Vikings meet whales on Tenerife’s open water. This 3-hour Ragnarok cruise from Los Cristianos mixes a proper whale-watch route with Viking-style entertainment, plus a real swimming stop in the Atlantic. You’re out between Tenerife and La Gomera, an area known for frequent sightings of dolphins and whales, so the whole trip has that sense of you might see something big.

I especially like that drinks are built in, with beer, wine, and other drinks flowing during the cruise. You’ll also get a chance to cool off with a swim or snorkeling stop near dramatic cliffs and beaches, with views that can include Teide in the distance. One thing to consider: this is a boat trip, and it’s not ideal if you’re prone to seasickness, since the water can get choppy.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Whale-watch route between Tenerife and La Gomera for frequent dolphin and whale activity
• Shipboard drinks included (beer, wine, and more) so you’re not budgeting mid-cruise
• Ocean swim or snorkeling stop with towel-and-sunscreen ready beach vibes
• Viking-themed entertainment with hosts and an animator who keep the energy high
• Plenty of coastline cruising past Playa de Las Américas and Adeje, with big scenery from the water
• Wildlife isn’t guaranteed, but you’re operating in a strong spotting zone

A Viking Ship on Tenerife’s South Coast

This cruise is built around two ideas that work well together: a classic marine wildlife outing and a party-on-a-boat vibe. The ship, the Viking Ragnarok, looks like it belongs in a saga, and the staff lean into the theme with Viking-style entertainment throughout the sail.

You’ll start in Los Cristianos harbor and head along Tenerife’s south side, where the coastline views are part of the payoff even before you spot whales or dolphins. On top of that, the itinerary gives you a swimming stop, not just a “look from the deck” experience.

Boarding at Los Cristianos: Where to Go and What to Bring

Your meeting spot is the boarding gate in Zone Excursion A right by the beach in Los Cristianos, at Puerto de Los Cristianos harbor. Give yourself extra time here. There’s often heavy traffic and limited parking near the port, so building in a buffer makes the start calmer.

Plan for practical stuff before you step aboard:

• Bring sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and swimwear
• Pack a towel (you’ll thank yourself at the swim stop)
• Expect the crew to run through a safety briefing before you get out on the water

If you forget basics, you’ll still likely be fine, but this is one of those tours where being prepared changes the experience from good to great.

What Happens on the Water: Dolphins, Whales, and Respectful Distance

Once you leave Los Cristianos, you’re heading into waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, where sightings of dolphins and whales are frequent. This is the heart of the trip: scanning the water, spotting movement, then watching animals in their natural habitat as they swim alongside the ship.

I like how the experience keeps the focus on watching, not chasing. You might get close enough for real viewing (and solid photos), but the crew also aims to avoid disturbing the animals—so you’re not constantly feeling like you’re in the way of wildlife.

In the reports I’m drawing from here, some groups have seen dolphins in pods and even pilot whales during the cruise. The point for you: the wildlife can be the highlight, but it’s still the ocean. Some days are better than others.

Stop-by-Stop: Los Cristianos, Coastline Cruising, and the Anchor Area

After boarding, you’ll settle into the first main phase from Los Cristianos harbor. The cruise combines:

• Sailing and sightseeing
• A guided component with a live tour guide in English and Spanish
• Whale and dolphin watching
• A planned swimming/snorkeling period
• Safety briefing and time to get your bearings on the Ragnarok

From there, the ship cruises past Playa de Las Américas and Adeje. Even if you’re focused on spotting marine life, this portion matters. From the water, Tenerife’s south coast looks different than it does from the promenade—more open, more dramatic, and much more “you’re really out here.”

Near the end of the cruise phase, the ship anchors near cliffs and beaches, giving you a view that can include El Teide on the horizon. This is where the trip shifts from watching to doing—because you get your swim or snorkeling stop next.

The Swim Stop Near Cliffs: Snorkeling, Sea Turtle Possibility, and Sea Legs

This is a big reason people choose the Ragnarok cruise. The ship drops anchor in an area close to cliffs and beaches, and you’ll have time to swim or snorkel in the Atlantic.

You might even spot a sea turtle—the itinerary specifically calls out that possibility—so the snorkel period can feel like more than just a cool-down. And yes, you’re doing it from a boat, so it’s more like a mini-adventure than a simple beach dip.

A few practical notes that help:

• Wear swimwear and sunscreen before you’re out there, not while you’re already anchored
• Use a towel so you’re not dealing with wet gear for the ride back
• If you’re bringing kids, the experience includes life jackets for younger swimmers, which makes the water time less stressful

One realism check: this tour isn’t for people who feel awful on choppy water. The tour information flags it as not suitable for those prone to seasickness, and some people do note the conditions can be rough. If you know you get sick easily on boats, you’ll want to either plan carefully (like sitting toward the middle if that’s an option) or choose a different day-trip style.

Drinks Included: Beer, Wine, and the On-Board Bar Vibe

The drinks are included, and that changes the value math in a hurry. You get beer, wine, and other drinks throughout the cruise, which means you’re not spending your time and budget figuring out what costs extra.

