Tenerife’s whales get the Viking treatment. This 3-hour cruise on the Viking Ragnarok blends whale watching with unlimited drinks and a lively Viking-themed crew that keeps the mood playful. You’ll cruise out from Los Cristianos, look for whales and dolphins in the wild, then have time for a swim with Tenerife’s coastline and (on clear days) Mount Teide in the distance.

I especially like how the experience mixes real nature time with onboard entertainment, plus the practical comfort of a restroom on board. One thing to consider: if you’re sensitive to rocking seas, the water can get choppy, and the onboard toilets are small and can feel noticeable when the boat sways.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel On This Cruise

• Unlimited beer, wine, soda, and soft drinks for the full 3 hours
• Viking crew in character with games and humor that work for kids and adults
• Wildlife-focused viewing with respectful distance from marine life
• Swim time in open ocean, plus life vests and snorkelling glasses available
• Quick-to-sit-in start from Los Cristianos, with an optional Viking photo moment

Viking Ragnarok: What This 3-Hour Cruise Is Really Like

This is not a quiet, sit-and-stare dolphin tour. It’s a themed day on the sea that still gives you meaningful time for wildlife spotting and a genuine reason to look up from the horizon.

The boat departs from the Los Cristianos area and keeps things moving: out to sea for a wildlife window, then a swim stop, then back to the harbor. You get a restroom on board, and the included drinks keep the energy steady without you needing to budget for every round.

Value matters here, because the price isn’t just paying for a ride. You’re paying for a short adventure that includes the big comforts people usually end up adding separately: time, entertainment, and drinks.

Los Cristianos Start: Photos, Viking Welcome, and Easy Getting In

Your experience begins at the harbor area in Los Cristianos, at the meeting location for Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales & Dolphins. The start time is 1:00 pm, and the tour runs about 3 hours total, ending back at the same meeting point.

There’s an optional moment early on to meet the Vikings and take photos. If you like fun arrivals, this is a nice way to get in the theme before you even leave the harbor. In the better moments, you’ll also see face paint and playful character work that turns the boat into a floating event.

Practical note: this is a popular family-style outing with a maximum of 100 travelers. That usually means you won’t be stuck with a tiny group, but you also shouldn’t feel lost in a huge crowd.

Wildlife Watching for Whales and Dolphins (and What Actually Helps You See More)

Most of the cruise is built around watching marine life in natural habitat, not chasing animals. You’ll head out for roughly 30–40 minutes of whale and dolphin spotting, and the Viking crew will share facts while you scan the water.

A big win: multiple reviews mention seeing pilot whales and pods fairly quickly, including close-up viewing at a respectful distance. One standout detail from the experience is that the crew may turn the engine off during quiet spotting moments. That’s the kind of small operational change that can make a difference for both sightings and the overall feeling of the trip.

What you should realistically expect:

• You may see whales and dolphins, often pilot whales and pods.
• Sometimes you might get extra surprises like sea turtles or flying fish.
• If the sea is heavy or visibility is poor, sightings can be fewer. The ocean decides how cooperative it wants to be.

On clear days, you can also catch Mount Teide in the distance. It’s a nice Tenerife touch that helps the scenery feel bigger than just open water.

The Ocean Swim Stop: When the Boat Becomes an Adventure

After the wildlife window, the cruise shifts gears to swimming in open water. This is one of the most praised parts, because it turns the afternoon from watching to doing—briefly, safely, and with staff nearby.

You’re not just dropped in and told good luck. Reviews indicate that life vests and snorkelling glasses are available, which matters if you want a quick look underwater without bringing your own gear.

Two reality checks before you plan your bravery level:

• The sea can be rough or cold depending on the day. People mention that the conditions can lead to upset stomachs for some, and sick bags are available.
• Even if you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll feel the boat rocking on the way in and out.

My advice: pack a practical mindset. Bring a light layer if you get cold fast, and consider motion-sickness tablets if you’re prone to it. If you’re going as a family, this swim time is where adults often get as excited as kids.

Unlimited Drinks and Food: Where the Value Comes From

Let’s talk about money, because this is where the cruise can feel either like a bargain or like the wrong match for your style.

The included drinks are the big headline: unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks during the 3 hours. That’s not a small perk. It changes the tone of the tour from budget wildlife outing to full afternoon hangout.

So is this cruise ideal if you don’t drink? You can still enjoy it, but you’ll be in a setting where alcohol is part of the flow. One review specifically called this out: if you don’t want to be around alcohol, this may not be your best fit.

