SUBMARINE ADVENTURE – Submarine Excursion in Puerto de Mogán

Thinking about exploring Gran Canaria’s waters without getting your feet wet? The Submarine Adventure in Puerto de Mogán offers an intriguing option—sailing underwater in a real submarine. While we haven’t personally climbed aboard, the reviews and detailed descriptions suggest this tour could be a fun, family-friendly way to see the ocean floor and some shipwrecks.

What we like about this experience is its unique perspective—you’re traveling beneath the waves in a controlled environment with comfortable amenities, and the audio guides in nine languages make the journey accessible for international travelers. Another highlight is the family-friendly approach, with children receiving certificates, turning what might seem like a simple boat ride into a memorable souvenir.

However, a potential drawback worth considering is the water clarity. Several reviews mention murky water and limited visibility, which could mean fewer fish and less spectacular views than you’d hope for. This makes it less ideal for those seeking vibrant marine life or clear underwater photography.

This tour seems well-suited for curious families, first-timers, or anyone interested in a safe, educational underwater experience. If you’re looking for a quick, reasonably priced activity that offers a different way to see the ocean, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Accessible and Family-Friendly: Children receive certificates, making it a memorable experience for all ages.
• Language Options: Audio guides in nine languages help make the experience understandable for international visitors.
• Limited Visibility: Murky waters can restrict views of marine life and underwater scenery.
• Good Value: At around $45, it offers a unique experience for a relatively short duration.
• Comfort and Capacity: The air-conditioned submarine cabin seats up to 44 passengers comfortably.
• Educational Content: Narration covers reef parks and wrecks, adding informative value.
• Weather Dependent: The tour is weather-sensitive; poor conditions may cause cancellations.
• Booking Flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance increases flexibility.
• Professional Organization: Reviews praise the well-organized, punctual nature of the trip.

What to Expect During the Tour

The itinerary is straightforward but thoughtfully designed to maximize your 40-minute ride. You begin at Puerto de Mogán, a charming fishing village with picturesque views and a gentle port atmosphere. Once aboard the submarine, you’ll settle into a climate-controlled cabin—a comfortable environment that’s a stark contrast to the chilly, unpredictable ocean surface.

The main highlight of this journey is the visit to the seabed of Puerto de Mogán and the artificial reef park “La Atlántida”. This reef was created to support local marine life, turning a barren seabed into a habitat that’s supposed to be teeming with fish and marine flora. In reality, reviewers point out that visibility can be limited and the marine life sparse, especially when the water is murky.

Two significant features are the sunken ships—shipwrecks that are part of the attraction. These wrecks provide interesting structures that might appeal to those intrigued by maritime history or just want a different perspective on underwater artifacts. You’ll see them via the onboard monitors with the audio commentary in nine languages, which explains what you’re looking at and gives context about the reef and wrecks.

The audio-guided narration is often praised for being clear and helpful, making this a semi-educational experience for those who want to learn as they go. For families, the certificates given to children at the end add a fun, tangible memory of the trip.

The Experience from the Reviews

Many travelers highlight the professionalism and organization of the tour, with reviews like “Well organised, on time and pleasant,” emphasizing the smoothness of the process. The plenty of space onboard and the use of technology—like individual monitors and audio guides—are appreciated for making the experience accessible and engaging.

But not everyone is dazzled by the underwater scenery. Some reviews note the poor water clarity—”the water is quite murky,”—and admit that the fish sightings may be limited. As one reviewer quipped, “Lacking visibility and fish, not their fault but the water is pretty murky,” which is an honest assessment.

Still, many found the overall experience fun and worthwhile, especially children. The fact that kids receive a diploma or certificate was repeatedly mentioned as a lovely touch, turning the tour into a meaningful souvenir.

The short duration of approximately 40 minutes is another point to consider; while it’s a brief adventure, reviews suggest that it’s “flies by,” leaving many travelers feeling that they got their money’s worth for a quick, exciting look beneath the ocean.

The Practical Side: Logistics, Price, and Booking

Starting at Puerto de Mogán, the tour is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers without needing a car. The group size is limited to 44 passengers, keeping the experience intimate enough to enjoy the narration and views comfortably.

Priced at $45.06 per person, it’s a reasonable expense considering the unique environment and technology involved. Many reviewers agree that it offers good value for money, especially when you factor in the professional staff, the audio guides, and the safety of traveling in a real submarine.

Reservations are not accepted for children under 2, which makes sense given safety considerations. The tour is weather-dependent, so poor weather may result in cancellation or rescheduling, but the policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, providing some peace of mind.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This submarine experience is especially suited for families with children, given the certificates and the safe, controlled environment. It’s also ideal for first-time visitors wanting to see the underwater world without diving skills or equipment.

If you are curious about maritime history or shipwrecks, this tour offers a glimpse, albeit limited, of sunken ships. Travelers who enjoy quiet, educational experiences with a technological twist would find this appealing.

However, if your main goal is vibrant marine life and crystal-clear underwater views, this tour might not meet your expectations due to the murky waters. It’s more about the novelty of traveling in a submarine and the story of the reef park and wrecks than guaranteed fish sightings.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the price and the quick, fun experience, the Submarine Adventure in Puerto de Mogán offers a unique way to see the ocean from a different angle. It’s well-organized, fairly priced, and offers the charm of a controlled underwater environment with some educational flavor. The audio guides and family-friendly touch make it accessible and engaging.

It’s best for those looking for a family outing, first-timers wanting a safe, brief intro to underwater life, or visitors who simply want a different perspective on Gran Canaria’s waters. If you’re expecting a vibrant, colorful underwater spectacle with lots of marine life, be prepared for some disappointment due to murky waters.

All in all, if your main priority is a safe, convenient, and memorable experience with a focus on learning and fun, this submarine trip checks many boxes. Just keep your expectations in check regarding underwater visibility and marine life.

FAQs About This Tour

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome and will receive a certificate at the end, making it fun and memorable for young travelers.

How long does the tour last?
The ride is approximately 40 minutes, providing enough time to enjoy the underwater sights without feeling rushed.

What languages are available for the audio guides?
Audio guides are available in nine languages, ensuring clear explanations for most international visitors.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour, which provides flexibility if your plans change.

Is the water clarity good?
Many reviews mention murky waters, which can limit the visibility of marine life and underwater scenery.

What is the capacity of the submarine?
The submarine can hold up to 44 passengers, which generally allows for a comfortable experience.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children under 2 years old are not accepted, but most travelers of all ages can participate.

What should I wear?
Since the cabin is air-conditioned, bring layers if you tend to get cold, especially as the ride is at sea level.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations are possible if conditions are unsafe. However, full refunds are available if canceled.

In the end, the Submarine Adventure in Puerto de Mogán offers a practical, family-friendly way to explore the ocean’s secrets—if you’re happy with limited visibility and are after a quick, fun experience. It’s not a deep dive into marine biodiversity, but it’s a charming, well-organized glimpse beneath the surface that most will find worth the modest price.