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

The Atlantic puts on the show. This three-hour cruise from Los Cristianos combines pilot whale and dolphin watching with a swim stop, coastal views, and a playful Viking theme aboard the Ragnarok. I like the unusual setting, since this is more than a standard sightseeing boat, and I like that drinks are included while the crew keeps the mood lively for children and adults.

The main consideration is the sea itself. Several people have found the water choppy, so you should bring motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to seasickness. Wildlife is never guaranteed either, although the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are regularly visited by dolphins and pilot whales.

Five things to know before boarding Ragnarok

• Pilot whales often come close: You may see whales and dolphins near the boat, sometimes only a few metres away, though sightings cannot be promised.
• The Viking theme is part of the tour: Costumes, stories, music, face painting, photo props, and playful crew interaction make this a show as well as a boat trip.
• Swimming is included: The ship anchors near the coast for an Atlantic swim, with life jackets available for children.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are available during the cruise. Food costs extra.
• Plan for a busy port: Board at Excursion A in Los Cristianos Harbour and arrive at least 15 minutes early, allowing extra time for traffic and limited parking.

From Los Cristianos Harbour to open Atlantic water

Your trip begins at Puerto de Los Cristianos, at Boarding Gate Zone Excursion A beside the beach. The port is easy to identify once you are in the harbour area, but do not cut it close. Parking near the port is limited, and traffic on Tenerife’s southern roads can be slow, especially when several excursions leave around the same time.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. That gives you time to find the gate, sort out swim gear, and board without turning the first part of the trip into a sprint.

The Ragnarok is designed to look like a Viking ship, complete with a strong visual theme and crew who play along with it. This is not a quiet yacht cruise. Music, jokes, stories, photo opportunities, and Viking-style entertainment begin early, making the boat itself a major part of the attraction.

That helps explain why this cruise appeals to families. Children can take part in face painting, pose with props, and interact with the crew. Adults who are willing to be a little silly will get more from the show than people seeking a calm, formal wildlife outing.

The whale and dolphin search between Tenerife and La Gomera

Once the boat leaves Los Cristianos, it heads into the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera. This area is known for frequent sightings of dolphins and pilot whales, and the crew keeps watch while explaining the marine life around you.

The best part of this section is the chance to see animals behaving naturally. Dolphins may swim alongside the ship, while pilot whales can appear close to the boat. The crew has been praised for trying to observe animals without chasing or disturbing them, and the boat may slow down so you can watch and take photographs.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a wildlife trip, not an aquarium, so no sighting can be guaranteed. One departure may produce several dolphins and a group of pilot whales, while another may not find either. The tour still has other elements, including the coastline, entertainment, drinks, and swimming, which soften that risk.

Bring a camera, but keep your eyes moving. The animals may surface quickly, and a perfect photograph is less important than watching the moment directly. If you are hoping to sit in one place for the whole cruise, choose a position where you can see both sides of the boat.

The guides speak English and Spanish. Their role is not limited to pointing out animals. They explain what you are seeing, involve people of different ages, and keep the atmosphere friendly. Crew members named Gunner and Mathias receive special praise for their energy and hospitality, although the exact crew can vary from one sailing to another.

Tenerife’s southern coast from the water

After the wildlife search, the Ragnarok follows the southern coast past Playa de Las Américas and Adeje. From the sea, the resort coastline looks different from the view you get along the road. You can see beaches, cliffs, developed stretches of the coast, and the volcanic shape of Tenerife rising behind them.

On clear days, there are views toward Mount Teide. The volcano gives the cruise a strong sense of place, reminding you that Tenerife is not simply a beach destination. The island’s mountains, cliffs, and ocean all appear in the same broad view.

This is a good stretch for photographs, especially if you have already spent the first part of the trip scanning for wildlife. The water also gives you a break from the more active entertainment. You can sit with a drink, watch the coast, and let the boat do the work.

Seating can become limited when the boat is busy. One person found the ship slightly overbooked, though this was described as a minor issue. If having a particular seat matters to you, board promptly and do not expect every part of the vessel to offer the same view.

The swim stop near cliffs and beaches

The ship eventually drops anchor near cliffs and beaches for the swimming stop. This is one of the strongest parts of the outing because it gives you time to get into the Atlantic rather than simply look at it.

The water is described as clear, and you may choose to swim or snorkel. Some people have also hoped to spot a sea turtle, though that should be treated as a bonus rather than a planned feature. The stop is long enough for a proper swim, not just a quick step into the water.

Children can use life jackets, and the crew helps keep the activity organized. You should still be comfortable in open water and follow the safety briefing. This is not a shallow hotel pool, and conditions can change.

Pack a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. A waterproof phone case is also sensible, though it is not listed as required equipment. If you do not want to swim, you can remain aboard and enjoy the scenery, drinks, or entertainment.

