About this tour
When Mia from our BugBitten team tried this submarine tour off Tenerife, she descended 100 metres into the Atlantic without needing a wetsuit or diving cert. The vessel seats 44 passengers and cruises slowly past schools of sea breams, eels, rays, and the occasional barracuda — plus there's a decent chance of spotting a shipwreck on the seafloor. The hour moves at a relaxed pace, with multilingual audio guides explaining what you're seeing and why the ocean matters. It's less adrenaline-pumping than a scuba dive and more 'park yourself in a comfy seat and watch the underwater world roll past your window' — which, honestly, suits plenty of travellers.
Highlights
- Descend to 100 metres without getting wet or needing qualifications
- Spot eels, barracudas, rays, and various fish species from your seat
- Shipwreck sightings possible — depends on the day and luck
- Audio guide in 15 languages, so no language barrier confusion
- Personalised dive certificate as a keepsake of the descent
- Suitable for all fitness levels, including those with mobility concerns
- Relaxed pace lets you absorb the ocean rather than rush through it
What to expect
The day starts with a 30-minute arrival window at the marina — don't be late, as they won't hold the sub. Once aboard, you'll settle into a numbered seat with a decent window view (though not every seat is equal). The sub descends gradually, and the audio guide kicks in, naming fish, explaining ecosystems, and nudging you toward conservation awareness. Expect gentle motion rather than thrills; the focus is watching. Visibility varies with the day and season, so some runs show more marine action than others. The hour feels unhurried — there's no rush, and that's the whole point. You emerge with a certificate and the odd 'I went underwater in a submarine' story, which lands better with non-divers than you'd think.
The crowd is mixed: families, older travellers, anyone avoiding wetsuits. The marina itself is functional rather than fancy, and you'll want to sort your own transport there and back, which is doable via public options nearby.
What travellers say
- No diving cert or wetsuit needed — full underwater access for everyone
- Multilingual audio guide cuts through confusion and enriches the experience
- Relaxed pace lets you observe rather than tick boxes quickly
- Suitable for mobility-limited and older travellers often excluded from water tours
- Personal certificate is a tangible, unusual keepsake of the dive
- Marine life sightings and visibility vary wildly by season and weather
- Strict 30-minute early arrival rule; tight if you're relying on public transport
- No food, drinks, or facilities at marina; plan accordingly beforehand
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is genuinely unique for Tenerife — you see the seafloor without training, physical exertion, or getting cold. If claustrophobia isn't a concern, it's comfortable and stress-free. Kids over 2 love it. Multilingual audio means you're not stuck listening to one language, and the guide commentary feels thoughtful rather than rushed.
Visibility can be hit-or-miss depending on weather and season; you might see abundant life or sparse fish, and there's no guarantee of a shipwreck. It's a submarine ride, not scuba diving — if you're after hands-on interaction or adrenaline, temper expectations. The 30-minute early-arrival rule is strict. No food or drinks are included, and the marina itself offers limited amenities, so pack a snack beforehand. A few seats have obstructed views, so early boarding helps. Winter storms can occasionally cause cancellations. Public transport to the marina is reliable but not instant — budget 45 minutes from central towns.
Light layers (the sub cabin stays cool), a light jacket, sunscreen if you're waiting beforehand, and a full bottle of water. Phones and cameras are fine for window shots, though glass reflections can be tricky.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.