A submarine is a rare way to see Lanzarote. This one, Sub Fun Tres, takes you down as far as 30 meters from Puerto Calero to spot shipwrecks and fish through large windows.

I like that it’s a true submarine experience—one of only 14 in the world—so you stay dry and seated while the ocean does the work. I also like the comfort setup: an airy cabin with normal atmospheric conditions, plus free headphones so the audio guide is easy to follow.

The main drawback is time. At about an hour total, it’s intense and unforgettable, but it can feel short if you’re hoping for lots more open-water distance or a huge variety of fish.

Key things you’ll notice

• A real, rare submarine: Sub Fun Tres is one of only 14 in the world
• Up to 30 meters below: clear water and big porthole-style views
• Three shipwrecks: you’ll be looking for wrecks resting on the seafloor
• Audio guide in 9 languages: headphones provided free of charge
• Fish chart included: you get a handy guide to identify what you see
• Puerto Calero time after: a window to enjoy the marina and shop around

Sub Fun Tres: why a real submarine ride feels different

Lanzarote is famous for volcanoes, beaches, and long drives with views. This trip adds something rarer: a real submarine outing in Puerto Calero, with you tucked inside a vessel designed for watching the seafloor from below the waves.

The big selling point is simple. This isn’t a pretend submarine attraction. It’s Sub Fun Tres, and it’s part of a tiny fleet: one of only 14 submarines worldwide. That matters because it changes what you expect to see—more like an underwater field trip than a quick thrill.

Inside, the design is also built for comfort and visibility. You’re seated in a spacious, airy cabin with 44 seats and 22 large windows/screens, which means you’re not pressed into a cramped dark tube the whole time. The layout helps you keep your eyes on the water and the stories the audio guide is telling.

What you’ll see: shipwrecks, fish, and the seafloor

This is the heart of the experience: looking at marine life in its natural habitat, without jumping in the water.

You go down as far as 30 meters (100 ft), and the plan includes three shipwrecks resting on the ocean floor. The wrecks are a big part of the “how is this real?” feeling. When the submarine moves, the wrecks and fish shift across your view in a way that stays clearer than you’d get on a rocky shore or even from a surface boat.

The second focus is marine life. You’ll see fish swimming freely around the submarine’s windows/portholes, and the operator provides a free fish chart so you can connect names to shapes. In the brighter moments, you’ll spot fish running alongside the submarine as it travels, which makes it feel less like you’re watching an exhibit and more like you’re traveling through active ocean space.

A quick reality check though. The ocean always has moods. Some people are thrilled by the number and variety of fish; others report fewer fish during their slot. If you’re the type who wants a high chance of colorful variety, treat this like nature watching—still great, but it’s not guaranteed a theme-park aquarium.

The 1-hour flow: meeting at Puerto Calero and settling in

Timing is straightforward, but don’t show up late. The meeting point is 30 minutes before your scheduled departure, at Submarine Safaris, Marina de Puerto Calero: Modulo C, Local 2 (35571 Puerto Calero / Yaiza).

If you choose the pickup option, you’ll ride in an air-conditioned coach and be dropped off at Puerto Calero Marina. Pickup isn’t universal for every departure time, so match your hotel location with the correct departure. The operator lists specific areas for specific dive times (more on pickup in the FAQ).

Once you’re at the marina, you’ll get directed to the submarine area and then into the cabin. During the journey, you’ll get headphones and an audio guide system in the language you selected. The underwater portion is the highlight, but the in-between time matters too: it’s when you get your bearings, find your seat, and start scanning for what you might see first.

One practical note from how the experience runs: getting onto and off involves a pontoon. The pontoon can wobble a bit, so if you’re bringing kids, hold hands and keep them close during the short transfer step.

Inside the submarine: comfort, normal pressure, and better-than-expected visibility

Let’s talk comfort, because this is where people decide if the submarine option is worth it for them.

The cabin is maintained at normal atmospheric conditions. That’s specifically stated as helpful for people who might be affected by pressure changes, including pregnant women and people with heart conditions or ear problems. If that’s you, this detail matters more than most “comfort” lines you’ll see in tours.

You’ll also appreciate the seating and window arrangement. The vessel has 44 comfortable seats and 22 large screen windows. That means nearly everyone gets a clear forward view while the submarine is underwater. Reviews also highlight that it isn’t claustrophobic for many people, and there’s a screen so you can still follow what’s happening even when your main view is fixed on the outside.

And yes, it’s still a submarine. The audio system helps cut through any nervous energy, because you’ll be listening to the Atlantic Ocean stories and learning what you’re looking at instead of guessing.

Audio guide in 9 languages: turning sightings into real meaning

A lot of tours say “informative.” This one actually gives you the tools to stay interested while you’re watching.

A new audio-guide system is included with headphones provided free of charge. It’s available in Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, and Spanish. You don’t just get names of fish—you get context on the Atlantic Ocean, sea creatures, and delicate ecosystems, plus why conservation matters.

