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

The best part of this three-hour Viking cruise is the mix of wildlife and silly fun. You sail from Los Cristianos toward the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, where pilot whales and dolphins are often seen, then anchor for a swim with the southern coast and Mount Teide as your backdrop.

I like two things here. Drinks are included, which makes the $44 price feel fair, and the crew works hard to keep the trip lively without turning the wildlife stop into a chase. The main drawback is the sea itself: conditions can be choppy, and several people may feel sick, so take care if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before boarding

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the star sighting: They can come close to the boat, but wild animals do not follow a schedule.
• The Ragnarok adds a full show: Viking characters, music, face painting, props, and playful audience participation make this more than a quiet nature cruise.
• The swim stop is a real part of the trip: You can jump into the Atlantic, snorkel, and cool off near Tenerife’s cliffs and beaches.
• Beer, wine, and other drinks are included: Food is separate, with burgers, chips, wings, and similar snacks sold at the onboard bar.
• Arrive early at Los Cristianos Harbour: Boarding is at Zone Excursion A, next to the beach, and you should be there at least 15 minutes before departure.
• The boat is wheelchair accessible: Use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one for safety reasons.

Sailing the Ragnarok from Los Cristianos

Your trip starts at Puerto de Los Cristianos, at Boarding Gate Zone Excursion A beside the beach. This is not a hidden marina tucked away from town. It is a working harbor area with limited parking and heavy traffic, so I would build in extra time, especially if you are driving from another part of Tenerife.

The Ragnarok is designed to look like a Viking ship, and the theme begins before you settle into your seat. The crew uses costumes, music, jokes, props, and face painting to make the boat feel more like a playful stage than a plain sightseeing vessel.

That tone matters. If you want a silent wildlife boat with a naturalist speaking in hushed tones, this is not the right fit. If you like a bit of theater and do not mind being pulled into the action, the Viking setup gives the cruise its character.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The two Viking performers keep children involved, but the entertainment is not aimed only at families. Adults can join in, pose for photos, and enjoy the show without taking part in every activity. Hosts named Gunner and Mathias have received especially warm praise, though the exact crew can change by departure.

You will find comfortable restrooms onboard, a bar, and seating areas. One practical issue is that the boat can feel full, and seating may be limited on a busy sailing. If having a particular place matters to you, arrive early rather than strolling up at the last minute.

The open water between Tenerife and La Gomera

Once the ship leaves Los Cristianos, the focus shifts from the harbor to the open Atlantic. The boat heads into the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, an area known for regular sightings of dolphins and whales.

The wildlife is not guaranteed, and you should keep that in mind when booking. One sailing may produce close views of a pod of pilot whales and dolphins, while another may see nothing. That is part of choosing a wild-animal cruise, not a fault with the crew.

When animals appear, the crew aims to keep a respectful distance. This is important. A good wildlife trip gives you time to watch without crowding the animals or racing after every fin. Dolphins may swim alongside the boat, while pilot whales can appear in groups near the surface.

Bring your phone or camera, but keep it ready. Wildlife sightings can be brief, and the best view may come from another side of the ship. The open deck gives you several angles, though you will want to keep one hand free if the water is moving.

I also like that the crew keeps the mood light while still giving the animals space. You get the excitement of a close sighting, but the experience does not depend on making the boat the center of attention.

Coastline views from Playa de Las Américas to Adeje

After the wildlife section, the Ragnarok cruises along Tenerife’s southern coast. You pass the coastal areas around Playa de Las Américas and Adeje, with views that are difficult to appreciate fully from the road.

From the water, the coastline shows its cliffs, beaches, and resort areas from a different angle. You also have a chance to look inland toward Mount Teide. The volcano is an important part of Tenerife’s skyline, and seeing it behind the coast gives you a useful sense of the island’s scale.

This section is less about a single famous sight and more about slowing down. You can sit with a drink, take photos, watch the shoreline slide past, or follow the crew’s entertainment. The cruise gives you a break from the heat and crowds on land without asking you to spend a full day at sea.

The weather can change how much you enjoy this portion. On a clear day, the views can stretch a long way. In rougher conditions, you may spend more time concentrating on your footing and less time admiring the coast.

Swimming and snorkeling beside Tenerife

The boat eventually drops anchor near cliffs and beaches for the swimming stop. This is not just a token pause. The cruise allows enough time for a proper swim, and the water gives you a refreshing change after sitting in the sun.

You can swim or snorkel in the Atlantic. The water may also offer the chance to spot a sea turtle, though that should be treated as a lucky extra rather than an expected sight.

Life jackets are available, including for children who need them. You should bring swimwear and a towel, and sunscreen is essential. Sunglasses and a sun hat are also worth packing, since the open deck offers little relief from direct sunlight.

The swim stop is one of the best reasons to choose this cruise over a simple whale-watching trip. You are not only looking at the sea from above. You get to enter it, which makes the outing feel more active and gives children a clear highlight to look forward to.