This isn’t just background detail. On tours like this, the included drinks help you actually relax during the waiting time—when you’re holding steady at sea while the crew scans for activity.

There’s also an onboard bar and food options available at additional cost. So if you get hungry after the swim, you’re covered—you just pay for it. One detail from the reports I’m drawing on: food like chips and dips can be a few euros, and there are fast-food style options you can buy onboard.

Also included are comfortable restrooms onboard, which sounds basic, but on a 3-hour sea trip it matters more than you’d think.

Viking Entertainment That Works for Adults and Kids

The Viking theme isn’t a gimmick that disappears after boarding. The crew runs entertainment across the trip, and the atmosphere tends to stay lively even when the staff are focused on spotting whales or dolphins.

You’ll see Viking-style fun like:

• An animator who adds humor and keeps people engaged
• Viking character moments from the crew
• Optional Viking face painting (built for photos and getting into the spirit)
• Extra kid-friendly energy, including activity-style fun such as boxing play

Some groups specifically highlight hosts such as Gunner and Mathias as standout performers, and they’re described as very involved and fun with the crowd. If you’re traveling with kids, that matters a lot—because the trip doesn’t feel like it’s only for adults who want to sit quietly and hope for wildlife.

Wheelchair Access and Basic On-Boat Reality

The Ragnarok is listed as wheelchair accessible, and there are restrooms onboard. The key note for you: for safety reasons, the tour asks guests to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one.

If you’re coordinating mobility needs, this is worth keeping in mind early. Also remember that even on an accessible vessel, a boat has stairs, railings, and moving decks—so you’ll still want to assess what “accessible” means for your specific comfort level.

And one more simple constraint: pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

Price and Value: Why This Cruise Often Feels Like a Deal

At about $44 per person, this tour can look almost too good, especially when you compare it to other whale-watching experiences that often charge extra for drinks. The big value drivers here are:

• Drinks included (beer and wine on tap)
• A real swim stop with time in the water
• A guided, themed onboard program that makes the 3 hours feel full
• Restrooms onboard and professional crew support

Even better, the reports you’ll see around this experience frequently call out the same theme: you’re paying for the whole package, not just a quick wildlife scan. Some notes even mention that a similar price point can be around €35 on certain bookings, which helps explain why people feel it’s good value.

Could it be overpriced if you hate boats or dislike active tours? Sure. But if you want a mix of scenery, wildlife time, and ocean swimming—with drinks included—this is a strong contender.

Who Should Book the Ragnarok Cruise (and Who Should Skip)

This fits best if you want:

• A 3-hour day-trip with a clear activity (wildlife + swim)
• A fun onboard vibe rather than a quiet nature cruise
• Included drinks so you can relax while scanning the water
• A family-friendly style, thanks to the Viking entertainment

It’s likely not your best match if:

• You’re prone to seasickness
• You only want wildlife and prefer minimal noise and activity
• You’re expecting guaranteed whales every time

One more point: seating and comfort can be a touch tight on some sailings. There’s at least one report hinting the boat might feel a bit full, so if you’re sensitive to crowded spaces, arrive early and board promptly.

Final Call: Should You Book This Whale Watching Cruise?

If you’re in Tenerife and you want one ticket that gives you whale/dolphin spotting, ocean time, and a lively onboard show, I think this cruise is worth strong consideration. The included drinks and the swim stop are the two features that most clearly separate it from a basic boat tour.

I’d book it if you can handle being on the water for a few hours and you like experiences that feel playful as well as scenic. Skip it if seasickness is a known issue for you, because the ocean part is the whole point of the day.

FAQ

How long is the Los Cristianos whale watching cruise?

The cruise is listed as 3 hours.

Where does the tour meet in Los Cristianos?

You meet at Boarding Gate: Zone Excursion A, right next to the beach in Los Cristianos Harbour at Puerto de Los Cristianos.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the boat tour, a swimming stop, drinks, comfortable restrooms onboard, and a captain and professional crew.

Are drinks included, or do I pay for them separately?

Drinks are included. The cruise lists beer, wine, and other drinks available during the journey.

Is food included?

Food is not included, but you can buy food and snacks onboard. A bar is available on board with options at an additional cost.

Can I swim or snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The itinerary includes an onboard stop where you can swim or snorkel in the Atlantic.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility needs?

The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the tour requests using a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one for safety.

Is this tour good if I get seasick?

It is listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness, so if you’re affected by choppy water, you’ll want to think carefully before booking.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour.

If you tell me your travel month and whether anyone in your group gets seasick, I can help you decide the best way to time it (and what to pack so the swim part is actually fun).

You Might Also Enjoy

Tenerife: Catamaran Cruise with Brunch and Unlimited DrinksFrom Tenerife: Tajogaite Volcano, La Cumbrecita and Casco AntiguoLos Cristianos: Kayak & Snorkel Tour with turtles and photos includedTenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat