Los Cristianos: Whale Watching Cruise w/Swim Stop & Drinks

The Atlantic puts on the best show. This three-hour cruise aboard the Viking ship Ragnarok combines whale and dolphin watching with a swim stop, coastal views, drinks, and cheerful Viking-themed entertainment. I like the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins in open water, and I like that the crew keeps the mood lively without making the wildlife encounter feel careless. The main caution is rough seas: if you suffer from seasickness, take care or skip this outing.

At $44 per person, the cruise offers solid value, especially since beer, wine, and soft drinks are included. Food costs extra, and sightings are never guaranteed, but the swimming stop and onboard show give you a worthwhile afternoon even when the animals stay out of sight.

Key points to know before boarding

• Pilot whales and dolphins: The boat travels in waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, an area known for regular sightings.
• Three hours from Los Cristianos: You leave from Puerto de Los Cristianos and return to the same harbor.
• Swimming beside the boat: The crew anchors near cliffs and beaches for time in the Atlantic, with snorkeling possible.
• Drinks included: Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and other beverages are available during the cruise.
• Viking entertainment: Face painting, costumes, music, jokes, and crew interaction make this more than a quiet nature trip.
• Seasickness matters: The ride can become choppy, and the middle of the boat is the steadier place to sit.

Boarding the Ragnarok in Los Cristianos

Your outing begins at Puerto de Los Cristianos, at Excursion A, the boarding gate beside the beach. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. This is not the time to cut things close, since traffic around the port can be heavy and parking is limited.

The ship’s Viking design sets the tone before you leave the harbor. This is a theatrical boat trip, not a silent research vessel. Two costumed Vikings and an animator help keep people involved, and the crew uses music, jokes, props, and face painting to create a playful atmosphere.

That style will suit families and anyone who enjoys a bit of silliness. It may feel too loud or childish if you want a calm, serious wildlife cruise. The good news is that the entertainment does not replace the main event. You still spend time looking out to sea, watching the coast, and waiting for whales and dolphins.

Seating can feel limited when the boat is full. If you want a better choice of seats, arriving early helps. If the water gets rough, try to stay near the middle of the ship rather than at the front or outer edges.

Sailing from Los Cristianos toward the wildlife grounds

Once the Ragnarok leaves port, the views open toward southern Tenerife. You pass the coast around Playa de Las Américas and Adeje, with the island rising behind you and the Atlantic stretching ahead.

The route heads into the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera. This area is known for frequent sightings of dolphins and whales, particularly pilot whales. The crew keeps watch and points out activity when animals appear near the boat.

A wildlife cruise always involves some luck. You may see dolphins, pilot whales, or both. You may also spend time scanning an empty patch of ocean. One outing can produce several close sightings, while another may not find any animals at all. That uncertainty is part of the deal, so book this for the whole combination of sea, scenery, swimming, and entertainment rather than treating a whale sighting as a guarantee.

The best encounters are often the quieter ones. The crew has been praised for keeping a respectful distance and asking people to remain calm when whales or dolphins approach. That gives you a better chance to watch natural behavior instead of seeing a boat chase animals around.

Bring your phone or camera, but keep it ready. Dolphins can appear quickly, and whale sightings may last only a short time. Sunglasses also help with glare, while a hat and sunscreen are essential in the open sun.

Watching dolphins and pilot whales in open water

The wildlife portion is the emotional center of the trip. Dolphins may travel alongside the boat, while pilot whales can surface in small groups close to the ship. Seeing these animals in their own environment feels very different from seeing them behind glass or in a staged performance.

You will not be promised a particular species or a certain number of sightings. Still, the route gives you a reasonable chance, and the crew knows how to turn the search into part of the experience.

Several outings have produced both dolphins and whales, including groups of pilot whales swimming near the Ragnarok. Some trips have seen plenty of dolphins, while others have missed both. That range is worth keeping in mind before you book.

I particularly like the reported balance between entertainment and animal care. The crew can be funny and energetic one minute, then ask everyone to quiet down when wildlife comes close. That is the right approach. You get the excitement without making the animals the target of a noisy pursuit.

Photography can be tricky. The boat moves, the sun reflects off the water, and wildlife does not pose. Enjoy the sight first, then take a few pictures. The operator offers photos as an extra, but personal photos are not included in the ticket price.

The Tenerife coast, cliffs, and El Teide views

The cruise is not only about looking outward for fins. The return route along the southern coast gives you a fresh view of Tenerife.

From the water, Playa de Las Américas and Adeje appear as a long coastal strip rather than a collection of resort streets. The cliffs and beaches near the anchoring area provide a dramatic backdrop for the swim stop, and El Teide may be visible inland when conditions allow.

This is one of the better reasons to take a boat trip even if you have already spent time on the coast. You see the island from sea level, with the volcanic slopes rising behind the developed shoreline. The view puts the resort towns into context.

The ship pauses near cliffs and beaches, giving you time to enjoy the scenery without constantly moving. It is a useful break after the wildlife search, and it makes the three-hour length feel well paced.

Swimming and snorkeling in the Atlantic

The Ragnarok anchors for a swim stop in clear Atlantic water. You can swim or snorkel from the boat, and you might spot a sea turtle, though there is no promise of one.