That matters for two reasons. First, when you know why the water looks the way it does or what certain animals are doing, spotting becomes easier. Second, it helps the trip feel more useful than just “pretty view, take photo, next.”

If you like learning while you travel (or you’re trying to keep kids engaged without endless talking), the audio guide is one of the strongest parts of the experience.

Puerto Calero after: use the marina time well

Your ticket includes free time to enjoy Puerto Calero Marina after the submarine experience. This is smart, because it gives you space to decompress and turn it into a half-day with options instead of a single box-ticking activity.

Puerto Calero is built for strolling: you can browse, snack, and wander near the water. Some people also mention a shop on-site, so if you want a souvenir tied to the experience, you’ll likely find something there.

If you’re planning other things that day, I’d treat the submarine ride as the anchor. The marina time is best for a slow pace, not rushing to the next tour.

Price and value: is $77 worth it?

At around $77 per person, you’re paying for something very specific: a rare vessel plus a guided system plus transportation and the chance to see shipwrecks from 30 meters down.

Here’s what you’re getting for the money, in practical terms:

• A real submarine experience on Sub Fun Tres (not a themed prop)
• Up to 30 meters of underwater viewing
• Three shipwrecks as part of the viewing plan
• Free headphones and an audio guide in 9 languages
• A personalized dive certificate (yes, it’s included)
• A free fish chart
• Option for free transport and hotel pickup (if selected)

That’s why the price can feel like a bargain for families and first-timers. A normal boat trip can cost similar money, but you’re still above water with limited control over what you can see. Here, you’re getting a controlled, dry, all-window view of the seafloor.

The trade-off is the one-hour format. It’s not a long expedition. If you want a full-day underwater program, this won’t replace a diving vacation. It’s more like: short time, big wow factor, easy logistics.

Who should book this, and who might not love it

This submarine ride is a strong match if you want:

• A fun family activity where kids can actually stay engaged
• A “something different” day in Lanzarote that doesn’t require swimming skills
• A calmer way to see the ocean world from inside a stable vessel
• Clear viewing and straightforward learning through headphones

It’s also a good option for people who might be worried about pressure or ear discomfort, since the cabin is maintained at normal atmospheric conditions. Mobility can also be a factor. Some people with mobility or mobility-related concerns say staff were helpful with boarding and offloading steps.

The main reasons you might rethink it:

• If you need longer time out on open water, the short schedule may leave you wishing for more distance.
• If you’re extremely picky about fish variety, remember nature isn’t a guarantee. You’ll see fish, but the number and variety can vary by day and conditions.
• There can be tightness around leg space for some passengers, so if you have very sensitive knees, plan to bring a relaxed mindset and wear supportive footwear.

Practical tips to make your trip smoother

Here are the small things that help the experience run well:

• Arrive 30 minutes early. That’s your buffer for getting checked in and seated without stress.
• Choose the right pickup option if you’re using hotel transport. The operator lists pickups for specific departure times from specific locations (Playa Blanca is different from Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen).
• Bring your ID/confirmation and keep your booking details handy. One operational hiccup reported by a passenger started with confusion about registration, and the fastest fix in any travel situation is having your confirmation ready.
• Watch the pontoon transfer. Hold onto kids and rails if you’re moving with care.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, sit where you feel most stable, and plan on focusing on the audio guide instead of scanning for discomfort.

These tips don’t change the ocean. They just help you enjoy the part you paid for.

Should you book a real submarine ride in Lanzarote?

I’d book it if you want a rare Lanzarote experience that’s easy, dry, and built for clear viewing. The combination of 30-meter underwater viewing, three visible shipwrecks, and an included 9-language audio guide makes it feel like more than a quick novelty.

I’d skip or consider alternatives if you want a long day at sea, or if you’re chasing a guaranteed rainbow parade of colorful fish. Nature sightings depend on conditions, and the trip’s value comes from the submarine platform and the unique view of wrecks and marine life—not from a promise of a specific species list.

If you’re deciding with limited time in Lanzarote, this is one of the better “one-hour wow” choices. You’ll leave with photos, a certificate, and that rare feeling of having seen the seafloor up close without getting wet.

FAQ

How deep does the submarine go?

The submarine ride goes down to up to 30 meters (100 ft).

What do I get to see on the ocean floor?

You’ll explore three shipwrecks resting on the seafloor and see fish swimming freely around the submarine.

Is an audio guide included, and in what languages?

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

Where do I meet for the activity?

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

Is pickup from hotels available?

Pickup is optional. It’s listed for certain departures and areas, including pickup for the 12:00h dive from Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen, and additional pickup details for other departure times from Playa Blanca as well.

Is it suitable for young children and people with ear problems?

Children under 2 years old aren’t taken due to safety equipment. The cabin is maintained at normal atmospheric conditions, which is stated to help people with ear problems and pregnancy.