3h Viking Cruise with Drinks, Whales watching & Swimming Time

Expect more than a quiet boat ride. This three-hour Viking cruise from Los Cristianos mixes pilot whale and dolphin watching with swimming, music, face painting, games, and a crew that stays in character. I especially like the chance to see marine life in the wild and the fact that beer, wine, and soft drinks are included.

The other big plus is the friendly, playful crew. They work hard to involve children and adults, and they also help passengers who feel seasick or overwhelmed. The main consideration is the sea itself: conditions can be rough, and this is not the best choice if you dislike rolling waves, alcohol-centered entertainment, or a lively group atmosphere.

Key things to know before sailing

• Whale watching begins early: The boat often reaches the main wildlife area after roughly 30 to 40 minutes.
• Swimming is part of the trip: You can jump into the open sea when conditions allow, with life vests and snorkeling glasses available.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, and soft drinks are served throughout the cruise. Premium drinks, ice cream, and lunch food cost extra.
• The Viking theme is real: Expect costumes, face painting, music, staged fights, games, storytelling, and plenty of photo opportunities.
• The boat carries up to 100 people: This is a social excursion, not a small private sailing trip.
• Motion sickness matters: The ride can become very rocky, so bring appropriate medication if you are prone to seasickness.

Setting sail from Los Cristianos at 1 p.m.

Your afternoon begins at the harbour of Los Cristianos, in the Playa de Las Americas area. The meeting point is listed as Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales & Dolphins, in the excursion area at Muelle, Los Cristianos. The cruise starts at 1 p.m. and returns to the same harbour after about three hours.

Before departure, you can meet the Viking crew and take photos. This is optional, but it is worth arriving ready for a picture. The boat is designed for the theme, so the props, costumes, and crew give the first few minutes a festive feel rather than the routine of a standard sightseeing boat.

I would not treat this as a quiet transfer or a simple wildlife ride. Music begins early, and the crew uses humor and theatrical performances to get people involved. Children often enjoy the face painting and costumes, while adults tend to appreciate the absurdity of the staged Viking battles and drinking games.

The boat has a restroom, which matters on a three-hour trip. It is small and some passengers found it worn, so keep expectations practical. It is there for convenience, not comfort.

The first 30 to 40 minutes: searching for whales

Once the boat leaves the harbour, the crew looks for whales and dolphins in the waters around Tenerife. The usual early sailing and wildlife-watching period lasts around 30 to 40 minutes, though the exact timing depends on where the animals are and how the sea behaves.

The most commonly reported sightings are pilot whales and dolphins. You might also see turtles or flying fish, but none of these animals can be promised. This is a genuine wildlife outing, not a show with animals trained to appear at a set time. On one trip, the boat may encounter several pods. On another, the animals may stay out of sight.

That uncertainty is part of the value, but it is also worth understanding before you book. Even when dolphins do not appear, the crew continues with music, stories, games, and views of Tenerife’s coast. The cruise is not dependent on one lucky sighting to fill the entire afternoon.

The crew also explains something about the marine life and the island. On a well-managed wildlife trip, the boat keeps a respectful distance, and the crew may reduce noise or turn off the engine when whales are nearby. That gives you a better chance to watch without adding unnecessary disturbance.

On clear days, look back toward Tenerife for views of Mount Teide. The famous peak may be visible above the coast, though visibility depends on weather and cloud. The view from the water gives you a different angle on the island, especially as the boat moves away from the resort shore.

Pilot whales, dolphins, and the value of patience

The wildlife sightings can be the emotional high point of the day. Seeing pilot whales close to the boat, particularly a pod with a young animal, is a memorable moment. Dolphins can be harder to predict, but they may appear alongside the boat or farther away.

Do not expect the kind of guaranteed, close-up encounter associated with an aquarium. You will need to watch the water, listen to the crew, and accept that the boat may move on if the animals disappear. That keeps the experience more respectful, but it can feel less dramatic if you imagined constant action.

I like that the wildlife portion is paired with education and responsible viewing. You are not simply pointed toward an animal and left to guess what you are seeing. Information is given in English and Spanish, with humor mixed in so the explanation does not feel like a lecture.

Bring sunglasses, water-resistant protection for your phone, and patience. The best sighting may happen on the opposite side of the boat from where you first sit. You can move around, but be careful once the sea becomes choppy.

Swimming in the open sea

After the wildlife watch, the boat stops for a swim. The crew chooses a suitable spot, and you can enter the water from the boat if you want to. Life vests and snorkeling glasses are available, which is helpful if you are not a confident swimmer or simply want extra support.

Swimming from the Viking boat is a simple pleasure. You get a short break from the music and performances, a chance to cool off, and a broad view of Tenerife from the water. The experience feels more adventurous than swimming from a beach because you are surrounded by open sea.

The water can be cold, and the sea may still be moving. Several people enjoyed the swim but found the temperature brisk. If you are uncertain, use a life vest and ask the crew for help. Nobody needs to jump in to justify the ticket. You can stay aboard and enjoy the view.

Families should pay close attention to the sea conditions and to children near the swimming area. The crew is described as attentive and helpful, but parents remain responsible for deciding if a child should enter the water.

Viking music, face paint, and staged battles

The entertainment is what separates this cruise from a basic whale-watching trip. The crew performs in character, tells stories, stages Viking fights, and creates photo opportunities around the boat. Face painting is available, and children generally have plenty to keep them occupied.

The tone is deliberately silly. You may see a beer-drinking competition, hear loud music, and watch crew members act out a mock battle. The theatrical approach works well for families, groups of friends, and couples who want a holiday afternoon with plenty of noise and laughter.

