Lanzarote: Real Submarine Dive

A real submarine beats a glass-bottom boat. Out in Puerto Calero, you ride in the Sub Fun Tres and look out at the Atlantic from real portholes, with an audio guide that matches what you’re seeing.

I especially like the big windows and personal headsets, because you can actually focus on the view instead of squinting or guessing. I also like that you go down to 30 m (100 ft) to explore three shipwrecks and spot fish around the submarine, not just “watch from above.” One possible drawback: the whole experience is only about an hour, so if the fish are quiet that day, you might wish for more time on the ocean floor.

Key things I’d circle on your Lanzarote plan

• Sub Fun Tres, a real working submarine, one of only 14 of its kind worldwide
• Three shipwrecks as part of the underwater route, not just a general “marine life” show
• Up to 30 m (100 ft) of descent, which is where the sea changes and the view gets serious
• Audio guide in 9 languages with free headphones, so you hear the stories as you watch
• 44 seats and 22 large windows, designed for comfort and clear sightlines
• Time at Puerto Calero Marina after, so you do not feel rushed straight from the water

Puerto Calero Marina, where the submarine trip actually starts

Puerto Calero is the launch point for this submarine outing, and it helps explain the whole vibe. You’re not heading to a remote harbor or doing a complex transfer. Instead, everything funnels through the marina area, where the operator meets you at Submarine Safaris on Marina de Puerto Calero (Modulo C, Local 2).

You’ll want to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. That extra buffer matters because boarding is not instant, and there is walking and getting organized before you go down. Also, even if the activity is well run, marinas are marinas. Expect crowds at peak times and a little bit of “wait your turn” energy.

If you’re staying in Lanzarote’s more spread-out resort towns, take advantage of the air-conditioned transfer option. The good news is that the experience is set up for convenience, not just for people who are already right next to the water.

Boarding Sub Fun Tres: seats, portholes, and comfort that matters

This is not a wet-and-wild boat tour. The submarine’s cabin is kept at normal atmospheric conditions, and the operator states that this helps prevent issues for people with ear problems, as well as pregnant women and people with heart conditions.

Inside, you’re in a comfortable cabin with 44 seats and 22 large screen windows. That setup is a big deal for two reasons. First, your view is built in, so you do not spend the hour contorting for a better angle. Second, it reduces the stress factor that some people associate with enclosed spaces.

I also like that there are screens showing the submarine in action. It sounds like a small touch, but it helps you understand what you’re doing while you’re doing it. One reviewer even mentioned that everything felt safe and well managed, which lines up with how this kind of vessel is operated.

One small heads-up based on real experiences: getting onto the submarine can involve a pontoon, and that part can wobble. If you’re with toddlers, or you’re traveling with anyone unsteady on their feet, hold hands and take it slow.

Going down to 30 m (100 ft): how the route feels underwater

Here’s the headline: the submarine goes down to 30 meters (100 ft). That depth is what turns the trip from “cool views” into “wait, we’re actually on the sea floor.”

You do not just look around randomly. The route is built around three shipwrecks plus open-water fish sightings. In practice, that means your hour has structure. You spend time looking outward through the portholes, then you get directed attention to the wrecks and the sea life around them.

That shipwreck element is a big part of why this works even for people who do not care about fish. Wrecks create fixed points underwater. Fish gather near structures. Light and visibility make the wreck shapes show up clearly enough to feel real, not just “something you heard about.”

Now, a reality check. You can control the vessel and the depth, but you cannot control fish behavior. Some people reported seeing a lot of fish, while others wished there were more colorful variety. That’s not a flaw in the operation, it’s the ocean. If you want the best odds, pick a time when you expect good weather and visibility, and stay flexible in your expectations.

Shipwreck spotting: what to look for during the underwater stops

The shipwrecks are where your eyes should go first. The wrecks are described as resting on the ocean floor, and the whole experience is designed so you can see them from the submarine rather than from an exterior platform.

What helps is that you’re not guessing. The audio system guides you, and your windows give you a clear view of what’s around the wrecks. Fish often swim near these structures, so once you know where to look, your “spotting” game improves fast.

I’d also pay attention to the way the wrecks look as the submarine changes position. People who were impressed often talk about how visible the wrecks were on the way back, almost like they were close enough to touch. That reaction usually happens when visibility is good and the submarine is positioned well for viewing.

A practical tip: bring your attention with you. Look at the wreck first, then scan the area around it. If you try to watch everything at once, you’ll miss the moment when the fish show up in a predictable band of water around the structure.

Marine life and the fish chart: how to make the hour count

You get a free fish chart. Use it. It turns the trip from passive staring into an actual “find it” mission.

The chart helps you identify what you’re seeing as you look out through the portholes. And if you’re with kids, this is where the magic tends to happen. Several families described their kids scanning for different species and treating it like a game.

Even adults benefit. When you can match a fish shape or color to a name, the whole experience feels more grounded. It also helps you spot smaller varieties you might otherwise overlook because you assumed the bigger fish would be the only interesting thing.

One more point: some reviews noted there were fewer fish or fewer “big ones” than expected. If that’s your concern, remember you’re visiting a particular area of the Atlantic off Lanzarote. Conditions change. Your best approach is to enjoy what is present rather than judging it against the most extreme underwater footage you’ve ever seen online.

