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

Seeing pilot whales and dolphins close to a decorated Viking ship is the main draw here, but it is only half the fun. The three-hour cruise also gives you time to swim in the Atlantic, enjoy the south coast of Tenerife from the water, and take in views toward El Teide.

I like the included drinks and the crew’s playful approach, especially for families. I also like that the boat keeps a respectful distance from marine life rather than chasing it. The main caution is the sea itself: parts of the ride can be choppy, so anyone prone to seasickness should prepare carefully or skip this outing.

• Pilot whales and dolphins: The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are known for regular sightings.
• Ragnarok setting: This is a themed ship with Viking costumes, stories, music, props, and optional face painting.
• Atlantic swim stop: You can swim or snorkel from the boat, with life jackets available for children.
• Drinks included: Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and other drinks are available during the cruise.
• South Tenerife views: The route passes Playa de Las Américas and Adeje, with views toward the cliffs and El Teide.
• Good family value: The crew works hard to include children, adults, and older people in the entertainment.

A Viking ship with a serious wildlife mission

The Ragnarok is not a standard white sightseeing boat. It is built around a Viking theme, with crew members staying in character, Viking stories, music, props, and face painting. That makes the outing feel more like a small show at sea than a quiet marine research trip.

The theme is deliberately playful. You will need to enjoy some audience participation and a bit of silliness, but the crew also takes the wildlife side seriously. They explain what you are seeing and avoid getting too close to the animals. That balance is important: you get the fun of a themed cruise without turning the whales and dolphins into a staged attraction.

Gunner is a name that comes up often in connection with the crew, and Mathias is also praised for helping create the friendly atmosphere. The staff are especially attentive to children, though adults who prefer a quiet boat ride may find the entertainment a little much.

At $91 per person, this is not the cheapest short boat ride in Tenerife. Still, the price covers a lot: a three-hour cruise, wildlife watching, a swim stop, onboard entertainment, and drinks. Food costs extra, but the combination can make sense if you want one activity that fills most of an afternoon.

Leaving Los Cristianos for the open water

The meeting point is at Zone Excursion A, beside the beach at Los Cristianos Harbour. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Traffic around the port can be heavy, and parking is limited, so leave extra time if you are driving or taking a taxi from another resort.

Once aboard, the crew gives a safety briefing and helps you settle in. The ship has comfortable restrooms, which matter on a three-hour ocean trip. It is also wheelchair accessible, although the operator asks people using wheelchairs to bring a manual chair rather than an electric one for safety reasons.

The ship may feel crowded when it is busy. One person noted that seating was a little tight, so do not expect every part of the boat to offer an unobstructed seat. The upside is that a moving boat gives you several places to look for wildlife and photograph the coast.

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Tenerife can feel bright and warm even when the sea breeze is cool. A light layer is also sensible, though this is not specifically required by the operator.

Searching for whales and dolphins between Tenerife and La Gomera

The first major part of the trip heads into the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera. This area is known for frequent sightings of dolphins and pilot whales, and the crew watches carefully for movement on the surface.

Pilot whales are often the star of the trip. They can swim surprisingly close to the ship, giving you a chance to see their backs, fins, and movement through the water. Dolphins may appear in groups, sometimes close enough to produce excellent photographs or video.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. One outing may bring dolphins and several pilot whales, while another may produce no sightings at all. That is part of the honest bargain with any marine wildlife cruise. The crew can improve your chances with local experience, but they cannot control the animals.

The boat’s approach matters. The crew has been praised for asking people to remain calm and quiet when whales come near. That helps protect the animals and gives you a better chance to watch natural behavior rather than a frantic chase. Keep your phone ready, but do not spend the whole time looking through its screen. The best moments can last only a few seconds.

The guide provides information in English and Spanish. The commentary covers dolphins, pilot whales, and local marine life, while the Viking actors keep the mood light. You get useful facts without sitting through a formal lecture.

Coast views from Playa de Las Américas to Adeje

After the wildlife search, the route follows Tenerife’s south coast. From the water, Playa de Las Américas and Adeje look different from the way they do from the road. You see the shoreline, beaches, resort buildings, cliffs, and coves as one broad sweep.

The route also offers views toward El Teide, Tenerife’s famous volcano. Visibility changes with cloud and light, so the volcano may be sharp and impressive or partly hidden. Either way, the sea gives you a fine change of angle and a break from the built-up resort areas.

This part of the trip is useful even if the animals stay away. You are not simply spending three hours waiting for a fin. The coast, sea air, music, and crew entertainment keep the experience moving.

Bring a camera, but protect it from spray. The boat is set up for photos with Viking props, costumes, and face painting, and the crew encourages pictures. Optional face painting is especially popular with children, though adults can join in too.

A proper Atlantic swim from the ship

The boat drops anchor near cliffs and beaches for the swimming stop. You can jump or climb into the Atlantic for a swim, and snorkeling is also possible. The clear water may offer a chance to spot a sea turtle, although this is not promised.

This is one of the strongest parts of the trip because it changes the pace. You begin by watching the sea from the deck, then get into the water itself. For many people, swimming in the Atlantic becomes the memory they talk about as much as the whales.