Food is separate. The listing says lunch food isn’t included, and reviews mention a small food option on board that you pay for. Translation: you can stay fed, but you shouldn’t assume lunch is part of the $45.95 price. If you want a full meal, plan to buy onboard rather than expecting it to be included.

Entertainment on Board: Viking Humor, Games, and Kid-Friendly Energy

A lot of cruises have a few facts and some quiet background music. This one leans into a full Viking theme. Crew members stay in character, and there are games and performances that keep things rolling from boarding onward.

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll probably notice how much of the energy is tuned for younger attention spans—face painting, Viking-style entertainment, and a generally playful vibe. At least a few reviews mention Viking fighting performances, dancing, and loud laughs happening right alongside the wildlife scanning.

And if you’re traveling as an adult couple or group, you may like that it’s not too serious. The crew’s job isn’t just to operate the boat; it’s to make the trip feel like a story, not a schedule.

One small comfort detail that stands out: some reviews mention staff accommodating passengers who were anxious about boats, including helping a family choose a seat away from speakers. That doesn’t guarantee your exact needs will be met, but it suggests the crew tries.

Seats, Shade, Toilets, and Sea Conditions: The Practical Stuff

This is the part I want you to plan for, because it affects your comfort more than any brochure does.

Shade: reviews note that about two-thirds of the boat has shade, with breeze helping cool you off. If you’re sensitive to heat, try to grab a shaded spot early, especially in warmer months.

Toilets: one review says the toilets are small and can feel run down. That doesn’t sound like a deal breaker until the boat sways, then it becomes more noticeable. If you’re tall or you really dislike tight spaces, plan accordingly.

Motion: the cruise can be rocky, and people mention sick bags being available. If you’re prone to seasickness, treat it like a real ocean activity, not a calm lake ride.

Photo tip: if you want Viking-themed photos from the front of the ship, do it early before you feel too wobbly. People mention it’s easy to stumble on the way there once out on the water.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This cruise is a strong match for:

• Families with kids and teens who want entertainment plus nature spotting.
• People who like lively crew energy and don’t mind a themed atmosphere.
• Whales-and-dolphins fans who want a short, high-energy outing rather than an all-day expedition.
• Anyone who appreciates onboard comfort details like a restroom on board and provided safety items for swimming.

It may be a weaker match if:

• You don’t want alcohol in your cruise environment, since beer and wine are included.
• You get very motion sick and haven’t used strategies before.
• You need specific disability assistance beyond what’s typical. The listing indicates wheelchair spaces and accessible options, but one negative experience was reported about assistance not working as expected. If mobility support matters for your group, I’d contact the operator ahead of time and be very clear about what you need.

Should You Book the Viking Ragnarok Whale Cruise?

If you want a 3-hour adventure that mixes real marine-life watching with entertainment and ocean swim time, I think this is an easy yes. The best version of this cruise feels like a party with purpose: Vikings keep things fun, the crew helps you look smarter for whales, and the swim makes it feel memorable beyond sightseeing.

Book it especially if you value included drinks and a family-friendly vibe. The $45.95 price makes more sense when you think of it as a short excursion where food isn’t included but drinks and entertainment are, plus the swim is part of the program.

Skip it if you want a quiet, nature-only experience or if alcohol-heavy settings are a deal breaker for you. Also weigh the risk of rough seas. If you’re sensitive to that, come prepared with motion-sickness help and a comfort plan.

If the sea looks good, and you’re in the mood for fun with wildlife, this is the kind of Tenerife afternoon you’ll talk about later.

FAQ

How long is the Viking Ragnarok whale watching cruise?

It runs for approximately 3 hours.

What time does the tour start in the afternoon?

The start time is listed as 1:00 pm.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It starts at the meeting point at Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales & Dolphins, Zona Excursiones A Muelle, Sta. Cruz de Tenerife – Los Cristianos, 38650 Los Cristianos, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Are drinks included, and what kind?

Yes. Drinks included are soda/pop, beer, and wine (with unlimited availability during the cruise).

Is there time to swim in the ocean?

Yes. After about 30–40 minutes of wildlife watching, there is time for a swim in the open ocean.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes. There is a restroom on board.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

How many travelers can be on the tour?

The maximum group size is 100 travelers.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Tenerife: Wine Museum Ticket with Local Wines & Food TastingTenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin WatchingTenerife: Sunset Catamaran Tour with Transfer, Buff & DrinksTenerife: Jet Ski Tour with Optional Quad Trip