This stop is a real strength of the trip. You are not confined to a seat for three hours, and the swim gives the cruise a holiday feel rather than making it a simple sightseeing ride. The ocean can look inviting, but remember that you are swimming from a boat in open water, not at a sheltered beach.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat belong in your day bag too. Life jackets are available, and younger children can use them during the swim.

You do not have to swim. You can stay aboard, watch the coastline, take photos, or enjoy a drink while others enter the water. That makes the stop workable for mixed groups, though the boat may feel wet and busy while people climb in and out.

Snorkeling is available, but the main attraction is the swim itself. Do not book this expecting a full reef excursion with a long guided snorkeling session. The stop is a chance to cool off and enjoy the Atlantic.

Viking characters, music, and onboard fun

The entertainment is what separates this outing from a standard whale watching boat. The two Vikings and the wider crew keep people involved throughout the cruise, with music, jokes, costumes, props, and optional face painting.

Gunner and Mathias have been singled out for their hosting, and the animator receives especially strong praise for making children and adults feel included. The crew’s effort matters because a three-hour wildlife cruise can have quiet stretches while everyone waits for animals to appear.

Children can take part in Viking-themed antics and face painting. Adults can join in for photos or simply enjoy the show from their seats. You need to be comfortable with a playful, slightly over-the-top atmosphere. This is not subtle entertainment, and that is precisely why many families enjoy it.

The crew also appears to make a point of including different age groups. That is useful if you are traveling with children, grandparents, or a mixed party. One outing even worked well for an 84-year-old family member, showing that you do not need to be highly active to enjoy the cruise.

The fun does not erase the practical side. The captain and professional crew handle the sailing, and there are restrooms on board. Those basics make a difference on a three-hour trip.

Drinks, food, and the real value of $44

At $44 per person, the price is attractive because drinks are part of the experience. Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and other beverages are available during the cruise, so you are not paying separately for every refreshment.

That included-drinks policy is especially useful on a sunny afternoon. It also helps explain why the cruise can feel like good value even if wildlife sightings are limited. You receive a boat trip, coastal sightseeing, a swimming stop, entertainment, and drinks in one package.

Food and snacks cost extra. The bar offers a simple fast-food menu, with options such as burgers, chips, chicken nuggets, and wings. Food prices described during the trip range around a few euros for items such as chips, but the exact cost can change.

I would eat beforehand if you want to keep spending down, then buy food on board only if you feel hungry. If you want a carefree afternoon, adding lunch is convenient. Do not assume a full meal is included in the ticket.

The cruise offers reserve-now, pay-later booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, which gives you some useful flexibility. Check the selected departure time when booking, since the three-hour outing runs at scheduled starting times.

Seasickness, access, and what to pack

The largest practical concern is motion on the water. The ride can become choppy, and some people may feel unwell. If you are prone to seasickness, take appropriate precautions before boarding or consider another activity.

Once underway, the middle of the boat is generally the better place to sit for a steadier ride. Avoid arriving at the last minute if you want more control over where you settle.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, but the operator asks people to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one for safety reasons. That is important to confirm before you go if anyone in your party uses mobility equipment.

Pets are not allowed.

Pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• A phone or camera
• Any personal seasickness medication you normally use

You should also bring a light layer if you feel cool after swimming, though no specific clothing requirement is given. Keep valuables secure and expect some splashing around the swim area.

Who will enjoy this three-hour cruise most

I would recommend the Ragnarok to families who want an activity that keeps children occupied. The Viking acting, face painting, music, and chances to get involved give younger passengers more to do than simply watch the sea.

Couples and groups of friends can enjoy it too, especially if they like a social boat outing with included drinks. Adults do not need to participate in every joke, but joining the fun makes the experience better.

It also suits first-time visitors who want several Tenerife highlights in one short trip: the southern coast, ocean wildlife, sea swimming, and views toward El Teide. You get a broad taste of the area without spending a full day on a boat.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone seeking a quiet, small-scale wildlife expedition. The Viking theme, music, and group atmosphere are central to the experience. I would also think twice if you are very sensitive to motion or dislike swimming from boats.

Should you book the Ragnarok?

Book this cruise if you want a lively half-day outing with several chances to enjoy yourself. The strongest reasons are the included drinks, the swimming stop, and a crew that works hard to involve both children and adults. Whale and dolphin sightings can be wonderful, but the trip still has value when nature does not cooperate.

Skip it if you need guaranteed wildlife, a peaceful boat, or a sheltered swimming area. Otherwise, $44 buys a good mix of Tenerife scenery, ocean time, entertainment, and refreshments. Arrive early, sit near the middle, pack for sun and swimming, and give yourself extra time to reach Los Cristianos harbor.

FAQ

Where does the Viking whale watching cruise depart?

It departs from Puerto de Los Cristianos, at Excursion A boarding gate beside the beach in Los Cristianos Harbour.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours, including whale and dolphin watching, coastal sightseeing, entertainment, and the swimming stop.

What animals might I see?

You might see dolphins and whales, including pilot whales, in the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat makes a swimming stop near cliffs and beaches, and snorkeling is also possible.

Are drinks included in the ticket?

Yes. Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and other drinks are included during the cruise.

Is food included?

No. Food and snacks are available at the onboard bar for an additional charge.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible. For safety reasons, the operator asks passengers to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.