, Spanish, French, and Italian.

How does cancellation work?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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