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

Bring your sea legs and your camera. The Ragnarok cruise mixes pilot whale and dolphin watching with a playful Viking show, drinks, swimming, and fine views along Tenerife’s south coast. I like the unusual ship, the lively crew, and the chance to see marine life in open Atlantic waters. I also like that the crew keeps a respectful distance from the animals. The main caution is the sea: this can be choppy, and people prone to seasickness may have a rough afternoon.

This is not a quiet wildlife trip. The Viking theme includes stories, music, face painting, props, and plenty of joking with children and adults. That makes it a strong pick for families and anyone who wants entertainment between sightings. At about $91 per person for three hours, the included drinks and swimming stop help the price feel fair, though food costs extra and the best wildlife sightings can never be promised.

Key points before you book

• Pilot whales and dolphins: The boat sails into waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, one of the better areas in the region for regular marine-life sightings.
• The Ragnarok ship: You ride a purpose-themed Viking vessel rather than a plain sightseeing boat, with crew members staying in character for much of the trip.
• Swimming in the Atlantic: The boat anchors near cliffs and beaches for a swim or snorkel, with life jackets available for children.
• Drinks included: Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and other drinks are available during the cruise. Food and snacks cost extra.
• Family-friendly entertainment: Face painting, music, Viking stories, photos, and crew interaction give the trip a festive feel.
• Sea conditions matter: The boat can move sharply in rough water. Sit near the middle if you are sensitive to motion, or consider a different outing.

Setting sail from Los Cristianos Harbour

You meet at Zone Excursion A, beside the beach at Puerto de Los Cristianos. This is a convenient location if you are staying around Los Cristianos or Playa de Las Américas, but parking near the port is limited. I would arrive at least 15 minutes early and allow extra time if you are driving across Tenerife.

Once aboard, you find restrooms, a bar, seating, and the Viking-themed setting. The ship is the Ragnarok, and its carved, dramatic design gives the outing a sense of occasion before you even leave the harbor. It is a good choice if a standard catamaran feels too ordinary.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, although guests using wheelchairs are asked to bring a manual chair rather than an electric one for safety reasons. The supplied information does not promise a fully step-free experience in every part of the ship, so it is sensible to confirm details before booking if you have specific mobility needs.

The crew handles a safety briefing before sailing. That matters here because the trip includes open-water viewing, a swim stop, and a ship that may move around in Atlantic swell. Listen carefully, especially if you are supervising young children.

Watching whales and dolphins between Tenerife and La Gomera

The first major part of the trip takes you away from the harbor into the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera. This area is known for sightings of dolphins and pilot whales, and the animals may swim close to the boat.

Pilot whales are the most frequently praised sighting on this cruise. When conditions cooperate, you may see them only a few meters from the ship. Dolphins can also appear in pods, sometimes early in the trip. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire cruise looking through a screen. Wildlife moves fast, and the best moment may last only a few seconds.

The crew provides information about the local animals and helps you spot movement in the water. The guide may point out where to look, explain what you are seeing, and encourage the group to stay calm when animals approach. That calm approach is important. The boat does not need to crowd the whales to provide a good view, and the crew has been praised for avoiding unnecessary disturbance.

You should keep expectations realistic. This is a wildlife outing, not an aquarium with guaranteed viewing. One departure may bring dolphins and several pilot whales, while another may not produce either species. The cruise still offers open-water sailing and coastal scenery, but you should not book it only on the promise of a perfect wildlife photograph.

The boat may also feel lively during this section. Music, jokes, and Viking characters are part of the design. If you want silence and long periods of quiet observation, this is probably not your ideal whale trip. If you enjoy a bit of theater with your wildlife, the format works well.

The Viking show and crew interaction

The entertainment is a major reason this cruise earns such strong praise. The crew does more than give announcements. They tell Viking stories, pose for pictures, involve children, and keep the mood light throughout the afternoon.

Gunner is a name that comes up often in connection with the crew, along with Mathias. Their friendly style helps the cruise feel personal rather than like a large group being moved from one checkpoint to the next. The Viking actors and other crew members make an effort to include different ages, from young children to older adults.

You can try Viking face painting, use props for photos, and join in with the general silliness. A little willingness to act childish helps. Adults who resist the theme may find it too theatrical, while families often get a lot from it.

This is especially useful on a day when wildlife is slow. The entertainment gives the cruise another reason to be enjoyable, rather than leaving you staring at an empty sea. Music and crew interaction also make the trip feel more like a party boat than a strict nature excursion.

That party feel has a practical downside. Included alcoholic drinks can be a central part of the atmosphere. One account noted that people who drink freely could leave quite drunk. If you are bringing children, or if you prefer a calmer boat, keep that in mind. The crew also serves nonalcoholic drinks, so you can enjoy the trip without drinking alcohol.

There is no mead included, despite the Viking theme. That may disappoint anyone hoping for a fully Norse drinks menu, but beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and other drinks are available.

Sailing past Playa de Las Américas and Adeje

After the wildlife portion, the ship follows Tenerife’s southern coast. You pass the resort areas around Playa de Las Américas and Adeje, seeing the coastline from a much better angle than you get from the road.

The view changes as the ship moves along the coast. Resort buildings, beaches, cliffs, and open Atlantic water create a varied scene. On clear days, you may also see Mount Teide rising inland. The volcano gives the outing a strong sense of place and makes the return sail worthwhile even after the whale watching is finished.