Audio guide in 9 languages: what you’ll hear as you look

The submarine trip includes an audio guide system available in 9 languages: Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, and Spanish. Headphones are provided free of charge, which matters because it keeps sound clear and allows you to hear the stories over any cabin noise.

This is not just “here are some fish facts.” The audio guide is built to explain Atlantic Ocean secrets, specific sea creatures, and delicate ecosystems. It also emphasizes why protection matters, which turns the trip into something more meaningful than a novelty ride.

I like audio guides that are timed to what you’re looking at, because they stop you from tuning out. In this case, the setup is designed to guide attention while you’re watching through your window. When it works well, you feel like the narration is helping you see, not just filling time.

Time slots, transport, and planning your day around the submarine hour

The experience is 1 hour long. That’s quick, and it’s also the reason the value often feels strong. You get a deep, memorable underwater experience without needing a half-day of travel and waiting.

You can choose from multiple departure times, with up to 7 scheduled outings per day and 6 days per week. That flexibility helps you avoid the worst crowds and match your day rhythm.

Transfer is where people’s experiences can vary. Some found pickup and drop-off smooth and easy. Others mentioned the coach ride felt long or wished they had a later return option so they could linger around Puerto Calero Marina.

Here’s what’s explicitly offered for pickup:

• For the 11:00h or 13:00h departure, pickup is available from Playa Blanca.
• For the 12:00h or 14:00h departure, pickup is available from Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen.

If you want that service, send the activity provider your hotel name so they can set the correct pickup point and time. For anyone who prefers to stay independent, you can also plan to reach the marina on your own and use the meeting point at Puerto Calero.

Price and value: what $77 buys you in the real world

At about $77 per person, this is not “cheap,” but it’s also not inflated for what you’re actually doing. You’re paying for a real submarine experience, with a limited-capacity vessel, real underwater depth, and guided interpretation through audio headsets.

What pushes the value upward:

• A working vessel, the Sub Fun Tres
• Up to 30 m (100 ft) depth
• Viewing through large windows, not a tiny porthole you barely fit your face behind
• Three shipwrecks as a structured part of the route
• In-cabin comfort, with normal atmospheric conditions
• A personalized certificate
• A free fish chart and free time to enjoy Puerto Calero Marina after

What pushes the value down slightly:

• Food and drinks are not included
• It’s only 1 hour, so you need to be mentally ready to “get what you get” in that window
• Fish variety can be better on some days than others

So I’d see this as a “one serious splurge” type of activity. It’s the kind of thing you can do once and remember for years, especially if it’s new to your family or your travel group.

Who should book, and who should skip this submarine trip

This works best for:

• Families. Kids often love the novelty of a real submarine and the “find the fish” chart game.
• People who want an underwater look but do not want to get wet, cold, or worried about swimming. You’re in a cabin looking out.
• Anyone who likes shipwreck stories, because the wrecks are part of the route, not an afterthought.

Things to consider before booking:

• Children must be over 2 years. Under 2 isn’t allowed due to safety equipment onboard.
• If leg space is a concern, there can be tightness for some people with knee issues. At least one reviewer noted the ability to stand and walk partway through, but your comfort will still depend on your body and the seating situation.
• If you’re hoping for a long open-ocean, deep-adventure feeling, keep your expectations aligned with a short 1-hour experience.

One more travel-minded thought: this trip is run professionally, but it can still feel touristy at the marina because of crowds. If you dislike busy check-in areas, choose an off-peak time slot when you can.

Should you book this real submarine trip in Lanzarote?

Book it if you want something genuinely different from the usual beaches and viewpoints, and you like the idea of seeing the ocean floor and shipwrecks from a real submarine. At this price point, it’s one of those “pay for the experience, not for the views from shore” activities, and the audio guide plus fish chart help you get more out of the hour.

Skip or rethink if you’re very sensitive to crowds at the marina, you need lots of time at sea to feel satisfied, or you expect the fish show to match the best wildlife videos you’ve seen online. In that case, your expectations may clash with the reality of conditions underwater.

If you land somewhere in the middle, you’ll probably enjoy it. Plan to arrive on time, listen to the audio guide, and treat the fish chart like your cheat code. That’s how this turns into a “wow” memory instead of a “cool, then next stop” moment.

FAQ

How deep does the submarine go?

The submarine travels up to 30 m (100 ft) underwater.

How long is the experience?

The experience lasts 1 hour.

What marine sights are included?

You’ll see abundant fish in their natural habitat and explore 3 shipwrecks resting on the ocean floor.

Where do I meet, and when should I arrive?

Meet at Submarine Safaris, Marina de Puerto Calero, Modulo C, Local 2, 35571 Puerto Calero / Yaiza. Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup is optional and offered from specific areas for specific departure times. You need to send your hotel name to the provider to arrange pickup and you’ll receive the pickup point and time by email.

What languages are available for the audio guide?

The audio guide is available in Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, and Spanish. Headphones are provided.

Is this suitable for young children?

Children under 2 years old are not allowed due to safety equipment onboard.