The swim stop works especially well for families with mixed interests. One person can swim, another can take photographs, and children can enjoy the Viking activities. It also gives the cruise a more active feel than a standard whale-watching trip.

Viking stories, face paint, and a crew that keeps moving

The Viking performance is deliberately lighthearted. You will find Viking stories, jokes, music, costumes, photo props, and optional face painting. The crew interacts with people throughout the journey rather than saving all the entertainment for one short presentation.

That interaction is a major reason this cruise receives such strong marks. The crew makes an effort to include children, but adults are not left out. People have particularly liked the friendly attitude of the entertainers and the way they help create a relaxed atmosphere.

You should know what kind of fun this is. It is broad, playful, and sometimes deliberately cheesy. If you want a quiet wildlife lecture with long stretches of silence, this may not be your ideal boat. If you enjoy a themed outing and do not mind joining in, the Viking setting adds real value.

Face painting is optional. You do not have to dress up or take part in every activity, but the props make good holiday photographs. The show also helps keep the trip enjoyable during periods when no animals are visible.

Included drinks, optional food, and the real value of $91

The advertised price is $91 per person. That is not the cheapest way to get onto the water in Tenerife, so the value depends on how much of the full package you use.

You are paying for a three-hour boat trip, the Ragnarok setting, a professional captain and crew, wildlife watching, a swim stop, onboard toilets, entertainment, and included drinks. Beer, wine, water, and other drinks are served during the cruise. For many people, that makes the price easier to justify than a basic boat ride where every drink costs extra.

Food is not included. There is a bar and an onboard menu with items such as burgers, chips, wings, and chicken nuggets, according to the food details available from the trip. Prices have been described as reasonable, but you should budget separately if you want lunch or snacks.

The drink package can be a mixed blessing. It is good value if you want a beer, wine, or soft drink during the outing, but some people may drink more than intended. Pace yourself, especially in strong sun and on a moving boat. Water is available, and it is wise to use it.

The price also covers a full afternoon of activities rather than a short wildlife sighting. If you see dolphins and pilot whales, swim in the Atlantic, enjoy the show, and use the drinks, the outing offers a lot for the money. If rough seas keep you seated and wildlife stays out of sight, the value will feel less certain.

Photos are not included. You can take your own, but any professional photo service would be an extra cost.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This outing suits families, couples, groups of friends, and adults who like themed entertainment. A five-year-old has enjoyed the Viking elements, while older adults have also taken part, including one outing with an 84-year-old passenger.

It is a good choice if you want several activities in one booking:

• Wildlife watching
• A coastal cruise
• An Atlantic swim
• Drinks
• Family entertainment
• Food available for purchase

It is less suitable if you are prone to seasickness. The boat can be choppy, and some people have become ill during the trip. Sit near the middle of the boat if you are unsure, and consider taking travel-sickness tablets before departure.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, but the operator asks people using wheelchairs to bring a manual chair rather than an electric one for safety reasons. The onboard restrooms are useful during a three-hour cruise, especially for families.

Pets are not allowed.

Seven practical ways to make the trip better

Arrive early enough to board without stress, especially if you are driving from another resort. Los Cristianos Harbour has limited parking, and the local roads can add time to your journey.

Wear sunscreen before you leave the harbour. The boat offers shade in some areas, but you should still bring a hat and sunglasses.

Keep a light layer handy if you are sensitive to wind. The southern coast may feel warm at the port but cooler once the ship is moving.

Stay hydrated. Included drinks are part of the fun, but the sun and motion make water important.

If swimming is a priority, pack your swimsuit under your clothes. You may not want to change after the boat leaves.

Watch the water quietly when animals appear. The crew has made a point of giving whales and dolphins space, and calm viewing is better for everyone.

Allow extra time after the trip if you have a dinner reservation. One departure ran late, and a three-hour activity can stretch beyond the advertised return time.

Should you book the Ragnarok cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want a lively, family-friendly day on the water rather than a quiet marine science trip. The combination of pilot whales, dolphins, the Atlantic swim, included drinks, and a well-developed Viking theme gives it more variety than a basic whale-watching boat.

I would hesitate only if you suffer from seasickness, dislike group entertainment, or need guaranteed wildlife sightings. For everyone else, the $91 price is fair when you make use of the full three hours and the included drinks. Arrive early, bring swim gear and motion-sickness medication if needed, and expect the Viking crew to keep the mood playful from boarding until the return to Los Cristianos.

FAQ

Where does the Viking cruise depart from?

It departs from Puerto de Los Cristianos at Los Cristianos Harbour. The boarding point is Zone Excursion A, next to the beach.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are known for frequent sightings, but marine wildlife can never be guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

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

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Beer, wine, water, and other drinks are available during the cruise. Food and snacks cost extra.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Motion-sickness medication may also be useful if you are prone to seasickness.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The boat is wheelchair accessible, but the operator asks passengers to use a manual wheelchair rather than an electric one for safety reasons.