The stop is not ideal for everyone. You need to be comfortable entering open seawater, and the boat may move gently with the swell while anchored. Children can use life jackets, and the crew helps people who need assistance. If you do not want to swim, you can stay aboard and enjoy the views.

The water may feel refreshing rather than warm, depending on the season. Bring a towel and dry clothing. You should also keep sunscreen nearby, since the sun feels strong once you are back on deck.

Drinks, food, and the Viking entertainment

Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and other drinks are included in the ticket. That adds real value, especially on a sunny afternoon when you would otherwise keep buying refreshments. The selection is not described as a full bar menu, and one person wanted more choice, so do not book this expecting a cocktail-focused cruise.

Food is not included, but the onboard bar sells snacks and simple meals. Available options include items such as burgers, chips, chicken nuggets, and similar fast food. The food is an optional extra, and prices have been described as reasonable. If you want a proper meal, check the onboard choices rather than assuming lunch is part of the ticket.

The Viking show runs through much of the cruise. The crew tells stories, jokes with the group, plays music, and brings children into the action. Some children have been taught simple boxing moves, invited to pose with props, or included in face painting.

This works best if you treat the theme as cheerful holiday entertainment, not historical reconstruction. The ship is designed to make people laugh and take photos. It is not a quiet sailing boat, and the Viking act can be too loud for someone seeking a peaceful wildlife outing.

Sea conditions and comfort on a three-hour cruise

The biggest practical issue is seasickness. The water can become choppy, and some people have felt unwell during the trip. If you know you are sensitive, take your usual travel sickness medicine before sailing, stay toward the middle of the boat, and avoid spending the whole cruise at the outer edge.

Alcohol can make seasickness worse. Since drinks are included, it is easy to have more than you intended, especially in the sun. Pace yourself, drink water, and eat something if needed. The aim is to enjoy the cruise, not to prove your Viking toughness.

The three-hour length feels generous for the price, but it also means you should be comfortable on a boat for a sustained period. There are restrooms onboard, which is a useful comfort. Seating may be limited when the ship is full, so arrive promptly if having a particular spot matters to you.

The crew receives especially strong praise for helping people who need extra care. One family described the staff responding well when a child became seasick and anxious. Another person who was pregnant received attentive assistance. That does not remove the physical demands of the sea, but it shows that the crew is prepared to support people during the ride.

Who will enjoy Ragnarok most

I would choose this cruise for families, couples who like novelty, and anyone who wants more than a standard whale watching boat. Children get marine life, swimming, music, props, and a character-led show in one outing. Adults can enjoy the coast, the drinks, and the chance to see pilot whales at close range.

It also suits repeat visitors to Tenerife. Several people have returned more than once, partly because the crew creates a different social atmosphere from other boat trips. If you have already seen the major beaches and resort sights, this gives you a new view of the island.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet, naturalist-led cruise. The Viking entertainment is central to the experience, not a small extra. I would also think twice if you suffer badly from seasickness or dislike swimming from a boat.

Older family members can still enjoy the ride. An 84-year-old passenger took part, and the boat is wheelchair accessible with the stated manual wheelchair restriction. You should still consider the sea conditions and the amount of movement before booking for anyone with limited mobility.

Is $91 good value in Tenerife?

At $91, the price is fair if you use several parts of the package. A three-hour coastal cruise alone may not justify that amount for every budget, but the included drinks, wildlife search, entertainment, and swim stop add up.

The strongest value comes from the fact that the outing serves several purposes. You get a sightseeing cruise, a chance to see whales and dolphins, a family show, and time in the water. Food costs extra, but you can decide whether you need it.

The price does not buy guaranteed wildlife. Keep that in mind before booking. You are paying for access to a productive marine area, an experienced crew, and a full afternoon on the water, not a promise that an animal will appear on schedule.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make planning easier. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Should you book the Ragnarok cruise?

Book it if you want wildlife watching with a lively party atmosphere, and especially if you are traveling with children. The chance to see pilot whales and dolphins is exciting, but the included drinks, crew interaction, coastal views, and Atlantic swim make the trip worthwhile even when nature does not cooperate.

Skip it if you want a silent, small-group wildlife survey or if choppy water is a serious concern. For everyone else, this is a distinctive Los Cristianos outing with good inclusions and a crew that puts real effort into making the three hours feel full.

FAQ

Where does the Viking whale watching cruise leave from?

It leaves from Zone Excursion A at Puerto de Los Cristianos, right beside the beach in Los Cristianos Harbour.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts three hours, including the wildlife search, coastal sightseeing, entertainment, and swimming stop.

Will I definitely see whales and dolphins?

No. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are known for frequent sightings, but marine animals move freely and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Are drinks included in the ticket?

Yes. Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and other drinks are included. Food and snacks are available to buy onboard at an additional cost.

Can I swim or snorkel from the boat?

Yes. The ship stops near cliffs and beaches for swimming and snorkeling in the Atlantic. Life jackets are available for children.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

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

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you are prone to seasickness, prepare before departure and consider staying near the middle of the boat.