Still, swimming is optional. If you do not want to get wet, you can remain onboard and enjoy the views, drinks, and entertainment. Anyone uncomfortable in open water should not feel pressured to jump in.

Drinks, food, and the onboard Viking show

Beer, wine, and other drinks are included during the cruise. Soft drinks and water are also available, and the included bar service is a useful part of the value, especially on a sunny three-hour trip.

Food is not included, but you can buy snacks and simple meals from the onboard bar. Options mentioned on the boat include chips, burgers, chicken nuggets, wings, and similar fast food. Prices for items such as chips have been described as modest, but you should budget separately if you want lunch.

I would eat beforehand if you prefer a proper meal, then use the bar for a snack. The food is convenient rather than a reason to book the cruise. The drinks, on the other hand, are a genuine advantage because they help keep the total cost predictable.

The entertainment continues between the wildlife and swimming stops. Viking face painting is available, and there are props for photos. The crew may involve children in simple activities such as Viking play fighting, while adults can enjoy the music and jokes from the side.

This is a deliberately cheerful experience. You need to be comfortable with some silliness. The cruise works best when you treat the Viking theme as part of the fun, not as a serious historical presentation. You are not learning about actual Viking history here. You are joining a sea excursion wrapped in a theatrical theme.

Is $44 a fair price?

At $44 per person, the package offers a good amount for three hours. You receive the boat trip, a swimming stop, whale and dolphin watching, onboard restrooms, a professional crew, and drinks. Those inclusions make it more than a basic point-to-point boat ride.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the bar and swimming stop. A person who only wants quiet wildlife watching may find the entertainment and theme less useful, while a family or couple looking for several activities in one outing gets more from the price.

The wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so do not judge the cost only by the number of dolphins you see. Even without whales, you still have the coast, the swim, the Viking show, and the drinks. That said, a sailing with pilot whales and dolphins close to the boat can feel like excellent value.

Food costs extra, and photos are not included. Face painting and photo props are part of the onboard fun, but any professional photos should be treated as a separate purchase. You also need to account for getting to Los Cristianos, parking, and possible traffic delays.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful if your Tenerife plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend the Ragnarok to families, couples, and groups who want an outing with several moving parts. It suits people who like wildlife, swimming, music, and a crew that talks to the whole boat.

Children tend to have plenty to watch and do, from the Viking characters to face painting and the swim stop. Adults can enjoy the drinks, coastline, and wildlife while joining the fun as much or as little as they like.

It is also a good choice if you want to see Tenerife from the water without committing to a full-day excursion. Three hours is long enough to include wildlife, scenery, and swimming, but short enough to fit around other plans in Los Cristianos or the south of the island.

I would think twice if you suffer badly from seasickness. The boat can be choppy, and some people may feel unwell during the open-water section. Sitting toward the middle of the boat may help, but the most practical choice for severe motion sickness is to skip this trip.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, with manual wheelchairs requested for safety. If you need specific support, confirm the arrangements before booking. Pets are not allowed.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive at least 15 minutes early at Zone Excursion A in Los Cristianos Harbour. Parking near the port is limited, and traffic can be heavy, so last-minute arrival is a poor plan.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, but secure loose items when the boat is moving. A phone pouch or waterproof case is useful if you want photos near the water.

If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking your usual motion-sickness remedy before departure, following its instructions. Choose a central seating position where possible, and avoid arriving hungry or dehydrated.

Keep expectations realistic about wildlife. The crew can bring you to the right area, but it cannot order dolphins or whales to appear. When animals do show up, listen to the crew and avoid crowding the railings.

Finally, be ready for the possibility that the cruise runs a little late. The schedule can stretch, especially when wildlife is nearby or the crew is managing the swim stop. Do not arrange a tight connection immediately afterward.

Should you book the Ragnarok?

Book this cruise if you want wildlife, swimming, drinks, and entertainment in one compact outing. The strongest combination is the chance to see pilot whales or dolphins, the Atlantic swim, and a crew that puts real effort into involving different ages.

Skip it if you want a quiet, serious nature tour or if rough water is likely to ruin your day. Wildlife sightings are not certain, and the Viking show is playful rather than refined.

For most people who enjoy a lively boat trip, $44 is a sensible price. Arrive early, bring sun and swim gear, allow for choppy water, and treat the whales and dolphins as a wonderful bonus rather than a promise.

FAQ

Where does the Viking cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Puerto de Los Cristianos, at Boarding Gate Zone Excursion A next to the beach in Los Cristianos Harbour.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts three hours. Departure times vary, so check availability when booking.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The cruise travels in waters known for frequent dolphin and whale sightings, but wild animals may not appear on every sailing.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, and other drinks are included during the cruise. Food and snacks are available at an additional cost from the onboard bar.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The boat makes a swimming stop near the coast, where you can swim or snorkel. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The boat is wheelchair accessible, but for safety reasons, a manual wheelchair should be used instead of an electric wheelchair.