It will not suit everyone. The music can be loud, and the drinking theme is part of the atmosphere. One passenger specifically found it important to note that the cruise may not be comfortable for people who prefer to avoid alcohol-centered settings. Although soft drinks are included, the mood is still built around beer, wine, Viking horns, and group participation.

The crew’s flexibility is a real strength. They have helped children, older family members, and passengers who felt anxious or seasick. One family with an autistic child was allowed to board early and choose a seat away from the speakers. That does not guarantee that every accessibility need can be met, but it shows the benefit of explaining your needs before boarding.

Food and drinks aboard the Ragnarok

Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included in the advertised price. That makes a major difference to the value, especially for adults who would otherwise buy drinks separately during a three-hour outing.

Lunch is not included, but food can be purchased on board. Options mentioned by passengers include burgers and fries, with portions that may be large for children. If you are ordering for young children, sharing one meal may be sensible.

Premium drinks and ice cream cost extra. The included drinks are enough for most people, but you should not assume every item at the onboard food and drink area is part of the ticket. Ask before ordering if you are watching your spending.

The free drinks also explain some of the cruise’s social energy. People tend to relax quickly, and the crew encourages participation. If you want a peaceful afternoon with a book, this is the wrong boat. If you like meeting people and joining in, the drinks add real value.

Rough water, sun, and staying comfortable

The biggest practical warning is motion. On calm days, the ride can be easy. On other days, the boat may roll heavily, especially on the outward journey. Sick bags are available, but I would not wait until you feel ill before taking action.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring travel-sickness tablets and follow the instructions for use. Choose a seat with a good view of the horizon if possible, and avoid drinking heavily before you know how the sea feels. The included drinks are generous, but nobody enjoys a beer competition while already queasy.

Sun protection is just as important. Much of the boat has shade, but not every seat does. In hot weather, try to sit beneath the canopy and carry sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. One useful tip is to take photos near the front before the boat gets moving. Once the waves pick up, walking around can become awkward.

The crew helps people who feel unwell with water sprays and bags, and the swim stop may help you cool down. Still, the boat cannot control the weather. The trip may be canceled in poor conditions, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this Tenerife cruise most?

This is a strong choice for families with children and teenagers. The face painting, props, music, characters, swimming, and wildlife keep the afternoon moving. The crew has also received praise for being patient with young children, including a toddler.

Couples and groups of friends can enjoy it too, especially if they want more than a silent wildlife cruise. The staged fights and drinking games give the outing a party feel, while the whale watching adds a genuine connection with Tenerife’s marine life.

I would be more cautious if you need a quiet, low-stimulation setting. The boat may be busy, the music can be loud, and the group size can reach 100 people. It may also be a poor fit if you are very sensitive to motion or do not drink and dislike being around alcohol.

Accessibility needs should be discussed before booking. The operator states that there are two wheelchair spaces at the front of the ship, and some passengers found the boat accessible. However, one person arrived and could not get the help needed to board. The practical lesson is simple: contact the provider ahead of time with specific mobility or assistance requirements, and do not rely on a general accessibility label alone.

Is $45.95 good value?

At $45.95 per person, the price is reasonable for a three-hour boat outing that includes wildlife watching, entertainment, swimming, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. Buying those drinks separately on a resort holiday could quickly push the cost higher.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the included drinks and enjoy the live entertainment. You are getting a full afternoon activity, not just transport to a whale-watching point. The Viking theme also gives the cruise a clear identity, so you are not paying only for a seat on a boat.

The value is weaker if you want a small group, a quiet atmosphere, or a guaranteed animal encounter. Food, premium drinks, ice cream, and transport to the harbour are not included. There is also no private pickup service listed, so you need to make your own way to Los Cristianos.

The cruise is popular and is booked around 19 days ahead on average. If your holiday dates are fixed, booking early makes sense. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, while later cancellations and changes are not refunded.

My verdict on the Viking Ragnarok

I like this cruise because it combines several Tenerife holiday pleasures in one outing: open water, island views, wildlife, swimming, and a lot of theatrical fun. The strongest feature is the crew. They keep the energy high, help passengers who need support, and make the boat feel like an event rather than a simple excursion.

The wildlife is the part you cannot control. You may see several pods of pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or flying fish, or you may see less than hoped. The crew’s entertainment helps protect the day from becoming a disappointment, but you should still book with realistic expectations.

You should book this tour if you want a social, family-friendly afternoon and enjoy a bit of harmless Viking chaos. Skip it if you want peace, dislike rough water, or prefer a small and quiet wildlife boat. For the right audience, $45.95 buys a generous, memorable three hours.

FAQ

Where does the Viking cruise start?

The cruise starts at the harbour of Los Cristianos, in the Playa de Las Americas area. The listed meeting point is Best Boat Tenerife Viking Ragnarok Whales & Dolphins, at Muelle in Los Cristianos.

What time does the cruise start?

The listed start time is 1 p.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and returns to the same harbour where it begins.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. The animals are wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. The cruise may encounter pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or flying fish, but wildlife may also stay out of sight.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a swimming stop in the sea, subject to conditions. Life vests and snorkeling glasses are available.

Are drinks included in the ticket?

Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included. Premium drinks are not included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch food is not included, although food can be purchased on board.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. An onboard restroom is available.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Yes. Most people can participate, and the entertainment includes music, face painting, games, and Viking performances aimed at all ages. The crew has also helped families with very young children.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Can wheelchair users take the cruise?

The operator states that the boat has two wheelchair spaces at the front. Because assistance may vary, you should contact the provider in advance with your exact accessibility needs.