This coastal section is also a good time for photographs. You can capture the ship, the water, Tenerife’s cliffs, and the island profile in one outing. Bring sunglasses and a hat, but secure loose items because wind can be stronger away from the harbor.

The cruise lasts three hours, although the detailed timing indicates that the wildlife portion can occupy about two hours before the final return to Los Cristianos. Allow some flexibility around the schedule. One account noted a late finish, though it did not spoil the afternoon.

The swim stop near Tenerife’s cliffs

The ship anchors near attractive cliffs and beaches for the swimming stop. This breaks up the wildlife watching and gives you a chance to get into the Atlantic instead of only looking at it.

The water is described as clear, and you can swim or snorkel from the boat. Some people may spot a sea turtle, but that is a possibility rather than a promised sighting. For many families, the swim is one of the trip’s best parts, especially when children can jump into the sea under crew supervision.

Life jackets are available for younger swimmers. Even confident swimmers should follow the crew’s instructions, since the stop is in open water rather than a sheltered pool. Bring swimwear and a towel, and remember that wind can make you feel cool once you climb back aboard.

The stop is not only for strong swimmers. You can stay on the ship and enjoy the views, drinks, or entertainment if you would rather not enter the water. That flexibility helps make the cruise suitable for mixed groups, where one person wants to swim and another prefers to watch.

Snorkeling equipment is not specifically listed among the included items, so do not assume full equipment rental is provided. Bring only what the operator permits and ask the crew if you need clarification.

Food, drinks, and the real value at $91

At roughly $91 per person, the cruise is not the cheapest way to see the Tenerife coast. Its value comes from combining several activities in one three-hour outing: a boat tour, wildlife viewing, a swim stop, live-style entertainment, coastal sightseeing, and drinks.

Beer, wine, water, and nonalcoholic drinks are included. That can add up quickly on a warm afternoon, especially for a family group or a couple planning to stay aboard for the full three hours.

Food is not included, but you can buy snacks and simple meals at the onboard bar. Available options have included burgers, chips, chicken nuggets, and similar casual food. Prices have been described as reasonable, with chips costing around three to four euros in one account, though menu prices can change.

I would eat lightly before boarding if you are prone to seasickness. A heavy meal, rough water, and alcohol are not a winning combination. If the sea is calm, ordering food can be convenient, but you should treat it as an optional extra rather than part of the ticket value.

The strongest value comes if you want fun as much as wildlife. A quiet whale specialist trip might suit a serious nature watcher better. The Ragnarok gives you more variety, which is useful when sightings are uncertain.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

Families with children are a natural fit. The Viking characters, face painting, music, props, and swimming keep young passengers occupied. Several children have reportedly loved the trip enough to rank it above other major Tenerife attractions.

It also works for adults who enjoy a social outing. You do not need to be a Viking enthusiast, but you should be comfortable with jokes, music, costumes, and audience participation. Couples can enjoy it too, especially if they like a lively afternoon rather than a quiet sail.

Older family members can join as well. The cruise has been enjoyed by an 84-year-old passenger, and the crew aims to include everyone. Still, the open sea and possible rocking motion should be considered carefully.

You should think twice if you suffer from seasickness. Several people have found the water choppy, and some passengers became unwell. If you go ahead, sit toward the middle of the boat, avoid drinking alcohol early, and consider taking your usual motion-sickness medicine before departure if it is suitable for you.

What to pack for the Ragnarok

Keep your packing simple:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• A secure phone or camera

Wear something comfortable for sitting, walking around the boat, and swimming. Sunscreen matters even on a breezy day, because reflected light from the water can catch you off guard.

Pets are not allowed. The ship has restrooms, so you do not need to worry about being without facilities during the three-hour trip.

The meeting point is easy to find near the beach, but allow time for traffic and parking problems around Los Cristianos Harbour. Missing the boarding time would be a needless way to lose an expensive excursion.

Should you book the Los Cristianos Viking cruise?

Book it if you want whales, dolphins, swimming, drinks, and entertainment in one outing. The ship is memorable, the crew puts real effort into the show, and the combination works particularly well for families or groups with different interests.

Skip it if you want a quiet, highly focused wildlife trip or if rough water makes you miserable. Sightings are never guaranteed, and the Viking performance may feel too busy for someone seeking a peaceful nature cruise.

For most visitors who enjoy a cheerful boat day, the $91 price is reasonable because drinks and several activities are included. Arrive early, sit near the middle if you are sensitive to motion, bring swimwear, and keep your expectations flexible. If the dolphins and pilot whales appear, you may get the cruise’s finest moments. If they do not, the coastline, swim stop, crew, and Ragnarok still give you plenty to remember.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Zone Excursion A at Puerto de Los Cristianos, right next to the beach in Los Cristianos Harbour.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Allow extra time for traffic and limited parking near the port.

How long does the cruise last?

The advertised duration is three hours, including sailing, wildlife viewing, coastal sightseeing, and the swimming stop.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The waters are known for frequent dolphin and whale sightings, but marine animals are wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What drinks are included?

Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and other drinks are available during the cruise. The exact selection may vary.

Is food included?

No. Snacks and meals are available to purchase at the onboard bar for an additional cost.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. The boat anchors near cliffs and beaches for a swimming or snorkeling stop. Life jackets are available for children.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible. For safety reasons, guests are asked to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one.